(Trails of Cold Steel ost - Back to the Dorm)
Rean and Crow has taken me to the Infirmary and then explain to Instructor Beatrice what happened. She begin to examine. And so far, she told Rean and Crow that she'll handle the rest and wait outside. And so they did. I waited for a few minutes then finally.
"Looks like you'll be fine. You exhausted yourself but as long as you get a few days rest. You'll regain your full strength." Instructor Beatrice said to me.
"Oh, that's good to hear." I said with a smile. That means I can't do any training.
"I'm surprised that you've taken on a large armored foe on your own. But you were doing it to protect Rean's little sister. That was a reckless yet very brave things to do, Levi."
"I know. But I couldn't let a civilian who was visiting and my friend's sister get hurt. I'm just glad I was able to defeat such a foe."
"I suppose so. Your bruises are patched up now. Remember to take it easy for a few days."
"Of course. Thank you, Instructor Beatrice." I nodded
I got up and see if I can walk and looks like I can. I begin to head to the dorm and see my friends are there.
"Levi, you're back!" Alisa exclaimed.
"Yeah. Sorry to worry everyone. I'm all right. I just need a few days of rest to recovered." I explained to what Instructor Beatrice told me.
"That's a relief." Machias sigh of relief. "Still, we're all glad you're all right."
"Same. So where's Rean?"
"He's upstairs talking to Elise." Elliiot answered
"Ah, I see. Man, I'm feeling a bit hungry after that. So did something happen between Rean and his sister?"
"Well..." Alisa trailed off. "It's not of our business but you can say that it's mostly Rean's fault."
Huh?
Dateline, July 21st, 1204.
(Trails of Cold Steel ost - Practical Exam)
In the days that followed, I managed to make a full recovery. I was on the academy field with everyone else, Rean looked like his normal self and so did I.
"All right, it's the time you've all been waiting for, your next practical exam." Sara said "Are you sure you don't want to sit this one out and just watch, Levi?"
"Yeah." I nodded. "I recovered my strength. I should be able to move again."
"Well, if you say so. In that case, you and Rean are up first."
"Okay." Rean said.
We stood forward and turned to our left.
"Your opponents today will be...let's see..." Sara looked at the group. "How about Laura and Fie? Yeah, we'll go with them."
"Very well." Laura replied.
"Kay." Fie nodded.
The two girls stood forward and turned to face us.
"They're both formidable opponents, but I think we have a good chance of winning this one." Rean said quietly.
I agreed. "Yeah, as long as we have those links, we'll be sure to have an advantage."
"Take your positions." Sara said as we draw our weapons out. "Begin!"
(Trails of Cold Steel ost - Don't be Defeated by a Friend!)
Rean got us motivated to win this one and I use Alina's Light to buff us as Laura and Fie charge at us. I was fighting Fie and Rean took on Laura. We end up clashing with each other as I backflip and kick Fie in her chin and then charge and swirl slash her and then she use her Swipe attack on me but I dodge and then counter-attack by throws my spinning Glaive forward as Fie dodge, but then leaps forward and grabs it. Plants my Glaive into the ground then performs a circular spin kick from it which Fie duck. Then I leap into the air and then throws the blade into the ground, causing a shockwave as she block and push her back and then I charge at her and let a strong slash. Then she was on her knees. And then Rean use his S craft on Laura and push her back. And then she was on her knees as well. My combat with Rean is overwhelming.
(Trails of Cold Steel ost - Practical Exam)
"All right, that's enough. Rean's team scores the victory." Sara said. "Excellent work, both of you."
"Thanks..." Rean replied as we put our weapons away.
She turned to Laura and Fie. "As for you two...I don't even think I need to say anything, do I?"
"No, instructor." Laura responded.
Fie just nodded in silence.
We watched the others take part in being paired up and they had more or less good battles against each other.
"You did really well out there, Rean." Elliot said. "But we're gonna have to do something about those two."
"Yeah, it's not like they hate each other or anything. At least, I don't think they do." Rean replied. "So I feel like if they just get a good push in the right direction..."
"You got that right." I said. "Still…I'm glad I'm back in top form.. considering what happen. Still… you really can be stupid sometimes."
-Flashback-
(Trails of Cold Steel ost - Wholehearted Feelings)
At July 19. It was the day when Elise is returning to Heimdallr. Rean explained to me that Elise had a little squabble with Rean about him cutting ties with his family because of him being a burden to his family because he doesn't have noble blood.
"I'm sorry I caused such trouble for everyone. And I espcually apologize to you, Levi." Elise apologize. "Thank you so much for going to the trouble of preparing a bed for me.
"Oh, don't worry about it." Alisa said. "Our maid can do that much without even breaking a sweat."
"You can say that again. She was so well prepared, you'd think Elise had called in a reservation." Machias nodded.
Rean chuckled. "That's Sharon for you."
"And there's no need to worry about me too." I added. "I'll be able to make a full recovery in just a couple of days. What's important that you are safe from harm."
"You're too kind. But I can't help but feel that I should have heeded your warning about that place. Things would turn out differently if I should just listen." Elise replied.
"I don't blame you for being curious about the place but also concern about that cat." I replied.
"Oh, speaking of the cat, we never found it, didn't we?"
"No. It's still a mystery where did it go. But it sounds like that cat is long gone now. But first. Rean." I turn to him.
"Yeah?" Rean turn to me.
Then I flick Rean in the head.
"Ow! What was that for?"
