The previous night had been one of the greatest experiences in the life of Laura S. Arseid. Together with her trusted friends and comrades they had traveled through an otherworldly place and encountered a being that might very well have been straight out of legends. While she still wasn't exactly sure what they had fought or what they had accomplished, the simple truth of the matter was that they had triumphed against a foe that should have been impossible for mere students to beat.
It was a rewarding day, but not one she wished to repeat anytime soon. She was no stranger to the rigors of hard exercise, but this was on a wholly different level. The group of eleven students had all but shuffled back to the dorms the night before, and after the bare minimum of personal hygiene the group had silently returned to their rooms and collapsed into their beds.
As she lay in bed the next morning a quick glance at the time informed the blue-haired sword user that yes she was on the verge of being late, but her vaunted discipline failed her and she couldn't really bring herself to care. The rational part of her mind knew that getting up and moving around would be enough to dull the ache and get some energy back into her body, but the part of her that found her bed oh so comfortable didn't seem to care.
Her plan when she awoke was to relax until she heard the other girls start getting up before beginning the arduous process herself. That was an hour ago and she had yet to hear any of those signs. In hindsight it was a flawed plan, as both Alisa and Emma were probably more exhausted than she was and considering she usually was the one to get Fie up on a normal day... Perhaps she was just pining her hopes on the seemingly limitless bundle of energy known as Millium? Or maybe she was just making excuses to keep herself in bed.
Sadly, all good things must come to an end. And that end came in the form of their instructor. "Geez! Rise and shine! Time for all you lazy slugs to get up!" Came the extra loud and obnoxious voice from down the hallway.
Not content to continue yelling in the halls, it sounded like Instructor Sara was taking a more hands-on approach as she heard the door to Alisa's room open. "C'mon! If you guys miss the festival the Vice-Principal will never let me hear the end of it! Up you go, Alisa!"
Laura listened to see if the instructor was headed down the hall to her room just next door, but fortunately she earned a brief respite as it sounded like she was headed across the hall to Fie's room first. "Fie! Stop being so lazy and- HEY!"
A curious response, but all was made clear when she heard the clanking of an object hitting the floor, before a loud bang a second later. She knew that Fie was not a morning person, but did she seriously just throw a flashbang grenade at their teacher? She made a mental note to be more careful in the future, lest she meet the same fate as Instructor Sara.
Fortunately, or unfortunately, depending on the perspective, those events were enough to grudgingly rouse the slumbering students into action and Laura was no exception. While she didn't think their teacher would be all that upset about a student throwing a live grenade at them (something she never once expected to think), there was no denying that she could get more... lively when antagonized. Not wanting to deal with that she did her best to quickly get up and get ready, lest she be forced to deal with those consequences.
Despite the rather hectic scramble to get ready that morning, somehow Class VII ended up not being late to school for the final day of the festival. There really wasn't much they needed to do, but despite that they still did one final check of their equipment for the sake of their nerves, if nothing else. After that most of the class separated to be with their families. Those few who didn't have anyone coming also left, with Fie and Millium leaving together to play more Mishy Panic, Emma leaving to assist Dorothee with club activities, and Crow giving no excuse and just leaving.
As for Rean, his sister was planning on arriving a little later at around ten in the morning, so he had a little time to kill. Thus he decided to take a walk around the academy to see how everyone was doing, before grabbing a snack for George. The second-year engineer had taken it upon himself to study the mechanical knight they found and getting him something to eat was the least Rean felt he could do to assist.
Walking around and taking in the festival was an interesting experience. Everyone was all smiles and laughs, at least on the surface. But there was no denying an underlying tension that was present on the faces of many of the adults, kept in check only by their desire to not spoil the day for the younger generation. A tension that was most keenly felt as he came across Instructor Sara and the bracer Toval having a conversation away from the crowds about that very subject. Although it was clearly intended to be a private chat between bracers, they didn't seem to mind him listening in too much, but Rean did politely excuse himself once Micht joined in, something that really didn't surprise him knowing about the pawn shop owner's knowledge of current events.
On a happier note many of the families of his classmates that he had met over the year were present. Gaius's brother Thoma was excitedly taking in Erebonia alongside his obvious crush Sharl. Irina Reinford had arrived with her father and together with their maid were making Alisa's life miserable. Speaking of miserable, that was the dominant emotion consuming Jusis and Machias as Rufus Albarea and Carl Regnitz were acting like best buddies and doing their best to embarrass their younger family.
