-Dateline, April 17th, 1204-

(Trails of Cold steel ost - Suburban Town of Trista)

In the days following from back then to now, of the exciting orienteering exercise, Class VII was shown the ropes around daily life at the academy. We were introduced to each of the academy's faculty and given the rundown of the basic materials of our respective courses. It was to be expected given the nature and prestige of the academy, but when Instructor Sara said that Class VII's curriculum would be tougher than those of the other classes, she wasn't kidding. On the academic side, each of the courses was filled with arduous material and coursework, with the teachers frequently calling on students in class for answers and giving out pop quizzes to make sure they were keeping up with the material. On the physical side of things, the students were subject to frequent combat training by none other than our own homeroom teacher, and though she was easy-going, when it came to combat Instructor Sara is strict. It remind me of master's training and lectures. Even when she was teaching us how to make a simple combat link, she didn't go easy on, as she called us, "her favorite little munchkins".

All in all, though, we were getting used to life at the academy. I wasn't expecting this would be it though. I guess all schools are different.

Anyway, there are some things in the academy that I must remember.

The first was in regards to the situation of food. We were responsible for providing for ourselves, whether it be cooking our own food, eating at the school cafeteria, or ordering to-go from the local cafe. Still, because we were constantly kept busy by coursework and the fact that some of us had little experience in cooking. Well, I've cooked a lot of time since my master said it's part of my education to survive. But I cook with fire like camping. Not one of those stoves and ovens they made. I need to practice and learn from it. Anyway, We all opted for the latter two options most of the time. Of course, eating out meant spending money, so to save themselves from the possible financial crisis, we resolved the matter by having two designated chefs rotate every week to decide the meal plans, with the additional requirement that they had to cook for everyone at least once during their shift. Overall, it wasn't a major issue, but it could become one in the long run unless someone like Jusis or Laura hired a maid to provide for them full-time, and considering how far both of them lived from the academy, they weren't comfortable with asking favors from their families for something that could easily be worked around.

Speaking of Jusis, the second problem was the feud between him and Machias that started during the orienteering exercise. The tension between them only grew with each passing day. It didn't help that Machias's stubbornness got in the way from him thinking rationally at times and that Jusis seemed to enjoy provoking the bespectacled boy at every opportunity. And there's also the problem between Rean and Alisa. I learn from everyone else that Rean was trying to save her and ended up on top over her as her… chest…was on his face. Now I understand why she's mad but… it was just an accident. But she's stubborn to admit it… So with the dorm talk. The boys would have the second floor and the girls the third floor. I'm neighbors with Jusis. There are also the clubs as well. There were three clubs I love to go with. Riding Club, swimming club, and music club. But I have chosen to be with the riding Club. And not just me. Jusis was also in the riding Club. I'm excited to get to know him and my clubmates. I love to play with my Lyre and I've love swimming for exercise reasons. Plus I need to work on the Combat Link training. I been solo my whole life. And I'm new at everything… I wanted friends… one who doesn't pity me because I've been isolated… I wanted a bond… maybe even a romantic life if possible… and… I want to know who I am. Oh… I should head out and fast for the academy building. We had morning and afternoon lessons, just like any other academy across Erebonia, except that these ones were more military-related. Especially the History lessons, I remember this lesson as my master taught me. But there are two versions. One is history. And the other is lost knowledge history. The lost knowledge history is about the secrets hidden from the rest of the history. My seat was between Fie. Over Fie is Emma and Machias. Machias seems to be a competitive type. Soon it begin to be Sunset. Once the sessions were finished, Sara came by to let us know as the academy bell rang for a few seconds.

"Nice work, everyone. You made through another grueling session of classes." She said. "In case you've been living under a rock, please don't forget that tomorrow is your free day. It's not technically a day off, but there are no classes, so it's up to you what to do with your time. Why, you could go shopping in the capital. Or do what I do, and sleep all day. Sleep is so wonderful!"

Then Emma begin to asked a question. "Will the academy's facilities still be open for our use?"

