Dateline, June 28th.
(Trails of Cold Steel ost - Refreshing Morning)
Last night talk with Rean help me a lot. I really owe him one. And when morning arrived. We begin to eat a lovely breakfast. Gaius's family are so kind. He's lucky he has them. And then suddenly, Elder Ivan, Gwen and Norton appeared and told us something unexpected.
(Trails of Cold Steel ost - Seriousness)
The watchtower was attacked during the night. Not only that but the Republican Army's base too. Something is not right. How can both the Imperial and Republican bases were attacked at the same time? I smell a setup. I told my friends about it and they seem to agree. We were asked to travel to the gate to meet up with the lieutenant general to see if we could help him out, Norton wanted to come with us so he take photos. We escorted him to the gate, there were a few tanks and soldiers out, he left us, and along came Zechs.
(Trails of Cold Steel ost - Preparing for War)
He informed us the train leading to Roar is ready. But we ask him about the attack. that find out what actually happened in detail. But as I suspected. Someone has setup the attack on both bases. We requested that we help with the investigation. We have time to investigate the watchtower and so we left quickly and journeyed to the northeast to the watchtower. I love the Nord Highland as Gaius does. I want to protect this beautiful land from war. And I won't forgive those who threaten this beautiful land. Plus knowing that in my heart that it was a setup. Someone must answer for this crime. I can feel like my bond with Gaius has increased. We soon arrived at the watchtower. The place was a mess and we checked around for clues. There was a used mortar shell that Alisa found. We then looked at the distance to see a part of a massive military base that was attacked.
After hearing a few statements from the guards stationed here, we concluded that both the watchtower and the base in the distance were attacked at 3 am at the same time and the ones responsible used mortar shells. Alisa pointed out that the republic army would never use Erebonian-made weapons when they have theirs which Jusis agreed. Plus the mortars were old and the Imperial Army wouldn't use old ones. And as I suspected. Someone set up the attack on both bases. A third party. I deducted that based on the distance it would travel by using the math with the help of Alisa and Gaius. The mortars were launched somewhere near where we are. Both Rean and Jusis were surprised but not unexpected due to me being the top student and having high intelligence since it is above the mathematics we cover in class. Of course, I respond it wasn't me alone but Gaius and Alisa help me calculate it to make it possible. That and I study hard on my education because of a certain 'grandpa' of mine. Plus I got nothing better to do since I've mostly spent was training.
(Trails of Cold Steel ost - Land of Blue Skies)
So we left the watchtower and relayed the information to the soldiers at the gate. Next, we went to look for a corner of the field that was near the way to the watchtower. We then found a corner and we looked up to see a rolled-up rope ladder.
"Well, we found the ladder." I said. "However, judging by it's look. This isn't something the people from the Highland use."
"I'm just not sure how we're going to get UP there. We can't reach that rope ladder from down here." Rean stated.
"I see no way to climb up the cliff face itself, either." Jusis added
Hmm… I could jump into zig-zag to reach it. But let's try a different approach. I turn to Alisa and see if she can fire it.
"Hey Alisa. Do you think you can be able to hit it with your Orbal bow?" I asked "If you could shoot the cord, you could get the rope ladder to unfold down."
"Well I could try but I really don't see it working." Alisa answered
"Well... it's not like we have any better ideas." Rean said. "Why not give it a try?"
"True enough, and time is one resource we don't have much of right now." Gaius added
"Searching for some manner of tools to pull it down would cost us precious time as well." Jusis also added.
"I really can't argue with that." Alisa sighed. "All right, here goes nothing."
Alisa prepared her Orbal bow and then aimed at the rope cord with her bow and arrow, we watched as she let the arrow go. However. It seem she has miss.
"Well… it was worth the shot…" Alisa sighed.
I close my eyes. Maybe I should do it.
"Mind if I borrow your bow?" I asked
"Huh? You want to take the shot?" Alisa asked.
