Dateline, May 22nd, 1204.
(Trails of Cold steel ost - The Suburban Town of Trista)
It has been a month since my first field study. It was well worth it! I love it. What I don't love is those provincial army scum. Good thing they're dead now. But a new batch of soldiers will replace them. I hope Otto is alright. So the good news is that in the weeks that followed when I was studying and training. Rean told his classmates about him. How he's had technically come from a family of nobles, but his adopted family were more like commoners and they lived at Ymir which was near the mountains up north. The rest of us now had a much better understanding of Rean. But the bad news is with that moron Machias. As I expected, did not take kindly to him being dishonest over his social class when Rean was asked about it before. I tried to explain the situation to him but his stubbornness just gets in the way. I got your back Rean, don't worry. Jusis on the other hand was becoming more approachable with Rean.
(Trails of Cold Steel ost - Let's Study.)
And there's the Gender class. While I'm good at cooking. I also need to practice with the computers from getting rusty. So I was helping Rean and Gaius out.
"I feel like I'm finally getting the hang of using an orbal computer." Rean said as he begin to understand it.
"Likewise." Gaius said "I was lost at first, but it's slowly beginning to make more sense."
"Yeah I don't blame the both of you. When I tried this the first time. I pretty much such at it. My grandfather kept making me practice until I get better." I sigh of those memories.
"Well, it is cutting-edge technology here in Erebonia." Elliot replied. "So I think most people are confused until they've gotten used to it."
"And Machias and Jusis certainly got the hang of it pretty quick." Rean added. "But then again, academics are their thing. And I'm pretty sure Machias has been interested in computers for a while too."
"I'm guessing he had experienced this back home. But I could be wrong." I said. "Still… it probably just fuel the fire."
Rean hummed. "And I heard things got ugly, that they really butting heads during last month's field study."
"They were. At one point, things almost took a violent turn." Gaius nodded. "We were able to hold them back, but I don't think we could've kept them under control for long if Instructor Sara hadn't arrived."
Elliot sighed. "We really need to do something about them. But I have no idea what."
"I don't either, but you're right." Rean agreed. "This has gone on for way too long as it is. It needs to stop."
"I tried my best with those two… honestly. It's like I'm their babysitter." I sighed at how much I had to stop those two.
"Rean Schwarzer." A voice called.
We turned to see a student in a white student outfit, he must be one of the students from Class I.
"Oh, Patrick is it?" Rean responded.
"Correct. My full name is Patrick T. Hyarms. I don't believe I need to say anything than that."
'Hmph. That pompous brat.' I thought as I look mad at him.
"So, you're one of the Hyarms family?" Rean asked.
"Are they prestigious?" Gaius added.
"About as prestigious as they come." Elliot answered. "The Hyarmses are one of the Four Great Houses. Though, they're slightly lower in rank than the Albareas."
Patrick glared at him.
"Ah! I'm so sorry!"
"Elliot, don't apologize." I said as I place my hand on Elliot shoulder. Then turn to Patrick. "And I appreciate if you don't glare at my friend Patrick."
"Hmph! It doesn't matter. I didn't come here to talk to commoners or foreigners." He stood towards Rean. "I came to bring gladsome tidings to you, Rean Schwarzer. I am generously extending you welcome, to make use of the accommodations on the third floor of the Student Union Building."
"That's where the noble salon is, right?" Elliot asked.
"Your father may be a mere baron, but that still makes you a noble. And though you've had the misfortune of sharing a class with this...riffraff, I have decided to use my good name as a member of the Hyarms family to afford you the privilege of joining us. I do hope you appreciate it."
"Pardon me, Patrick." I called out to him. "I would suggest you choose your words carefully the next time you insult the differences between the social standing. You may be a son of a Marquis, but here in this academy, we stand as equals. And I do not appreciate your tone and insulting my classmate as riffraff. If you call us that, then you are one too."
"H-Hey, Levi-" Rean tried to stop me.
"You got a sharp tongue commoner!" Patrick glare at me. "Who do you think you are, lecturing me! A noble and son of a Marquis about manners and facts of social standing?!"
"That strike one." I threaten with my own glare that give Patrick the shiver as he step back. "To answer your question. I am someone who speak in common sense. Nobles like you are supposed to be respectful to the common folk, not just the commoners, but the lower class as well. And follow the noblesse oblige code, do they not? And yet I do not see respectful behavior of a nobleman such as yourself. And frankly, I'm very disappointed."