"Yes, I'd like to be able to use the free study area in the library, myself." Machias nodded

"Of course! This school shuts down for no one, so feel free to patronize any and all facilities as you like."Instructor Sara answered. " A lot of clubs have meets scheduled for these free days as well, so anyone who's joined should probably check on that. Also, before you leave, we should go over what's happening next week." Sara's face went slightly serious. "On Wednesday, you all have your practical exam."

"A practical exam?" I asked. "May I ask why and what for?"

"It's part of your combat training. You'll be graded on your performance, so make sure you're well rested and ready for battle by then!" She then winked at us. "Might be a good idea to do some training on your own time too. Just to keep from getting too rusty."

Fie yawned, it seemed like she wasn't particularly interested in that.

"Oh, and one more thing! After the practical exam is over, I've got another important announcement. About a major part of Class Vll's curriculum that I… Haven't mentioned at all yet. So! Whatever you choose to do on your free day, make it count for something. That concludes today's homeroom. Levi, if you'll do the honors?"

"Right." I nodded as I got up. "Stand... Bow.

(Trails of Cold Steel OST - Afterschool Hours)

My classmates then stood up and bowed as Sara left the classroom. Most of us left already whilst Elliot, Gaius and Rean had a little conversation. I decided to leave the classroom and head out to the courtyard where the Riding Club is located. But I look out into the sunset by the window. It's truly is lovely. Then slowly for a moment. I saw Rean step out of the classroom. So I decided to walk over to him and greeted him.

"Hey, Rean. What's up?" I said as I approached him."

"Hey, Levi," Rean replied. "Nothing much. Just going to the Student Union to run an errand for Instructor Sara."

"She asked you to run an errand?" I eyebrowed. "And she doesn't want to do it herself because…?"

Rean shrugged his shoulders. "Don't know, but from the looks of it, it has to do with our class. Something about picking something up and leaving everything in my capable hands? She didn't tell me what, though.

I sweatdrop because I think I understand that she's also lazy. "Rean… I think she was too lazy to get it herself…"

"Yeah… I was thinking the same thing." Rean said as he scratch his hair.

"Levi."

We turned to see Fie who was standing.

"Oh, what's up, Fie?" I asked.

She looked up at me. "Do you remember asking to spar with me?"

"Oh yeah, so where should we have our spar?"

She looked up for a few seconds. "The gym, right?"

"Perfect." I smiled. "Let me go get my Glaive. It won't take long."

"K." Fie said and then she walk over to the gym. "

"Later Rean." I waved goodbye to Rean as I ran off as he wave and said goodbye to me too. And then headed out to my dorm room and then pick up my Glaive. And I fed Hamsuke and Luka. Then head to the Gym. And once I arrived. There is Fie waiting as I approach her.

"Nice spear. That's your… Glaive, right?" Fie asked

"Yep." I smiled and I look at my beautiful and deadly Glaive. The Glaive Blade is made out of rare metal called Titanium. It's a very rare metal my master found while exploring and digging. And he forges it into this very weapon for me to use. It's not only very strong but also very durable and light… The edge of the blade is like Rean's Tachi, sharp as it gleam.

"Nice. Never seen it before. So where did you get it?"

"It was forged actually. So I say it's unique. My master was the one who made it and gift it to me." I answered and then ready my combat form. "Shall we?"

Fie smirked at me. "Hm, bring it on." She drew out her daggers and the sparring began.

(Trails of Cold Steel ost - Don't be Defeated by a Fiend!)

Fie then came right at me but I deflect her attack by the handle then counter it with an upward slash as she dodge it as she leap over from my back which I let out a counterclockwise spin as she backflip and then shoot out bullets at me. I then swirl my Glaive and repel them and then I charge at her and then trust and then slash next. Fie dodged and then she sent a couple of slashes at me but I block and send slashes at her as well. Soon we both end up clashing our weapons at both speed. Soon I unleash a flurry of rapid jabs as Fie leap over me and then strike at my back but I block it and then counterclockwise slash and push her back as she use her daggers to block it. We continue to battle and each other's styles and attacks which would be helpful in the battles to come. Soon we begin to end our little spar. I'm sweating.

