Dateline, April 25th.
(Trails of Cold steel ost - Refreshing Morning)
It was the second day of our field study and Margot gave us our second day of field study tasks that were from Otto. A monster slaying quest and someone who lost their wallet, so it's just two tasks, most likely because were going to be traveling back to Trista later in the evening.
"Margot, we've got trouble!" A red-haired waitress came in running through the front door and stopped in front of Margot
"Slow down, Louise!" Margot addressed her employee. "It's first thing in the morning, and you're about poised to wake the dead! Where have you been, anyway? You're late!"
Louise bowed several times. "I-I'm sorry. I just got caught up on the way here…" She then stood upright. "Wait, never mind that! We've got trouble! Something terrible has happened over at the market!"
The inn owner raised an eyebrow. "Something terrible, you say?"
"How terrible can it be?" I asked.
Louise turned to the students. "Well, it sounds like it actually took place last night. Two of the stalls over at the market were destroyed, and all of their merchandise was stolen!"
(Trails of Cold Steel ost - Trouble Outbreak)
Everyone including myself was shocked of this information. I look more than upset. We soon begin to leave the Inn and then begin to head out to the marketplace and heard the commotion. We rushed over and were shocked to see the market stall at the center which was wrecked everywhere. It was the same two merchants from before and Otto was with them, trying to calm them down. It wasn't working this time, that was when the Provincial guards showed up and the situation was instantly diffused. However… what they have done… it's unacceptable. They only threatened the merchants into backing down before leaving without saying another word, not even thinking of helping to clean up the mess afterward or, better yet, helping to solve the underlying issue. When the issue was discussed between the officer and Otto, the guards then left and the two merchants were left feeling down. But something isn't right… why is it only just those two stalls? Those stalls were the merchant from yesterday… it's almost like…
"Hmm..." I pondered with a slight annoyance. "Something feels off about this."
"You okay, Levi?" Elliot asked. "You looked kinda angry."
"Yeah, I'm okay. Just something that crossed my mind."
"What do you mean?" Alisa asked.
"During the night, a group of thieves came along and made off with the goods whilst destroying both stalls so that the merchants would end up blaming each other. Don't you find it strange? It's almost like it was purposefully."
"Hmm, yeah, I believe you're right. There's seem like a possible scenario." Rean replied. "In fact, that might've been what really happened."
"But we can't be really sure of that, can we?" Laura asked.
"Exactly." I nodded. "Also, this doesn't give us much time considering we have these tasks to complete. I have an idea though."
Rean looked at me. "An idea, let's hear it."
"Why don't you guys take care of the wallet issue and I'll look into the investigation to the Provincial army. Clearly, they're trying to bury the issue quickly."
"Oh? Are you sure you can handle that on your own?" Alisa asked
I nodded. "Yeah. I can handle it. It will buy us more time to do that last task." I then turn to Rean. "What do you say Rean?"
He nodded. "Okay, you can let us know about what happened with the Provincial Army."
"Got it. Good luck." I nodded with a smile and then headed off.
'Those Provincial Army… it appears they are scum… I should be vigilant with them and carefully get the information from them.'
I begin to talk to the merchant name Marco. I told him that me and my class are going to investigate this. Of course, he doubt it at first but at least he's starting to cooperate. He told me last night that he left the market after arguing with that merchant until he came this morning. He was staying at a friend's house as he got drunk and complained and then he woke up with a hangover. Then he found his stall destroyed. The food he bought was gone without a trace. Interesting… next I begin to investigate the other merchant name Heinz. Just like Marco. He was down but at least he begin to cooperate. Then As I told to him. He didn't do anything worth last night but stay at home. He got the stall ready for today's morning. There is someone who can support his claim. And by the time he arrived. This happens. And his goods were accessories.