"Do you have Archery experience?" Jusis asked
"I do." I nodded
"Since when? Wait… don't tell me, childhood?" Alisa asked
I nodded. "Yes. Ma- Grandfather taught me a lot in combat. Both on foot and on horseback. Both Glaive and Archery. May I?"
"Okay seriously, how much did you learn from him?" Alisa sighed. "Okay… let see if you can."
Alisa handed me her Orbal Bow and then I begin to prepared an arrow and carefully calculate the meter. And then once I got it. I launched it then the arrow hit the rope cord. The ladder fell neatly, now we were able to climb it.
"A direct hit!" Jusis look surprised.
"Wha… how?!" Alisa exclaimed as I handed her Orbal Bow back.
"Years of training Alisa. But different and advanced than yours… probably." I answered.
"Haha, you seem to have the markings of a great hunter." Gaius said. "And if your grandfather train you in both foot and horseback. I would like to see your skills in person."
"Anyway, let's climb up to see what's there." Rean said.
Rean climbed up the rope ladder first and waited for us to catch up, we then walked over to see a trio of mortar cannons that were left alone.
(Trails of Cold Steel ost - Strain)
"Well, well...old orbal mortars. All Reinford models, too." Alisa said. "And it looks like they've been used recently."
"Yes… this is the perfect spot as well, no one would even think to look up here." I added But then I sense a presence. I turn around. "Guys, look!"
The group turn and then saw a floating metal machine.
(Trails of Cold Steel ost - Silent exhalation)
"It's that flying object we saw fleeing from Aurochs Fort near Bareehard!" Rean exclaimed
"Say what?!" I look surprised.
"There's no mistaking something that strange. And it looks like it's carrying something…" Jusis added
"It can't be a coincidence that they'd show up NOW, of all times! They're heading northwest, and we're going after them!"
We hurry down as quickly as we can and then we climb up on our horses and gallop away. As I got a closer look. That's the same girl I saw yesterday!
"Wait… I recognize that girl! That's the girl I spotted yesterday when we headed back to the settlement!"I exclaimed
"For real?" Rean asked in surprised
"We can't let them get away!" Gaius stated
"Right! We need to overtake them!"
However. That thing carrying the girl is fast.
"Crap… they're going fast!"
"Just don't lose sight of them!" Jusis stated.
We chase after it as it speed across the field before touching down at the stone circle.
"Did they touch down near the stone circle?" I asked.
"Grr… There's no escape for them now!" Alisa replied.
We rode up the pathway and up to the stone circle area where was them. Then we road closer to get to the stone circles and then arrived. I sense the girl's presence. We got off our horses and walked towards them. We could now see clearly, there was a flying silver object that looked similar to the ones we had fought during the practical exams and there was a young girl with short cyan hair and was dressed weirdly.
(Trails of Cold Steel ost - Trouble Outbreak)
"Halt! Stay where you are!" Rean exclaimed.
"Oooh, it's the military academy students." She responded.
"She knows about us?"
"Let me handle this." I stood forward. "Were you involved with the attacks on the watchtower and the Republican Army's Base?"
"We'd rather not accuse you of a crime you didn't commit." Gaius added. "But can you at least tell us who are you and what you're doing here?"
"Awww, how did I end up being the bad guy?" She replied. "This is gonna make things a bit sticky...oh, OH! I know what I can do! Everything'll go hunky-dory if you guys help me out!"
"Pardon?" I eyebrow.
"But first, I hope you won't mind if I give you guys a test, just to be sure you're up for the challenge?"
"You're joking right?"
"Is that a challenge?" Jusis asked.
(Trails of Cold Steel ost - Don't be Defeated be a Friend.)
She grinned at us. "I'm Millium! Millium Orion." She answered. "And this is Airgetlam, but you can just call him Lammy for short. Let's get this started!"
I can't be help. I pull my Glaive and combat link with Gaius this time. It made a few noises and then it was battle time.
