Hey guys! How's everyone doing today? Now I know what you're probably thinking...E! WTF are you doing writing another fic when you've got two on-going stories to complete and a shit ton more to plan out and re-write? Well I'll tell you what I'm doing, I'm following the cruel mistress that is motivation. I've also fallen down the rabbit hole that is the Legend of Heroes series, which everyone should totally play cause man, the world building and lore is kind of insane. Add those two together and thus, this fic was born. I kid you not, while I was trying to shift my motivation to work on my active stories, I've already planned out everything starting from Trails in the Sky all the way to Trails of Cold Steel II with many thoughts on III and IV after I've finished playing them. So yeah, that's my excuse for pulling another story outta my ass instead of updating my other fics. I hope you guys don't mind and don't worry about my other stories as I will update and hopefully finish them before the end of the year.
I enjoy comments, in fact I thrive off of positive comments and love constructive critique ones cause it shows an author that their readers are actually paying attention and enjoying their work. Thanks for reading this story! Virtual hugs and cuddles to y'all.
Disclaimer: I do not own anything except any OC's that may come up, any world building that has not yet been officially stated by Falcom, and any plot points/structures that have not been used in the games/drama CDs.
Warning: No beta, we die like Rean's ability to comprehend a girl's feelings.
Prologue: The Way to Thors
XXXXXX
3.31 S.1204
Jusis Albarea, the illegitimate second son of his grace Duke Albarea of the Kreuzen Province, sat in uncomfortable silence within the confines of the luxurious orbal limousine. His hand idly played with the short strands of his freshly cut blonde hair. His icy blue eyes stared pensively out the window at the passing country landscape as they drove on the stone paved highway.
He's dressed in a school uniform with a red jacket and a pouch attachment for the unique battle orbment he'd been sent. He was currently on his way to Thors Military Academy, which he will attend for the next two years.
He frowned when his mind traveled back to how he'd ended up in this situation in the first place.
XXXXXX
Jusis slams his bedroom door closed with a huff. He storms over to his bed and launches himself onto it. He groans into the soft cotton sheets as he wraps himself into a little blanket burrito. He pokes his head and looks to his bed stand where a framed photo sat.
It's a group photo with all different sorts of people gathered together against the backdrop of a bell tower. Starting from the left, a tall man with red hair and a large sword strapped to his back stands with arms crossed and a smirk on his face. A small blonde girl wearing a red cap and goggles on her head smiles shyly in his protective presence.
In the middle of the group are four teens, two of which were brought close together by a cheekily grinning girl with reddish brown twin tails. A black haired boy to her left smiles at her with a love struck expression. A blonde boy with long hair tied and draped over his shoulder looks exasperated but happy to be there. A purple haired girl giggles as she looks upon them in amusement. A brunette man dressed in clothing from the East stands stoically behind them but the corner of his mouth twitches upward.
At the right end of the group is a blonde man wearing a long white noble's coat. He has a hand out by his lips as if sending a flying kiss and the white haired, tan skinned woman next to him looks completely done with his antics.
Jusis smiles fondly at the photo. Then he burrows himself back into the blanket burrito just as someone knocks on his door.
"Go away, Rufus!" he shouts, voice muffled from underneath the blankets.
"You'll have to do more than that if you want to stop me from coming in, little brother," Rufus proclaims as he lets himself in anyways.
Jusis pokes his head out again, looking at his older brother in exasperation. "What do you want?"
Rufus Albarea, dressed in his usual noble finery minus his green coat, gracefully walks over to plop himself down on the bed ungracefully.
"I've just heard from Father that you will be applying to attend Thors," he responds.
Jusis groans.
"What's wrong with that? I went to Thors myself you know," Rufus says before he sniffs and wipes away a crocodile tear, "Do you not want to follow in the footsteps of your dear brother? I thought I was your number one idol."
"No offense, but we both know why Father's making me apply in the first place," Jusis responds as he shifts himself forward to place his head on his brother's lap. "After all, the bastard second son must be taught his place and all that useless drivel."
Rufus smiles at him, expression tinged with sadness and regret. "That may be so but is that the real reason why you don't wish to go?"
"You know exactly why," Jusis responds with a frown, "I'm needed elsewhere."
"But you don't think you're needed here?" Rufus rebukes, now gently stroking Jusis' long hair tied up in a ribbon just like his.
Jusis' subsequent silence is enough of an answer.
"I think you should go," Rufus states, maneuvering Jusis so that he can see eye to eye with him. "Disregarding father for a moment, I believe attending Thors is a great idea."
"How so?" he asks, skeptically.
"Well you haven't exactly had what one may call a conventional childhood," Rufus says, smiling apologetically when Jusis glares at him, "And I think Thors will provide you with the experiences you've missed throughout most of your life."
"Give me another reason why I should agree and maybe I'll consider going with little protest."
"You need more friends your age and no, the Bareahard children and the group from Liberl do not count no matter how lovely they are," Rufus firmly states before Jusis can interject. Then his expression softens. "And I believe that you'll have a better chance of realizing the ideals your mother lived and died by if you go."