Patrick clench his teeth as his fist tighten.
"I happen to agree with my friend here. This hardly strikes me as the best place to be recruiting new members." Jusis sighed as he came towards us. "I wasn't aware the third son of the Hyarms family counted playing factions among his hobbies."
I smiled a little, thinking that he came over here to save Rean from turning down this brat invitation and cause a bit of tension in the room. Aside from the tension Patrick and I cause.
"If you care about your future." Patrick said as he turned to Rean. "You need to start thinking about the connections you're making...and the sides you're taking." He walked off.
"Thanks for stepping in, Jusis." Rean said.
"Hmph, I wasn't trying to help you." Jusis replied. "But I did cause you some trouble during last month's field study, so...no, that's all."
"Oh Jusis." I sighed at my clubmate. I told him what happen with those scum. He is ashamed but I don't blame him, But his father. Anyway. I have Patrick mark on those arrogant types to kill and their families. I glanced at Machias who seemed annoyed at the whole scene.
(Trails of Cold steel ost - The Suburban Town of Trista)
The afternoon period was over and it was homeroom time with Sara in our classroom.
"Good work today, class. Tomorrow's a free day, so do take it easy, you've earned it." She said. "Just remember that next Wednesday is your second practical exam."
"Umm... Will you be annoying the details of our next Field study trip on Wednesday also?" Emma asked
"Of course! You'll be heading out next weekend. I'm sure you can hardly wait! Oh and one more thing, your midterms are scheduled for the middle of next month. So just...file that away if you would."
Ah, the Mid-exam. I remember to keep up with my studies. I kept being challenged by Machias to test of intelligence. Even dragging Emma. And here's the results. I was first. Emma was second and him was third. Because of my top score with Emma. I became the class president and Emma my Vice president. Homeroom was over and Sara left.
(Trails of Cold Steel ost - Afterschool hours)
"That reminds me Levi. I couldn't help that you were singing the other back in your room and when you were taking a shower. I got to say. You have a good voice. "Elliot said to me. "Oh and Rean told me you play the instrument. The Lyre, right? It was breathtaking how well you sing and play at the same time. But it was a shame… you and I could have been in the band together."
"Hehe… Sorry about that Elliot. But hey, if a band proposal with you in it has appeared. I would be honored to accept." I smiled with a wink.
"Really? That's great. Oh, and Instructor Mary would like to hear your singing too."
"She does? If I got the free time. I'll let you know."
Elliot and Gaius left the room, there was only me, Rean and Machias and there was a slight amount of tension.
"Umm, Machias?" Rean asked. "Have I done something to upset you?"
(Trails of Cold Steel ost - Heartbreak)
"Not especially." He answered. "It's actually my fault for being deceived so easily in the first place."
"I'm sorry, I wasn't really trying to deceive you... I just-"
"Save your breath." Machias then looked at me. "I honestly don't know what to say with you. You pack one heavy story. But I do hope it's a commoner base."
"Machias, I told you numerous of times before…" I replied. "I understand your reason for hating the nobility because they're scum. However, not all nobles are as you claim. Look at Laura for example. And even if I'm am a noble. It doesn't change who I am. And that includes Rean. You must understand what Rean is going through. What would you have done if you were in his place? Please don't be upset with him. He has a reason why he hid and behave this way. Don't you think you should listen and let him explain?"
He sighed before turning back to Rean. "Whether you are a noble or not is beside the point, Rean. The bottom line is that you lied to me. And I simply cannot trust those who lie. That's all there is to it."
"Machias!"
Machias then left the classroom as I shout at him but respond in silence. But he bumped into Emma and then they apologize to each other and then he left. I sigh of frustration.
"I swear that stubborn-headed moron…" I sighed.
"Was I intruding?" Emma asked
"Oh, no. Not at all." Rean answered
"So what brings you here Emma?" I asked
"I accidentally left one of my textbooks in my desk, so I came back to fetch it." Emma answered as she went to her desk. She got her textbook which is an 'Intermediate Mathematics For Dummies.' book.
"Studying hard as always, I see." Rean smiled
"Hold on. This book seems child's play to you." I replied.