"For being an idiot." I answered as I cross my arm. "I can't believe you were that stupid and insensitive. It's no wonder Elise was so upset with you. That's a very stupid reason to cut ties with your family who love and treated you well. It's your home, Rean. It's where you belong. So what if you have a commoner's blood when you were adopted to the noble family. Your adopted parents still love you as you are their own. You aren't even a burden to begin with, and I'm sure they would agree as well. The entire nobility system is trash that needs to be broken. Those nobles don't have the right to say those things to your father who is clearly a wonderful man. Who are they to judge? The nobles who talk trash to your father are trash themselves and should have minded their own business. Whether you have noble blood or not. You are still his son. A son he loves and holds dearly as he holds his family. Do you think cutting ties with them will help make amends to them? No. It will only hurt them, just like how it hurt Elise here. Ymir and your family are your home, Rean. It's time for you to stop being so negative to yourself, and learn that you aren't even a burden. And it's also time for you to have some self-esteem as well."
Rean was surprised what I said to him while my classmates, Elise and Instructor Sara agreed
"Levi's right, Rean." Alisa nodded. "Honestly. If there is anyone who can scold you like that, It's Levi. You definitely deserve that scolding for being so insensitive."
"Hmph. I would've hoped that as an elder brother, you'd conduct yourself in a more seemly manner." Jusis added.
"Well, you're not wrong..." Rean trailed off. "But do you think you could maybe not all gang up on me at once?
"Well, can't really blame them this time." Gaius replied.
"Heh. Let this be a lesson to you, Rean. Your family is your family, no matter what." Instructor Sara added
Rean sighed. "Okay, okay! I get it already!"
Elise giggled.
"It seems everything turned out well in the end." Laura smiled.
"I definitely agree with what Levi said about the nobility. Still, we're no closer to unlocking the secret of that giant armor..." Machias said. " Or the red door it was hiding behind."
"All we know is that red door showed up after we cleared the fourth floor of the old schoolhouse." Elliot nodded.
"And after me and Elise went down all of the sudden, it opened up and that armor came out while calling Rean. That voice was a surprise too." I said. "If I remember right. It said "Forth lock released... Initialization complete. Potential Awakener confirmed within 50 arge. Commencing the first trial." It seems there really is something significant hidden deeper within that place."
"It's getting harder and harder to presume anything else, isn't it?" Instructor Sara asked as she thinks for a moment. "I think from now on, it might be a better idea to leave the old schoolhouse alone."
"Huh?! Why?"
"The reason I send you guys there in the first place was because I thought it might make a good training ground. But after what happened to you and Elise and with that elevator appearing, i feel conflicted about letting you go back. The Principle is thinking about rescinding his request for you guys to investigate the place, too."
"I object." Fie said. "It's ideal for us to keep ourselves trained for battle, right? And it seems like fighting down in there encourages us to cooperate better, too."
"Much as it may lack weight coming from me, I'm inclined to agree." Laura nodded
"The effectiveness of combat links truly comes to the fore there." Jusis added.
"Yeah. The wind seem to suggest that to me as well." Gaius nodded.
"There's no denying it's dangerous, but i feel like i'd regret it if we just stopped here." Elliot replied.
"Yeah. I have so many questions about that place, and i want some answers." Alisa nodded
"I agree." Emma nodded.
"Same" I agreed with everyone. "The old schoolhouse help us a lot too. We fought, grow stronger, bonded, and more experience in battle together because of the old schoolhouse. It's an important part of us that we go forth and discover the truth together. We can't just let it go. What's the point if we can grow stronger and closer together?"
"I feel the same." Rean nodded. "Do you think you could talk to the principal and get him to change his mind?"
Instructor Sara chuckled. "Looks like I don't have much of a choice, do I? All right. I can't promise anything, but i'll do what i can to persuade the principal. If anything else weird happens in there, i want you to report it to me immediately. Is that clear?"
"Yes, Instructor!" We nodded
"Rean." Elise called out to him. "As Levi said to you, I still can't accept your position. That you don't wish to succeed Father as head of the family, or that you enrolled here because of that... Honestly, it seems to me that you aren't even certain yourself what you want for your life. And because of that, it's like you've lost your way. Well? Am I right?"
"I can't deny that." Rean answered. "But this time, I was able to come back to my senses. I think enrolling here at Thors was the best thing I've done for myself in a long time. It's given me the chance to start moving forward, little by little. And I owe that to my friends here."
"That's the spirit, Rean." I smiled and wink as I place my arm over his shoulder. "But you still got a lot to think about, huh?"
"I do. But i want to find an answer that works not just for me, but for you, Mom, and Dad, too. I know it's frustrating, but i hope you'll stick with me while i'm figuring things out. And... i'm sorry for being such a crappy brother to you."
"Rean..." Elise trailed off. And then the moment was ruined by the train announcer that the train to Heimdallr has arrived.
And as I remove my from Rean. He petted his little sister's head.
"Heimdallr's not too far away. I'm sure we'll see each other again soon enough. We can talk about this more then, okay?"
"I... All right. That's a promise!" Elise nodded with a smile and light blushed.
-End of Flashback-
(Trails of Cold Steel ost - Practical Exam)
And with that, I was able to knock some sense to him. And also that while Rean adores Elise. He can be overprotective but also dense and oblivious. That head petting was... not sure how to respond to that.
"All right, that brings this month's practical exam to an end." Sara said. "Next, it's time to announce this weekend's field study locations."
We were given the papers and I had a look at the group assignments, this one however caused me to blink several times.
Field Study: July
Group A: Rean, Elliot, Fie, Laura, Levi
(Study Location: Heimdallr, the Vermillion capital)
Group B: Machias, Alisa, Emma, Gaius, Jusis
(Study Location: Heimdallr, the Vermillion capital)
"Oh, it looks like both groups are going to the same place." Emma said.
"I assume we'll be dividing the work between our groups?" Gaius asked.
"Well, the capital is incredibly vast." Alisa answered. "So it seems like a logical solution."
"Group divisions aside, I'm certainly surprised at the choice of the capital as our destination." Machias said.
