Dateline, August, 18th, 1204.
(Trails of Cold Steel ost - Let's Study)
The peak of Summer had passed by and we were awarded with a five-day vacation the day we came back from Heimdallr. The students from Classes I and II were given an extended vacation, so they were away from Trista. Our group was currently in the classroom, the bond between our group had become stronger.
"Ugh, it's so hot. I'm dying in here." Elliot said.
"I'm sick of this heat already." Fie added.
Alisa moaned. "Talking about it is just making me feel even hotter."
"Doesn't the academy have one of those Orbal Air conditioning?" I asked.
"An… orbal… air conditioning?" Elliot asked
"What is that?" Emma asked
"Well, it's this devive that blows out cool air to help regulate a room's temperature. Maybe it's help if you think of it as the opposite of a stove." Alisa explain.
"Wow. That's some kind of wizardry." Gaius mused
"I've heard of them, but aren't they suppose to be prohibitively expensive?" Machias asked? "only the modern building seem able to afford them."
"Do you have one in your house?" Fie asked
"Well, there's one in the Reinford Company's corporate headquarters, yeah. It would be nice if mother could spare one… you know, for the academy she sits on the board of directors for." Alisa muttered
"Seems a bit much to hope for." Rean said.
"Considering that we're in a military school. I don't think we can expect to be indulged quite that much." Emma replied.
"Still, a machine to help us keep cool in the summer… whoever first invented should get a metal." Elliot smiled.
"I'll admit, the summer heat here is more difficult to cope with than in Legram." Laura said. "But as long as I think of it as another part of my training, it doesn't bother me that much."
"Bareahard gets similar summer heat waves, but there's usually a breeze blowing in from the canyon at this time of year." Jusis added. "That does make summers a bit easier to manage."
"My hometown's up in the mountains, so it's pretty cool even around this time of year." Rean replied.
"Aren't you lucky." I frown.
"Actually, now that you mention it. I wouldn't thought you three would go back home for the summer. being nobles and all." Elliot said.
"You were given permission, weren't you?" Alisa based.
"If everyone else was going home, I would've consider it. But in the end, I decided against it. I mean, it wasn't all that long ago I got to see Elise. Maybe next year." Rean explained.
"I came here to train." Laura replied. "Until I feel like I've made significant progress, i have no intention of returning home."
"Hah. Some of you saw my father's mansion. Do you think I'd go back to a place like that willingly?" Jusis asked "I'd much rather stay here and take my chances with heatstroke."
"Not to mention I've heard what kind of man your father is." I sighed.
"Still, as hot as it is, there's a lot going on right now." Machias said.
"Yeah, such as the recent event we've been hearing about. Like when we heard that the Imperial Liberation Front announced their arrival to the world."
"Not just that, there's also the trade conference going on." Rean replied. "The mayor of Crossbell's involved in the meeting, right?"
"Yep. But back to the Imperial Liberation Front. They seem to have a massive vendetta against the chancellor and that they were willing to go at any length to get to him, including kidnapping important people like the princess."
"Yeah, I got the feeling that we'll be seeing them again soon. Still, I'm still surprised you were toe on toe with him, Levi."
"Like I said back then. He was far stronger than I thought so I have to be crafty with him. Plus I was training with my grandpa. And he was far stronger than C."
"Yeah, sorry for having you repeat the answer."
"Oh, it's fine. If anything, I should be thankful to my grandpa. Even though it was hell. However, what concerns me more is his presence."
"Ah, yes. You did mention that." Laura replied. "C is someone's presence is familiar to you. Whoever that presence is would likely be someone you know."
"Yeah. The other three are not familiar but C is. Which is why it's concerning. I can't tell if it is from a friend or a foe's presence. But I've never made any foes since coming here. C is definitely strong as Instructor Sara."
"Come to think of it, isn't the instructor awfully late?" Emma asked.
"Yeah, it should've started a few minutes ago. Don't tell me she overslept after drinking too much."
Alisa sighed. "I swear, that woman... She'd better not be sleeping off another hangover back at the dormitory."
"I wouldn't put it past her." Fie added.