(Trails of Cold Steel ost - Afterschool Hours)

"Wow. I'm very impressive Fie. You give me quite the challenge with that kind of speed." I smiled as I praise my sparring partner.

I'll admit. She's fast. Unlike monsters. She's human and I haven't fought someone like her aside from my master but nothing like her. I need to learn more.

"You're not bad yourself." Fie respond back. "Not only you pack a punch, but you're flexible and fast than I thought. You might even say you might be my rival at speed. In a graceful way."

"Hehe, thanks. Oh. I should hurry and get to my club meeting. Catch you later Fie?" I smiled

"Sure. Looking forward to pick up where we left off. I'm gonna take a nap." Fie nodded and then she walk away. And I decided to head back to the dorms

-April 18-

(Trails of Cold Steel ost - Leisure Day)

-Levi Bonding 1-

I was in Trista park as he is reading a book.

"Man… so many places to see here in Trista… But where to go hmm…" I wondered for awhile.

"Hey, Levi."

I turn around and see Rean.

"Oh hey Rean. How are you doing on your Free day?" I asked

"Nothing much. Just decided to walk around, getting to know my classmates."

"Oh, I was going to do the same thing. But I got myself into a problem…"

"What kind of problem?"

"I wanted to look around Trista but I don't know where to start." I sighed. "Oh, what am I going to do now."

"If you like. I can show you around what I know." Rean said.

"You will?"

"Of course. I'm also interested in getting to know you too."

"Hehe. Sounds like a plan. Okay, Rean. Where shall we go?"

(Trails of Cold Steel ost - Let's Study)

So me and Rean begin to explore Trista together. First, we visit Brandon's General Goods. After that Keynes' Bookstore, After that Kirsche's Cafe Inn. After that Boutique - Le Sage, after that Trista Chapel, after that the Trista Radio Station. And then finally we stop at the stream in Trista.

"Haha! I had a blast Rean! Phew man, I'm so glad I was able to get out my excitement."

"I notice. It's almost like you being a kid again." Rean smiled

"Well, it's understandable because due to… circumstances…"

"Like what?" Rean asked "About your background?"

"Yep. Like I said. I'm also Abroad. However, I don't know where I came from. I wanted to see if there are any people who also recognize me… but it prove to be a difficult situation."

"Levi…"

"It's okay. I'm sure I will find out someday. Thanks, Rean. Thanks for helping me out. I'm looking forward to knowing you well."

"Same here." Rean smile.

-Bond event 1 ended-

(Trails of Cold Steel - Leisure Day)

After that fun event with Rean a few minutes later on. I begin to head to the Academy field with Jusis with our club meeting. The club begin with lessons on taking care of a horse. The horses were so friendly with me. The club leader Lambert was impressed with me. And I did say I have a way with animals. Plus I love horses as the captain of the Club. So far I was chatting with Jusis and the other two club members. I was getting along with both of them. I'm a little with Jusis but we're getting there. At that moment, my's ARCUS started ringing. I brought my orbment out and answered the call.

"Hello? Who is it?"

"Hey, Levi," answered a familiar male voice."

"Oh, Rean!" I recognized. "How are things going with the Student Council?"

"Pretty good." Rean replied. "Mostly just going around the academy and Trista running errands, just like President Towa said I'd be doing. It certainly tests your endurance, though…"

I laughed. "I can relate to that. Anyways, what's up?"

"I'm sure I already know the answer to this, but I might as well ask again: are you free right now?"

"Yep. I'm free. So what's up? Need me for something?"

"Good," Rean said, sounding relieved. "Can you come to meet me in front of the old schoolhouse?"

"The old schoolhouse?" I asked and confused. "You mean the one we went to on the first day of school, right? Why there?"