"Yeah, you and I will have the home field advantage. Considering we're both from there." Elliot added. "I guess this means I'll get to be in town for the Summer Festival after all."
I'm starting to notice something strange. It seem Rean notice it too.
"Umm… Instructor Sara." Rean said
"Oh? Whatever is the matter my beloved pupil?" Sara let out her smile.
"Please don't call me that. I have no objections to our destination or arrangement of the groups. But I can't quite shake the feeling I'm being used. … Again."
"Yeah, I had that feeling too." I added.
Sara just looked away and whistled.
We all sweatdrop.
"That innocent whistle isn't fooling anyone." Rean sternly said.
Dateline, July 24th.
(Trails of Cold Steel ost - Refreshing Morning)
I left my dorm as I see Elliot.
"Morning Elliot." I waved.
"Morning Levi."Elliot waved.
"Morning guys." Rean said as he just arrived from getting down the stairs.
"Morning Rean. I'm surprised I didn't see you just now." I chuckled.
"Well, you were a little early for me."
Elliot nodded. "All right, this is our chance to discuss what to do before they get here. But to be honest, I really don't have any good ideas. How about you guys?"
"I honestly can't say. Unlike Machias and Jusis. Laura and Fie understand each other to some degree." I answered.
"True. Our last months performance wasn't amazing but there was no conflict."
"Yeah… that's all the more reason why I feel like we should step in and do something for them, but…" Rean trailed off. "From what Alisa and Emma told me, it seems like they have trouble connecting with each other."
"Yeah… I get the feeling that either our combat link or not… they weren't working with each other." I nodded
"Yeah, I get that impression as well." Elliot replied. "It's not like they hate each other. They're just having trouble coming to terms with their differences."
"On Laura's case. She's the daughter of a noble family who is like a knight in shiny armor. While Fie spend her childhood on the battlefield with Jaegers."
"Their upbringings couldn't be more different when you think about it. Maybe their values too."
"You're right. I wonder is that's-"
"I apologize for the delay."
We turned to see Laura and Fie coming down the stairs and joining with us.
"H-Heeeey! Good morning, Laura." Rean look surprised and nervous.
"You didn't hear us gossiping, did you?" I asked
"You needn't worry about us." Laura shook her head. "We have no intention of causing trouble, and we're prepared to do what we can to form a combat link as soon as possible. It's not our intention to be confrontational towards one another." Then Laura turn her head. "Is that not the case, Fie?"
"Yup." Fie answered. "Don't worry. We won't bring the group down during our field study."
"If you insist." I look a bit concern though.
"That's not what we're really worried about." Elliot added.
"Anyways, we should finish up our preparation and head over to the station." Rean reminded. "I bet group B's waiting there for us already.
We agreed together and left the dorm to go to the station, the other group were already there.
"Oh, you're all here." Alisa said.
"Ready to take off?" Gaius asked.
"Ready as we're going to be." Rean answered.
"Yep. Let's get our tickets at the counter, shall we?" I suggested.
"Well, the captial's only half an hour west, so at least the fare should be cheap." Elliot added.
We got our tickets and both of our groups boarded the train. Group B sat on one side of the coach seats and we sat on the other side. Elliot, Fie and me were on one side of the seats and Rean and Laura sat on the opposite side. Elliot gave us an explanation about the capital. I had been to the capital before, but only for education. The journey wasn't for long, the train pulled into Heimdallr central station and we got off the train.
(Trails of Cold Steel ost - Strain)
We were walking along the platform when we suddenly met a familiar person. "Exactly on time."
"Oh...you're Captain Claire, the one we saw back at Celdic." I replied.
"That's right, I'm glad you remember me." She nodded. "I believe it's been about three months since we last met."
"So... this must be the woman the group who went to Celdic encounter." Machias said
"So, this is an officer from the fearsome RMP?" Jusis asked.
"Yeah, she saved our butts from the blue-wearing scums." I answered. "So are you here to give us the assignment tasks?"
"No. I'm just here to provide a place for you to talk with the person who is." Claire responded. "He should be here now...ah, here it comes."
"Perfect timing."
We then saw a well-dressed man with slightly dark green hair.
I heard Machias gasp. "Dad?!"
"I've seen him in the imperial chronicle before." Elliot said.
"Governor Regnitz, one of the reformist's most influential voices." Jusis added.
"So this is Machias's father." Gaius replied
"Haha, this is the first time I've met most of you so I'll introduce myself." The man replied. "I'm Carl Regnitz, Machias's father. I'm the governor of Heimdallr and head of the local government. It's a pleasure to finally meet you, ladies and gentleman of Class VII."
(Trails of Cold Steel ost - Brain-racking Test)
We followed him and Claire to a briefing room beside the train station and we each took a seat with me and Rean sitting the closest to him.
"My apologies for the location. I would've had preferred to brief you in city hall." Carl said. "But I'm regrettably short on time, so I had to ask the captain here to lend us this room. Anyway, let's move on to confirming your assignment and lodgings-"
"Wait a minute!" Machias got up from his chair. "How did YOU, of all people, end up being the one to sort out our lodgings and tasks? It seems a little too convenient!"
"If you wouldn't mind us asking, sir, how did you wind up as our point of contact?" Rean asked
"Haha, my apologies. I probably should've explain a little more first. It's actually a very simple reason. I'm here because I sit on Thor's Military Academy's board of directors."
That caught us by surprise.
"You what?!" Machias exclaimed.
"First Jusis's brother, then Alisa's mother and now Machias's father." Emma said.
"This surely can't be a coincidence." I added.
"Haha, I can assure you. The three of us didn't arrange for it to be that way." Carl answered. "If anything, I was unsure what to do when the academy first offered the position to me."
"Would I be right in assuming there's some kind of secret reason behind the formation of Class VII?" Rean asked.
