Dateline, December 31st, 1204.
(Trails of Cold Steel II ost -The Warmth of Soaking One's Feet)
The day of what could be our final operation had arrived, there was also a trace of snow falling around Trista. When it was the morning. I end up as my usual self as I woke up and then stretch and then bed and change into my clothes.
"Hamsuke, Luka." I called out.
Both of my familiars yawned and then hop over to me as I give them breakfast. And then they jump into my shadow.
Then I made my way to the academy field and follow with my is everyone else. We then made our way to the academy field where Valimar was standing tall and a massive sword on a moving cart. Then we saw everyone else turn up. Rean went inside Valimar with Celine and observe Valimar's new sword.
"This is amazing... You really were able to forge Valimar a new tachi from Zumeria Ore." Rean said in awe
"Bah! Of course it is. It's a massive weapon totaling over seven meters in length" Professor Schmidt said. "It's uncommon shape made refining and processing the ore exceedingly difficult to say the least, but it was done. I doubt I would have been able to do it if not for the help of that stubborn old student of mine over there.
"You're the least qualified person on this entire continent to call anyone else stubborn." Markov replied.
"Haha. Yeah, I'm with you instructor." George added.
"It sure was a shock to learn that you were also a formal student of the professor's, Instructor Makatov." Alisa giggled.
"I'd heard you were once a student at Roer Institute of Technology, but I never connected the dots." Instructor Sara added.
"And that's how I preferred it, too. All that was a long, long time ago." Instructor Makatov replied.
"I'll never be able to fathom who the two of you choose not to stay and study more under me." Professor Schmidt comment. "The offer still stands, however. I know talent when I see it."
"Oh, I c-couldn't possibly... i doubt I have half the talent to keep up with you." George nervous laughed.
"Give it to him straight, George, or it won't get through that damn near impenetrable skull of his." Instructor Makarov sighed "Tell him you'd go insane if you had to spend years working with an arrogant, self-centered prick like him."
I couldn't help but laughed. "A funny and apparently true as it sounds, it still a beautiful blade nonetheless."
"It's probably not as sharp as something a real swordsmith would make, though. None of us are smiths by profession." George replied
"Even so, you did fine work. The blade looks like it's ready for anything." I said then turn to Rean. "Can you pick it up like the old one without a sweat?"
"Let's give it a try." Rean answered
(Trails of Cold Steel ost - Silent Exhalation)
Valimar picked it up without a problem and the orb inside the blade glowed with the one on Valimar. They're resonating with each other. Then swiped with it effortlessly. Looks like Rean is able to wield it like a pro. Now we can even the Score.
"Professor Schmidt, Instructor Makarov, George,Thank you all so much for what you've done." Rean said to them.
"Save your thanks." Schmidt replied. "I only did what I did to satisfy my curiosity. Whatever you do now that i'm done is of no concern to me."
Sheesh, this guy is much of a jackass.
"All that said, I think the preparations are now finally complete." The Principal said.
"Yes, sir, I think it's about time I go and get everyone." Towa replied.
"Heehee. Ahhh, the fated moment has finally arrived." Instructor Thomas cheered
"The current time is 6:30 am. Everyone should gather here gain at 7:30 hours." Instructor Sara wink. "Make sure you're all wearing what I gave you earlier, too."
"Right!" Class VII nodded
(Trails of Cold Steel ost - Class VII)
After an hour of preparing, every single one of us students stood together.
"All of the students are gathered." Towa informed the principal.
"Good." Principal Vandyck nodded
"Instructor Sara, Instructor Thomas, Instructor Makarov," Vice Principal Heinrich said.