Jusis bites his lip as grief washes over him. Then he finally concedes defeat. "Alright. Fine, I'll go."
Rufus doesn't respond but he does pat Jusis' head in a soothing yet condescending manner that has the two engaging in an impromptu pillow fight before ending with the both of them cuddling together in a blanket burrito.
XXXXXX
Jusis was jolted out of his thoughts when the car slowed to a halt. Arnauld, the Albarea family's head butler and a prominent grandfatherly figure in his life, opened the rear door for him.
"Thank you for your patience, sir. We've arrived at the academy," Arnauld said with a bow of his head.
Jusis sighed in exasperation as he exited the car. "You know you don't have to use titles when Father's not here, right?" Then he narrowed his eyes in suspicion. "Or are you just messing with me again?"
The corner of Arnauld's lips twitched upward as if he was trying to hold back a laugh. "I don't know what you're talking about, sir."
"I hope you're having as much fun as possible because you won't have this opportunity again until months later," Jusis deadpanned, though he did try to hold back a smile at the butler's antics.
Now Arnauld was now smiling widely in amusement with a hint of sadness in his eyes like a parent who's sad to watch their child leave but knows it was necessary for them to grow. "I hope your time spent here will be all that you've hoped for. Please take care of yourself, Jusis."
Jusis smiled gratefully and nodded. Then the two shook hands before Arnauld climbed back into the car and drove off.
XXXXXX
After dropping off his weapon with a pair of second year students, Jusis followed the crowd of first years into the auditorium. He quickly found a seat near the back, far away from the students in white jackets who spoke to each other with haughty tones and dramatic hand gestures.
He quietly scoffed at the theatrics and prideful mannerisms of the Erebonian nobles who were to be his fellow students. Then he silently wondered at the meaning behind the red jacket he'd gotten when he'd assumed he would receive a white one instead.
He'd seen a few other students with red jackets in the crowd, some attached to familiar faces as well. Is that Laura? Because thank Aidios if it is. And Fie? Glad to see she was serious about taking up Sara's offer. But the students in green and white still greatly outnumbered those in red.
Soon the opening ceremony began, dragging him out of his thoughts. The teachers were lined up by Vice Principal Heinrich who spoke at length about the expected conduct of each student regardless of social class.
Afterwards, Principal Vandyck stepped forward to close the ceremony. His words resounded throughout the auditorium and resonated with the students, lighting a fire within them to achieve and exceed his expectations.
"Arise, O youth, and become the foundation of the world!" Vandyck boldly declared, his eyes burning with a passion and determination that contradicted his old age. "I hope this credo will serve as a guide and an inspiration to you during your two years at this academy. Go forth, my students. The world awaits the great things you will one day accomplish."
The crowd of students applauded the principal's speech. As they sat back down, Jusis placed a hand over a necklace hidden underneath his shirt, smiling as nostalgia washed over him.
"Whatever path you choose, I'm sure that you will leave your mark on the world and make it the better place we've both dreamed of!"
Vice Principal Heinrich walked up to the stage and dismissed the first years, sending them off to their homerooms designated by their guidebook.
The students in white and green jackets all rose from their seats and left the auditorium with some of the teachers following behind them. The students in red jackets were the only ones left behind as they looked around in confusion.
Before anyone could voice their confusion, a voice called out cheerfully to them, "All right! Students in red uniforms, if I can have your attention, please?"
All nine students looked away from the auditorium entrance to a female instructor with purple hair pinned up in a bun and wearing a yellow dress with a long blue overcoat. Jusis quietly gasped as his eyes widened in surprised recognition.
"By now, you're probably all confused. 'Where's my class assignment?' you're probably thinking. That's perfectly understandable as your situation is a little more complicated than the other students," she explained with an annoyingly cheerful disposition, "But before I can tell you more, I'd like all of you to join me for a special orienteering exercise."
"What?" a bespectacled boy with green hair exclaimed in confusion.
"Did you mean an orientation exercise?" a blonde haired girl with two small twin tails framing her long hair asked.
Laura quietly hummed in thought and Fie outright glared at the instructor. Jusis blanched as thoughts of what that orienteering exercise could be since Sara Valestein, the youngest A-ranked bracer in Erebonia, was a complete wild card that even his mother had trouble keeping up with.
"Worry not! Everything will be made clear soon enough!" Sara responded cheekily, "Now, right this way, if you would." She then casually makes her way out of the auditorium.
"Erm..." a bestacled girl with long braided hair fidgeted nervously.
"Looks like we're going to have to follow her if we want any answers," a tall, tanned boy calmly stated.
Jusis sighed in exasperation. He reluctantly got up from his chair and followed after Sara with the other students doing the same. As he walked around the academy's campus, Fie casually sidled up next to him.
"I see you've made the decision to come to this academy," he idly commented to her.
She shrugged. "It was either this or continue to wander around looking for good places to nap in a war torn country."
Jusis deadpanned. "Good to know you haven't changed in the few months since I've last seen you, Fie."
Fie held up a cheeky peace sign as she bounced a bit on her feet. "I try."
Soon the students arrived at a large stone school house in a very poor, rundown condition.
"W-What is this place?" an orange haired boy asked, eyeing the building warily.