Jusis attacked first and the Rean and Alisa assisted each other. Gaius and I were next, I delivered massive damage to Millium, follow up by Gaius as Millium use a laser attack on us and then I dodge and use Whirl Dance on her and then Jusis landed strong slashed onto her and then Rean buff us and then Gaius use his craft. And then Alisa fire, while Millium dodge and counter it and that thing change into a hammer and hammer us with a shockwave. Then I use my new craft. Alina's Light as I channel my power into the palm of my hand, then place it in the ground and stomp it and a light spread itself to my nearby allies and buff them and me then it buff me. And then Rean let a powerful slash onto Millium and Alisa follow up and Jusis added a slash. And then I use my Whirl dance again and Gaius follow up and leading devastating blows onto Millium, knocking her down. This battle was over.
(Trails of Cold Steel ost - Trouble Outburst)
"We're quite the spear man duo, aren't we Gaius?" I asked as I smile.
"Indeed. With the skills to boot." Gaius high five me and I high five back.
"Wow, you guys are pretty tough." Millium said as she got up. "Yep, looks like you'll be great for the job alright."
"Aaand What exactly do you mean by that?" I asked. "Were you the one who attacked the bases and the tower with those mortars?"
"Oh nononono, that wasn't me!" Millium answered. "Gyah, what can I say to make you believe me…"
"Just tell us what you can." Rean said as he, I and Gaius approach. "Anything you know that might help us find out who was actually responsible."
"You said you needed help." Gaius added. "If helping you would restore peace to the highlands, we're ready to help out however we can."
"But you have to talk to us. So mind telling us what's going on?" I asked. "Plus we don't have enough time as it is."
"...Well, what I want you to help me with, is capturing the small armed group responsible for attacking the watchtower and the Republican Army's base." Millium replied
"So you know DO something about it..." I hummed.
"You saw those motars earlier, right? There's a bunch more hidden near the Republican Army's base. I'm guessing it was the same group that set them up at both locations."
"...Then would you know who they are?"
"Hmm… Well, I'm not 100% sure or anything. But they looked like a bunch of jaeger dropouts so I'm guessing they're working for a pretty meaty chuck of Mira. I was on my way to go find out for sure."
"So you know where they are?"
"Sure do! They're up in the north of the highlands. If you promise to help me out, I'd be happy to show you the way. Sooo… how about it?"
We pause for a moment. Then put away our weapons.
"All right. You have our aid." Rean said.
And then we all introduce ourselves.
"Hmm… so the north of the highland… if I remember right from the map… It's somewhere by that colossal statue. The ancient Quarry it most likely the safe bet." I hummed
"Let's head back to the settlement first." Gaius said.
(Trails of Cold Steel ost - Land of Blue Skies)
We mount on our horses and then we begin to head back to the settlement and then after reporting to Zechs. We traveled across the north area before making our way to the northeast part and then we found a large ruined building at the end. We dismount as we go close to the door.
(Trails of Cold Steel ost - Mysterious of the Old Schoolhouse)
"So this is the quarry...and this door look ancient indeed. However, I don't see a way inside. Let alone these caves openly on both sides." Rean said.
"Crazy to think it dates all the way back to the Neolithic Era over a thousand years ago." I added
"As well as the Evil Djinn is sealed away." Jusis added
"Well, that's what the legends say, but no one really knows for sure." Gaius said.
"A-And you're sure that armed group you mentioned is hiding in here?" Alisa asked.
"It seems likely." Jusis said.
"Yep. I think they're probably lying low deep down in the quarry. I mean, I know they're here- I saw a bunch of them steam in from the entrance up there about an hour ago." Millium said.
"But how'd they get up there in the first place?" Rean asked
"Hmm… if I had to guess. I say they climb each other's back. Or that they can jump high." I wondered.
"Me and Lammy could fly up there no problem, but that doesn't help the rest of you much." Millium said.