"We leave them in your capable hands." Instructor Beatrix smiled
"Understood." Instructor Sara nodded
"Heehee. Don't you worry! We'll take good care of them." Instructor Thomas replied
"Just leave them 'em to us." Instructor Makatov nodded
"Students of Thors Military Academy, I'm sure most of you remember what was once imparted to you during respective welcome ceremonies. 'Arise, O Youth, and become the foundation of the World.' These are the words of Emperor Dreichels, the man who ended the War of the Lions and founded this very academy. I asked you to considered what the 'world' he refers to is, and what qualities and once must possess to be its foundation. I imagine that you each had your own thought in response. However, I ask that you not make the mistake of assuming that 'foundation' is synonymous with 'sacrifice' I believe that it is by walking side by side with each others, opening up a path and treading down it that one does this. As such, I have but one very simple message for each and every one of you to remember: Return alive. Welcome spring's arrival with one another, and when the time comes, fly the nest with one another. And to that end, I wish you victory!" Principal Vandyck said his morale speech.
"May Aidios and Drechels the Lionheart be with you all!" Princess Alfin added as she place her hands together. "And please, come back here safe and unharmed!"
As Principal and Alfin imparted us a final word of advice and a morale speech which resulted in us cheering and agreeing that we will come out of this alive, all of us!
"Our objective is to rescue His Majesty the Emperor, as well as those who were captured with him! Everyone, move out!" Towa command
We all nodded as We boarded the Courageous and it flew away from Trista. To kill some time. We begin to head to Bareahard and check up on Scarlet and learn her reason to become a terrorist. It truly is a sad one indeed. I don't blame her. She lost everything because of Osborne. And she and Crow are so alike.
(Trails of Cold Steel II - ost Ymir Canyon)
And then we begin to head to Ymir. And then we can learn more about Reans past. And they have their family moment. As soon as we left. Just as were going to head out. I suddenly felt a strange chill coming from somewhere. From the Valley? I ask the others if we can check the valley out before we go. Rean felt that chill as well. With our chosen group. We begin to check it out. Soon we found an unexpected pathway.
"That...wasn't there before, was it?" I asked
"No, it wasn't." Rean answered. "You don't think..."
"Only one way to find out." I replied.
Then we begin to walk the pathway and then we found ourselves a beautiful ice scenery. And from the distance. There's a Spirit Shrine?!
"A Spirit Shrine?!" Rean exclaimed
"Who'd have thought there was another one so close to our old base town." Fie replied.
"It must have appeared here very recently." Celine stated.
"I wonder what caused it to appear so much later than all of the others, though." Emma wondered
"So there's was a fifth Spirit Shrine all along... What could be inside?" Alisa wondered
"Levi, you know the name of this shrine" Rean asked.
"Yeah. It's the Glacia Shrine." I answered. "It's a special shrine. But according to my master, this one doesn't hold any Zumurian Ore inside. However, it does hold an extremely rare accessory. It's called the Ice Crown."
"Ice Crown? I think Grandmother mention this." Emma replied. "It's a crown that holds it gives limitless power to its user."
"For real?" Rean asked
"Soudns about right. However, it's guarded by an extremely powerful Magic Knight. Who's powers is beyond that of the other magic Knight. Sounds exciting." I smirked.
"Interesting. Then perhaps this is another trial to overcome." Laura replied
"Well, We're here- we might as well investigate." Instructor Sara suggest.
(Trails of Cold Steel II Aira of the Saint (Spirit Shrine))
We begin to head inside and then walk further to the ice bridge and then continue and I was admiring the scenery and then we enter the Shrine. Just like the other Spirit Shrine. We begin to walk down and then we begin to reach the door. And then we already reach the depth. But there is our Magic... Knight.
(Trails of Cold Steel II - Heteomophy)
"Holy... Crap." I eye widen as I see the Magic Knight with four arms and blades but it as a Ring behind it.
"What kind of Magic Knight is that?!" Rean asked
The Magic Knight roared and call down thunder.
"We can worry about that later. Let's kick this things ass!" Insturctor Sara proclaimed
We nodded and then I link up with Rean. Insturctor Sara Link up with Alisa and Laura link up with Fie. Just at the start of the battle. The Magic Knight summoned minions.