"Why is there a building this dilapidated on campus? It looks like it should've been torn down ages ago," a black haired boy observed.
Sara cheerfully hummed to herself as she walked up to the door and unlocked it, almost skipping her way inside. Everyone watched her in confusion.
"What does she even want us to do here?" the blonde girl asked, frowning in confusion.
The bespectacled boy groaned. "Is she ever going to tell us what's going on?"
"I suppose we'll just have to go inside and see for ourselves what awaits us," Laura suggested.
The students were unable to do anything else but shrug and walk into the building while hoping it wouldn't suddenly collapse on top of them. They looked around the large open space with extreme caution as they walked forward. Eventually they stood before a stage-like platform with Sara looking down at them with a grin and an air of cheeky mystique like she knew something they didn't.
"The name's Sara Valestein. I'm the instructor in charge of Class VII, which means you get the pleasure of seeing me all year," she said with a wink, "Glad to finally meet you!"
The students jerked in surprise.
"Wait...Class VII?" the bespectacled boy asked.
"U-Us?" the orange haired boy stuttered out in confusion.
Laura placed her hand under her chin in thought. "I'm not sure I understand. I wasn't told anything about this at enrollment."
"Excuse me? Instructor Valestein?" the bespectacled girl tentatively chimed in, "I was under the impression that there were only five classes at this academy and that students were split among them based on their social class and home region."
"Right you are, Ms. Top Entrance Exam Scorer!" Sara exclaimed before explaining, "Students in each year are divided into five classes - two for the nobility and three for commoners. And it's been that way for ages, right up through last year. But this year, we decided to shake things up a little."
The bespectacled girl stammered, "Wh-What do you-"
"We now have a sixth class. Fittingly titled...Class VII," Sara replied to the unfinished question, "And in Class VII, we recognize no distinction between nobles and commoners."
"Wait...you just jumped straight from V to VII?" the black haired boy asked as if that was actually an important question that needed to be answered.
"Y-you're really putting nobles and commoners in the same class?" the blonde girl asked because that's really the important question here.
"This must be some kind of joke!" the bespectacled boy angrily exclaimed, "Why is this the first I've heard of it?"
"Well...uhh..." Sara fumbled around for an answer even though she really should've expected some negative reactions to such a radical proposal.
The bespectacled boy plowed on, too impatient to wait for her response. "With all due respect, Instructor, it's ludicrous to intermix nobles and commoners like this! Must I be forced to spend my next two years shoulder to shoulder with arrogant, stuck up hedonists?!"
Jusis rolled his eyes and in doing so, caught the gaze of Laura who smiled tightly at him. He also saw Fie poking her head out from behind Laura and making a cuckoo gesture. He had to bite his lip in an effort to stifle the laughter that threatened to escape.
Sara deadpanned at the bespectacled boy. "You do know I'm not the one who made the decision, right?" Then she beamed brightly. "Besides, what's the big deal, anyway? You're all kids. Can't you just...get along or something?"
"J-just get along?" the bespectacled boy asked incredulously. "And how do you propose we do that?"
"You can all start by introducing yourselves to each other?" Sara suggested with a shrug, "That way it'll make the ice breaker I got planned go much more smoothly."
The students all exchanged wary glances with each other, none of them were too eager to be the first to step up to the plate.
Sara rolled her eyes. "Well don't all start talking at once," she sighed, shaking her head because teenagers. "Guess I'll just have to pick our first volunteer then. How about...you!" She points at the black haired boy in the middle of the group.
He pointed at himself as if to say 'Me? Really?'.
"Yes, you," Sara elaborated, waving at him impatiently, "Now go on ahead and introduce yourself then we'll be going counterclockwise with the person to your left going next."
The black haired boy nervously rubbed at the back of his head. "Alright then...My name's Rean Schwarzer. It's nice to meet you all."
The blonde haired girl crossed her arms, looking to the side nervously. "I'm Alisa R...from Roer. It's a pleasure to meet you all."
Jusis narrowed his eyes in suspicion at her reluctance to reveal her last name, as did a few other students. But none of them cared to call her out on it.
"Roer, huh? What's it like living there?" the orange haired boy asked, nervousness replaced with curiosity, "I bet there's probably a new technological breakthrough every week!"
"The Reinford Company's based there and it's the largest heavy industry corporation on the continent, aren't they?" the bespectacled boy asked.
"I...suppose they are," Alisa hesitantly responded before quickly turning to Laura. "How about you? What's your name?"
"Laura S. Arseid from the town of Legram," Laura stoically introduced herself with a polite smile and a hand on her hip. "It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance."
"That's down on the south eastern outskirts of the Empire isn't it?" Rean asked.
"Correct. It's an old castle town on the shores of Lake Ebel," Laura responded, "We're connected to the rest of the country by train but other than that, it's a fairly remote region."
"That name sounds familiar," the bespectacled boy muttered. Then realization dawned on him. "Wait! So your father would be-"
Laura nodded. "Yes, my father is Viscount Arseid, lord of Legram." Then she narrowed her eyes at him in challenge. "Do you take issue with that? I can only speak for myself but I don't believe I've done anything to bring shame upon myself in Aidios' eyes and I fully believe the same of my father."