'Those two merchants… it seems I was right… they both had nothing to do with this. Plus they both have alibis. Someone purposely did it to frame them. My suspect is the Provincial army. I went to their station. I talk to the soldier there. So far I can't be direct. So I decided to trick them. As I told the soldier I'm here on a field study and ask them how an experienced soldier to handle such a difficult situation. I manage to fool the soldier and now he will bring his officer. The officer was ungraceful. I am displeased with him. He has no honor. I begin to ask him about what is the provincial army priority. He told me that to enforced the will of their region's ruling lord. The Noble will is absolute. Hmph. Absolute my ass. So for my last question. I ask him what might have happened to the goods the merchant Marco was selling. I switch the Marco's good with accessory then food. Then he told me that Heinz was the one who was the one selling accessories. How interest. They haven't investigated and yet he knows that it was the merchant Heinz who sell the accessories. And with that. I got the information I need. And so I take my leave as they didn't realize what he just said as I have hidden my grin. So they do know what the merchants were selling. I better report this to Rean and the others.
Then I reunited with Rean and the others.
"Hey you guys." I waved and approach them.
"Hey Levi. Did you find anything?" Rean asked
"Oh yeah." I answered as I look serious. "But let's talk somewhere… private."
I headed to the Inn in our rooms and then once we arrived. I cast a sound barrier without my team knowing so eavesdroppers wouldn't listen in. I begin to explain what I learn to Rean and the others as they look shocked and process the information.
"Okay, that settles it," Alisa said. "They definitely know something!" We was currently sitting on the couch in the inn room.
"The fact that they know what each of the merchants was selling means they did investigate the matter after all." Rean stroked his chin. "But the burglary happened last night, and it was only first discovered this morning, so realistically, I don't think there was any opportunity during that time for them to do any digging. Not without running into us."
"Agreed." Laura nodded her head. "I suspect they knew what each merchant was planning to sell well in advance of yesterday's incident. Though that would be easy information for them to learn, since Duke Albarea must have issued permits for both stalls."
"That's true. And the army would have no trouble gaining access to transaction records for something like that. But… why would they bother?"
"Maybe they needed to know so they could prepared." Elliot said as he look serious.
I nodded with him. "Yes. I agree. They needed to know beforehand so they could prepare for all of this in advance. Everything that happened at the market seems to have been planned out for a while now. The two merchants given permits for the same spot was just a setup so that while everyone was fighting amongst each other, they could get robbed without them knowing, thus creating a situation that required the army to intervene."
"And in the meantime, the provincial army will show no interest in actively working toward a solution, unless…" Laura furrowed her eyebrows. "The market manager chooses to withdraw his petition."
"So they waited for things to get out of hand, then showed up to force both parties into an uncomfortable truce," Alisa summarized. "Eventually, the merchants would get worn down enough that they'd feel like they have no choice but to withdraw the petition."
"And those two merchants were being used all along…" Elliot grimaced. "This is turning out to be an even shadier situation…"
"Yeah…" Rean shook his head in disbelief. "But thanks to Levi, I do believe we've finally uncovered the truth of the matter."
"That was indeed some very quick thinking you displayed, Levi," Laura commended me. "If you decided to be in the military, you would make a fine military strategist."
I light blush and intertwine my fingers. "You flatter me Laura… But I don't know if I want to be a military strategist. It's thanks to all those novels and military tactics my adopted grandfather made me study."
"So what we know is, the provincial army is somehow involved with the actual perpetrators of this crime." Rean said. "The only way to solve it once and for all, though, seems to be… well, to find them and catch them. But if this was carried out by members of the provincial army, that's not going to be an easy task."
"No… I don't think anyone from the army was directly involved." Laura said. "The soldiers here are far too proud to dirty their hands with such escapades."
"I tend to agree," Alisa concurred. "Really, whoever the culprits are, I doubt they're still here in Celdic. There just aren't many viable places to hide such a huge volume of goods without being found."
"Yeah, that's a good point." Rean nodded.
"Hmm…" I begin to place my finger to my chin.
"You got any ideas Levi?"
"Well it can't be possible with the train. It would raise suspicion. So it has to be something out of the ordinary. Let's ask around and then investigate."
They nodded and then we begin to ask around. But we have to do with the monster quest. After we deal with that one and report it. Then we resume our investigation before it's too late. And then so we begin to talk a little girl. And then told us about some unknown guy that just show up. So we talk to this unknown guy and he's completely drunk. Ugh, he reeks! And we were going to ignore him. But then he replied he got fired for no reason. Which of course can't make any sense. And then a bunch of rangers with creates enter the forest. Interesting. And they're in a Natural park. Yes… that would be a good hideout… if I remember right. Misty said that park is named Lunaria Nature Park. So we went to the West highway and took out monsters and head to the gate to the park. We arrived and see it was lock.