"Excuse me, I'll have you know I did no such thing...today." Sara turned up. "Mornin' everyone."
We took our seats, and it just occurred to me that there were two extra tables and chairs behind us. Not to mention the door is open and I sense two familiar presence.
"Anyways, I'll have you know I've got a good reason for being late today." She said. "And that reason is...we're going to be welcoming two new classmates today!"
"A transfer student, at this time of year?" Alisa asked.
"Ooh, so that explains the two extra tables and chairs behind us… and the two presences by the door and why the door is open." I said.
"Very sharp of you Levi. As expected of my top scorer and beloved student." Instructor Sara smiled
"Flattery will get you nowhere Instructor. And please drop the nickname of top scorer and a beloved student please."
Sara looked at the opened door. "All right, you first. come on in."
"Righto." A voice replied and entered the room.
"Crow!" Elliot was surprised.
"But, isn't he a second year student?" Emma asked.
(Trails of Cold Steel ost - New Companions)
"I'm Crow Armbrust." He said. "Starting today, I'll be joining you fine folks as a member of Class VII. It's gonna be pretty sweet, guys."
"What?!" Rean exclaimed
"What?! But how?!" Alisa second asked.
"You sure you wanna know? It's a long tale, fraught with the intrigue of school politics." Crow smirked
"I don't think I'd put it quite like that." Sara sighed. "Back in his first year, he slacked off so much, that he ended up failing a few of his classes. Then he came crying to me in a panic like 'Oh help me, Instructor Sara, they're not gonna let me graduate!'. So, as a special exception, he's going to be joining us for the next three months to pay for his laziness."
I burst into laughter. "So that's the real reason! That's hilarious! And you brought it upon yourself! Bahahaha! I'm sorry, but-ahahahaha!"
"You can't be serious." Jusis frowned
"That's an even more pathetic reason than I was thinking." Machias muttered.
"I think you already know that Crow was one of the trials users for the ARCUS tests they run last year… So I thought he might be a good role model for you. In that sense, anyway. And don't forget, he'll also be joining us on our future field studies, too."
"Nice! Looks like you save me the trouble of having to explain it all." Crow chuckled "Anyway, let's let the good times roll! Oh, and since we're all classmates now, no need for all that sweet talkin' you lay on the other second years, all right?"
"Sure, Pfft. sure, sure." I chuckled and calm the laughing. "Okay so the other one?"
"Okay, time our second new student." Sara continued. "Come on in and say hello."
A voice sigh. "I thought you forgot I was out in the hall!"
Wait… that voice…! We then saw a blue-haired girl enter the room...wait, she looks familiar.
"Hey, are you...Millium?" Gaius asked.
"Oh yeah! I remember you! We met you in Nord Highland." I recalled.
"Yuppers! Long time no see, guys!" Millium replied before she introduced herself and brought out Lammy. "This here's Airgetlam! But we'll call him Lammy for short."
"What the hell is that?!" Machias exclaimed.
"Hooollly crap!" Elliot added.
"It's that thing we saw at Aurochs Fort." Fie reminded.
"So this is that strange girl you met in the Nord Highlands." Laura said.
"Strange is an understatement." I sighed.
"Oh and a little house rule before anything gets blown up. No bringing that thing out in the classroom." Sara ordered. "If he accidentally smashes a wall or blasts through the ceiling, I'm the one who's gonna get chewed out for it."
"Booooo...fiiiiiine." Millium moaned before Lammy went away. "Heh, aaaaaanyway. Nice to meet'cha guys!"
"Tell me you're kidding. please?" Rean said.
"I don't think Instructor Sara doesn't appear to be lying, Rean." I replied.
Crow laughed. "Well, I can see we're in for some fun times these next three months."
Dateline, August 21st.
(Trails of Cold Steel ost - Suburban Town of Trista.)
We were wrapping up our homeroom time for the day, although earlier during the lecture, I couldn't help but glance at Crow in the far back who was sleeping away. And then later Millium had to say mission so casually. I honestly don't know what are we going to do with these two. But I had more important matters on my mind.