Seeing so many of his friends enjoying the day was wonderful and there was nothing that could ruin the good mood... "Ah, Rean. Just the man I was hoping to see. Come, join us."
Urk. He had forgotten about one family. Or more specifically, one legendary swordmaster who also happened to be the father of one of the girls he was dating. Forget the good feeling, now he was just feeling terrified. "O-Of course. It's nice to see you again, Viscount Arseid, Klaus." Beside the two men was an exasperated looking Laura.
Klaus merely nodded respectfully at him, but Victor laughed merrily as he wrapped his arm around the younger man in an overly affectionate hug that did nothing but worry Rean even further. "Indeed, indeed! It's only been a month, but it seems a lot has changed since I last saw you. A lot has changed indeed..."
"Father, do we really need to do this..."
"Not to worry, Laura, this is merely a brief discussion between men." His attempts to reassure his daughter (and Rean) did just the opposite. "On the Courageous I could tell the two of you had been getting closer, but I was quite surprised when just a week later I started hearing some rumors. Now while I know that rumors tend to embellish the story quite a bit, there is usually some level of truth to them. So tell me Rean, is it true that you have become romantically involved with my daughter?"
Still, as nightmare inducing as this encounter was, it was something that he had accepted as inevitable, even if he really wish it wasn't so sudden. "It is."
"I see..." As pleasant as the Viscount's smile appeared, the increased pressure of the arm around him made it clear that it was anything but. "And you are serious about it?"
This time Rean didn't need to hesitate. "I am! It's only been a short time, but Laura has become someone indispensable in my life. Being with her has allowed me to grow, as both a swordsman and as a man, and it's something I wish to continue."
Despite the awkward situation Laura couldn't help but smile brightly at the praise. "And I assure you the feeling is quite mutual."
"Good! Very good! It is plainly obvious to these eyes of mine that both of you have grown so much in such a short time, so I am pleased that you have found someone to rely upon." For once his smile actually appeared genuine. For a second. That all died as he turned back towards Rean. "That being said... I do hope you recall my warning to you on the Courageous. I will absolutely not abide any appropriate behavior towards my daughter."
"F-Father!" Sure Laura was used to her father being embarrassing on occasion, as it was an inevitable consequence one suffered when they only had a father growing up, but this went well beyond that!
Honestly Rean would have been fine with parental embarrassment at that moment, as he instead had to deal with a terror that surpassed any he had ever felt in his life. All of the aches and pains he suffered the previous night paled in comparison to the force being exerted on his poor bones by the 'friendly' hug he was still subjected to. For a man who could wield a greatsword in a single hand, breaking Rean like a twig was well within the realm of possibility. "I-I understand, sir. N-Nothing inappropriate, I promise."
"Good!" Mercifully Rean was released from the sweet embrace of death. "I shall remember that promise and hold you to it." Laura was quick to rush to his side to make sure he wasn't completely broken, something which caused the Viscount to grin. "I do believe we have taken up enough of your time, Rean. Laura, would you be willing to show us around your school?"
"Of course, father." The girl muttered once she was assured that Rean wasn't damaged in any way. "I will see you later, Rean."
"Master Rean." Klaus bowed in respect as the three sword users from Legram departed, leaving a very sore and traumatized young man in their wake.
A quick glance at the time showed that he still had a few minutes to kill if he wanted to bring George a gift and still be back in time to meet Elise, so he decided to find a spot to rest his weary body and soul. As the main courtyard was filled with people he elected to take the trek up to the roof for his break. As an added bonus, if he recalled correctly there was a food stand on the roof selling pies, a perfect snack for his engineer friend.
Unfortunately for him, the bench on the roof was already occupied. Fortunately, it was Fie and Millium, so he didn't hesitate to approach the pair. Unfortunately, the two seemed to notice his haggard appearance as they proceeded to laugh at him.
Fie was at least kind enough to contain her amusement long enough to explain why exactly they were laughing at him. "We saw everything from up here! You looked so pitiful!"
"We really thought the Viscount was gonna cut you in half with that big sword of his!" Millium managed to get out between giggles.
"Haha. Very funny." He didn't think there was anything funny about his near death experience, but who was he to judge? "So what are you two doing up here?"
"The same thing you are, I assume." Fie glanced down at the bench she was sitting on and realized there was no room for Rean. "Here, have a seat." So instead she vacated her spot and offered it to him.