"Hmm, this seems more like a forest to me, but it sure looks like the perfect hideout." I commented. "So how will we get in? We break it? No… it would draw attention…"
"Yeah. I'll use my sword for this." Rean answered as he drew out his tachi. "I can get it done more quietly."
We stood back and saw Rean mentioned on his skills before slicing through the bar on the lock, it then cut in half and the whole lock fell with minimal noise.
"Seriously?!" Alisa jaw drop.
"Wow! You cut it right in two!" Elliot also jawdrop.
"Nice one Rean." I praised him. "You must have possessed some accurate skill to pull that off."
"Spectacular." Laura praised. "It's an honor bearing witness to one of the skills of the Eight Leaves school."
"Haha. Thanks, but I'm still more or less a beginner. Anyway, we don't have much time left. Let's head inside and see if we can find them." Rean said.
"Right, we need to put things right before the late afternoon arrives."
We opened the gates and entered the park. Well, it was more of a forest after all.
(Trails of Cold Steel ost - Path of Spirits)
"There's ton of little stone monuments in here…" Elliot said as we walk to the forest.
"I imagine they were made by the animists in this province." Laura replied.
'Hmm… I sense power within this forest.' I thought. 'Not only that. I can sense more the one presence in this forest. Aside from the monsters.'
As we made our way through the mazes of the park and got deeper and further into the forest. We eventually made it into the depths and we began to hear a few people talking. We looked ahead to see a group of four men in military outfits.
(Trails of Cold Steel ost - Trouble Outbreak)
"There they are…" I look mad at them.
"From the looks of it. They have guns ready." Alisa said.
While they are talking… There are 5 presence… wait… five? Wait a moment… there are 4 in sight… Then that means one from a distance…
'Hamsuke. There's someone in the distance. Find out who they are. If they're a threat. Kill them.'
'Understood.' Hamsuke slip from my shadow and investigate.
"You guys ready?" Rean asked and snap me out of my thought.
"Ready." I nodded.
And then we charge at the bandits.
"Hold it scum bags!" I exclaimed as we burst on the scene.
"Students?!" One of them said. "Don't tell me you broke in."
"Indeed we did," Laura said as she ready her great sword.
"And it looks like the stolen goods are all here, too." Elliot noted.
The men armed their guns at us. "Heh! Let's take 'em out!"
"It's battle time." Rean said. "Let's go."
(Trails of Cold Steel - Don't be Defeated by a Friend!)
And then we charge into combat as the soldiers just shoot as I charge and then slash the thugs as he took damage and not giving him enough time to fight back. Guess's he's a poor fighter or I'm just more experience in battle. Anyway he roll over and tried to shoot me as I dodge his bullets and he poorly land to hit me. I throws my Glaive forward where it hovers in place where the thug is, then leaps forward and grabs it. Plants my Glaive into the ground, then performs a circular spin kick from it. Leaps into the air and then throws the blade into the ground, causing a shockwave that has knockback. The Thug was defeated as he took heavy damage and then I grab my Glaive and ready to help my classmates… but it seems they got things handled already. I toss the thug with the other thugs as they are in defeat.
(Trails of Cold Steel ost - Path of Spirits)
"This has got to be some kind of joke…" one of the criminals finally said. "They're KIDS!"
"How pitiful. That barely even unqualified as a warmup." Laura respond which I agree with her.
"Well, when you're used to Instructor Sara's training exercises, warmups take on a whole new meaning," Alisa joked.
We couldn't help but crack a smile and laugh at that.
Rean directed his attention to the fake rangers. "Bottom line is: we won. Once again, I'd suggest you surrender yourselves and apologize to everyone in the Grand Market for all the trouble you've caused."
"We'll be returning those stolen goods to their rightful owners, too," I added. "In addiction. You scum are also going to jail."
"We would also be very interested to learn who hired you," Laura followed up.
"You must be out of your minds if you really think you've won!" one of the rangers growled.
Then I heard some flute sound. "Huh?" I turn my head to the direction of the flute. That's where Hamsuke is located with that other presence.
"What's wrong Levi?" I heard Alisa called me out.