The bespectacled boy stuttered a bit, trying to formulate a response before he hung his head in defeat. "P-please, I meant no offense. I'm sorry if I...uh...I..." He quickly turned to Fie in an attempt to save himself.
"I do believe we should continue on with introductions, yes?" he said, "And you are?"
Fie lifted up a peace sign and said with a completely neutral expression, "The name's Fie Claussell."
The others waited for any further introduction and the atmosphere became awkward when Fie kept silent and continued to hold up the peace sign.
The bespectacled girl cleared her throat, drawing everyone's attention to her. She bowed politely in greeting. "My name is Emma Millstein. Like Laura, I come from a distant region of the Empire. I was only able to attend Thors thanks to a scholarship, in fact. It's very nice to meet you."
"A scholarship, huh? And you're also the top scorer for the entrance exam," the tall boy commented, "That must mean you're quite the prodigy."
Emma laughed nervously. "It might seem like that now but I'm really not. And you are?"
"My name is Gaius Worzel," he said, "I just arrived in the Empire today so any help you can offer would be much appreciated."
"Oh! So you're from abroad. I'd been wondering," Rean said.
Gaius nodded. "Yup. I'm from the Nord Highlands."
"You're really far from home then," the bespectacled boy stated.
"I am indeed," Gaius said, "And you are?"
The bespectacled boy pushed his glasses up his nose. "I'm Machias Regnitz and I...apologize for my earlier outburst."
"Water under the bridge," Rean said, waving reassuringly at him.
"Indeed," Laura nodded in agreement, "We all have our moments where we say or do things we normally would not. We can hardly hold it against you for having such a moment considering the shock we just received."
"Thank you," Machias said, bowing his head gratefully.
Then everyone's attention shifted to the next person in line which just so happened to be Jusis.
He sighed and nodded to them. "Jusis Albarea," he said with the expected airs of noble poise and dignity, "It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance."
A few of the students were taken aback, eyes widened in surprise.
"A noble from one of the four great houses!" the orange haired boy whispered out in shock.
"The son of Duke Albarea, lord of the Kreuzen province in the southeast..." Rean elaborated for those who might be unaware.
"Well, you can't get much more noble than that," Alisa said, staring at him with wide eyes.
Laura hummed thoughtfully. "Interesting. I'd heard the rumors...It's nice to see you again, Jusis."
"You as well, Laura," he returned with a nod.
Gaius merely looked confused by the sudden spectacle and Fie yawned, clearly bored by the whole affair. Machias was quick to overcome his shock as it's replaced with anger. However, he gritted his teeth and bit his tongue from any further outbursts. Jusis rolled his eyes and turned his attention to the orange haired boy.
"And what is your name?"
The orange haired boy jumped a bit and nervously laughed. "Well this is going to be a bit anticlimactic." He bows his head towards them all and says, "My name is Elliot Craig. It's nice to meet you all."
Sara suddenly started clapping, grabbing their attention. She sniffed as she wiped an invisible tear away. "Awww, look at you guys getting along and stuff," she cooed at them.
The entire class deadpanned as she chuckled at their reaction. "Not that I want to break this little moment you're all having but you've got your orienteering exercise to complete."
"But-" Machias tried to protest but stopped when Sara frowned at him.
"And I know you all have your grievances as well. Unfortunately, you'll have to wait until the end of the exercise to voice your complaints to me," she said.
Machias clicked his tongue but backed down.
"What exactly does this orienteering exercise involve?" Alisa asked.
"Isn't it a form of outdoor competition?" Emma chimed in, "Something like a cross between a map reading exercise and a scavenger hunt?"
Understanding dawned on Rean. "Is that why we were asked to hand over our weapons at the gate?"
Sara looked at him in surprise. Then she smiled. "Nothing gets by you does it?" she said as she slowly backed up towards a nearby column with a button sticking out from it.
"But I don't want to spoil the fun so let's get started, shall we?" she sing-songed with a wink. She pressed the button and the floor started to shake.
"Wha-" Elliot gasped out.
Rean's eyes widened in realization. "Oh, crap!"
The floor opened up underneath them and they all started to slide down into the abyss underneath. Everyone voiced out various exclamations of their surprise as they fell. Rean, who'd managed to hang onto a ledge, quickly jumped out to catch Alisa when she let out a high-pitched scream. Fie quickly launched a grappling hook to a support beam that allowed her to hang safely above the gaping hole in the floor. Jusis held out a hand as ice rapidly grew to help latch himself onto the floor, stopping his descent.
"Oh come on, guys," Sara groaned in exasperation.
Jusis gave her a look. "What did you expect us to do when the floor suddenly opened up beneath us? Fall?"
"Yes!" Sara exclaimed like that was indeed the most logical thing to do. "Now go along with the rest of them, alright? I assure you that the drop isn't that deep."
"You and I have very different definitions of deep," Jusis muttered with a light shudder.
"And besides, what's the point of an icebreaker if you don't make a couple of new friends along the way," Sara said, pulling a knife out of her jacket.