"I'm afraid that's not my place to say. But whatever the case may be, I'm the third and final member of the board of directors. And that's why I'm the one who's prepared your field study tasks and arrange lodging for all of you."
"Unbelievable..." Machias muttered.
"I guess it makes sense now." Elliot added.
"Thanks for clearing that up, sir. Anyway, back to what you were saying before." Rean said.
"Your field study will take place over three days, of which this is the first. As such, the third will coincide with the start of the Summer Festival." Carl continued. "Each group will be assigned half of the city and tend to a list of needs I've drawn up for you."
"So one group will take the eastern half of the city, and the other group, the west." Emma said.
"The city's big enough that it looks like we'll be working apart, even though we're in the same place." Alisa added
"Indeed. I'm sure you've seen for yourselves how vast Heimdallr is." Carl nodded. "As such, I've broken it down so that all of Group A's tasks cover the area east of Vainqueur Street, while Group B's tasks are focused on the area west of Vainqueur Street."
"Must be an important street." Gaius said.
"I believe Vainqueur Street is the main thoroughfare that runs through the city, leading to the Imperial palace." Jusis added.
"That's the one." Elliot replied. "As soon as we leave the station, you'll see it stretching out to the north."
"It's hardly a precise division, but for the purpose of this field study, I'm sure it'll be more than sufficient. Now, I'd like each group to take one of these envelopes." Carl handed one to me and one to Rean, along with an address and key.
"Oh, what's the address and key for?" I asked. "Alto Street?"
"Oh Alto Street." Elliot said. "That's around where my family lives."
I looked at him. "Really?"
"Yup. Can't say the address brings any particular place to mind, though."
"I seem to remember Vesta Street being a main street on the west side of the city." Alisa said.
"Yes, it's a fairly lively working class neighborhood." Machias replied. "Dad, are these..."
"That's right. The address of the places you'll be staying while you're here along with their keys." Carl answered. "Both groups will be staying in different places, so I suggest tracking down your lodgings before you start your work. Think of it as a small orienteering exercise to help you get a better feel for the city."
"So we'll have an orienteering exercise just to explore the city too, huh." I said. "Well, we should be used to that by now."
"Ah, my apologize. I'm afraid I'll have to take my leave now." He said as he got up. "Preparations for the summer festival have me running from place to place, as you can imagine.I wish I could stay and chat a bit longer, but… that's life in politics for you. One more thing. The communications functionality of your ARCUS has been enabled in the city. Good luck out there."
Carl had to leave.
"I-I'm not sure what to make of it all…" Rean said.
"You and me both" I sighed with an agreement from him.
"Since he's the governor, I was expecting him to seem a lot more strict, but he actually seems more…" Alisa trailed off
"Playful?" Fie guess.
"Gah. I feel ashamed you had to see that. He's always been like that, I'm afraid." Machias sighed.
"Ah. I think it's charming if you ask me." I said.
"At least he manages to fulfill his responsibilities as governor, somehow…"
"Actually, I've heard he's extremely good at his job." Elliot said. "Coming from the background he does, he's friendly and down to earth, but people say he's a born leader too."
Emma giggled. "The Imperial Chronicles always paint him in a favorable light as well."
"I hear he butts heads with the noble Faction far less than his fellow reformist Chancellor Osborne." Laura added
"Hmph. In politics, a friendly demeanor can just as easily be an act to sway popular sentiment." Jusis said. "After all, there aren't many who waltz and 'borrow' meeting space from the RMP."
Captain Claire smiled. "The capital is the nexus and the Heart of the nation's entire railway network. As such, the Railway Military Police finds itself daily indebted to Governor Regnitz's good graces. This was just an opportunity for us to return the favor, at least a little."
Our groups left the station, seeing a part of the city was gigantic to say the least. But we didn't have time to see the sights at the moment, it was time to find our lodgings.
We split up into our groups and went into opposite directions, we had to get a ride on an orbal tram to get to where Alto Street was.
"I haven't been to the capital in a long time… I'm always surprised at just how big this street is." Rean said.
"Even though this isn't my first time being here, this is my first time on a tram." I said. "I guess when you consider what we've seen during our field studies, technology has changed a lot of lifestyles effectively."
"Indeed, the same can be said in my home." Laura agreed. "The province people are depending less and less on horse-drawn carriages. I've never seen so many orbal cars in one place before."
"Well, even here, carriages were the standard up until around twenty years ago." Elliot said. "But these days, they seem kind of quaint. You never really see them anymore."
"The republic's capital has a lot of cars, too, just like this." Fie added. "After that, Crossbell probably has the most."
"Oh, really?" Rean asked.
"You travel to a bunch of places haven't you? Lucky...So what is Alto Street like?" I ask
"It's a pretty calm street I guess." Elliot answered. "We should be taking a right here just about now."
The tram then slowed down and we got off to find ourselves at Also Street.
"Looks like you live in a nice part of the city Elliot." I smiled
"You think?" Elliot responded. "Anyway, we should start looking for where our lodgings are."
"Oh yeah. Elliot? You live around here, right? Why don't we drop by your house first?" Rean suggested.
"Oh that's a good idea." I smiled Someone in your family might be able to guide us if we show them the lodging address."
"Well, it's really near here, but...I doubt my dad will be in. Not sure if my sis will be, either." Elliot replied
"Yeah, I think you mentioned having an older sister before." Rean said
"Come now, you never know until you try. Besides, I'm sure your sister would be thrilled to see you." I smiled.
Elliot giggled. "I don't think that's how it goes. But if you insist...and thanks."
He showed us the way which was near the far end of the street, we stood at the house that had flowerbeds and Elliot opened the door, going in first. We followed him in and had look at the inside of the house.
"So this is your home, huh?" I asked. "Pretty homey."
"Oh, is someone there?" A voice asked from upstairs. "I'll be with you in just a moment."