"Oh great. It summoned minions." I sighed.
"This will be our most difficult battle." Laura comment.
Then we begin to charge in and the Emma cast Crescent Moon on us and Rean and I buff up the group. The Magic Knight begin to swing it's swords at us as the minions being to attack us. I use Supercell Plunger to gather the minions and the Magic Knight and then deal twice the damage and then Rean follow up and deliver powerful slashes onto them. Instructor Sara launches swift slashes onto the Magic Knight. Then Emma cast a powerful Art onto everything and then the Magic buff itself but that buff repel out our attacks for a short time.
"It can repel our attacks?!" Alisa exclaimed.
"Juuuust what we needed." I muttered.
"We need to be careful and defeat it the best we can." Emma stated.
As we dodge. I begin to cast a low Art to remove the Art so I taken the hit the magic knight call thunder and we taken in heavy damage. Well, I won't hold back! Soon the Magic Knight begin to cast Art and move twice now and we taken some hits. Soon it summon minions to aid it. Laura then begin to use her S craft and then deal a powerful wipe-out on the large minions. The Magic Knight slashes onto us but me and Fie dodge them and counter-attack and launch a strong blow. Soon I use Wave of Neptune and strike the magic Knight. And then I begin to buff everyone again. And then Emma cast Crescent Moon as the Magic Knight summon thunder and then it repel it. Emma did it again as we all launched an attack. The Magic Knight roared and buff itself. We all begin to use our S craft onto it. But it's skill-kicking. The Magic Knight use that same time Art and we been hit twice as hard. Then it launched an even hevier attack onto us and push us back. Fie was able to dodge it and counter it. Emma launched her Arts and damaged it. Soon The magic Knight summon minions again and I keep using my Aurora's Light and Alisa buff us with her support Craft. The Minions begin to cast Arts onto us and it was repelled but we also take in damaged. Looks like this thing is no joke.
Fie use her S craft onto the minions and Emma begin to launched her S craft as well. The minions were destroyed but the Magic Knight is skill-kicking. The Magic Knight roared and buff itself and recover it's health. We remove the shields blocking it. But we are having some trouble as we continue to strike and launch some blows.
Then Rean uses his Spirit Unfication.
"Levi!" Rean shout with the Signal.
"Right!" I nodded
"OVERDRIVE!" We shouted in Unity and then we use the overdrive. And then Rean slash it and I follow up but I use my Sacred Aura and then me and Rean begin to use our S Craft on it and deal an incredibly high amount of magic as we push it back. Soon Emma cast the Lost Art and increase our speed twice. Then we all launched an all-out attack and then I cast my Lost Art on it and it dealt incredible damage onto it and it's still kicking. And then Alisa support us with her Craft and then I use my Support Craft again along with Rean. Soon Instructor Sara launch her S craft. Along with Emma, Alisa, Fie, and then me and Real follow up our S craft too. Until finally the Magic Knight explode into purple light.
(Trails of Cold Steel II Aira of the Saint (Spirit Shrine))
That was... one hell of a battle... a worthy battle... and we... even got more stronger. That battle was too close to comfort.
"Whew... That should do it." Rean panted as his power died down.
"Yeah." I panted. "That was... one hell of a battle." My power died down too. I think it safe to say this is our most difficult trial yet.
"Yeah. That thing was unlike anything we've ever fought before."
"It's was far beyond the level of any of the Magic Knight we've fought thus far." Laura nodded.
"At least we took it down." Fie said.
"At least we overcome the trial for the Ice Crown. Somehow." Emma sigh.
"I wonder why this Shrine recently appeared. In any case. Let's get the Ice Crown." Celine replied
(? POV)
I was watching the battle within the Glacia Shrine. I must admit. I am surprised. They even managed to defeat this Magic Knight. I never expected this to happened. But. Perhaps things are going better now.