"It's for one of the Student Council tasks," he explained. "I'll go over the details once you're there, but this one came from the principal himself, so I figured I'd get as much help as possible."

"From Principal Vandyck?" How interesting. And strange. "That sounds important. Tell you what, I'm walking towards the Class VII dorm right now. Could you give me around 10 minutes to get my weapon? I have a feeling I'll need it just in case."

"That's a good idea. By the way, I asked Elliot and Gaius to start heading over there as well, but they're finishing things up with their clubs, so take all the time you need. I'll give you all the rundown once we're all accounted for, and then we'll head in together. Sound good?"

"Sounds like a plan. I'll see you later."

"Right. See you there." After that, Rean hung up.

I begin to take care of things with my club. Once that was finished, I went back to my dorm room and grab my Glaive. Once I did. I hurry to the Old Schoolhouse. By the time I made it to the entrance of the old schoolhouse, all three of the other boys were already there, huddled up in a tight circle and discussing among themselves. I notice something has changed within the Old schoolhouse. Outside, it's the same… but the inside… it changed…

"Hey!" I greeted them. "Hope I didn't keep you all waiting."

"Not at all," Gaius replied. "I just happened to get here myself."

"Same here," Elliot said.

Rean cleared his throat. "Anyways, now that we're all accounted for, let me explain why I called you all here today."

And so, Rean gave the rundown on his request from Principal Vandyck, explaining how Class VII was tasked with investigating the old schoolhouse to see if there were any truths to the strange rumors that were floating around as of late.

"Alterations in the building, you say?" Gaius asked

"Not only that, but the schoolhouse is apparently a nesting place for monsters?" I added.

Rean nodded. "That's what the principal told me, at least."

"I-I really don't think this is a good idea…" Elliot whimpered.

Rean gave a small chuckle to lighten the mood. "Well...that's because it probably isn't. Honestly, I wouldn't blame you if you wanted to turn back now."

"N-No thanks, I'll come with you," the red-haired boy replied. "We've got that practical exam next week, after all." He brought out an orbal staff that was like Emma's, except it was white and green and had a slightly different design. "I need to familiarize with this orbal staff as much as possible before then. Besides, if I turned back, I'd just wind up worrying myself sick about the three of you!"

Gaius nodded and brought out his spear. "There are currently four of us right now, which means there are enough people for each of us to form a combat link. However, we'll still need to watch each other's backs and proceed with caution."

Rean put a hand on his sword that was in a sheath by his waist. "Are we all ready, then?" We all nodded. "Well, let's head on in then."

We proceeded to walk up the stairs to the old schoolhouse.

(Trails of Cold Steel ost - Investigation)

"Once they reached the front doors, Rean retrieved a key from his pocket and unlocked them. After taking in a collective breath, we walked into the building to begin their investigation. As we recalled how we exit. We begin to head into the other door where Instructor Sara was and then enter it. Once we arrive.

"Whoa…" Rean's mouth was agape.

We had just entered the stairway room where Class VII had fought the gargoyle during their orienteering exercise. Elliot exhibited the same reaction as Rean while Gaius and I merely crossed our arms and narrowed our eyes."The gargoyle that we had encountered during our orienteering exercise was gone. However, it wasn't the only thing that was currently missing; the stairway room was now about half the size it was originally, with the rest of the floor now being barred off by a wall and another door. So I was right. This place has change

"Was that door there before?" Elliot questioned.

"Nope." I recalled the day of the exercise. "I specifically remember running through an open corridor to get to you guys. On top of that, it looks like this room's even smaller than it was before."

Rean shook his head in disbelief. "I'm not sure what to believe anymore…"

"Strange though it may be, we should go and take a closer look at that," Gaius said, pointing to the new door. "This is essentially why we came, after all."

We descended down the stone staircase and walked to the new door at the far end of the floor. To our we were treated to an even bigger surprise. Yep. The whole thing change.

"I don't even remember going through this place at all!" Elliot exclaimed. "And we even went in circles the first time through!"