"Oh, it's not for me. I promise to help Fie with her math studies." Emma smiled as she explained. "I found this at the bookshop in town and thought it might be of some use to her. Which reminds me, I really should be going. I'm sure she's waiting for me by now."
"Gotcha. Take care, Emma. Give Fie an hello for me too, K?"
"Of course. I'll see you two later."
"Take care!" Rean replied back.
Emma then left the homeroom. I then turn to Rean and place my hand on his shoulder.
"Don't take Machias's words personally, okay. I'm sure he will over it. And I'm sure something will happen along the way and this will go smoothly when it happens." I said to comfort Rean.
Rean nodded. "Yeah. I hope so."
"So… why do you behave that way Rean?" I asked as I sit in front of him.
"Well…" Rean look a little sad as his eyes gleam to the left.
"Is it because… you have low self-esteem?"
"I guess you can put it that way…" Now he looks a little down.
"Hey. Stop being negative to yourself." I said to him.
"Huh?" Rean look at me.
"Rean. I don't know when that low self-esteem of yours happen but that's got to stop. You're a strong, selfless, and supportive person in your own right. Don't let such negative thoughts stop you. You're a wonderful person. I agree and our classmates agree. Even Machias would agree if he wasn't stubborn. All I'm saying is to believe in yourself. I won't pry any further, but I'm always here to listen. You're not just my classmate remember? You're my friend. And friends stick and support each other."
"Levi…" Rean eye widen and then smiled. "Hehe You're right."
"There's that smile." I smiled. "I'll be going. If you need anything, give me a call or whatever that floats your boat. I'm always here for you. Oh and if you're going to the old schoolhouse. I'm always free for that." Then I ran off to my club.
(Trails of Cold Steel ost - Afterschool Hours)
'Rean… what's going on in your mind…' I thought as I make my way to the riding club. Oh, but first. I need to head into the Engineer Building because of I wanted to ask about the Quarts.
I keep forgetting for some reason. Anyway. I begin to exit then turn left and then found the Engineer building. I knock on the door.
"It's open!" Said someone inside.
I open the door and enter a building that does look like an Enginner building.
"Oh hello, there!"
I turn and then see that chubby guy again. I haven't seen him in a while.
"Oh hey, you're that guy back at the Academy's entrance a month ago." I replied
He chuckled. "Am I someone easy to remember? I'm flattered. Names George Nome. I'm a second year, Class lll. I'm also head of the Engineering Club."
"Nice to meet you George. My name is Levi Sullivan. As you are aware. I'm a first year and Class Vll. A member of the Riding Club. I was told about this place from Rean. He said you should be able to answer anything about the Quarts?"
"Sure. What do you need to know?"
"I wanted to know about the Master Quarts." I answered
"The Master Quarts? Well I don't know much about them but I'll do my best to explain. Well as you know. The Master Quarts are a special type of Quarts. Each of them are connected to the seven elements. Fire, water, Earth, Wind, Time, Space, and Mirage."
"Yeah I get that part but what's so special about them?"
"Well, these special types of quarts that I help Instructor Sara with. Mind if I see yours for a sec?"
"Sure." I nodded and then handed him my ARCUS.
George then flipped open the cover. "Ah, yours is a Mirage element..."
"So far as I remember, the longer you use them, the stronger they get and the powerful arts with them, right?"
"That's right." George nodded and then look at my Mirage Master Quarts. "This little guy here's a Mirage type. So you'll be able to use more Mirage arts. I can take a closer look to tell what arts you can use."
"Yeah. That would be helpful. Also, I wondered something too. Do Master Quarts possess special ability?"
"Special Ability? Like what do you mean?" George asked as he begin to carefully remove my Master Quarts and then place it in a orbal machine computer scanner
"Well, whenever I'm battling and defeated monsters or sparing battles or something like that. I can feel myself getting more experience in battle. Or perhaps something like... Leveling up more quickly."
"Leveling up more quickly?"
"Yep."
"Huh. Well, this is news to me. Most people don't talk about when it comes to Master Quarts. Technology back then couldn't properly harness the power stored in these guys, not to mention there were only a few in circulation at the time, but things are different now. Now we can make the most of these Master Quarts, and their power comes out as... hmm... how do I describe it?"
"Hmm... like passive effect?"