"Okay, so tomorrow's a free day." Sara said. "Which means that next Wednesday, you'll have your usual practical exam. You better all bring your A-game."
"The same song and dance we've grown to like." I replied.
She smiled. "Oh, and speaking of song...there's a talent show that's gonna be happening during the free day and a little bird told me that have a voice of an angel."
I slightly blushed. "W-Who told you that?"
"That's a secret that you will find out...I hope you get to share that voice sometime. Oh and Millium and Crow, a few must-have instructional materials you guys are going to need as part of Class VII finally showed up. I'll hand that stuff off to you once we're done here, so I want you to come with me to the faculty lounge."
"Right-o." Millium replied.
"Maaan, what a drag." Crow sighed.
Sara left along with Millium and Crow.
"So, what do you think?" Alisa asked.
"Well, I don't think we have to be on our guard around her, at least." Rean answered.
"I don't think she's a bad girl." Fie said. "I was taking a nap in the courtyard yesterday, and she came and fell asleep next to me."
"What does that have to do with whether or not she's trustworthy?" Machias asked.
"Heehee, they looked like a couple of kittens all curled up together." Emma replied.
"That's one interesting thought." I nervous laugh.
"Haha. Their personalities may be worlds apart, but they're both rather cat-like in their own ways." Laura replied
"She can't be more than twelve or third teen… still practically a child…" Gaius said.
"Yeah… you're right." Alisa nodded "She's so chipper all the time that it's hard to really be cold toward her."
"Yeah. I don't think I could bring myself to spurn her. She's got this natural charm, I think." Rean added
"Be that as it may, her presence here reeks of blood and iron, if you take my meaning." Jusis said.
"Yeah I got that feeling too. That would explain about those words he mention did then." I added.
"It's hard to believe a girl like that could be an agent of the intelligence Division. But just going off what happened in Nord, there's not much that would make me doubt it now." Gaius replied
"Not to mention that mysterious thing… Airgetlam I think. It's always with her. Like some sort of magical golem or something she can summon at will."
"Agreed. It doesn't look like anything you could make even with the most cutting-edge orbal technology…" Alisa nodded
"When I touched it, it felt really nice and cold." Fie added
"It hasn't escape my notice that it seems strikingly similar to the combat shells we fight in our practical exams." Laura replied. "I think it's safe to assume that they share some kind of common origin."
"The instructor said she was forced to accept it… though in a sense, Millium was forced on us, too." Machias said.
"Either way, she's technically our classmate, like it or not." Rean said. "It may be a little early to tell whether we can trust her as a friend, but we should be able to figure out pretty quickly whether we can count on her as a member of Class VII."
"Well, that's a logical way of breaking it down at least." Machias replied.
"Ahaha… you're right. It's still pretty early to make a sweeping judgment." Elliot nodded
"Knowing her background would be great, but what's really important is whether we can count on her in a fight."Gaius added
"Agreed. As students of a military academy, that's probably the most important issue." Laura nodded
"We'll have to wait and see." Fie said.
"Heehee. Well, considering we're living in the same dormitory, it'd be good if we all get along." Emma smiled
"Yeah. I wouldn't want her to think we're trying to make her feel unwelcome, either." Alisa nodded "Oh and there's Crow. What's he like, Rean? You seem like you get along with him pretty well."
"I don't know if I'd put it quite like that." Rean nervous smile. "If I had to say, I'd describe him as a capricious gambling addict way too prone to ante up for every hand."
"So he's a trickster, scoundrel, and a gambler." I sweardrop. 'That explains the complain when he lost back in Heimdallr.'
"Aidios, help us…" Machias sweatdrop.
"He sounds like the kind of miscreant one would be better off avoiding." Jusis sighed.
And after discussing about Crow and Millium. We begin to head our separate ways.
(Trails of Cold Steel ost - Afterschool hours)
I begin to head to the stables and then taking care of the horses. And then Jusis arrived.
"Hey, Jusis. Going to help take care of the horse's with me?" I asked with a smile
"That was the purpose of why I was coming here. That reminds me. Were you planning on going to ride?" Jusis asked
"Yeah. I was planning on going for a nice ride. Would it be an honor for you to join me?"