That was surprisingly generous of her. He did as instructed before turning back to the silver-haired girl. "Thanks, but where are you going to... Oh."
There might have only been enough space on the bench for two people, but his lap could hold a third, as she proved in that moment. Something which he didn't mind at all.
"Ooooh... That looks nice"
"It's quite comfy." Came Fie's simple response to Millium's question.
The agent furrowed her brow in thought. "Wonder if Jusis would let me sit on his lap?"
"Don't see why he wouldn't. And remember, even if he says no..."
"...He actually means yes, but is too much of a snooty noble to admit it!" Both girls high-fived after Millium finished Fie's statement.
Rean wondered if he should object for the sake of his friend, but decided against it. It wasn't like Millium was doing anything bad and it was always pretty funny seeing the son of one of Erebonia's most important houses keep getting caught up in wacky situations thanks to Class VII's problem child. "Haha..." That being said he was kinda worried that Fie was egging her on. What other devious schemes did his girlfriend have going on?
"Bet you're glad my old family isn't around to terrify you like Laura's dad, aren't you?"
Now that was a loaded question if he ever heard one. He paused to carefully consider his words. "...I'll never be happy that your old family left you, but I suppose for the sake of my continued survival I'm not upset that I don't have to deal with any crazy jaegers."
"Hmm... I'm not so sure about that. I have no idea where they've gone, but some of the members were always pretty protective of me. Maybe hearing that I'm dating some shady guy will be enough to get them to show up again."
She wasn't serious, was she? He really did not need any overprotective jaegers coming after him. That was just Fie trying to scare him, right? "...Some shady guy?" So he chose to ignore that part and focus on that one line.
She didn't seem inclined to answer the question as she hopped off his lap and turned to Millium. "Ready for our rematch?"
"Right! Let's do it! Bye Rean!" And with one final smirk sent his way courtesy of his girlfriend the two departed, leaving the exhausted boy to relax in peace for a couple minutes.
A few minutes which passed quickly, forcing the boy into action lest he be late for his scheduled meetings. After securing a piece of apple pie courtesy of the student run food stall he began the long trek down the school and towards the Old Schoolhouse, taking pains to avoid any potential encounters with a certain roaming swordmaster for the sake of his continued survival.
With everything that had happened it was nice to see the mysterious building back to normal, or at least normal by it's standards. After a trip down the elevator and a single use of the teleporter the young swordsman arrived at the mysterious room where the robot was held. George was there, as expected, but less expected was the presence of Crow, who was staring at the machine with great interest. Still, he had been friends with George since well before he met Class VII, so Rean simply accepted his presence and put it out of his mind.
Unsurprisingly, given the technological marvel and mystery that was the machine, George had spent most of the morning doing analysis of it. Still, he was only human and thus grateful for the break that Rean and his delicious pie provided. He hadn't discovered much about it, only that it held a compartment in the chest area big enough for a person, hinting that it is something designed to be piloted and controlled by another human. It seemed impossible, but the facts were undeniable.
The conversation eventually shifted, and as had often been the case with the trio of second-year friends of Class VII, the shift was towards the missing member of their group, Angelica. Although the Marquis's daughter had yet to show, they were hopeful that she would make her arrival some point that day, probably right before the concert. Rean couldn't help but agree, she did seem the kind of person to arrive at the last minute and make a grand entrance.
Not wanting to spend his day down in that creepy old building any longer Crow suggested the three leave and have a good time at the festival. While the idea of hanging out with his older friends wasn't bad, he wasn't sure he wanted any part of what the slacker considered 'a good time.' Luckily he still needed to meet with Elise in just a little while, so he had an excuse to refuse.
He did feel a brief pang of guilt when he found her waiting for him at the academy gates, but she assured him she hadn't been waiting long. More importantly, at least to her, she immediately noticed just how exhausted he looked. He wasn't really surprised she noticed, as even if he could hide things from others his sister was always capable of reading him like a book.
And it was true, he was tired in a way he had never felt before. The physical and mental stress of the previous day combined with the excited nervousness of the upcoming concert coalesced into a feeling completely foreign and not at all pleasant. Still, despite all that he didn't mind much. It was, after all, a feeling that he was sharing with the rest of his class. As long as they together to share that burden he knew they would be fine. He didn't say all that to Elise, of course, but his confidence as he assured her that he was all right must have been enough for her to believe it.