"Yeah, that's it. I'm no orbal theorist, but that's probably something going on here. Most Master Quartz tends to enhance the strength of orbal Arts as well as your through the ARCUS. So far, I've never heard of about Master Quarts making you level up more quickly. This is the first time I've heard about it."
"Don't you have some sort of machine that can scan what kind of passive effects the Master Quarts have?" I asked
"No, doesn't look like it. But these does give me an idea." George said as he place his thumbs on his chin.
Then we heard a ding and we turn to the scanner.
"Ah. It said here you can use two Arts. Silver Thorns and Luminous Ray." George said as he took my Master Quarts and place it back on my ARCUS.
"I see. It's nice to know. It would be nice to know if this was on the ARCUS to tell us."
"Yeah. But you know. Thanks to our talk about it. It does bring me some new ideas to see if i can make."
"Like what?"
"Well if the Master Quarts posses the passive effect. If this true. It would bring some incredible information."
"Yeah. And you would be the person who invented it. Oh! I also wanted to ask about the symbols the Master Quarts has as well as the names." I said.
"Hmm, good question. More to add up in one project. Yours look like some book with sparking pouring out of it right?"
"Yeah. But guessing they don't have names, huh?"
"Like I said. Most people don't talk about it. Still. This will be nice info to look into. If I can create and install a special chip to tell us about the Master Quarts passive effects and Arts available the more we use it as an update. It would be a revolution. I have to talk about this with Instructor Sara as well. Thanks a lot Levi." Geroge smiled as he got excited.
"I didn't do anything but ask you some questions." I nervous laughed. "Oh. I also need something else to. Can you unlock some slots for me?"
"Sure, give it here. But i have to charge you."
"Yep. Pleasure doing business with you." I chuckled.
And so I begin to give my ARCUS again to George and then pay him to open three slots. I also need to open the slots levels but i can do that later.
And then with that. I begin to head to the book store and look for any books. Actually. I think there are some books i haven't finished yet. I better finish that up and then off to the shower and into bed.
-May 23-
(Trails of Cold steel ost - Lesisure Day)
I was at the Academy Field with Jusis as we begin our Club meeting. We were taking care of the horses. The horses get along so well with me.
"I must say, Levi. The horses are very found of you." Jusis said as he approached me.
I chuckled a little. "Well, I have my ways with animals. They're all kind and wonderful animals."
"Honestly, it raises my curiosity how animals quickly become friendly with you."
"Hmm... maybe because of my aura... or my singing."
"Well, I do recall your singing and that instrument you were playing. In any case. Can you assist me with taking the horses to tests the limit of the stamina?"
"Of course. Cause Paula is going to ride him since she's a beginner." I nodded
"Yes."
And with that. I begin to take the brown horse for a ride as Jusis takes the white one and we begin to test the limits of it stamina. This horse is a gentle and patient type. I done some help raising it. As an hour pass as we arrived back and place the horse back on the stable.
*Riiiing*
Suddenly, my ARCUS was ringing, I picked it up and answered the call.
"Hello there?" I asked.
"Hey Levi, it's Rean." He replied. "I just finished most of my tasks, are you ready to go to the old schoolhouse with me?"
"Sure am, I'll be there very soon."
"Okay, I'm gonna call a few others to join in. See you shortly."
"Yeah, see you." I ended the call.
I then head back to my dorm and grab my Glaive and then begin to head to the old schoolhouse. Rean was smiling when he saw me as I saw Alisa, Elliot, Laura, and Gaius with him. But then I notice that the Old Schoolhouse… it change.
(Trails of Cold Steel ost - The Mysterious Old Schoolhouse)
"It's been a month already, huh?" Elliot asked. "I'm still kind of scared, but we just can't leave this place locked and pretend nothing weird's going on here."
"Yeah, especially with the principal himself asking us to keep exploring it." Rean replied. "We'll just have to take things nice and slow. And I'm counting on you guys for backup."
While I was listening to the others. I was correct as I look around. The Old Schoolhouse dungeon change… but how did it change exactly? Was it only for a month?
"Levi, are you okay?" Rean ask as everyone turn to me.
I should be honest. I look at everyone here. "Have you guy notice something has change here?"
"What do you mean change?" Elliot asked
"You mean it change unlike last month?" Gaius asked
I nodded. "Yeah. I felt it when I was coming closer to the Old Schoolhouse."
"Really? Guess we'll find out." Rean said.