"I just heard something just now…" I answered. "Was that… a flute?" 'Hamsuke, what was that flute I just heard?'
(Trails of Cold Steel ost - Elimating Crisis)
And then we heard a large roar from a distance.
'It's some sort of magic flute to control monsters. Should I dispose of him?' Hamsuke asked.
'Yes. Now I have a monster to deal with.' I respond
Out of the forest, a giant creature leapt and crashed into the clearing, gradually turning around to look at the assembled humans with pale yellow eyes. Judging from its body shape and face, the creature appeared to be a giant baboon. It has rocks as it's shoulders.
"What on earth?" I look surprised at that monster.
"I believe we're dealing with the ruler of the forest." Laura answered. "What would you suggest, Rean?"
Rean sighed. "Well, they may be thieves, but we can't just leave them to die. We're going to have to fight it."
"I had a feeling you were gonna decide that." I said before getting serious. "Alright, let's deal with this monkey!"
As the boss roared. Then it summoned minions.
"And it brought minions." I sighed.
"Let's do this everyone!" Rean stated.
Then we charge. I begin to charge at one of the small money or gorilla monster as it tried to punch its fist as me but I leap over it and then kick its right cheeks and then stab its head as it roared and then slam my feet onto its head and then jump off and then I swirl my Glaive and then toss it to the minion and went throw it and it returns to me as the minion roared and then I use my second craft on it. The same craft I use on that large Lizard monster and then I manage to kill it. Then I begin to help Elliot and Laura with the other minion but Laura use her craft at it and cause then Elliot to follow up and then I toss my Glaive at it and it roared. Giving Laura an opening and then Laura finishes it off. And then we all focus on the big boss Rean and Alisa are fighting. Rean dodge it and then I charge at the monster and then dodge the bamboo monster fist and jumps into the air and unleashes a flurry of rapid spear jabs at a downwards angle on its face as it roared, then comes down swinging her spear to the right. Then Laura use one of her craft Earth cleaver at it and damage it follow by Elliot's attack. Then the beast roared and then let out a powerful punch onto me and send me flying away and then jump and land a powerful shockwave and blow my team away. And then I got back up my feet and then charge at it and then the bamboo let out a deadly cry and damage me and push me back. Good. A strong monster. And then Laura charges in and then slash the monster and Alisa shoot arrows at it while I swing my Glaive diagonally right, then left, then upward, then moves back and thrusts it forward to its stomach as it tried to punch me as Elliot heal everyone. As I dodge it by backflip and the beast let out a powerful punch on the ground and push everyone back. The monster tried to grab me as I land but I leap over it's hand in time and then stab it's hand and pull it out in time and then I stab it eyes as it step back and cover its stab eye. Then I charge and then as I did five strikes at the bamboo monster as I swing left then backspin, following up with another swing left swing then upward, following up with forwarding slash then swing low and finally finish with a jump back and throw it at the monster's other eye and it roared and then I pull it out and then I wildly swing my Glaive in front of me, with a flurry of slashes, then spins it in a circular fashion forming a tornado, swings it hard with a wider slash as the Bamboo monster roared in pain and then it begin to explode in purple light. As it died. I swirl my Glaive with a swing and resume my battle form. That was a good workout but it was weak from the stronger monster I've face alone.
(Trails of Cold Steel ost - Path of Spirits)
"Well, that was fun to say the least." I said as I remove the sweat from my forehead. 'Hamsuke. What happen to that flute guy?'
'I'm sorry. He somehow manages to get away. I manage to wound him through…' Hamsuke respond.
'It's okay. You'll tell me later.'
"Wow..." Elliot said. "Levi that was...amazing."
"Yeah, that was a heck of a display." Alisa added
"Hehe. Thanks." I turn around and chuckled. "Are the rest of you okay though?"
"We're alright. Still that was rather impressive." Laura answered " And it look like you haven't lost your stamina too. As expected. You're a diligent warrior."
"I'll say." Rean let out a smile.
"No way, these students are that strong?" One of the thieves asked.
I sense multiple presence coming towards us.
"That bastard…" one bandit said through gritted teeth. "This wasn't supposed to happen!"
"Oh?" I amused of what one of the bandits said. "Is this "bastard" was the other presence I sense earlier?"