(Levi pov)
(Trails of Cold Steel ost - Path of Spirits)
After we got the Ice Crown. We begin to head back to the ship and take along enough rest. it was time to our attention to the big operation. Machias vowed to come with us no matter what, I don't blame him since this is his dad we're also rescuing. So Rean selected me, Jusis, Millium, and Instructor Sara to join whilst the rest of our friends would be watching our backs. The Courageous flew across the capital and landed on a large empty area next to a small train station. We got off the ship and gazed upon the villa at the top of the pathway.
"This is Karel Imperial Villa?" Alisa asked.
"So this is a Villa." I said.
"It's gorgeous..." Emma comment
"Hard to believe a place of such scenic beauty is so close to the capital." Gaius added.
Elliot nodded. "Yeah, I didn't know a place this pretty was nearby, either."
We suddenly heard a whistle from the road on our right.
"We got company" I called.
(Trails of Cold Steel II ost - To Gamble All or Nothing)
"One company of Imperial Guardsmen and two armored cars approaching." Fie said.
"Haha! That didn't take long." Millium added.
"Class VII, Group A, advance towards the villa!" Sara ordered. "Group B, you're with me. Keep watch on the situation up front while securing the area!"
"Yes, ma'am!" Group B replied.
"Commence the operation!" Machias said.
"Group A, let's go!" Rean added.
"Right!" Group A replied
We began to rush upwards on the pathway to the villa, when we reached halfway, two guards appeared to stop us. But with how close and how strong we had become, they were no match for us. We then rushed to the entrance to see another two guards and an armored dog. Just like before, they fell to us rather easily. We headed on inside the villa and it was very grand to say the least.
"It's a lot more spacious than I was expecting." Machias commented.
"Yeah, though thankfully, it's nowhere near as large as the fortress." Rean added.
Suddenly, three guards, two armored dogs and an officer showed up. I should've guessed that the inside would have a lot of security.
"How dare you set foot in here?!" The Imperial Guard Officer growled
"Begone! This building belongs to His Majesty. It is hardly the place for insolent children such as you!"
"You have some nerve calling others insolent when you're the on keeping His Majesty imprisoned here!" Jusis growled.
"Don't waste your breath. They're nothing but traitors and trash. Let's dispose of this garage and rescue His Majesty!"
We then begin to combat them. I think it's safe to say that thanks to our combat experiences we've been through we are able to handle them. But they are a little tough. We wiped out the armored dogs before knocking down the guards and their officer, they were out cold as a result.
"They're were about as tough as the Intelligence Division said, I guess." Millium said.
I hummed. "I'm guessing from the building outside, it's should be about Three-story, high?"
"There is a glass-covered room on the far end of the third floor used for ceremonies. I would imagine that's where we'll find His Majesty if he's there" Jusis added.
"All right. Let's move, guys!" Machias said.
"Right!" Rean nodded
We took a left turn and going through a corridor, we turned right and then left before opening a door that took us outside. At the far end was a treasure chest, we opened it to find out it was a trap and three Archiams appeared. We begin to combat them using our Crafts. Soon we finish them off. When the battle ended, we noticed a key inside the chest and Rean picked it up.
"I wonder what that key is for." Rean said.
"Maybe it's the key for the Villa." I replied.
We went back inside the villa and then made a right turn and going through a corridor, we took a left and then a right turn to see some stairs, we went up those and over to the door that was blocked by three guards, they were no match for us, plain and simple. We went to the door and it was locked, so Rean used the key and unlocked it. We opened the door and traveled around the floor before reaching the end and seeing a pair of Archaisms, armored dogs, two guards, and an officer.
The guards were easy to beat as was the officer, The Armored Dogs and Archiasms are irksome We begin to use our Crafts and Arts to strike them out, this battle was over before I even knew it.
We rushed through the door and we found ourselves at the garden hall, in front of us were the hostages we were looking for.