We enter the Old Schoolhouse and it was the same with Instructor Sara as we met. We walked to the other door and opened it to see a room we hadn't seen before. Only to find that there was no longer a staircase at all.
"What the!" Rean said in surprised of the change dungeon.
The room was now a singular floor with no obvious way of reaching the lower floors. Now it change into a elaborate stone structure with an octagonal platform surrounded by low guard rails and pillars. And in the platform, there was a pedestal with a stone slab attached to it.
Elliot also took by surprise of the sudden change. "Wh-What's going on?!"
"This really is completely different from the last time we were here…" Alisa's mouth was agape. "What's that pedestal-like structure over there?"
"I-I...I mean, we…" Rean seemed to have trouble speaking out of shock. "We don't know either. That wasn't there last month. None of this was!"
"It seem I was right." I respond as I place my finger on my chin. "It seems there is a powerful force behind the reason for this sudden change."
"Y-You can't be serious!" Alisa gulp.
"This truly is a fascinating place." Laura said
"Well, standing around isn't getting us anywhere." Rean added. "Let's get a closer look at the pedestal."
We walked over to the large elevator and we looked at the pedestal that had a drawing of numerical numbers in hexagon shapes.
"What a mysterious platform and mechanism. From the look of it and the design. It looks like an Elevator." I said as I got more curious about this place.
"An elevator, huh?" Rean mulled over my hypothesis. "I wonder if that means we can use this to go deeper underground…"
"It's possible." I respond. "Let's see…" I begin to look at the pedestal. the structure lit up and the slab lit up to reveal a diagram with a set of seven hexagons positioned vertically. The symbols "0", "I", and "II" then appeared in the first three hexagons at the top. From what my understanding… I'm guessing this floor we're in is Zero. And the light symbols are places we have access to. While the not glowing ones are floor level we don't have access yet. So that means last month… if my hypotheses is correct… last month was the first floor. And now this month is the second floor. And the month before the first was just a pretrial or something… "Hmm… I think I understand now."
"Care to elaborate." Alisa requested me to explain.
"Do you see this symbol with the zero?" I pointed at the zero. "I believe we are on this floor. The starting point." Then I pointed at the two glowing numbers. "And the two glowing symbols here are floors we have access too." I place my finger on my chin. "So last month we were in is the first floor. And now this month we have access to the second floor of this mysterious Old Schoolhouse. And the symbols that aren't glowing are floors we don't have access to yet."
"I didn't realize the ruins ran farther than that." Gaius trailed off.
Eliot sighed "My head is starting to hurt."
"If the rest of the floors are locked, that seems to suggest someone is trying to stop us - or anyone - from getting to them," Rean theorized. "But who would do that? And why?"
"Hmm…" I begin to think more. "Maybe it's a trial of strength?"
"A trail?"
"I'm just guessing here. Considering there are monsters here. And since this IS a dungeon. And the fact that, in the end of the dungeon of the floor level. A stronger monster appeared. And with this mysterious mechanism. They're "Level" of the monster's strength. And the more we go down, the stronger the monsters will become. These floors must be a trial of sorts. But for what it is, I don't know."
"Not only that…" Alisa walk up next to me and look at the mechanism. "There's no model number or date anywhere, either, so this elevator was probably built at the same time as the building itself, back in the Middle Ages."
"Or the Dark Ages." With that. I notice my team are not only processioning the information. But also look surprised with me and Alisa. "What?"
"You're surprisingly well informed on technology, along with Alisa," Laura commented. "For Alisa's case. It's not often that girls develop such an interest in machinery. And you seem to be familiar with this. Calling this dungeon a trial seems to add up on this investigation."
'Ah…' I might have experience similar because of master…
Alisa took her hands from the pedestal and turned to Laura, flustered. "I-I don't know that much!" she tried to defend herself. "It's all just low-level stuff. Plenty of other people could tell you the same thing, I'm sure!" She then looked me. "Besides, I'm impressive you're familiar with this. It makes sense this place is a dungeon with the monsters roaming around in reach floor."
"W-Well, if you think about it. Anywhere can be a dungeon like in a cave or abandoned fortress or something like that." I nervous laugh. Then turn to Rean. "Anyway, So, what are we going to do? Do you want to try using the elevator to go down to the second floor?"