"I don't mind. I could use some riding right about now."
And so Jusis and I help take care of the horses and then as we begin to prepared the saddle and rein. Jusis then begin to get something outside and then after a few seconds later
"Hiiiiiiii!" Millium suddenly appeared
"Millium?!" I exclaimed
Millium suddenly appeared and dragging Jusis.
"Oh Levi! Good to see you! And you're on a horse! In that case. Scootch!"
Millium then suddenly ran to me and then jump on my side.
"Whoa! Hey!"
"I haven't done this in foreeeeeverrrrrrr!" Millium cheered and raised her fist in the air. "Onard, mighty steed! Full speed ahead!"
"H-Hey! Wait a minute!" I exclaimed as Millium takes the rein and then the horse begin to move and trot out of the stable. There I seem Rean with Laura and Fie and Paula.
"Oh! Hey, everybody!" Millium greeted
"Wh-What in the world are you up to?" Rean asked
"Heehee! It's been so long since we went horse riding in Nord, I thought I'd give it another shot! This is sooo fuuun! It's totally different than flying around on Lammy!"
"That's your reason for suddenly barging in!?" I frowned as Jusis just join up. "Millium, I understand you're excited but please control yourself. If you want to ride with me, you could have ask instead of jumping on to me all of the sudden."
"I have a better idea. Would someone please escort her far FAR away from the stables?" Jusis sighed.
"Why'd you hafta be so stubborn, Jusis? You must get that from your dad."
Millium... good grief. You are an energetic child.
"Who cares? I'm on the horse now. Time to ride!" Millium said as she begin to grab the rein. "To the huglan! Hi-yo, horsey! Awayyy!"
"Wait, Millium!" I exclaimed and then the horse neigh as Millium pulled the rein too hard.
"Ahaha! Let's goooooo!"
And then the horse begin to gallop away with me and Millium riding on it.
"Whooooa! Millium! That's too hard! Give me this rein!" I said as I trying to remove Millium's hand from the rein and after some struggle. I manage to gain control of the horse as we ride fast. And then soon gentle have the horse slow down. Millium dismount as I petting the horse. "Millium..."
"That was the best!" Millium cheered. "We should do it again sometime!"
Then Millium ran off as Rean and the others check on me.
"That girl has way too much energy." I muttered.
Dateline, August 22nd.
(Trail of Cold Steel ost - Refreshing Sunlight)
After what happened yesterday with Millium... I begin to take a nice bath. And after the bath. I decided to be in my room and then study. And here we are the next day. And I'm also studying again
"Every day is quite the day for you hmm?" Hamsuke asked
"Yep. A lot of crazy days." I nodded.
"That Millium was quite the energetic little girl. Honestly. I'm surprised she isn't tired yet." Luka replied.
"Well I don't know but she's literally a child. I can't tell how old Millium is. Nor that puppet of hers."
"Hmm… yes. It appears that whatever material use to create that thing is far advance from the current technology on this era. Or in a different state."
"Yep. But we have more pressing matters. That man name Osborne. He has a very dark presence." Luka said worried
I put my pencil down. Recalling his words. "Yeah… that man is no ordinary being." Then I look mad. "That man is dangerous. He can sense my powers it seems."
"Yes. It's best that you don't go near him." Hamsuke advised.
"Let's hope that is the case." I nodded. "But there is also the problem with that Artifact that Gideon had. Good thing Rean broke it. It's a shame I couldn't kill him."
"Yes. But someday we will get that chance. But not today." Luka nodded.
Then my ARCUS ring. I answer it.
"Yellow?" I asked
"Hey Levi. It's me, Rean. You want to go to the Old schoolhouse?" Rean asked
"Oh what perfect timing. I'm in the dorm so I'm ready to go." I replied.
"Okay. I'll be waiting."
And then we hang up.
"Welp. I better get to the Old schoolhouse." I said and then I got my Glaive and then begin to head out. As I exit my room. There I went downstairs and then see Instructor Sara.