"Geez thanks." I sweatdrop. "Then we'll just have to open the stone door then."
"But I doubt it's going to budge." Rean said.
"Me and Lammy'll take care of this door, no sweat." Millium replied as she walked up to the door. "Come on, Lammy!"
The metal object appeared and it knocked the door down after a few blows.
"Whoa… I know I'm strong but.. how strong is that machine?" I blinked. "And more importantly, what IS that thing?"
"Can't tell you. That's classified information."
"Oh never mind. Anyway, let's hurry before they have a chance to escape."
We dismount our horses then walked inside and dealt with some strong monster that got in our way before we eventually saw a large area in the distance, we heard a conversation as well, looks like the attackers were here. There were four soldiers and one man with a slight green uniform.
(Trails of Cold Steel ost - Secret Maneuvers)
"Fear not. It won't be long before this frothing pot boils over and the peace of this land is irrevocably shattered."
We rushed straight in, ready to attack.
"That will NEVER happed!" Gaius charge in with me
"Not if WE have anything to say about it!" I exclaimed.
"Where did you come from?" One of them asked.
"Who are these kids?!" One of them asked.
"We're from Thor's Military Academy, Class VII." Rean answered. "And you're under arrest on suspicion of an unprovoked attack on both the Imperial watchtower and Republican Army base!"
"How fitting… Defalcating your dirty work to these swine. But your contemplate scheme ends here." Jusis said
"And you guys are going away for a long time." I added
"Ahhh, yes. That make sense." The guy in the green uniform said. "You're the students responsible for interfering with our work in Celdic, aren't you?"
"Wait, then..." Rean said.
"Then the one who hired those bandits was..." Alisa added.
"Ahh… So you're the "Bastard" they mention. And you're also the Bastard whose presence I've sensed from a distance." I growled
"Haha. Yes, it was I. Did you think the provincial army were capable of competent planning and subterfuge?" He asked before mentioning his name. "You may call me Gideon, though in some circles, I'm known simply as G. That is, perhaps, as much as you may ever know."
'So this is the bastard that Hamsuke tried to kill.'
"Hmph. I trust that your bellicose ideals are not simply the ravings of a lone madman, then?" Jusis replied
"Your name doesn't matter to me." Gaius point his spear at those jeager dropout and G. "If you intend to shatter the peace of this land, we'll stop by any means necessary."
"Uh-huh! You're all coming with us." Millium added.
"I won't allow you to harm this beautiful land and drag many innocent involve to your scheme as well." I added and pointed my Glaive with Gaius
Then those Jaeger dropouts got their guns ready.
"So you really think you can take us, huh?"
"I dunno what the weird kid's doing with them…"
"But bottom line, there just needs to be no witnesses, Ain't I right?"
"Correct. It pains me to pull still-budding flowers up by the roots, but they leave us little choice." G answered ans got his Orbal gun. "I'm afraid you already know far too much to return alive. The soil of this ancient land will be watered with your blood before the day is done."
(Trails of Cold Steel ost - Belief)
"Ha! If you can try. But you bastards are going down. And as for you "G". I'll make sure you pay for what you have done to the people of Celdic you cause trouble with!"
"All right, let's give them a Class Vll thrashing. But remember, we need them disarmed and alive!" Rean command.
It was time for battle Rean, Jusis and I buff the team and Gaius charge at one of the Jaeger trash and then I join and then slash them while Alisa fire arrows at them. While both G and the Jaegers fire bullets at us. Gaius use his craft and drag them and then I follow up with a Piercing Toss. While Jusis let out a combat jab and slash attack and Millium use her weapon and punch one jaeger drop out in the face. Then I zoom and then Whirl dance the enemies close by and then Rean join me with use his craft onto them. And then G shot an Orbal energy shot at us but I deflect it and it hit at one of the Jaegers and knock one out and then Alisa rain arrows onto the foes. And then G dodge and fire again. Only for Jusis to strike him and then Millium punch and push him back. Gaius unleash a spear projection a at the Jaegers and then I join with the Piercing toss and take them out leaving G alone. G fire many bullets as he can but I use my Whirl dance and then knock him back and then we all charge and strike G and defeated him. The battle is done.