(Trails of Cold Steel ost - Wholehearted Feelings)
"Are you hurt, dad?" Machias asked.
"I'm fine. We all are, fortunately." Carl answered. "Though, I never thought you were come all the way here to rescue us."
"We received word that our daughter has been under your care, however." Empress Priscilla added
"Class VII, was it? Thank you for coming to our rescue." Emperor Eugent added
However, I sense someone else is here.
"Wait, we're not alone..." I looked upwards. "Come out!"
Altina suddenly appeared, just as I thought.
"Altina!" Rean shout
"You're the girl with the black combat shell!" Instructor Sara added
(Trails of Cold Steel II ost - Altina)
"I count eighteen days since our last meeting, Rean Schwarzer, Levi Sullivan. Which would have aboard the Pantagrel" She said
"You have impressive memory Altina." I replied
"Did you know we were coming?" Rean asked.
"Affirmative. I received instructions from Lord Rufus to wait here for you." Altina answered
"My brother told you?" Jusis asked
I sighed "Jusis, you have one annoying brother it seems."
"And I apologize for that..."
Machias sighed. "He really never misses a beat, does he?"
"Oh hey. I've been meaning to ask you this for a while. You aren't my sister, are you?" Millium asked
"You couldn't be..." Rean said.
"What?" Jusis eye widen
"Yeah, I was thinking about that as well... since you both came from the same place. I asked.
"In a sense." Altina answered.
I hummed. "This may be a guessed. But it's possible your half-siblings. You know... like different mothers or fathers?"
"Do keep in mind that our purposes differ to some extent, however." Altina explained.
"Oh. 'kay." Millium said.
"You just took it like that?" I sweatdrop. "Wait. But who's the eldest?"
"She would be the elder sister, while I would be the younger one."
"I can't deny being curious about who you really are, but now isn't the time to get to the bottom of that." Rean added. "If you intend to stand in our way, then we intend to remove you by force!"
"Agreed." I drew out my Glaive. "We're not gonna be going easy on you, Altina. I expect you to fight at full force."
"Right." Machias nodded as he got his gun.
"Be careful, son." Carl said.
"I see no meaning in negotiating further." Altina said. "And while I remain partially reluctant, I will rely on the society's contraptions for backup."
A pair of archaisms appeared beside her.
(Trails of Cold Steel II ost - Severe Blow)
"Damn... Here comes trouble." Instructor Sara muttered
"Black Rabbit, Altina. Model nameOz74. Commencing Operation."
"Whoa! Crazy. Yours is just one off mine! Let's do this Lammy!" Millium stated as she summoned Airgetlam.
"Here she comes, let's give her all we have and apprehend her!" I added.
The battle started as I combat link with Rean. Jusis with Millium and Instrutor Sara with Machias. Rean and I buff the group as Machis begin to shoot from the distance. But we begin to help deal with the Archaisms and While Jusis and Millium deal with Altina. The Archaism launched lasers at us but we dodge them as we attack them. Soon we begin to use our crafts onto them. I use wave up Neptune on them and push them back. While Rean uses his Gale and strike them and I follow up while Machias launched a bullet blast on them and Instructor Sara stomp and lighting shooting as she jump back. The Archaisms fire the lasers at us but we also make sure the laser does not go near the hostages. Soon I begin to Supercell Plunger as Rean follow up with he couple of slashes and then slash through the Archaisms. They begin to explode later on.
Now we focus on Altina. Altina form a barrier around herself. Jusis begin to cast his Arts on Altina as push back and Millium punch the barrier out. Altina's combat shell shoot laser at us but we dodge and then she begin to extend her Combat shells hand and then launched a strong slash to push some of us back. Machias use his Craft and support us. Then I begin to use Tornado dance at Altina and push her back. Airgetlam turn into a sphere and Altina dodge while Jusis jab slash Altina. Machias firing bullets at her along with Instructor Sara. Altina form a barrier and then jump back as her combat shell launched slashes onto us with a spinning attack and push us back. Rean shoot projections to remove the barrier as I use Penetrate Throw but Altina form a barrier and repel it back. Then Altina used Combat Shell then transform into a sword and then strike us and dealt heavy damage onto us and push us back.