Before anyone can reply, a loud whistle sounded from the entrance to the clearing.
"What…?!" Alisa jumped and exclaimed.
(Trails of Cold Steel ost -Trouble Outbreak)
All persons present turned to face the entrance, where a group of soldiers from the provincial army stood with their weapons pointed towards them.
"It seems we have some unwanted guests," Laura remarked.
With a nod from their commanding officer, the soldiers proceeded to encircle us students. "Drop your weapons, then put your hands in the air!" one of them ordered.
"Don't try to resist!" another one added.
"Why are you surrounding us and not them…?" Laura wondered aloud. Another soldier immediately silenced her.
I scoffed. "You scum… So you are involved with these bandits."
"You should watch what you say, young man. You're jumping into conclusions, young man…" The provincial army officer walked up to us, shaking his head in disapproval. "I see two groups of people and a collection of stolen goods, but no indication of which group is responsible. Do you have any way to prove that the four of you aren't the perpetrators?"
I wasn't surprised with the reaction my fellow classmates.
"Do you intend to frame us?" Laura asked outright
"I'm just telling you that you need to mind your own business and learn your place," the officer responded. "The Kreuzen province is the territory of Duke Albarea, and I will not have a gaggle of bratty students poking their noses where they don't belong!" The commanding officer's expression and tone almost seemed like he was deliberately provoking the students into lashing out. Rean knew better than to do that, though; one wrong move could immediately land them in deep trouble. "You will back down now, or we'll be more than happy to arrest you right here and drag you to Bareahard City, kicking and screaming!"
"You noble trash...By whose authority?" I respond as I am pissed off now.
All eyes turned to me by those words I have said. Rean wasn't sure whether to be amazed or in disbelief.
"What...did you...just say to me?" the officer articulated, drawing closer to the me who dared to speak against him.
"Maybe I should have been clearer." I respond as I give him a glare and intimating aura. "By whose authority should we back down and let these people roam free?" I wave my hand at the bandits. "Is it the will of your lord or…" I paused briefly. "Just yours?"
The officer was infuriated and a little shaken as he step back from my glare. "W-What sort of question is that? Is a small boy such as yourself trying to give us, the army of the duke, orders?"
"Don't answer a question with another question," I coldly answered. "I should inform you that no one needs to have evidence to know that what you're doing right now is turning a blind eye to real crime. In that sense, you're all bystanders, and being a bystander makes you just as guilty as someone stealing merchants' goods. In other words, you are all accomplices, being mask by your standing as the Provincial army."
"L-Levi…" Rean tried to reach to me to stop, but he was moved out of the way by the officer.
"I could have you arrested for threatening an officer." His face drew scarily close to me
"You can try. But end up losing an arm." I give him another glare. "If that is the will of the duke, then far be it from me to keep you from doing your job. I just wonder how Jusis would react to hearing about this…"
The mention of Jusis's name sent a shock through the assembled soldiers. "J-Jusis?" "Does he mean L-Lord Jusis?"
"Oh, yes. Did I not mention that?" I then let out an innocent smile adding a little threatening tone. As I shapen my glare with the smile. "The son of your provincial lord happens to be one of our classmates. In addition to that. We are members of the same club. And therefore, we are friends. And I'm sure he'll be very interested in hearing about what's going on in his family's province… let alone arrest one of his friends and club mate. Are you aware to face the consequence?"
The soldiers began to falter.
"Don't listen to him!" the army officer exclaimed, attempting to regain control of the situation. "He's spewing nothing but lies, as are the rest of them! You've brought this upon yourself. Men, arrest-"
"I'm afraid you'll be doing no such thing."
I did sense another group of response earlier. A cool voice from the entrance to the clearing halted the officer from giving his orders. Upon turning around, his expression went from stern to panicked. A group of armed officers wearing grey uniforms and hats and carrying guns entered the area, followed by a woman with icy blue hair wearing the same uniform.
(Trails of Cold Steel ost - Iron Command)
"The R-Railway Military Police…" one of the soldiers quivered.
"Railway Military Police?" I asked one of my fellow classmates because I don't know them.
'Yeah, the RMP!' Elliot whisper to me.
' They're supposed to be the most elite unit of the Imperial Army.' Alisa added.