(Trails of Cold Steel ost - The Comfort of One's Home)
We then saw a young woman who had long orange hair, just like Elliot's hair colour and she was in a long dress with many types of green.
"Hi sis, I'm home." Elliot said.
"Elliot? Ellioooot!" She rushed over and hugged him.
"Whoa!" Elliot was taken back by the sudden hug.
"It's you! It's really you!"
Elliot hugged her back, but he seemed embarrassed. "Sis, please, not in front of my classmates."
"Haha… looks like they get along pretty well." Rean whispered.
"Yep, they sure do." I whisper back and smile. 'How lucky of you Elliot.'
We then took a seat by the sofas and she introduced herself as Fiona Craig, Elliot's older sister. She already knew our names based on the letters that she had got from Elliot. We then learnt that she teaches piano classes which got my attention.
"Oh, you teach piano here at home?" I asked.
"Yes, and I have heard that you have the voice of an angel." Fiona answered before smiling at me.
"Hehe… An angel huh?"
"She's not wrong. Your singing is something else." Rean smiled
"Oh right. Elliot told me that you also play the Lyre. It's rare to find someone playing it these days." Flora added. "I would like to hear your playing sometimes."
"If time permits, sure. I wouldn't mind." I smiled "So you're from a family of musicians, right Elliot?"
Elliot shook his head. "My dad's not really the musical type."
"Heehee. Couldn't carry a tune in a wheelbarrow." Fiona added. "I'd love the chance to go to concern as a family once in a while. But he's so busy with work that he rarely has the chance to come home and see us."
"Oh yeah. I remember something you told me awhile back during our little music playing. Didn't you say you wanted to go to the Music Academy but your dad doesn't want you too?" I asked.
"Yeah... but that's not the full story..." Elliot trailed off.
"Oh, have you not told them? Fiona asked.
"Now that you mention it, I don't recall you ever saying." Laura recalled
"Is it something secret you can't talk about?" Rean also asked.
"Oh no, nothing like that." Elliot answered. "He's just... He's in the Imperial Army."
"So your father's a military man?" I asked
"Yeah. Probably no way you'd guess that looking at me, right? I didn't exactly inherit the physique."
"Hey now. So what if you don't?"
"But, man... the name Craig, in the army... it sounds really familiar." Rean said.
"Maybe the name Olaf Craig, might help?" Fiona asked
"I think I've heard of him." Fie said. "Isn't he consider the most formidable general in the Imperial Army as Craig the Red?"
"And he leads the 4th Armored Division that boasts the greatest firepower in the entire armed forces." Laura added
"Come to think of it, doesn't Instructor Neithardt come from the 4th Armored Division, too?" Rean asked. "It kind of threw me when i saw Elliot just casually chatting with him a while ago. But now i can see how you'd wind up talking with him outside of class."
"Oh, you did see that?" Elliot asked. "Yeah, i met him through my dad before coming to the academy. Well, i'm not surprised you didn't peg me as Olaf Craig's son. I was kinda hoping you wouldn't find out."
I'm sensing some discomfort. After listening about not a music man. I'm guessing this about Elliot wanted to go to the music academy.
"Umm... Sorry. I didn't mean to make things all awkward like this. Just... don't worry about it."
"I see... anyway, we originally came here, because we wanted to know if there are any hotels you know around here." I said. "We're on a field study and the only clue we have are these numbers with the key."
"Well, there aren't any hotels in this area, may I have a look?" Fiona asked
I handed the address over to her and she nodded before giving it back to me.
"Oh, I think I know. Isn't that where the old Bracer Guild used to be?"
That clicked in my head. "Bracer Guild? I think you mention that before Rean."
"Well, we should have a look for ourselves. You know where it is, Elliot?" Rean asked
"I think so." Elliot answered. "It should be just down the road from here."
Fiona sighed. "Awww. I was hoping you'd stay a bit longer, but if you have things to do, I'll just sit here... Alooooone. It'd make my day if you dropped by for meals while you're here though. I'd be more than happy to cook for you all."
"That sounds great. What do you guys think?" Elliot suggest.
"I don't mind." I smiled.
"I'm not going to turn down home cooking." Rean added
Few moment later
We left the house and Elliot led the way to a large building, he used the key to unlock the door and we went inside. The interior was not like a home for sure, more like a bar that hadn't been used for a long time.
"This sure looks like the place." I hummed. "I see notices and bulletin boards posted up in a few places too."
"There's one in particular about who's in charge of the building." Rean aid. "Apparently, it's owned by the local government."
"Well, that explains why the governor had the authority to let us stay here while we're in town." Laura added.
"Whereabouts are we staying in?" Fie asked.
"There's nothing but a reception desk on this floor." I answered. "Guess we're all staying upstairs."
I walked up first and we saw two rooms which was ideal. Laura and Fie would share one despite their current issues, and me, Rean and Elliot would share another. The rooms themselves were pretty clean and the beds were well made too.
We sat around a table after we were done with settling in and I placed the envelope on the table.
"I gotta admit, Machias's dad went quite the mile to have this prepared." I said.
"All right. Now that's we've got our lodging sorted out, time to take a look at today's task."
I opened the envelope that had the usual stuff and a list of requests for us.
"Hmm...the tasks Machias's father selected certainly show the variety one would expect from a city this size." Laura commented.
"Yeah, no kidding." I replied. "So we've gotta meet a journalist at a media department, and take care of a monster underneath a hotel. Then it would be smart of us to use the orbal trams to get around to the places that only cover the east side of Vainquer Street."
"Yeah, I can be your travel guide too." Elliot added. "Just don't forget that sis will be cooking for us, so we should head back there when we're done."
I nodded. "Alright then, we've got a lot of ground to cover for this one."