"Clever little… I guess I should finish this off." I smirked. "Fire, Water, Earth, Wind." A magic circle appeared under as I was channeling elemental power through me. As I open my hand and color orbs of each element appeared. Then pointed my finger in front of me and the Orbs charge at Altina and harm around her. "Time, Space, Mirage." then I call the upper elements and the orbs appeared over me, and surrounded me. "Imbue my Glaive. And outshine the darkness." Then the orbs of Time, Space and Mirage enter the Glaive and it glow and change form into a glittering power as the blade of the Glaive extended and glimmering light resemble the stars in the night. "Your time is up. Say your prayers." then spins around and swings my Glaive to the left, then swings my Glaive upward with a black energetic slash, then makes a Golden slash to the left, then I swirl my finger and the elemental orbs swirl turning into a fire tornado, then water vortex, Tornado, and sandstorm and the orbs stop and separate, as I finish by spinning and slamming her spear down with a Silver slash. And then I snap my finger and the orbs with the higher element orbs charge at the enter and trapping the Altina into a dome. "Sirius Storm!" Then one final rainbow slash down and a glyph of stars appeared and then a pillar of rainbow light appeared forming an orb then shattered into rainbow sparkles. Altina was down on the floor and her black doll was knocked out, this battle was over.
(Trails of Cold Steel II ost - Altina)
"I lost...again..." Altina panted as she got up and her Doll grab her and then she jump to the window edge.
"Woohoo!" Millium cheered
"Hmph. She did put quite a fight." Jusis comment.
"That Black shell of hers is nothing like the one I used at the academy."
"That was an impressive fight Altina." I replied.
Still... That combat shells of hers is quite something. Could it be poss- no I need to ask Alisa about it.
(Trails of Cold Steel II ost - Reunion)
Machias and his dad reunited as well. He's being himself again while Machias is being bashful.
"Haha. Looks like our plan was a perfect success." Alisa said as she and group B arrived.
"Hey guys, looks like things went okay on your end, too." Rean said
"Indeed. I guess that takes care of the Imperial Guardsman here." Machias added
"Rean Schwarzer, as well as each of the other members of Class VII." Emperor Eugent said. "You have my most sincere gratitude for what you have done."
"We really can't begin to think you enough." Empress Priscilla added.
"Please, don't thank us. We simply did our duty as Erebonian citizens." Rean replied.
I chuckled as I smile. "Modest as always I see."
"But he's right. Besides, we wouldn't have been able to do anything alone. We only came this far because the whole academy was behind us." Alisa said.
Emperor Eugent smiled. "I swell with pride to hear as much. My alma mater seems to be raising truly exceptional students these days. I couldn't be happier."
"Did I hear that right?" Elliot asked.
"Does that mean you attended Thors military academy?" I added.
"That I did." The Emperor answered. "It's a longstanding tradition that the men of the Imperial family attend the academy. Olivert did in his younger years and, Aidios willing, Cedric will as well."
"Oh that's right, where is Crown Prince Cedric?" I asked.
"Yeah, I can't see that little cutie anywhere." Fie nodded
"Fie! Stop being so disrespectful!" Machias exclaimed
"It's a compliment." I sweatdrop.
"The Crown prince was taken from here several days ago. We were told he was going to somewhere in heimdallr, but nothing beyond that." Carl explain
"If that' the case… it would be troubling…" I stated
"If you're looking for the crown prince, he's been escorted to the palace."Altina respond.
Everyone look at Altina.