"Yeah, I think we should," Rean replied. "Though we have no idea what we're going to find down there, so we're going to need to be very careful."
(Trails of Cold Steel ost - Investigation.)
And with that. Alisa turned to the control panel. Alisa press the button of the number ll. After the light flashed. Immediately, the platform we were standing on began to rumble and descend to the bottom floors. The second floor of the old schoolhouse, as expected, had a completely different layout from the first floor. At first the elevator location was the same at the starter floor and once we enter the floor. The layout was different. There are hallways and stairs this time. And new monsters. But with the six of us combined, we had learnt to use our links well throughout the battles that followed. I had formed a good link with Elliot. Me and Elliot met up and I play my Lyre for him and even sing. And soon I met up with Instructor Mary. Ah, what a blast a few days back. But still, I needed to learn to form links with the rest of the team. I already got one with Rean but everyone else no… I felt like I was left out. But I'm glad I link up with Elliot. After flipping switches, treasure chests, and slaying monsters, we made it to the end by reaching the depths of the second floor, there were three large monsters waiting for us.
(Trails of Cold Steel ost - Tie to Link of ARCUS)
Then we begin to battle. While Rean and Gaius link up and Alisa and Laura link up. They took one of the three stone monsters while me and Ellot took on the other monster. I charge and let out a two combo slash onto it as the monster started shooting laser beams as us as I took damage and then Elliot throw orbs at the monster and then I let a wide slash and then added up to a Slashes to the upper left, Spins my Glaive overhead several times then throw it at the face of the monster and push it back. I sense a laser beat attack from my left and jump back and dodge it and then the monster I was battling let out a powerful cry and it harm my ears and everyone else. Soon the other stone monster also let out their cry and it was not only damaging us but hearting our ears.
"Ugh!" I groaned as I covered my ears.
"What a powerful scream!" Laura groaned as she covered her ears.
"Ugh… would you please, shut. Up!" I growled and then I use my craft Piercing Throw and toss it at the monster I was battling and then aim at its head and it knock it back and stop and then I did the same to the other monsters and knock them back. "There."
"Here!" Elliot then use his Craft and then begin to heal us
"Let's go!" Rean said and then we resume the battle. Then as the monster shoot lasers at Elliot the other two were shooting lasers at us to push us back. But Alisa use her craft and aim at the two monsters and I use my craft Piercing throw and damage them letting a follow-up by our link partners. Then Rean use his craft and follow up with Gaius and he did his craft and follow up with Rean. Then I use my Craft Whirl Dance. The Craft I use on that 'Ruler of the Jungle' and highly damage it and then Elliot follow up attack and I end up with a powerful strike to finish it off. It explodes into purple light. And then me and Elliot join to help the others. After we defeated those monsters. It was a good work out. Even though they were annoying.
(Trails of Cold Steel ost - Investigation)
"Well, that takes care of the floor boss." I said, putting away the Glaive. "They were a good workout to say the least." 'Of course I've faced tougher monsters in groups than this.
"Indeed, I suspect it considered the whole floor to be its domain." Laura agreed.
"Yeah, we also seem to have finally gotten the hang of combat links and everything." Elliot nodded.
"Hmm…" I look around. "There isn't anything around here. But it does prove my hypothesis earlier."
"Now that you mention it…"
"Hmm… this is suspicious." Laura nodded
"Either way, we've explored all we can for now." Rean said. "So come on. Let's head back outside."
We exit the room and that same mechanism from last time activated.
"That mechanism." I said to everyone.
"It's the same one from the last floor." Rean added
"This wasn't activated when we got here. How is it activated now?" Alisa asked
"It looks like I was right about this one too." I said.
"What do you mean, Levi?" Laura asked
"The last time we were here. It didn't activate. But after we defeated the... let's call it Floor Guardian or something The mechanism is activated. And if we use it. It should take us back to the entrance, or in this case, the elevator as a shortcut."
"Yeah, you're right." Rean nodded. "But I'm curious how we were able to return back to the entrance."
"Yeah. I thought about that too. I came up with a conclusion."
"Let's hear it."
"I believe it has something to do in the Dark Ages back then. Where magic and alchemy existed. This device must have some sort of spatial magic. Or that this device has the ability to manipulate space as a way to teleport across space and distance instantly. In order words, it's a checkpoint. Considering there are two of them in this floor. One in the entrance and the other one in the end of the hall."