"Unbelievable…" Gaius remarked. "There are even new structures that weren't here previously." He pointed specifically to an orb-shaped device to the right of the group that seemed inactive at the moment. "I've never seen anything like this at all."

Rean turned to face us. "It looks like the entire layout of the floor has changed since we were last here. Not only that, but I'd bet on anything that there are new types of monsters roaming around here, too."

"Yes." Gaius nodded his head. "That's what I'm sensing as well."

"Same here. So what's the plan?" I questioned. "Are we going to keep on exploring?"

"Well, the principal sent us down here to investigate these mysterious changes, so that's exactly what we're going to do," Rean answered. "Now that we've seen just how major these changes are, there's no way we can go back empty-handed. We should head as far in as we're able."

Elliot sighed. "Here we go, then…"

"Ah, relax. It probably won't be as bad as you think...probably. If you like. I can hold your hand as we walk." I chuckled

"Y-You're making it sound like a child!" Elliot light blushed and exclaimed. "Please don't tease me like that."

"Sorry. But I can look out for you then."

"May the Goddess be with us." Gaius quoted

And so we begin to roam around this dungeon. Then we encounter some slug monsters.

"Slug-like monsters…" Elliot said, a little bit creeped out.

Gaius hummed to himself. "This one could prove a little awkward to fight."

"And there's two of them to boot," I added. "Well, that's why we've got these, right?" I brought out my ARCUS.

"You're right," Rean agreed. "If we make good use of our combat links, we shouldn't have any trouble at all."

"Then let's pair up." I waved my ARCUS around. "Rean, you want to be my partner first?"

Rean nodded. "Sure thing."

Gaius turned to Elliot. "Then I guess the two of us are linking up?"

"Looks like it," Elliot affirmed. "I'll do my best to back you up."

"Are we all ready?" Rean asked. We nodded. "Then let's do this!"

Two pairs of combat links were immediately formed as shown by two glowing lines connecting two fighters together along the floor. Rean unsheathed his tachi, and together he and I rushed to meet the monster on the left. Gaius meanwhile started moving towards the slug on the right with Elliot preparing an landed the first blow of the fight, slashing at the left slug before it could notice he was coming. The slug tried to retaliate, but Rean sliced two more times, staggering the monster.

"Levi!" Rean called to me.

"Got it!" I replied. Taking that as my cue, I rushed the monster and let loose a flurry of slashes and trust and finally one vertical slice and promptly defeated the we were done. Gaius and Elliot were finish with theirs.

Elliot breathed a sigh of relief. "Well...that sure seemed to do the trick!"

"Yes," Gaius concurred. "We fought well."

"If we can master these combat links, I'm sure they'll prove really useful in the battles ahead." Rean said as he sheathed his sword. "We've practiced the basics in Instructor Sara's combat classes, but now's our chance to get some proper field application. We should probably try to practice as much as possible while the stakes are low."

We all nodded in agreement. Plus I got some Selphs from the monster drops. We continued to make our way through the maze-like floor. We encounter more monsters and we end up taking them on as well. Eventually, we found ourselves in a rectangular room. To the left side of the room, there was another orb-like structure like the one the group saw at the beginning of the floor. To the right was a cylinder with lights that appeared to be an orbment charging station. Up ahead past a set of stairs was another area sealed off by another door.

Gaius let out a chuckle of relief. "Looks like we made it through."

"That we did." Rean affirmed. "I'm sure there's something else beyond that door there, but let's take a moment to catch our breath first."

"Not sure what a charging station is doing all the way down here." I commented, pointing to the orbment station in question. "But if it works, we may as well use it, right?"

My classmates agreed and together we inserted our ARCUS units into the charging station. While they were waiting for their orbments to recharge, we all huddled around the orb-shaped device.

"Didn't we see something like this near the entrance?" Elliot asked."

"It does appear to be the same kind of device," Gaius confirmed."

"And this one's inactive too, from the looks of it." Rean inched a bit closer to the orb so he could inspect it.