"But I already know Jusis," Fie tiredly stated, "Isn't that enough?"
"Jusis doesn't count and he needs to make new friends too," Sara retorted.
"I see my brother somehow managed to get to you," Jusis said with a resigned sign, "Fine, I'll go."
The ice broke apart into tiny shards that immediately dissipated and he slid down the trap floor. Sara threw the knife and it cut through the rope of Fie's grappling hook.
"Lame," Fie sighed as she fell after Jusis.
The two of them landed side by side at the bottom just in time to catch Rean being slapped across the face by Alisa.
"What in Aidios' name did we miss?" Jusis whispered to Fie. She shrugged as the two of them watched a red faced Alisa being comforted by the other girls.
"I don't know but I am definitely going to find out," she whispered back with a smirk. Jusis shook his head as she made her way over to the girls.
"Do I even want to know what happened?" he asked as he walked over to the group of guys doing their best to reassure Rean.
"Let's just say there was a bit of a misunderstanding that involved Rean being in the wrong place at the wrong time when they landed," Elliot responded with an awkward chuckle.
Jusis tilted his head in confusion, darting his gaze back and forth between a downtrodden Rean and a heavily blushing Alisa crossing her arms protectively over her chest. Realization sparked in his eyes.
"Oh..."
"Yeah, oh..." Elliot said before he realized whom exactly he was talking to. "O-oh!" he jumped back a bit and bowed apologetically to Jusis. "I-I apologize for speaking so casually to y-you-"
"There's no need for that," Jusis interjected with his brow pinched in irritation at the kowtowing behavior, "We're both students at this academy and thus of equal standing regardless of our social class."
Machias scoffed at him in disbelief.
Jusis glared at him. "Do you have something you want to say to me?"
"Me? Have something to say to you? The scion of one of the four great houses who has willingly left the comfort of his mansion to grace the unwashed masses with his presence?" Machias mockingly asked, "Please take no offense, milord. For I have only the utmost respect for one such as yourself for being able to coast through life on your father's coattails."
Jusis growled. "Why you impertinent little-"
A ringing sound cut him off. Everyone looked around as the ringing sound seemed to multiply and echo throughout the large room.
"What is that?" Rean asked.
"And where is it coming from?" Elliot asked.
Eventually they all realized that the ringing sound was coming from the orbment units in their side pouches. They opened the orbments and were surprised to hear Sara's voice coming through the small machines. She went on to explain what the devices were, drawing an interesting reaction out of Alisa who looked completely startled by the knowledge. Sara then explained the functionalities of their ARCUS units and encouraged them to insert the quartz she had helpfully provided for the exercise.
With no other course of action in front of them, they all decided to follow her suggestion though Machias did grumble a bit as he walked off to his table. Jusis stepped in front of the table containing his weapon and he opened the little box to reveal a light green quartz nestled within.
He gently took the quartz out of the case and placed it within the middle slot of his ARCUS. A bright blue light shined from his ARCUS and his chest, startling him and everyone else as the same happened to them.
Sara cheerfully congratulated them on a successful synchronization with their ARCUS units. Then she explained that the Orienteering Exercise will have them traverse through a basic dungeon which just so happened to be underneath this old building. Their goal was to find the exit where they'll be able to return to the first floor where they started. She ended her spiel with the added motivation of a kiss on the cheek before she hung up and left them all staring at their ARCUS in disbelief.
XXXXXX
They all stood around in a circle, uncertain of their next steps and Sara's instructions.
"Soo...ummm..." Elliot nervously stammered, scratching at his cheek.
Alisa looked around with increasing uncertainty. "I don't think she's joking."
"She's definitely not," Jusis flatly stated as he turned away from the others and made his way to the open doors.
"And just where do you think you're going?" Machias angrily demanded, "Were you planning to wander off on your own without saying anything?"
"I have no interest in staying down here any longer than I have to. And I'm surprised that you, of all people, give a damn about what I do," Jusis responded sarcastically, "Unless you've suddenly decided that you do want to keep company with one of those 'stuck up hedonists' after all."
Machias growled irritably, his anger growing as his hands clenched tightly into fists.
"If you're afraid of the monsters, I suppose I could accompany you," Jusis mockingly suggested with a shrug, "After all, what kind of Erebonian noble would I be if I did not follow the noblesse oblige that dictates it's my sacred duty to protect powerless commoners such as yourself."
"W-What the hell?! Nobody's asking your high excellency to help us with anything!" Machias shouted at him.
He angrily stomped over to stand before Jusis. "But if that's how you're going to be then I'll just find my way out of here before you! I'm perfectly capable of taking care of myself without some relic of an outdated class system dragging me down!" Then he angrily stomped off past the doors and into the dungeon.
Jusis rolled his eyes at Machias' immature display. He turned to look over at Fie. "I'll see you along the way then," he said before giving her a pointed look, "And I better not catch you napping in some strange corner again."
Fie's face was deceptively neutral as she held up a peace sign. "No promises."
Jusis shook his head with fond exasperation and walked off into the dungeon. Fie followed him soon after giving her farewells before anyone else could say anything.