(Trails of Cold Steel II ost - Altina)
"Valflame Palace? But why?" Rean asked
"What purpose was he taken there?" I asked
"To cooperate in a ritual." Altina answered. "Specifically, Duke Cayenne wishes to use the crown prince in a ritual which will be conducted shortly."
"A r-ritual?" Empress Priscilla gulp.
"Where does the duke fit in all this?" Carl asked
"Sounds like you've got a LOT of juicy information you're going to be sharing with us." Sara said.
"My thoughts exactly. Fie! Millium!" Rean command
Then the two begin to surround Altina from escaping.
Altina had a look of worry on her. "I know little more about the ritual than you do. One thing I do know, however, is that you're too late to stop it from taking place."
"What do you... wait. Ritual... Valflame palace…" I thinks for a moment. Come to think of it. Didn't Vita mention about the Inferno Rite? Inferno…Rite… Oh… no! "No… Don't tell me-!"
"Levi?" Rean asked
Suddenly, we heard a voice that was in a strange melody.
"What's going on?" Elliot look around.
"This is like back in the classroom." Alisa shivered
"Bah. Where's is it coming from?!" Jusis muttered
"I think it's from above us..." Gaius answered
"No...this... This can't be happening." Emma said.
"That incantation… SHE wouldn't!" I growled.
"Emma? Levi?" Machias asked in concern.
"What's wrong you two?" Laura asked
"This song is the Hexen Clan's most strictly forbidden incantation. A song to summon the Vermillion Despair from the deepest darkness. Lucifen Lied!" Emma answered
(Trails of Cold Steel II ost - Lucifen Lied)
Suddenly, there was a massive rumble coming from somewhere far away from us.
"What's happening?" Instructor Sara asked
"An earthquake?!" Carl exclaimed.
"It's source is the Palace. So, they intend to recreate what happened 250 years ago, do they?" The Emperor said.
We then saw a purple light coming from far away and then a giant tower, cloak in red and black, began to arise where the palace was, it was ginormous in every sense of the word and the whole sky began to turn red.
(Trails of Cold Steel ost - Uncertain Circumstances)
"Wh..." Elliot shivered
"Wha...Wha..." Alisa gulp
"What IS that?!" Machias exclaimed
"Well, if you excuse me." Altina said as she jump on her doll. "My final mission still remains to be completed." Then see wend to the window behind her and she's gone.
"Sorry. She got away." Fie sighed.
"Oopsie. We were supposed to keep her there, weren't we?" Millium sadden
"It doesn't matter. She's the least of our worries now." Rean stated
"Just what is that building?" Jusis asked
"The Inferno Castle. Also known as the Vermillion Apocalypse's Castle, and the Blaze Demon Castle." I answered as I glared.
"Is everyone all right?!"
Then Captain Claire and the RMP showed up with Towa and Angelica.
"I take it you were able to deal with the Imperial Guard's main force?" Instructor Sara asked.
"Correct. We were also able to secure the rail route leading here as well." Claire answered as she turn to the Emperor and Empress. "I have prepared a high-speed vehicle to take all of you away from the city where it will be safer. Please, come with me."
"B-But." "We should do as she says." Emperor Eugent said to his wife. "Remaining here will inconvenience our people."
"I suppose you're right." Empress Priscilla sighed.
"Please take care, Your Majesty." Carl said before he turn to Claire. "I'd like to return to City Hall at once. Could you arrange that for me, Captain?"
"B-But, sir..." Claire trailed off
"I'm the Govenor of Heimdallr. These may be unusual circumstances, but I have my duties in that capacity to fulfill. The Noble Alliance is likely in a state of confusion after what's happened. This is an excellent time to begin negotiations."
"As you wish, Your Excellency. I'll have a car prepared at once."
"I'll leave the capital in your hands, Governor." Emperor Eugent said.
"Certainly, Your Majesty." Carl bow.