"Find out anything?" I asked"Rean shook his head. "There doesn't seem to be anything like a switch." We heard a chime from the charging station, signaling that our orbments were all recharged. "I guess we'll find out later."

Each of us took our ARCUS unit from the station and opened it.

"Yup, all charged up and ready to go," I said. "That reminds me. We all have different Quartz right? What were they called? Master Quartz?"

"Yeah, I believe so. I'm curious actually. Why don't we exchange and take a look."

We all nodded and then begin to exchange our ARCUS. I took Rean and he took mine while Gaius and Elliot exchanged.

"So yours is Fire. Interesting." I said looking at Rean's ARCUS.

"And yours is Silver. That's a Mirage elemental." Rean nodded

"Yours is green. Which makes it Wind Elemental, Gaius." Elliot said.

"And yours is the color blue. Which stands for Water." Gaius nodded "

"Each of these quartzes has a symbol in the middle, so I think we can tell whose ARCUS is whose based on that in case if anyone has the same color." Rean pointed out as we handed our ARCUS to each of us again and again and then back to the proper owners. Rean took a look at Gaius's ARCUS unit and smiled. "Wow, Gaius's looks like a bird's head."

Gaius chuckle "I was surprised when I saw that, too. I'd say it's fitting, though, considering where I come from. "Watching hawks soar through the blue sky was one of my favorite pastimes. Moving back to quartzes, though, this one's yours, right Rean? The imagery is fitting for a fire elemental quartz."

"Now that I think about it, what do each of these symbols mean?" Elliot queried. "I mean, I get that it's to distinguish each of these quartzes apart from each other, but I can't be the only one to think that that's the only reason, right?"

"To be honest. I also want to know what does the symbol mean. And for some reason. I can feel myself more... experience or something." I replied

"You know, I just remembered!" Rean spoke up. "I know a guy on campus who can answer any of your quartz-related questions. I'd be happy to direct you to him once we're all finished here."

"I actually also wonder about if the Master Quartz has names too. I think that's a good place to leave off on." I stated as I closed the cover on the ARCUS unit in my hands.

We walked up to the door on the far end of the room. Much like the door leading to the first floor, this door automatically opened as soon as we went near it." "Upon entering the room, we took a moment to look at our surroundings. The room was fairly large in length and height with several sets of stone pillars positioned throughout it. It made us have question how something this big was inside a single building. As we walked further in, the door behind them closed shut.

"Uh oh," Elliot worried. "That doesn't sound good."

I sense a strong monster presence coming. "We got company!" I quickly draw my Glaive.

Suddenly, a vortex of light in the center of the room crackled into existence. Rean, Gaius and Elliot readied their weapons as well. As the light dissipated, a strange monster appeared in its place. It was humanoid in shape, except it had pointed horns on its head, its arms and legs were covered in fur, and it had long, purple claws attached to its hands and feet. Its body and head also seemed to be covered in armor, adding to its menacing appearance. The creature reared its head and let out a loud roar.

(Trails of Cold Steel ost - Tie a Link of ARCUS)

"Looks like we're going to have to fight our way out of this one," Rean said.

"This looks tough," Elliot cautioned. "Be careful!"

We begin to set up the combat links as the monster charge at us and then we some of us dodge. Elliot took some damage by the monster's fist as he was sent flying.

"Elliot!" Gaius and Rean shout out.

"Oh, you damn bastard." I growled and then I charge at the monster and then I stab it in the back as it roared and turn back to counter it but I leap over and kick it in the face and follow up with a stab in the face as it roared.