"Th-The Icy Maiden…!" I heard one of these bastard soldiers shiver at the woman with the icy hair color.
"Why has one of the chancellor's dogs come here?"
"What is the meaning of this?!" The Provincial army officer asked this Icy maiden. "This area is under the jurisdiction of the Kreuzen Provincial Army! The Imperial Army has no right to intervene!"
"With all due respect, Celdic is a major interchange station in our railway network." The skyblue hair officer respond. "So in point of fact, we have every right to investigate any incidents that occur in this general vicinity. As I'm sure you well know."
The officer sigh in defeat. It make me happy. However, these officers and soldier lost their lives now.
'Hamsuke.' I telepath to my familiar. 'You're watching this scene right?'
'Yes. I was going to come out to kill them.' Hamsuke answered
'Once these soldiers leave this area. Kill them.'
'Understood. I'll kill them from a distance. What should I do with their corpses and blood?'
'For the corpse. Rip them to threats. Make it look like a monster did it. And for the blood. Best leave it. It will be part of a monster attack.
'Roger that.'
"Men! Withdraw! We're returning to Celdic!"
As the soldiers obey their final order. The RMP taken the bandits into custody. The putrid Provincial army scum left the era and the pretty woman come closer to us.
"Thank you all very much for your assistance." The female officer smiled. "My name is Captain Clare Rieveldt of the Railway Military Police. We're a division of the Imperial Army. And you are the visiting students from Thors, are you not? I'll need to file a report about what happened here, so would the five of you mind accompanying me?"
(Trails of Cold Steel ost - Back to the Dorm)
Hmm… she doesn't appear to be a bad person. So why not. As we accompanied the captain and her squad back to Celdic to file a full report of the incident, We also took the opportunity to write our own set of reports for the academy. Once all was said and done, the sun was already setting and it was almost time for us to leave. We got our things ready to leave and arrive at the train station.
"We really are grateful for everything you've done today. Thanks to you, the stolen goods have been recovered, and those responsible have been found and arrested." Otto smiled at us. "I can't possibly express my gratitude."
"I'm just glad we were able to help." Rean smiled back. "
"Besides, it was only thanks to the RMP's involvement that we were able to catch the culprits in the end." Alisa add
"Oh, there's no need to be so modest. All we did was physically arrest the culprits."Captain Claire smiled "The rest was entirely on you. If not for your assistance in stopping the criminals from escaping, we would have missed our chance to intervene altogether. I believe the credit for this achievement is yours, and yours alone."
Elliot scratch his right cheek with a nervous laugh. "All this attention is kind of… embarrassing."
"Still, I suppose it would be rude not to accept your thanks." Laura said.
"Indeed! You should all be very proud of what you've accomplished here."Otto nodded. Then turn to Claire. "So, can we leave everything in your capable hands from here on out, captain?"
"Of course." Claire nodded. "I'm intending to leave a number of our soldiers here for the time being. As well as your petition to his majesty. Rest assured that we'll take care of any further problem that may arise."
"We are greatly obliged."
"Still, while your personal loyalties may differ, both the RMP and the provincial army are made up of Erebonian soldiers. So I'd appreciate if you tried not to… stand out too much. Your presence may create anxiety among the locals."
"I'll be sure to keep that in mind." Then Clare look at us. "Thank you for cooperation with our report. I'm sorry to take up so much of your time."
"It was our pleasure. We thank you for coming to our aid." I smiled
"Still… I'm quite shocked what happened to the provincial army that left…" Elliot trailed off.
Ah, yes. As we exit. We spotted many tear copses of those bastards of the provincial army scum and their blood. It was a sight to see. They had it coming. And their souls are sent to Gehenna. And while that is going to be reported of a monster attack. Sara then arrived as she is waiting for us. We got on the train when it arrived and took our seats together with Sara sitting on the opposite side of the carriage, sleeping away.
(Trails of Cold Steel ost - Evening Moments)
"You don't think she's faking it, do you?" Alisa had to ask.
"Hmm…" Laura closely inspected their inspector. "No. Judging by her breathing, I believe she really is asleep."
"It shouldn't be a surprise then. After going back and forth. And guessing Team B must have had… well… a disaster? Sorry. I tried to find the right words to be kinder.." I nervous laugh.