(Trails of Cold Steel ost - Heimdallr, the Vermillion Capital)
We left the guild and our first task to do was to speak to the journalist at the Imperial Chronicles building. Elliot showed us the way to Vainqueur Street, the building we were looking for was at the far end. We went inside and went up to the reception desk.
"Hello. How can I help you?" The Receptionist asked.
"Hi there, we're students from Thor's Military Academy." Rean answered.
"We're here to follow up on a request someone made of us." Elliot added.
"Ah I see. You must be Class VII, then." The Receptionist replied. "Would you like me to call the man who made request out to meet you?"
"If you could do that for us, please." I said.
"Understood. Please take a seat on the sofa over there then while i do so."
We took a seat and waited until a man came over to see us, he looked very familiar.
"Hey, nice to meet you." He said. "I'm Norton, a cameraman here at the Imperial Chronicle."
"Wait a second, I remember you." I replied. "You're the same guy my group met at the Nord Highlands last month."
"Oh yeah, I remember you too." Rean nodded. "Didn't expect i'd run into you like this, though.
"You two know him?" Fie asked
"Yeah. We met him during our field study last month."
"Right. Back when you two were in the Nord highlands." Laura nodded
"Yep, I was there at the same time. I really owe Rean and the rest of his group for everything they did for me. I probably wouldn't have got pictures as good as I did if it weren't for them."
"Now you're exaggerating things." Rean smiled. "We'll take the compliment though."
Norton chuckled. "I wouldn't mind having you folks with me next time i head out. Okay, enough hopes and dreams. Let's talk about the details of the request."
"I'm guessing it's Summer Festival related?" Elliot asked.
"How could it not be? It's always got us scrambling this time of year. Basically, I want you to help take some of the weight off of our shoulders."
"And how would we do that exactly?" I asked.
"We need you to help us make a tourist pamphlet, essentially. We put these things out on a regular basis, but this one's made specifically for the festival. We need you to go to some of the featured stores and do a couple things."
"A couple of things?"
He nodded. "First up, you need to collect each store's comment for the pamphlet. Don't worry, we've asked them to write them in advance. After that, we need you to take a picture of the store and it's employees for us. And just to make sure everything's the way it should be, be sure to read each's store's comment back to them."
"That sounds very doable." Laura said.
"Yeah." Elliot nodded. "Rean knows how to use a camera, too, so we shouldn't run into any issues."
"Is that so?" Norton asked
"I'm hardly an expert, but i know how to work one, at least." Rean replied.
"Now that we know what we have to do..." Laura said. "Just how many stores will we be visiting, exactly?"
"Five in total. They're all on Vainqueur Street too, so you won't be running around much." Norton answered. "You'll find the first two in Plaza Bitfrost, you'll be looking for Weston House, which is a general grocery store, and Mimosa, a coffee shop of sorts. Then, south of Bitfrost, you'll find a weapon shop named Watson's, followed by Lumiere Orbal Factory, south of that. Last but not least is Le Sage, which is right next to Lumiere."
"That's a lot of stops, but I doubt we'll have any trouble finding them." I said
"Yeah. They're all on the west side of Vainqueur Street, so you're not exactly to get lost. Well, that's everyone you need to know. Any questions?"
"No. We're good." Rean answered
"Great. You're gonna need this, then." Norton handed Rean an orbal camera. "I'm heading back to work now, so I'm counting on you. Get Citrion to give me a shout when you've been to all the stores. I'd appreciate it if you'd give her the comments and the camera when you're done, too."
"Will do."
"Okay, let's get started." Elliot said.
We left and began to travel to the stores that Norton asked for, asking each of the store's employees for comment relating to what we were doing and taking photos with the camera. After we had visited the five stores, we returned to the Imperial Chronicles building and handed the comments and the camera over to the receptionist who called for Norton.
"Nice work out there!" Norton praised. "Just had the photos you took developed, too, and gave 'em a once-over."
"How are they?" Rean asked. "I was a bit nervous that a pro would be looking at them."
"Haha. Let me tell you, there was no need for that. You took some nice shots. They're just right for this."
"That's a relief."
"Nice! Good for you." Elliot smiled
"And the comments?" I asked.
"Look good to me." Norton answered. "Now all we gotta do is plan out the pamphlet's layout and we'll be done. Thank guy,. I really appreciate it. You did great work." Oh, right. Can't forget to hand over your reward. Here you go."
He gave Rean a quartz which was kinda nice. That was our first task finished, now we had to go the hotel at Garnier District and speak with the owner who was at the desk by the stairs.
"Welcome to Der Himmel." He greeted. "Are you here looking for a room?"
"Actually, we're here about a monster extermination request you placed." Rean said.
"Oh, you came to take care of that for us, did you? You all seem rather young... Are you sure you'll be able to handle it?"
"We have significant experience in monster extermination. I don't foresee any problem." Laura replied.
"So can you explain to us what would you like us to do?" I asked
"Well if you insist. The request involves the eradication of a monster currently living underneath this hotel. You see, beneath this city lies a network of underground passages built during the Middle Ages. One of those passages happens to lead directly into this hotel's basement."
"So, it was originally constructed during the so-called Dark Ages?" Laura asked.
"I seem to remember reading something like that in a book a while back." I added.
"Yeah. These tunnels have apparently been unattended for a long time now." Elliot replied.
"Correct. However, lately, there seems to be a concerning increase in the number of monsters inhabiting the passage. An employee went to investigate and brought back reports of a particularly large creature in there as well. Before, we'd occasionally put in a request to the guild to clear out the monsters underground, but..."
"That isn't an option this time, as the guild branches in this city closed over a year ago." Rean said.
"Our customers certainly won't be able to rest easy with dangerous creatures prowling around beneath the hotel. Do you think you can take care of this matter for us?"
"Certainly. Just leave everything to us."