"I believe you are right." Gaius nodded
"Yeah, you must have thought a lot about this." Alisa added
"Well, it did peek my curiosity. So I have been doing some studying. Unfortunately, it didn't come up with anything about it. So I had to think another way. So I thought about magic and then a device that can manipulate space, and this what I've come up with."
"Well, either way. I think you might be right. Magic existed in the Dark ages so it's possible remnant of it still existed. Anyway. We should get going." Rean said.
We begin to head out and taken the elevator back to the zero floor and then exited out of the schoolhouse, it was already sunset by the time we got out.
"Another successful mission." I stretch my arms. "This place can be used to get stronger."
"I think that would be true for all of us." Gaius replied.
"That elevator is the biggest conundrum though." Rean said. "Where could it have possibly come from?"
I hummed. "Who knows, but we should report this to the principal though."
"Yeah, let's go."
We left the area but I sense that familiar's presence's again. Is it an overseer of the Old Schoolhouse? That black cat? Hmm… I need to confront it. But I don't have the time for now. I've arrived at the main building and inside the principal's office to explain what we had found, along with Sara who was in the room too. The investigation was over and we were given a few healing items for our troubles. I also learn that the schoolhouse must be related to the founder of the school Drichel's and St. Sandlot. Lianne Sandlot… There was still some time before the sunset would end and night time would arrive.
(Trails of Cold Steel ost - Evening Moments)
I enter my dorm and begin to study once more.
"So that building is related to her and the founder, hmm?" Hamsuke appeared along with Luka while studying.
"From the looks of it, yes… however, the question is what purpose though." I replied. "There's no doubt a powerful force is behind it. What I'm concerned about its purpose."
"Good question indeed. We sense that cat was there as well." Hamsuke replied.
"The familiar..." I said as I place my pencil down. "Hmm... the familiar from the Hexen Clan... could it possibly be..."
-Next day-
(Trails of Cold Steel ost - Practical Exam)
Our second practical exam had arrived and Sara clicked her fingers and that combat machine appear, it looked different this time.
"That one look different from before." I recalled.
Instructor Sara seemed impressed that I could notice the differences.
"Fiddling with their settings changes their appearances too, apparently. I really don't know how they work…" She shrugged her shoulders. "But it's not like that actually matters!"
"You know, it's kind of discouraging when the instructor who's sending us into battle is so...unconcerned…" Rean commented which we agree.
"All right, let's begin." She said. "Rean, Alisa, Levi, Laura and Gaius. Step forward."
"Guess we're up first." I replied as I step up.
As the Mock battle begin. I was Link up with Laura and Rean link up with Alisa. Guess Gaius is the one without link this time.
(Trails of Cold Steel ost - Don't be defeated by a Friend!)
The metal monster then attempt to cast an art, but Rean was ready and he used a craft to stop it from happening. Then Laura begin to follow up with a couple of strong swings and I follow up with slashes of my own. Gaius use his craft and create a whirlwind at the machine as the machine did a laser beam attack at us but I dodge it as I leap over and then toss my Glaive and unbalance it and Laura follow up. Then Alisa once I landed shoot arrows at it. The machine attempted to use arts as I cancel it with my Whirl dance and then Laura follow up. Gaius swirl his spear and stab it as the machine laser blade us and then Rean use his craft on it and then Alisa use her craft and launched an arrow at it. And then I use my arts at the monster and damage it with it. Soon we end up beating the machine with a couple of sweat. Nice.
(Trails of Cold Steel ost - Practical Exam)
We put our weapons away and Sara looked at us with a smile. It was a good thing we had trained during our exploration at the schoolhouse.
"Well done! All that hard work during last month's field study and in the old schoolhouse you five have been doing has clearly paid off!" Sara praised.
I smiled "It sure has."
"Okay next team. Jusis, Machias, Emma, Elliot and Fie. Step forward."
Oh boy… this might not be good… again…
"Ugh, let's just get this over with!" Machias growled through his teeth.
Jusis scoffed. "Hmph. I don't need you telling me what to do."
Jusis comment cause Machias to angrily turn and face him. "Wh-What was that?!"
Instructor Sara sighed loudly. "Yes, yes, you hate each other, we get it. Are you two done or do you want to keep bickering?"