The duo wandered around the twisting hallways of the dungeon, occasionally separating from each other whenever there's a fork in the road. Then they doubled back and head down the correct path that carried them across three different rooms with varying structural layouts.
When they finally reached the end of the third room, a group of monsters surrounded them in an attempted ambush. They quickly unsheathed their weapons and made quick work of the monsters.
"I can't believe something like this is at a school," Fie idly commented as she casually gunned down a few insectoid monsters.
"Well it is a military academy with ties to Dreichels the Lionheart," Jusis said as he splashes his way through a trio of flying felines. "I think having a few secrets within its grounds is just par for the course."
Fie hummed in acknowledgement as the two cast wind arts that struck down the last of the enemies, a handful of slimes. She glanced at his saber thoughtfully. "Huh. I don't think I've ever seen you use that before. You even fight differently as well. Your movements are more...honorable and straightforward. Still have the same grace though."
Jusis sheathed his blade. "My brother insisted I try and live a 'normal' life so I felt it was more appropriate to use a saber while I attended Thors."
"Makes sense," she said as she used the surrounding pillars of the room they were in to jump up onto the exposed ledge of the upper floor path.
"Really? You're not going to use the stairs like a normal person?" he called out to her as a staircase of ice grew under his feet, allowing him to climb up to join her.
"Look who's talking," she retorted, gesturing towards the staircase of ice that shattered and dissipated into the air once he stepped onto the ledge.
The two walked into the final room and looked around to see if anyone else was or had been here.
"Looks like we're the first ones here," Fie said as she examined the room for a good place to nap.
Jusis placed a hand on her shoulder to restrain. "Oh no, you don't. You are not napping here, missy."
"Then what do you want me to do? There's nothing really left to explore," she rebuked.
He hummed thoughtfully. "We can double back and see if we run into any of our classmates. Help them along so we can complete this exercise as soon as possible."
"Sounds good to me. You gonna be okay if you run into specs?"
"Specs? Who...Oh! You mean Regnitz..." He sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose to stave off a headache that was already growing from the thought of interacting with the hot-blooded prejudicial boy. "I'll...do my best to hold my blade back but no guarantees for my words."
She shrugged. "Fine by me, not like it's my problem if you turn the guy into a bespectacled popsicle. I'll see you soon then."
He nodded and the two exited the final room before splitting off to find their wayward classmates. Unfortunately, he was ambushed by a group of monsters that delayed him long enough to allow the other boys, including Machias, to come across him.
"Do you need something?" he asked, sheathing his blade while trying to stave off his growing annoyance.
"Sorry, I was just admiring your swordsmanship," Rean admited sheepishly. "It's a rather fine example of noble court fencing."
"Thank you for your compliment," Jusis said then he glanced down at the unique blade in Rean's hand, "And I see you're a practitioner of the Eight Leaves One Blade School."
"Oh! You know about it?" Rean asked.
Jusis nodded. "You could say that I'm well acquainted with a few practitioners."
Machias scoffed in disbelief, the sound loud enough to catch everyone's attention.
"Is there a problem?" Jusis asked, narrowing his eyes at the bespectacled boy.
Machias looked away with a huff that had Rean and Elliot laughing nervously.
"Well if that's all, I shall be taking my leave because unlike certain hot headed individuals, I know how to think before I commit to promises I don't plan to follow through on," Jusis said, taking a dig at Machias because the boy's attitude was really starting to get on his nerves.
"What the hell is your problem?" Machias growled out. "You nobles, so full of yourselves it's a wonder you don't pop! I'll bet you just love looking down on us less fortunate souls, don't you?"
"You're one to talk," Jusis retorted, "Here you are, the son of the Imperial Governor, lecturing and looking down upon me simply because I'm a noble so you assume that must mean I've never had to work for a single thing in my life."
"Why you-" Machias growled with fists clenched in growing anger, "Don't you go twisting my words around like they have no bearing on you. Nobles are all the same, taking advantage of the lower class and peacocking around like your blood and pedigree are enough to justify your horrid actions."
Jusis' expression hardened and he looked a second away from cutting Machias down right where he stood. Rean attempted to place a calming hand on Machias' shoulder but he was brushed off.
"At least my father is able to show proof of his hard work. All you have are pretty words and cheap talk!" Machias shouted, pointing an accusatory finger at Jusis.
"Machias, that's enough!" Rean interjected, grabbing him by the shoulders.
Machias continued to put up a struggle before he finally stopped. It's only when he fell silent, shoulders slumping and face falling from shame that Rean stepped back.
"Well, I can see when I'm clearly unwanted so I shall continue on my way as I've had before," Jusis dryly commented, "Good day."
He quickly made his escape, strutting past with as much dignity as he could muster while struggling to hold back his rage. Rean glanced at him in concern before turning to scold Machias for his poor behavior. Thankfully, Jusis ran into the other girls soon after he left the other boys, providing a much needed distraction from what just occurred.
"Oh!" Laura exclaimed when she spotted him while rounding a corner. Emma and Alisa followed soon after her.
"Hello again," Emma said with a smile, "I'm glad to see you're unharmed."
"You as well," Jusis said in return, "Have you run into any of our other classmates yet?"