(Trails of Cold Steel ost - Secret Maneuvers)
"No way…!" One of the Jaegers groan in pain.
"How could a group of vets lose to a gang of kids still in the thores of puberty?"
I couldn't' help at laugh at that. I can't deny that.
"Hey, don't you laugh and mock us!"
"Oh. I think I know who you are now. There's a mercenary group called Bugbear made up of wannabe jaeger dropouts." Millium recalled "That's you guys, right? I guess you were planning to start calling yourselves a real jaeger corps after you pulled off this big job, huh?"
"H-How do you know about us!?"
"Forget the students. What's up with this kid?!"
"That monsters of hers is gonna kill us..."
"Hey! Don't you be calling Lammy a monster!" Millium pouted "Such meanies, aren't they, Lammy?"
Well in their defe- wait why am I defending them!?
Gideon looked at Millium and laughed. "I see...you're one of the "children," aren't you?" He asked. "The Silver Puppeteer, also known as the 'White Rabbit'. Am I mistaken?"
Millium blinked. "Oh wow, you've actually heard of me?"
"I certainly have, and if you're here, this is a chance I simply cannot miss. I'd be pleased to punch your ticket- along with everyone else's- for a one-way journey to a great beyond!"
"What are you planning?" I asked. Then click. "Wait… don't tell me… So you're the one who brought the "leader of the forest" to us. You're planning on using that Flute aren't you?"
"Hehe. You have sharp ears." He smirked.
(Trails of Cold Steel ost - Eliminate Crisis)
He then got out a strange looking flute and played it, suddenly, we heard a rumble from above and out came...a large spider, it leaped to the ground and it caught and chowed one of the jaegers, the other three were cowering in a corner in fear whilst Gideon made his escape.
"Hey get back here you coward!" I shout.
We had to deal with a second battle against a giant spider no less. I use Piercing Throw at the boss and then Gaius launch it's projection while Rean buff us. Then Alisa fire arrow at it. And the spider boss shoot it's web and then we dodge it and then I zoom and Whirl dance it and then jump back as Rean send out a sword projection at it. While Millium laser at it and then Jusis buff us up. The Spider boss let out a screech and then I toss my Glaive and stab it on the mouth to shut it up. Then my Glaive return to me and then Gaius and Jusis charge in and slash the boss and the boss tried to launch a strike but I use Piercing toss and block the attack while Alisa cast her strongest Arts at it and damage it. Rean then land couple of slashes and I follow up with slashes too. Then the boss tried to jab him but I slash it's fingers. Then Millium punches it in the face and then Gaius follow up. And then Jusis lend a strong jab and slash attack on it and then Rean let a powerful slash and I follow up with my S craft Aries Galaxy. Then the Boss explodes into purple light. I'll admit. It strong. It reminded me of the strong monsters I've face…it took me hours to finish them back then. But now I'm even stronger then I was before. Still. My classmates are panted as well from a strong battle.
(Trails of Cold Steel ost - Back to the Dorms)
We escorted the three guards out of the quarry and they were handed over to the soldiers near Zenders Gate. With that, the chance of a possible war was avoided and peace was restored across the highlands. We had to say goodbye to Millium who had to go back with some guy with red hair name Lechter who took her with him. And then we learn that she's a member of the Ironbloods. A group of youths with the highest intelligence and special abilities taken by the chancellors. The railway police and Intelligence answer to him. We headed back to the settlement and celebrate before whilst we got the train ride back to Trista.
Phew. Finally got this done. Why do i keep forgetting important things? That Liam guy seems to know Class Vll. Who is he? Wonder if we will find out in next chapter