Then Rean follow up with slashes as Gaius help Elliot up and then join the fight. Soon Rean use his craft and launch slashes onto the monster. Gaius use his Spear and landed some stab. The Monster then cause a breath attack onto Gaius but he dodge and counter from the distance. Elliot begin to use his craft and it was a magical one and then ring bells on the monster's ears. Then I join as I swirl and stab at the head of the monster and push it back. Then Rean let slashes and then Gaius join in and stab it's legs as the monster use it's breath attack onto Rean and he took damage and the next he punch Rean and send him back. Eliot then use his arts and cast it onto the monster. I use my arts as well and then launched it at the monster and damage it. And then the monster launch let out a roared and it buff him off. Soon Rean use his craft and motivate us and then Gaius send a projection at the monster and Elliot follow up with an attack. Then I charge and then let out a flurry of stab attack on the monster and then Rean follow up the attack and then Rean let a wide slash on it's chest and then I follow up. The monster let out one final roar before it disappeared in an explosion of purple light.

(Trails of Cold Steel ost - Investigation)

Elliot let out a sigh of relief as he reconvened with the others. "That was one tough battle. Still, we made it through!"

Rean nodded and smiled as he sheathed his tachi. "We sure did. I'm really starting to get the hang of these combat links now, too. It feels like the ARCUS has practically synchronized my breathing with all of you!"

Gaius gave a small chuckle. "That's a good way to put it. It's a strange feeling...but not a bad one."

"Yeah. It was fun fighting alongside you all." I smiled and nodded. "It really is a nice feeling." Then I look around. "It appears this is the end of the line."

"Sure looks that way," Rean agreed. "I didn't see any other routes we could have taken." He folded his arms and closed his eyes to think. "It really does feel like the entire structure of the ruins has changed completely since we were last here."

"Y-yeah…" Elliot nodded his head. "It's a little hard to believe. So what now? Do we head back?"

"Yeah, there's nothing else for us to see. Let's head back outside." Rean answered

We walked back the way they came through the automatic door. Upon leaving, we noticed that the orb-shaped device that was originally dormant was now lit up. The gears surrounding the device were now turning as well.

"Okay, that definitely wasn't glowing or activated before, right?" I asked because I was sure that device there wasn't active.

"No, I'm quite certain it wasn't," Gaius confirmed.

"Has something caused it to turn on, then?" Rean wondered. "We should go have a closer look."

"S-something tells me we ought to be careful…" Elliot worried, but he joined the group in huddling around the device. Rean touched the orb. Immediately, the glow intensified.

"Wh-whoa!" Rean exclaimed.

"Hey, guys?" Elliot looked around him frantically.

The circle at the base of the device started glowing as well. In an instant, the space surrounding the group glowed perfectly white, we covered our eyes. When the light died down, we were standing by the device that was at the entrance.

"We seem to have returned to the entrance." Gaius said, stating the obvious.

"But we were just at the exit." Rean's mouth was agape.

Elliot shook his head in disbelief. "This place really is nothing but mysteries!"

I place my finger on my chin. "Is this...magic?" I muttered to myself. 'And it activated when we defeated that big monster? Hmm, I need to think about this. It's clear to me it was magic or a Device able to use transportation at a certain point.'

"I'll just have to keep this in mind when I give my report to the principal." Rean decided. He then looked at us "I hate to ask more from you all, but would you mind coming with me?"

We agreed, and together they left the dungeon. Fortunately, neither the stairway room nor the entrance hall had changed form since the time they first entered the building. By the time the group emerged from the old schoolhouse, the sun had already begun to set. The students made their way to the principal's office. First I stop and then turn around because I sense a magical presence and I saw that black cat. I stare at it while it's stared back.

'What are you doing here? Who is your master, familiar?' I wondered in my thoughts and then head back and catch up with Rean and the others."

(Trails of Cold Steel ost - Back to the Dorm)

As we arrived at the main building, where they were met by both Principal Vandyck and Instructor Sara. After giving a thorough vocal report on their investigation, the principal briefly talked about the origins of the ruins beneath the schoolhouse and how they were supposedly around since some 1200 years ago where magic and alchemy existed. So the principal congratulating us on our successful expedition and awarding each of us a small quartz that they inserted into their respective ARCUS units. Instructor Sara also gave her congratulations to us and promised us that she'd look into the old schoolhouse in her own time and update us should she find anything interesting. Before she left, however, she indirectly made Rean promise that he'll help with the investigation and the Student Council next month as well.