Alisa looked away with a huff to which Emma chuckled nervously in response.
"We ran into the other boys though we have yet to come across Fie," Emma responded, "I hope she's alright."
Jusis waved her off. "She'll be fine. She's rather quick and nimble so these monsters have yet to even come close to touching her."
"I'm curious as to how you know her, Jusis," Laura placed her hand under her chin thoughtfully, "Did you two cross paths when you were in Liberl two years ago?"
"You were in Liberl back then?" Alisa curiously asked, "Does that mean you were there when all that stuff happened?"
Jusis looked vaguely uncomfortable as he answered, "Yes, though I'd prefer not to elaborate as it was a rather...turbulent period in my life."
"Oh! I'm so sorry," Alisa frantically apologized, "I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable or anything."
"It's alright," he reassured, "Though you should probably continue on, the less time we spend down here the better."
"You're not going to join us?" Emma asked.
Jusis shrugged. "It seems all of our other classmates are making good time towards the exit so now I'm off to make sure Fie isn't napping somewhere unsavory...again"
Emma frowned, brow furrowing with worry. "That doesn't sound safe. Does she do that quite often?"
"You have no idea," he deadpanned. Then he walked off, waving back at the girls. "I'll be off then."
Jusis wandered his way through the dungeon and just like he expected, he spotted Fie taking a nap on top of one of the pillars in a room. She opened one eye to look down at him when she felt his presence approaching.
"Do I even want to know?" he asked, exasperated.
Fie stretched out like a cat as she yawned. "You took too long," she said as she jumped down from the pillar.
"I was gone for at most ten minutes!" he exclaimed in disbelief.
"Never underestimate my ability to nap," she countered before walking off towards the exit, "And since you're here, I'm gonna assume everyone's already made it to the end so let's go!"
Jusis sighed as he followed after Fie and the two made their way back. Just as they reached the hallway leading to the last room, an enraged roar stopped them in their tracks.
"Sounds big," Fie commented as they ran down the hall.
He unsheathed his blade. "Finally, a challenge."
"But that's so much effort," she whined childishly.
"Fie," he said with a flat look.
"Ugh, fine. Guess I'll help out," she sighed, drawing her blades out as they entered the last room and came upon the sight of a large gargoyle surrounded by the others in a half circle formation.
The rest of their classmates turned to them in surprise and relief.
"The sooner we take down this beast, the sooner you can nap. How about that?" Jusis dryly remarked, suddenly feeling exhausted.
"You!" Machias exclaimed, though a hard look from Rean stopped him from starting another fight at the worst possible time.
"ARCUS activate!" Jusis exclaimed as an arts circle appeared around him. "Frost edge!"
Blades of crystallized ice appeared and slammed into the gargoyle, sticking out of its stone hide and unbalancing it enough to allow Fie to leap over its head and slam her blades across the joints of its hind legs. The gargoyle shrieked out in rage as its wings drooped from fatigue.
"An opening!" Gaius exclaimed, readying his spear.
"Go!" Rean shouted.
A light blue light suddenly shone around all of them as they charged forward, each landing a deadly strike with great timing and precision that served to weaken the gargoyle further and further. Finally, they all spotted the opening they'd been waiting for and Laura took the chance, bringing her blade down with a mighty battle cry. The gargoyle's head was chopped off and rolled to the side, turning to stone. The rest of the body followed and it soon faded to dust.
Everyone celebrated their victory though they pondered what exactly that strange connection and blue light that appeared were. Then Sara appeared in front of them, surprising everyone with her sudden arrival.
"Looks like teamwork and friendship save the day once again," she said with a wink. "I'm so proud of you guys!"
Everyone looked at her deadpan or in disbelief as she walked over to them.
"Anyway, that finishes up our special orienteering exercise," she said before taking a moment to finally read the room. "What's with the long faces, guys? I thought you'd all be happy!"
"W-What are we supposed to be happy about?" Machias demanded indignantly.
Alisa crossed her arms with a frown. "I have so many questions that I am not even sure where to start."
"I'll take a stab at it," Jusis offered, "What exactly is the purpose behind this Class VII?"
"I mean I understand that it's supposed to be a melting pot of sorts that includes a broad cross section of people..." Emma hesitantly voiced.
"But why were the nine of us chosen in particular?" Laura finished for her.
Sara hummed thoughtfully. "That is a valid question. There's no single monolithic reason why you all made the list but if I had to name a major contributing factor, it'd be those ARCUS units you've got there."
"How so?" Rean asked, pulling his ARCUS out and eyeing it curiously.
She goes on to explain the true functionality of the new ARCUS units that had been jointly developed by the Epstein Foundation and the Reinford Company. Combat linking was to be the upcoming innovation of battle and the members of the newly minted Class VII were to be its guinea pigs as aptitude was a very big factor into making combat links work properly.
"But what gives us this aptitude as compared to our peers?" Machias asked, "It just seems so...random."
"What, indeed? As promised, if any of you have objections to being in this class, speak now or forever hold your peace," Sara stated, her tone firm and serious without a trace of the earlier cheerfulness. "I think that pretty much covers the hows and whys of your situation. But this program isn't cheap to run, so we're not going to force anyone into it if they don't want to be here.