"By the way, Rean?" She began as the two made their way through the academy, with the student fully intending to show his sister all of the festival before the time for Class VII to meet was reached. "Is it true? That you're dating two of your classmates?"
He couldn't help but groan. Just how quickly did that news spread anyways? "It is. I still have trouble wrapping my head around how it all happened, but it did."
"I was surprised when I heard about it from Princess Alfin..." Seriously, was everyone in Erebonia just a big gossip hound? "But I was mostly surprised at how mom knew figured it out from a single glance."
"Huh?"
Elise giggled at his look of confusion. "She had a feeling that you were close to those two, Fie and Laura, right? Just from that one meeting outside of the mansion." Here she paused as she shot him a seedy look. "Although I don't think even she could have guessed you would end up dating both of them at the same time."
"Haha... Let's just say that a lot happened. Once the festival ends I plan on finding time to pay a visit to Ymir. A real one. I'll tell you guys all about it then."
She seemed inordinately pleased by that comment, judging by the wide smile she shot him. "I am sure mother and father will be delighted to hear that."
The two Schwarzers spent the rest of the morning exploring the festival. As he had seen it all the day before, even if that day felt like a month ago, he knew exactly where to take his sister to grant her maximum enjoyment of it all.
At the attractions they encountered many of Rean's friends and classmates. Proving that as ever, Elise was the superior noble, the younger girl managed to impress all who met her. He was also grateful that she managed to keep her curiosity in check when they came across the Arseids while looking at the horses, as any potential conversation about his relationship with Laura was dangerous when one of the most powerful swordmasters in Erebonia was looming over him dangerously. Less positive was Alisa's Grandfather getting a little overly friendly with his sister, but the exasperated blonde-haired girl assured him that she would deal with it herself.
A chance encounter with Patrick and his butler Celestin was also quite interesting to Rean. On one hand, he was quite glad that his relationship with the son of Hyarms (and Class VII with Class I as a whole) had improved drastically in the past few months. On the other hand, he really was not pleased that the primary reason for that change was his fellow noble's blatant attraction towards his sister. Now, while Rean wasn't the kind of overprotective person to deny Elise her chance to spend time with other males, he did have a large checklist of things that they had to prove before he would even consider letting them get close without supervision, and as far as he was concerned? Patrick Hyarms had not checked any of those boxes. Thus it was his sacred duty to make sure the Marquis's son stayed far far away from her at all times...
Poor Elise.
But after that encounter Rean was no longer happy with their current plans. It was almost time to meet up with his classmates to watch Class I's operetta and hurriedly set up their concert, but if he did that that would mean leaving Elise alone where other unscrupulous individuals might get within sight. Perhaps he should keep an eye on her and leave setting up for the concert in the more than capable hands of the others...
"Teehee. The two of you really are the portrait of sibling affection." Came a female voice from outside the gates, inadvertently saving the world from the silly chaos that Rean's mind was about to concoct. The two Schwarzer siblings turned and to their surprise came face to face with Prince Olivert and Princess Alfin. Alongside the royal family was Captain Claire and two other members of the RMP, presumably there to escort the dignitaries.
Elise appeared less than pleased that her best friend had decided to show up without warning, but Prince Olivert did make a good point that he was in fact the Chairman of the Board of Directors and had a duty to attend, even if it was merely a figurehead position. Alfin had merely decided to tag along to see the festival for herself.
It was honestly flattering and a little terrifying that two members of the royal family had and interest in their little concert, but given what he knew of Olivert's personality it did make sense. That being said, he certainly wasn't at all keen on the prince's idea to tear off his shirt and join Class VII on stage...
While the two girls had their own little chat (or more specifically Elise was complaining to a very amused Alfin), the Prince approached Rean for a more private conversation. With many of the students and guests staring at them they had to speak in lower voices to not be overheard.
It didn't take much to realize the lack of any Vander bodyguards around was an ill omen, and Olivert confirmed Rean's suspicions with a frown. The situation in Crossbell was deteriorating by the hour, and the threat of military action was becoming more of a 'when' and not an 'if'. Still, the prince reassured Rean that given the small size of Crossbell that any action would be swift and quickly resolved. Still, Rean couldn't help but feel a horrid lurch in his stomach at the news.