"If she had to deal with them, then come back here on the same day, I'll bet she's totally spent," Rean agreed. "Putting Group B aside… I guess this is how our first field study trip comes to an end, huh? I think I might have an idea now as to why we're here, though…"
"I had the same thought." Alisa retrieved her orbment and looked at it. "Testing the ARCUS is clearly a big reason for coming here, but it's not the only reason. I think it has more to do with making sure we see everything that's going on with our own eyes."
"Learning about Erebonia by visiting and seeing issues that occur firsthand…" I said mused. "I knew I love the idea since I'm an aboard student."
"And just as we thought and acted swiftly in the face of crisis this time, so, too, may we be called to do so again," Laura added. "These field studies may aim to test and cultivate those skills, in preparation for our futures."
"Exactly. Add to that good judgment, decisiveness, and general conduct... and i'd say we have a pretty clear picture as to why we're out in the field.. Basically, we're training, everywhere we go." Rean cupped his chin with his hand.
"And having firsthand knowledge of the areas to which we might be deployed is of tremendous importance." I added. "As is the ability to make swift, accurate judgments and solve problems with or without orders. I'm guessing these are the major parts of undertaking the Field study."
"It's an interesting approach, but honestly, I've never heard of any other military trying it." Alisa said.
"Still, now that I'm thinking about what we did during our field study and why we were doing it, the whole concept seems eerily similar to the M.O. of bracers. Did anyone else notice that?" Rean ask
A wave of realization hit me and my classmates. I heard that term before. Bracers are an organization that help people.
"Now that you mention it…" Alisa thought aloud.
"I heard that name before while in Heimdallr a few years back." I said. "The Bracers are people whose main goal is to protect civilians, correct?"
Laura nodded "The Brancer Guild pride itself on protecting civilians over all else, so it seems an unusual source of inspiration for a military academy. But the tasks we were given in Celdic do seem to align themselves quite well with the bracers' basic philosophy,"
"Y-Yeah, I guess so. Their emblem depicts a supporting gauntlet, and that's pretty much exactly what we've been for these people." Elliot nodded. "Brancers still have branches all over the continent, but you hardly ever see them here in Erebonia anymore...
I glanced over to Instructor Sara. Huh? Was she awake just now? I thought I saw her peeking… hmm… no… not now. I Turn back to my classmates and I couldn't help but notice that Rean was still thinking about something.
"Something else on your mind, Rean?" I asked him.
Rean snapped out of his thought. "What?"
"I have been meaning to talk to you for a while now… But I don't want to one of those prying types…" I trailed off as my eyes gleam to my left then look back at Rean. "I understand that figuring out the origins of Class VII and the field studies is important, but I can see in your eyes that you're thinking too hard about them right now. It's only been a month since we started school. I'm sure Instructor Sara and the other teachers will inform us someday. Not today, but any day." I paused to make an aside glance in my teacher's direction. "...Whenever that may be."
Rean also looked at their sleeping instructor. "Yeah, I guess so, but I was actually thinking about something else."
"Ah… you were? Sorry. I thought I hit a bull-eye there."
"You don't have to apologize," Rean assured me. "In fact, this brings up a good opportunity for me to share something with you all."
We all turned to him with expectant eyes.
"Like you said, Levi," he began, "We've been in the same class for a month now, and this whole time I've been...kind of keeping you all in the dark."
"About what?" Alisa inquired.
"You aren't referring to the issue regarding your swordsmanship, I take it?" Laura hypothesized.
Rean shook his head. "No, it's not that. What I've actually been hiding is something regarding my…" He pursed his lips, as if were about to say some words that were difficult to pronounce. "My social class."
"Ah…" I recalled back with Machias. "You're talking about how you dodge Machias question, right?"
"Oh yeah, I remember that as well." Elliot recalled as he nodded. "What was that about Rean?"
"Are you shame of your social standing?"
"No… it isn't that… I technically I come from a family of nobles." Rean answered as he look at us with a serious expression. "My hometown is Ymir, in the northern mountains. I'm the son of it's ruler, Baron Schwarzer."
"You're from Ymir?" Alisa asked.
"Now that you mention it, I have heard the name before…" Laura muttered. "An honorable family, closely tied with the Imperial family themselves, despite being headed by a mere baron…I never would have guessed it was the same Schwarzer."