"Can you explain how we're to enter the underground passage?" Laura asked
"First, you'll need this key." He gave Rean the key. "Use the key to unlock the door on the opposite side of this entrance hall. That will lead you down into the underground passage. However, I'm afraid I know nothing of the passage's layout, including how vast the network of tunnels is. Please do be careful out there."
I nodded. "Got it, let's get going, team."
As we going to head there. We end up meeting a beautiful and yet mysterious woman. She call herself Vita Clotilde. Odd… why does she look… familiar? Her voice seems different… come to think of it… I haven't talk to Misty for while but listen to her radio… but…something about this woman… I don't know why but… hmm…
We went over to the door and unlocked it before entering and walking down the stairs till we found ourselves in some kind of sewers.
(Trails of Cold Steel ost - Remains Sleeping Underground)
I sighed, I suppose even sewer area can be a dungeon.
"Well, at least the smell isn't bad here." I commented. "Stay sharp, we've got a monster to exterminate."
"Right. Seems like the monster we're after must be pretty deep inside, too." Rean nodded
"Wow. It seems crazy they built something like this in the Middle Ages." Elliot replied
"Laura, Fie. Just to be sure..." Rean turn to them. "You're both ready to begin exploring, right?"
"Of course." Laura nodded. "If i couldn't be of service in situations like these, it'd be pointless for me to be here at all.
"Same here." Fie nodded. " I got your back."
"I think it's about time we finally formed a successful combat link, Fie. We may have different approaches to combat, but we both show our true worth on the battlefield. I doubt you wish to bring further shame upon yourself, and I feel the same."
"True. I'll try to match the rhythm of your breathing."
"We'll do everything we can to support you, too!" Elliot nodded
"All right, let's go!" Rean command
We traveled through the underground path and slayed a few monsters along the way. It took a while due to operating the levers and gaining access to go further. We eventually reached the end to see a large green slimy monster with some little ones around it.
"Blah! Look at the size of it!" I exclaimed
"This is the monster in the description, alright. Laura, Fie, you ready?" Rean asked
"Of course." Fie nodded
"I'd like to ask that you put Fie and myself on the front line for this battle." Laura replied.
"Got it. Since you two will be doing a combat link. This is a good chance." I nodded
"All right. Laura and Fie will take point for this fight. The rest of us will back them up!" Rean command
(Trails of Cold Steel ost - Tie the Link of ARCUS)
The battle began and I formed a link with Rean whilst Elliot stood in the back for support. Me and Rean attacked first, eliminating half of the smaller slimes, and Laura and Fie finished off the rest. The big one however cast a powerful Art onto us and highly damage us but Elliot healed us. I cast the Cresent Moon Art and just in case. We continue to fight the big slime one. As soon as the Slime one attacked Laura and Fie with the slime attack, Both of them dodge and then counter-attack. But as they did, their link was severed. Fortunately, the three of us guys were able to defeat the large slime before it vanished away.
(Trails of Cold Steel ost - Remains Sleeping Underground)
The battle was over, but Laura and Fie were on their knees and looking down on the ground.
"Well...that was..." Elliot said.
'Yep, I thought that would happen, but it was worth a try.' I thought. "I guess I was right to continue to worry about you two. We should've given it more time."
"No, you're not in the wrong here, Levi." Laura got up. "I don't want to hold our group back more than I already have. I'd like to withdraw from active combat and take on a more supporting role for the duration of this field study."
"Don't be ridiculous." Fie got up and looked at her. "If anyone should be benched, it's me. It makes sense when you consider what each of us brings to a fight."
"No, my own immaturity is the cause of this. There's still a part of me that refuses to accept you, and this is the result."
Fie lightly gasped and looked down a little.
"I'm sorry, I didn't think I was this narrow-minded. And I apologize for the distress my prejudice has no doubt been causing you. I came to realize during my club activities that I still have a lot of maturing left to do." She looked at Rean. "As such,Rean, I wish to withdraw-"
"Deny." Rean answered. "Actually, I'll can make a bold suggestion, I'll be the one to withdraw from the front-line."
"Rean?" Elliot asked.
"This seems awfully sudden." I added. "Can I ask the reason why?"
"During all the battles we've fought, one thing's stood out to me. I couldn't help but notice that under ordinary circumstances… Laura and Fie's fighting styles complement each other perfectly."
"Yeah. I notice and agree with you there." I replied. "Laura who has the strength and durability of a knight who can strike down many enemies. On the other hand, you have Fie who uses her speed and agility that can create openings for Laura. Thinking back on the practical exam, Rean and I shouldn't have stood a chance against you two."
"Exactly."
"Oh yeah… you're right. If they could form a combat link, they'd be virtually unstoppable." Elliot added.
"Yeah. I don't think that's escape you two either."
"That's why you keep trying to form a combat link, but there's something stopping you from connecting with each other." I added
"Whatever the issue is, it's been frustrating you both for a while now, right?"
Fie nodded.
"It's exactly as you say." Laura said.
"Okay, so, since that's how things stand, it makes no sense for you two to just give up and withdraw from combat." Rean replied. "In fact, considering everyone's relative strength and weaknesses, it makes the most sense for me to fall back."
"Ah. Good call. This way you two will have more chances to think through the issue and then try to form a link again." I replied
Laura and Fie looked at each other and nodded.
"You have my thanks." Laura said.
"We'll take you up on your offer." Fie added.
"That's what I like to hear." Rean smiled
"But man, I'm surprised at you two." Elliot said.
"Who?" I asked
"You and Rean. You both seem to think the same thing and take turns to each sentence."
"Yeah, I notice that you." Fie nodded "You both also seem to be in perfect sync as well. You both thought the same thing and even say the same thought."
"Perhaps the saying, great minds think alike. comes in order." Laura said
"Huh. Come to think of it. I did felt like we were thinking the same thought." Rean said.