Sadly for him, the prince's next words were even worse. Far worse, in fact. "You know Rean, I always felt a sense of kinship with you since when we first met and now I know why. You and me? We're fellow travelers on the road to debauchery!"
"Excuse me?!" He misheard that, right?
"Why, you taking multiple lovers, of course." He did not mishear things. "Ahh, youth. Why it feels like it was just yesterday that I was having my very first threesome. It's truly an unforgettable experience."
He just stared at the golden-haired prince in horror. Why was he saying these things? "I... um... I'm not sure we're all that similar, Your Highness." He glanced around quickly to make sure nobody was in earshot range. Thankfully his sister and the princess were still in their own private conversation.
"Oh nonsense. I see great potential in you Rean." He gave the younger man a placid smile, ignoring the blatant look of horror etched on Rean's face. "As a matter of fact, I have a present for you, from one sinful man to another. Here." The prince reached into his pocket before handing a small object into Rean's confused hands.
It was... a small bottle of some kind? There were things rattling inside it. Confused he looked towards the prince for clarification. "A new marvel recently created in Remiferia. Prince Albert gave those to me at the trade conference, actually. Just have your partner pop one of those pills after a night of passion and you won't need to worry about any unfortunate accidents! Truly amazing! I would use them myself, but after my trip to Liberl I think my days of sin and debauchery are coming to an end..."
The swordsman stared, unblinking, as the words slowly filtered through his brain. It took a few seconds, but comprehension brought a wave of horror like none he had felt before. These pills were... His first reaction was to throw them as far as possible and run away just as quickly, but he painfully understood that one can't just refuse a gift from a member of the royal family. Instead he did the next thing that came to mind, which was to shove that accursed little bottle into one of his never used coat pockets and put it out of sight and mind until he could remember to dispose of them at a later date. "I... Thanks?" A shame his mind was so scarred that he missed the juicy hint about the prince possibly having found a romantic partner in Liberl, but he couldn't really be blamed for that.
There was absolutely no way he could possibly have been expected to school his expression in time, which caused the damnably debaucherous prince to laugh merrily at his expense. This naturally caught the attention of the two younger girls. "And what are the two of you talking about?" Alfin asked suspiciously. At least he was able to get his mask back up in time before either of they could notice.
"Oh, it's nothing, dear sister. Just a discussion between men." As Victor had earlier, the prince gleefully wrapped an arm around the swordsman's shoulder. While this instance lacked the feeling of imminent death as the former, it made him feel very very dirty. "Isn't that right, Rean?"
"Uh..." Damn him! "Yes, that's right. Nothing to worry about." At least this horrible horrible person had the good sense to keep the conversation away from the girls.
If anything Prince Olivert appeared even more amused by his antics. "Don't worry Rean. Alfin and I will take care of Elise while you get ready for the concert. I do hope you will put on a marvelous show for us!"
Well that was a relief. Having Prince Olivert around his sister was less than ideal, but at least Princess Alfin would be there to keep him in check. He watched as the trio began to walk away...
"Hey Elise, think if we worked together we could have our pick of the guys here? I mean it somehow managed to work on Rean, right?" Actually, scratch that. Alfin was just as bad as Olivert! He was seriously considering chasing after them to save his precious sister from their dastardly clutches when his ARCUS chimed, letting him know it was time to head to the auditorium. Damn his responsibilities!
As much as they hated to admit it, Class I's operetta was actually quite spectacular. Even the people who didn't normally enjoy such highborn entertainment couldn't deny that it was excellently put together. The crowd also seemed to be quite impressed as their applause was almost deafening in it's intensity.
That... was a problem for Class VII. If that was the barrier they needed to get over than it was a tall one indeed. Doubts began to form as some of the group began to wonder if they could put on a show capable of matching their rivals.
Fortunately their class was home to some very laid back people, instructor included. Their lackadaisical attitude was enough to calm those nerves somewhat. At the end of the day all they could do was their best, and if that wasn't enough so be it. At least they could say they tried. Still, the desire to win was high, even among the less competitive members of the group...
They were greeted to a pleasant surprise as they hurried to get everything setup for the concert. That surprise came in the form of Angelica Rogner, who had managed to strike a deal with her father allowing her to attend the festival. They were all happy to see the return of their old friend, even if it was just temporary.
Well, most of them were. Rean found himself less pleased when the daughter of Marquis Rogner turned a sharp glare onto him. "I hear you've been quite busy in my absence. Was that your plan? Get me kicked out so you can make your move without interruption?"