"Are you sure you're all right with this, Rean?" Gaius asked him as Instructor Sara left, whistling a tune as she walked.

"Yeah, I'm sure," Rean assured him. "It's not like I'm signed up to any clubs, and as long as I don't wind up with too many more than I had today, I'll be fine."

Gaius nodded in understanding. "Well...okay, then. But if you need any assistance, please just let me know. It's really no trouble."

"Same goes for me," Elliot agreed. "I'll be happy to come with you next time you go to the old schoolhouse, too!"

"Not to mention, the principal specifically said this was a job for all of Class VII, so feel free to count me in. I'll see if I can get Jusis to join in as well." I added."

"Thanks again, you three. I'll be counting on you." "Rean smiled as he look at us."

-Night-

(Genshin Impact ost - Tender Strength)

I was playing my Lyre in my room. Then I heard a door knocking and I stop playing and then open the door and see Rean.

(Trails of Cold Steel ost - Evening Moments)

"Oh hey Rean. What can I do for you?" I asked

"Hey Levi. I came here to give you this." Rean then handed me a student notebook.

"A notebook?" I asked

"Yeah. Every students need to receive one." Rean nodded.

"Ah. Thanks Rean." I smiled.

"It's no trouble at all. By the way, I've heard music coming from here. Was that you?" Rean asked

"Yeah. Did it bother you?" I asked

"No. Of course not. It was really beautiful sound." Rean smiled

"Hehe. I'm happy to hear that." I smiled and then bought out my Lyre.

"What's that?" Rean asked. "A harp?"

"A Lyre actually." I corrected him.

"So you can play music like Elliot?" Rean look surprised.

"Like Elliot?" I asked

"Yeah. He just told me awhile ago he can play the violin."

"Wow! I didn't know that. Maybe I can ask him about it. Thanks for letting me know."

"No problem. I should get going. I still have more to give out."

"Okay, cya later or tomorrow my friend." I smiled and then Rean walk away. I close my door and then a few minutes have passed. "Whew, what a day!" I remarked. Having just finished taking a shower, and changing into my nightclothes. The sky outside my window was now a dark black in contrast to the bright blue earlier in the day.

"You seems to be having fun." Hamsuke appeared as he and Luka jump onto my bed.

"Yeah. A lot has happen." I nodded. "But now then… here is what I've learn." I begin to explain to my two familiars about the Old schoolhouse.

"Hmm… Interesting. So it is related to that very Era." Luka replied with concern.

"Those times were dark. I'm surprised how an ancient building was able to exist… However, now we know that building is related to the dark ages… It's more then just a dungeon as well. Somewhere within that building. I sense great otherworldly power somewhere within it."

"An Otherworldly power…" Hamsuke title his head. "Hmm… then we should continue investigating. And be on the look out for that glasses girl and that black cat."

"Yeah. Those two we should be more concern about. As well as that building. There are some secrets in this world." Luka nodded.

"Yeah. That Black cat was at the schoolhouse as well. Was that Black Cat observing from a distance… I should have able to sense it…" I muttered.

"No. The cat wasn't there until recently." Luka replied.

"Hmm…" I begin to think more… 'In the dark ages where magic and alchemy existed. However, some of it still exist in secret. Emma holds some mystery due to her magical presence. She's a magic caster, there's no doubt about it. Hmm… could she be… a witch? From the Hexen Clan Master Makarov told me about in the lost knowledge?'

Phew! Talk about a lot of hard and damn work! I don't know what happened. but i had to redo this chapter. It was tiring to look for the music again but finally. Anyway. Levi seem to be suspicious of Emma and the Black Cat. Levi seems to know more about this but what though. Will we find out in next chapter? Oh yeah. Here is the Crafts he can use for the time being.

Crafts:
Piercing Throw: Attack - (Set) - Line (S) -Delay 20+ C 20

Whirl Dance: Attack (Set) - Area (S) - Impede - Faint (50%) A 35

This is what i imagine if he was in the game.