Grumbling, the two male students begrudgingly stepped forward to join the other members of their group. We stood back and watch the other team take on the same mock battle. Unfortunately, it didn't go well for them, due to the obvious reason with Jusis and Machias.
"I knew this was going to be a struggle, but I had no idea your performance would be so...unremarkable." Sara said in slight disappointment. "I hope you two in particular have a good long think about what you did wrong. This outcome is largely your fault after all."
Ouch, Instructor… then again… who am I to respond. Reminds me how master comment on my flaw battle experience. Plus, it did sound like she's acting like an Instructor.
"Well, that concludes today's practical exam," Instructor Sara finally said. "Next, I'll be announcing the details of this weekend's field study. Each of you, please come forward and take one of these." Producing a stack of papers from her jacket, she handed one to each individual student. The information on each paper read the following.
[Field Study: May]
Group A: Rean, Emma, Machias, Jusis, Fie
(Study Location: Bareahard, the Verdant City)
Group B: Alisa, Laura, Elliot, Gaius, Levi
(Study Location: Saint-Arkh, the Old Capital)
"Ah. I remember the name of those two cities." I replied. 'Guess I won't be with Rean for this trip. But what concerns me with Jusis and Machias.
"Is this some kind of sick joke?!" Machias exclaimed.
And there it is.
"Instructor, what are you trying to prove? Do you have some kind of personal vendetta against us or something?!"
"For a change, I agree with him. This is ludicrous." Jusis added. "I refuse to accept these group allocations. Change them at once."
I sigh and shake my head with those two, they're acting like brats than students.
"I don't know, they seem pretty perfect from where I'm standing." Sara replied. "Besides you're from Bareahard, so putting you in Group A was a no brainer."
Jusis sighed in slight disdain.
"Then put me in group B!" Machias exclaimed. "I'm not thrilled at the thought of going to Saint-Arkh either, but it's better than gallivanting off to HIS hometown. Besides, everyone knows Bareahard is like a breeding ground for nobles and their dusty old ideas. That place is crawling with them!"
"Well, I can't deny that. Especially since that's exactly why I put you in Group A to begin with." Sara replied.
Machias could only click his tongue.
"I'm no army officer, so I'm not about to go telling you that my orders are absolute and such. That's much too military for my liking." Sara then gave a stern look. "But I am your instructor, and it's my duty to look out for your best interests, Which I feel, is exactly what I'm doing here. So if you have any objections, then how about the two of you try to make me listen to them by force?"
Jusis and Machias looked at each other and they stood forward.
"They're boned." I sweatdrop.
"Heh. Male pride is so predictable. I knew you couldn't possibly turn down an offer like that." Sara suddenly drew out a sword and a gun. "And I wouldn't have it any other way."
"Yep, they're seriously boned..."
Instructor Sara for some reason had Rean join them to support. Poor Rean... I wish him luck. The battle began and an aura glowed around Sara, it felt very powerful… How interesting. If I judge my level… But anyway. Sara easily. And obviously defeated them so easily.
"Hehe, chalk one up for the educator!" Sara said before putting her weapons away. "Group A and Group B will be heading to their destinations this weekend as planned. Good luck, everybody, I'll be expecting souvenirs!"
Machias and Jusis walked away, both a little tired and humiliated in a way. While I help Rean out as I am feeling so sorry for him.
(Trails of Cold Steel ost - Evening Moment.)
-At Night-
I was in my room studying but couldn't help but worried. Jusis home town filled with those disgusting nobles. And worst Machias and his distrust with the nobles. Should I keep an eye on them?
"Thinking about your friends, are we?" Luka appeared at the table as I was studying.
"Yeah. I'm worried about Jusis and Machias. Those two morons would end up at each other's throats. And it's possible that Machias might get into his own trouble. Those two are like cat and dogs."
"I can't deny that. But what can you do?"
"Nothing at the moment. Just hope those two behave themselves." I answered with a sigh and continue with my study.
(? POV.)
"Now this is a surprise. So he's going to Saint-Ark. Not what I've expected. It can't be helped." I said.
And that's a wrapped for this chapter. I'll be honest. I had no idea how they can tell the Master Quartz passive effects. So far they just equip it without knowing. So I thought this should help. Here's Hoping George can create something like that. Oh Yeah, Levi will be heading to Saint-Arkh. Oh boy...