"You should also be aware that Class VII's curriculum will be tougher than any other class' coursework," she warned. "Now that you all know, that leaves you with an important decision to make. Will you stick with Class VII or not?"
Everyone glanced at each other with uncertainty. Fear of judgment and their placement in the academy could also be seen in their expressions.
"Oh yeah! If you opt out, you'll just be placed in the class you would've been assigned to otherwise," Sara quickly jumped in to reassure them. "It's still just the first day so there'll be no real catching up you'll have to do."
Then she left everyone to their thoughts as they made what could possibly be the biggest and most important decision of their lives. Jusis didn't have to think it over too much because he already knew which decision was the right one for him. For a moment, he was grateful for Rufus' push to attend Thors.
Then he's dragged out his thoughts when Rean stepped forward and boldly declared, "I'll do it. Whatever Class VII has to throw at me, I'm game."
"Wait, what?" Alisa exclaimed in surprise.
"Just like that?" Elliot asked, slightly shocked by Rean's bravery.
"So you're the first then," Sara said, smiling secretly like she knew something they don't, "You seem sure about it. Any particular reason?"
"Not really," Rean shrugged, "I just feel like I've put my family out, asking them to send me to this school. So if it gives me more to show for my time here, I'll take whatever opportunities come my way."
Sara hummed. "A noble sentiment. Any other takers?"
And like a domino effect, each student stepped forward to take their place in the class with their own vague reason for doing so.
Laura for the challenge it presented.
Gaius because it seemed a little silly to back out now considering the great distance he traveled to get here.
Emma, in thanks for the scholarship that allowed her to attend in the first place.
Elliot spouted something about fate even as he scratched at his cheek nervously.
Alisa, in order to gain a form of independence that she was apparently unable to find at home.
Fie, who Sara had to literally prod into making some sort of commitment.
Then it's just Jusis and Machias left. The others watched them warily, waiting for one or both of them to blow up.
"I can see you've got issues with each other but that doesn't mean you can't try to work together," Sara lightly suggested, "If you just look past your differences and embrace the joys of youth, I'm sure you two will become the best of friends."
"Like hell we will!" Machias shouted at her. "The exploitation of common people by the aristocracy is a blight on every facet of Erebonian life! Unless something is done about it, this country has no future!"
Sara chuckled. "I appreciate your candor but you're not going to achieve anything by lecturing me about it."
"Well at least that makes this simple," Jusis said as he stepped forward, "I'll be claiming my place in Class VII."
Everyone looked to Jusis in surprise as if he'd just declared he was secretly a member of the royal family or planned to kill the Chancellor or something just as outrageous.
"W-What? Why?" Machias asked, too shocked to sound angry or demanding, "You're the son of a duke. Just the thought of being in the same class as commoners should make you sick!"
"I'll thank you not to tell me how I feel," Jusis retorted, then he looked Sara dead in the eyes as he placed a hand over the necklace still hidden underneath his shirt, "Besides, I have something I hope to accomplish and I believe Class VII will be the place that can help me in doing so."
Sara's lips twitched as nostalgia and grief briefly washed over her face. Jusis turned to face Machias and with a mocking tone said, "Since I don't wish to be drawn into petty arguments with you on a daily basis, it would be in our best interests to go separate ways would it not?"
"Like hell I'm going to take orders from someone as arrogant as you!" Machias angrily rebuked. He stomped forward. "I'm in! Come hell or high water!" He glared at Jusis. "You might've had your successes spoon-fed to you up to now, but no outmoded class system is going to hand you trophies anymore!"
Jusis didn't even bother to voice a response and merely rolled his eyes in Machias' direction.
Sara clapped cheerfully. "Well, how about that? Nine out of nine!" she happily exclaimed. "With that, I'd like to congratulate you all on being the first ever Class VII!"
Then she winked at them. "I hope you keep those high spirits with you all year cause with the workload we've got planned for you, you're gonna need it!"
Her cheerful attitude was met with deadpan stares and feelings of dread.
Meanwhile, two men, Principal Vandyck and a blonde nobleman in crimson red attire, viewed the class from a higher floor that hid them from sight.
"Well, well, I wasn't expecting Class VII to turn out quite as diverse as this," Principal Vandyck mused to himself. "It certainly promises to be an interesting year."
The nobleman chuckled. "You took the words right out of my mouth. But perhaps this, too, is the divine providence of the goddess, no?"
Vandyck glanced over at the nobleman. "How do you mean?"
"Seeing them there, I feel they have the potential to be the light we've been seeking," the nobleman answered with the utmost seriousness. His gaze focused on Jusis, turning somewhat melancholic. "A light that can break through the storm clouds that continues to build within our nation day by day…"
And scene! I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter and appreciate some of the changes I've made to make the canon events flow better as well as build up to what I'm trying to do with this AU. This first story is going to follow the game pretty closely as it's just one part in the larger building block of the world I plan to build. Please feel free to comment on what you enjoyed or what I could've done better or what you would like to see. I'll see you guys in the next chapter!