"Yeah. I'm surprised you and I thought the same thing." I nodded
"And taking turn to finish the sentence was also the surprised too."
"And there they go again." Elliot chuckled. "Anyway, thanks to you two, there might be hope for those two after all."
"Right, we just need to go back to the hotel to report on the task." I said. "Time to get out of this stunk dungeon."
We began walking back until Elliot heard something from a wall. Then i notice it too. We investigated it and noticed a panel, Fie pressed it and then the wall suddenly moved to one side revealing a secret passage, we walked down the passageway and started hearing a bit of music, it got louder as we went further. Then we a stairway with some light shining through. We rushed to the end and moved the door to the side, we then walked out of the sewers and into a familiar park, it was already sunset too.
(Trails of Cold Steel ost - Sonata No.45)
"I remember this place. This is Mater Park." I recalled. "It's also home to the garden house over there."
"Haha. Who would've guessed that those underground tunnels would spit us out somewhere like this." Rean chuckled.
"The layout's remained unchanged since it was created during the Dark Ages. You can really feel the city's history." Laura nodded.
"It seems like the network of passages here is even bigger than Bareahard's underground waterway." Fie added
"I got to say. This music we're hearing is so lovely, right Elliot?" I smiled as I listen to the music. But no respond. "Elliot?"
"Oh sorry. I was listening to this sonata, then I realized that the musicians playing it over there are actually friends of mine." Elliot smiled
"Guessed from their age and skilled. They must be students from the Music Academy, right?"
"Hehe. Good guessed. I'm really proud to know them. Umm.. Would you guys mind if i went over and said hi?"
"No sweat! Go ahead." Rean nodded
We walked through the park and greeted Elliot's friends from the Music Academy. After a few friendly chats. we took the tram to the hotel to report the request to the owner, and then we got the tram back to Elliot's house where Fiona was already cooking.
(Trails of Cold Steel ost - Whereabouts of Feelings.)
Elliot took us to his room and it was full of musical instruments, he mentioned about his mother and how she taught him and his sister the piano and how they grew to learn about music, then he mentioned what happened to his mother.
Fie and I asked if Elliot regret coming to Thors. Elliot had no regrets in joining Thor's, I was glad he said that. I hope and pray to Aidios that you can continue his dream. I can feel my bond with him really grown. Since we both love music.
(Trails of Cold Steel ost - Evening Moments)
After the personal talk, Elliot said that he would be staying at his family's home for the night. The four of us went back to the guild, but it seemed like there was something on Laura and Fie's mind. We took a ride to Mater Park and went towards the gazebo.
"Hmm, I don't see any people in this part of the park." Laura said.
"I'm fine with here if you are." Fie replied.
Rean and I stood back as the two girls took their positions.
(Trails of Cold Steel ost - Heartbreak)
"All right, Fie. Here are my conditions." Laura said. "If I win this duel, I want you to tell me about your past. Your personal history."
'A duel, huh? I guess it was always gonna come down to that.' I thought.
Rean and I could only stand and watch in silence as we listened to Laura's reasons for the duel, it was a long conversation to say the least. Rean then stood in to officiate the duel and saw the two of them battle each other and not once holding back. Eventually, they had run out of energy and were both laying down on the ground.
"I couldn't even tell who won." I said. "What about you, Rean?"
"I feel bad saying this after volunteering to be the judge..." Rean said. "but as far as I can tell, it was a draw."
"Heh... Well, I suppose it is what it is." Laura panted. "I'll simply have to continue my training and challenge you again another time. And don't forget, I still wish to duel the two of you as well."
"Wait! Why me?"
"Hehe. Of course you do." I chuckled.
Fie however decided that Laura won and thus she began to tell her story when she was part of the jaegers. After learning what her life was like, I found myself similar to hers. She's like me. But she was free to roam.. while I was force in isolation. We both don't have parents it seems. Who would had guess we have that in common too. I'm glad… Laura got up and helped Fie by the hand before they turned to face me and Rean.
(Trails of Cold Steel ost - Don't be Defeated by a Friend)
"Uhhh, what are you two doing?" I asked. "Oh, I get it...you want payback for when Rean and I beat you a few days ago."
"Gah… I should've known." Rean said as he draw his Tachi and I draw my Glaive "I guess we've had this coming since the practical exam, huh?"
"Pretty much, my friend."
"Guess we'll have our rematch."
"Hehe. Yeah. Are you ready partner? And you two ready?" I smirked
"Yeah. Let's do this."
(Trails of Cold Steel ost - Evening Moment)
The battle began and Laura and Fie formed a combat link...They were a lot tougher together. Completely challenging. This bring back such painful memories and yet educational. Honestly. I begin to feel overwhelmed. I haven't felt that feeling for a very long time. My first taste of defeat too, but I'll let it slide since Laura and Fie finally put aside their difference to become good friends. And they both notice that I was holding back. Of course, they notice. And I told them we better go because I felt like the police are coming so we ran off.
Phew! That was a lot of work! But Nice, right! And it seems that many battle, Levi has got a little more stronger now. Plus Levi being fair and lost for the first time. Hope he continues. Oh Yeah. His Master Quarts been updated.
Levi's Master Quarts: Starry
Type: Mirage
Description: Increases obtained EXP.
LVL 1 Increases obtained EXP
Obtained EXP multiplied by 1.1
Lvl 2 Increases obtained EXP
Obtained EXP multiplied by 1.2
Lvl 3 Increases obtained EXP
Obtained EXP multiplied by 1.3
Damage of attacks and crafts raised
Damage increased by 75%
LVL 4 Increases obtained EXP
Obtained EXP multiplied by 1.4
Damage of attacks and crafts raised
Damage increased by 100%
Arts: Silver Thorn, Luminous Ray and Crescent Moon.