"Everyone, please hurry to the Courageous!" Towa requested
"We need to gather as much info as we can on exactly what's happening here." Angelica added
"A-Alright." Alisa nodded
"We might even need to help evacuate the citizens of Heimdallr if it comes to it." Instructor Sara said.
I notice Rean stare. I can tell what's he is thinking. And he's right.
"Crow is there. That is what you were thinking, weren't you?" I asked Rean.
"You read my mind, Levi." Rean sighed as he step up. "I'm sorry Towa. Valimar and I won't be coming with you. We're going to that castle."
"Yeah. No doubt Crow and his Azure Knight is in there. As well as Vita." I nodded as I step up.
"Right. I'm all but certain that castle is meant to be the final stage Valimar and I will have to stand upon. I have this feeling like it was prepared by some kind of grand destiny. One so great, even the War of the Lions itself was only a fraction of it."
"You might be actually be right, Rean." Celine nodded
"Your mind's made up, then?" Towa asked. Then she nodded "Well, in that case, you're not going alone! We're all Thors students just like you and Crow!
"But Towa-"
"She's right." Angelica nodded, "You might thank you're fated to go there, but what's going on concerns just us as much as it concerns you."
"We all feel exactly the same way." Alisa nodded. "We're Crow's classmates, too... and yours."
"We have as much right to take part in this as you do." Laura added "I refuse to simply sit and watch by the sidelines!"
"And we won't hear any different." Gaius nodded
"Yeah. Don't try and go alone now after we've come this far together!" Elliot nodded
"You're not the only one with a stake in this." Fie smiled
"I need to see with my own two eyes exactly what my brother intends to achieve, so I refuse to be left behind." Jusis nodded
"Yeah! I'm coming with you, too!" Millium cheered
"Besides, with the state the captial's in, I can't pretend this has nothing to do with me." Machias stated
"They're right Rean." I chuckled and then place my hand on his shoulder. "There are things you can do alone, but this is not one of them. We are your friends and classmates Rean. We will reach Crow and settle this. Together!"
"You guys are the best, you know." Rean smiled.
Celine sighed. "I was going to say that at least Emma an I should accompany you, but why state the obvious at this point?"
"Class VII's bonds are far stronger than our need to fulfill our duty." Emma smiled. "Naturally, I'm no exception."
"You sure have changed."
Instructor Sara chuckled before turning to Claire "Well, then, I'll leave everything to you, Captain. I'm sure you've already got some of the RMP in the city by now, right?"
"Of course. Leave everything to us." Claire nodded. "Lechter is back now as well, so as soon as the opportunity to do so presents itself, I'll hurry along to support you."
"I'm sure you will all perform admirably." Carl smiled "Make good use of what you've learned at the academy, and your path is sure to open.
"May Aidios be with you all. Please, take care of yourself."
"We will. Thank you." Jusis bow
"Fear not, Your Majesty. We shall return safely, together with His Highness Crown Prince Cedric." Laura added
"Thank you." Empress Priscilla smiled
Then suddenly the Emperor approached Rean and offer him a medallion.
"I want you to accept this." Emperor Eugent said
Rean eye widen. "I can't believe this..." Then he take the medallion.
"Well, Well..." Carl blink
"That's an honor given only once every few years." Claire also look surprised
"What? What's going on?" I title my head
"Looking at the medals my daughter has awarded you with, it's clear that you more than deserve it. I would ask each of you to accept one. It's the least I can give to you after all you have done for Erebonia." Emperor Eugent said with as smile.
"We are truly unworthy, Your Majesty." Rean said.
"Th-Thank you so much..." Alisa nervous smile.
So these medals are a big deal? Whoa.
"Go forth, bearers of the horned lion crest. Fight not for the future of this nation, but for your own individual futures." Emperor Eugent command "And when this is over, return to your loved ones safe and unharmed!"
"Yes, Your Majesty!" We saulted.
Well glad that's done. Look like we're getting to the final part where we can reach the end soon!