"Um... No? Pretty sure I wasn't the one responsible for your removal either..."
"I see. I see." She muttered, clearly not having bothered to listen to his words. "I underestimated you, Rean Schwarzer. But I won't allow you to undo all the work I spent these past two years, you hear me?" She threatened as she got into his personal space, causing him to step back nervously. He knew just how powerful her fists actually were!
But fortunately for him he was lucky enough to be in Class VII so he knew his classmates had his back... Or they would have if they weren't all backing off and abandoning him to his fate. Laura at least looked apologetic as she beat a hasty retreat, which was far more than could be said of Fie, who seemed quite amused as she shot him a thumbs-up. Those traitors!
"Down, Gelica! Down!"
"There she goes again..."
"Hehe, sorry about that Rean. She's just so excited to see you guys again!" Thankfully rescue did come in the form of the fearless Crow, the ever reliable George, and the saintly Towa. Aidios bless the second-year students.
With that distraction out of the way the students were free to finish preparing. It soon became apparent that there was a rather huge crowd starting to amass in the auditorium waiting for their performance, with more people entering by the minute. It was far more than they had expected.
To say that nerves were starting to kick in would be an understatement. It didn't help that so many important and influential figures were in attendance. Even the more unflappable members like Gaius and Jusis were starting to look a little pale, and Elliot, despite being by far the most qualified of all, looked about ready to pass out.
And that was when Towa, in her role as Student Council President, announced the beginning of the concert. Suddenly all the lights were on them, and with them, all the eyes. There was no going back now.
Despite the jitters, there was no denying that Class VII had spent a lot of time practicing for this moment and it showed. Even while their minds were frozen as the enormity of the situation revealed itself to them their bodies began to draw upon all that training to play on autopilot. Even Emma seemed to blank out the crowd and sing as if she were just rehearsing it back in the Old Schoolhouse.
This actually worked to calm them down, and by the time the first song ended all of them were feeling far more calm and relaxed. Although the second song did start with a bit of a hiccup thanks to the new singers needing to go through that same adjustment phase, it didn't take long and the others were performing with such passion that it was barely noticeable.
As for the third song... As much as it pained them to admit it, Crow had been dead on with the idea. The crowd had clearly not been expecting it and thus were very receptive to the surprise. And despite the fact it was the song that they were least practiced with, by this point they were playing at a level they had never played before and it finished without a single mistake. It was hard to tell from their adrenaline-fueled high, but the applause they got from the crowd sounded quite loud and excited and made them think that they did a good job.
With the concert finished and the crowd dispersed the members of Class VII were free to make their exits. Towa had assured them that they could leave their instruments behind and collect them the next day if they so desired and as the physical and mental exhaustion of the past few days finally began to kick in, there was nothing they desired more. Instead the eleven students retreated to the one place that they knew was safe from the rest of the world: Their homeroom.
They all knew it must have looked bad. There they were, almost a dozen teenagers in the prime of their lives, avoiding the end of the festival to collapse in their classroom like a group of tired old people. Or Instructor Sara after a night at the bar. And yet none of them, not even the ever-excitable Millium, could actually bring themselves to care. They were perfectly content to spend their entire evening like that, but fate had other ideas...
Fate in this case being the disgruntled form of Patrick Hyarms as he entered the room and looked upon his exhausted rivals with disdain. His words were odd, as if he was both upset and impressed at what they did. Crow seemed to have some idea what was going on, but the rest of them remained clueless as the Class I noble made his exit.
Only for the door to open yet again and this time entered Instructor Sara, Towa, Angelica, and George. They at least were clear with their words as Towa happily announced that with all the votes counted that Class VII's concert was the most popular attraction at the festival.
That was... nice? They probably would have been a little more excited, but were just too damn tired to care at the moment. And plus, all the other attractions were so good that it felt bad to exult at their expense. Maybe tomorrow after a nice long sleep they would allow themselves to appreciate the feeling a little more, but for now, they just wanted to celebrate with a nice long rest.
Something which wasn't coming anytime soon, as their horrific diabolical instructor reminded the class that there was still the after-party to attend. Bonfires... and dancing. As much as they wanted to just skip it they couldn't deny that it sounded fun. And Rean was no exception, even as he felt two pairs of eyes honed in on him.
Fortunately he had a plan. But he was soon to learn that no plan survives contact with the enemy...