"Ah…" I said as Rean turn to me. "Now I understand what you mean by haven't got "noble blood in my vein." You're actually an adopted son, aren't you?"
Rean look surprised and then he nodded. "That's right." Rean nodded. "I'm only upper class in name only. By all technicalities, I'm no different from any other commoner. Of course, it also helps that my dad and mom are easygoing individuals. None of us really behave like your typical nobles at all."
"They sound like true nobles to me." I smiled.
"Guess it sounds like you've got your own issues to deal with just like the rest of us, huh?" Alisa remarked.
Rean laughed. "Well, I don't think of it as a big deal, and I don't want you to think of it as one either. I didn't want to keep it a secret any longer, and now that I've said it, it feels like a weight has lifted from my shoulders." He looked to us. "You're all going to be a major part of my life from here on out. It's only fair to share as much as I can with you, right?"
"You...consider us to be major parts of your life?" Laura sounded almost flattered.
"Honestly, has anyone ever told you that you can be way too serious sometimes?" Alisa wondered as she's slight blush."Just be sure you reveal your 'True Identiy' to the others when we get back, too."
Rean nodded his head. "Oh, I intent to. Better to put it out in the open now than to have them figure out by accident later."
"It seems you and I have something in common or a lot in common." I couldn't help but smile.
"We do?" Rean asked
"Yeah. We're both adopted. You into a family of nobles in Erebonia, and I was discovered in Nord, taken in by an elderly man who became my adopted grandfather. We both wanted to find out who we are. Who son's we are. And yet, the slight difference between us is that I'm open to sharing about who I am and my opinion. While you tend to hide things that might affect you or any relationship. We're both people of mysteries past and burdens. Yet despite all of that. We're not so different. But it doesn't matter who we are. Whether if we're the son of a noble or a commoner, and abroad. We're still us. I'm me. And you're you. And let me tell you something Rean. It's understandable there are something you want to hide about your background because of some people like Machias… which it will eventually found later if you kept it yourself… you're still you. Nothing can change that. And if Machias is being stubborn. You have people like us who can talk some sense into him. You don't have to go through it alone. We're here for you after all."
"Levi…" Rean eye widen from my way of words.
"He's right Rean. It doesn't matter if you have noble blood or not. You're still you." Elliot smiled.
"And if Machias is being stubborn. As he said. Leave it to us to get it straight into his head." Alisa nodded.
"You guys…" Rean look so sad and yet so happy. He let out a smile. "Thanks… I really needed that. I got to say Levi… you're really surprised me there. You have quite the impact with words."
"I have to agree. Your advise is quite powerful."
"I wouldn't go that far. I thought that I should be level-headed." I smiled then turn to Rean. "Think you're ready to face the music?"
"I'll...deal with that when that comes," Rean hesitantly answered.
I let out an exasperated sigh. "I'm not sure why, but you've got a knack for getting yourself into trouble. But you can count on me to help you out."
"At least now I know what I need to improve on." Rean response caused us to laugh lightheartedly.
"Regardless Rean. We're here for you. We're your friends, right?" I smiled
"Yeah." Rean smiled back.
'Looks like he's walking out from the closet.' I thought. 'I'm glad for him. Still…' I looked out the window at the sky, now cloaked in the dark veil of night. 'It feels like he's still holding back some details. Granted, it's not like I'm any better, but even still…' I look at him 'There's something about him. Something inexpiable. That malevolent aura somewhere within him…Rean Schwarzer...just what other secrets do you have?' I wondered. 'I have to keep my eye on him as usual… along with Emma, that black cat… but them aside… who was that man Hamsuke attack?'
(? POV)
I was watching the whole thing through my powers and look into "C" and "G." "G" was injured badly. As expected of his familiar. He cut a large cut in his body. His shoulder and his arms. "C" ask is he already from his battle with Hamsuke. "G" replied he will be alright as long as he doesn't over do it. And was unexpected of a "monster" so large was hidden was able to harm him deeply.
Wow. Levi has quite the words he said to Rean, huh? I can feel them getting closer. For a sheltered guy, he know what to say. I'm guessing that's how he was raised or learned through books. Now then. Let us see what will happen next on the next chapter.