"Ah, hey there. Going somewhere?" Sara asked
"Yeah. Going to the old schoolhouse with Rean." I answered
"Oh, the investigation then. Well good luck. Oh, speaking of the old schoolhouse. There is something I wish to ask you. But it can wait after. So good luck." Sara wink.
"Okay, thank you." I smiled and then head off.
I arrived at the Old schoolhouse and there Rean is waiting for me and with him is Crow and Millium. And then soon it is Alisa, Fie and Laura. We enter the building.
(Trails of Cold Steel ost - Mysterious of the Old Schoolhouse.)
"Huh. So this is what it looks like inside…" Millium title her head. "And you say weird stuff happens in here every month?"
"Yeah. Just like I told you yesterday. This'll be our fifth trip in, but we have no more of an idea what we might find down there than you do." Rean answered.
"Yeah, there's no telling what could happen. Especially after last month." Crow nodded
"Oh, that one I won't forget." I sigh. 'There's also the part with that Black Cat. I need to give it a good punishment.'
"Right. That red door and the giant that turned out to be behind it were quite a surprise." Laura nodded
"And Rean's sister ended up in danger because of it, too." Alisa added
"Yeah… I'm just glad she was all right." Rean nodded.
"Even though I was the one who face it and protected her." I frown.
"Yeah, thank you for that too."
"Huh? Nobody told me about that." Millium said. "So you fought that all by yourself? You must be really strong, huh?"
"Yeah, Levi is one of the strongest first years. The other strongest is Laura." Rean nodded
"Oh, so we have two strongest in the gender isle."
"Indeed. Levi is a good sparring partner, strong and swift in an elegant way. Yet there were times you were holding back." Laura replied.
I nervous laughed "Anyway, let's get down to the dungeon, shall we?"
"Right." Crow nodded. "Don't worry. I'll cover you if things get rough down there."
"What weapon do you use?"
"Why these babies." Crow then draw out two twin guns.
"Guns?" Rean asked
"So you're a range fighter like Alisa and Machias." I asked
"Yep. I can cover you from these. I'm pretty handy." Crow wink.
"Haha… chances are, I'll need it." Rean nervous smile. "All right, let's go."
So we begin to head where the elevator is and then we descend to the fifth floor. The floor has higher elements. And the monsters are strong too.
"Hey guys." I called out.
"What is it Levi?" Rean asked
"The higher elements are activate like from the previous floor and from the Ancient Quarry. The monsters here are stronger as well."
"Huh. SO it's the same as that ancient quarry back in Nord."Millium replied "That's so cool you can sense stuff like that, though!"
"Know what's even cooler?" Crow asked "Being able to control that giant silver thing you've got."
"Good point." Rean nodded
"Yeah. That is true" I nodded
"Heehee. Really?" Millium asked then she summer her white whatever that is. "All right! We've got some exploring to do! You guys leave this to me and Lammy! We'll smash through anything!"
"Haha... We're counting on you, then." Rean smiled "This is a good chance to get used to fighting together. Maybe even try out some combat links."
"Speaking of Combat Links. Laura, would like to combat link with me?" I asked
"Ah yes. I haven't form one with you. It's long overdue." Laura nodded
Alisa sighed. "I feel like only Millium get this excited about going into a dark underground maze."
"Hey, it's better than being on edge, ready to jump at anything, right?" Crow chuckled "Anyway, i'm ready to roll."
"All right. Careful down here, everyone." Rean advised
(Trails of Cold Steel ost - Into the Abyss)
And so we begin to do the usual thing and explore the Old schoolhouse and then begin to combat monsters, getting stronger. Found chests. Fighting strong monsters and leveling up our Master Quarts. Speaking of Master Quartz. Everyone else gain something from their Master Quartz. Each of them are so different like wow. As we continue going further. We reach the second floor. How does this place have a second floor? Well we continue going deeper, solving more puzzles, fighting more stronger monsters and treasure chests too. We reach the depths of the fifth floor and then we arrived and then appeared was a skyblue like ice monster thing!
(Trails of Cold Steel ost - Tie a Link of ARCUS)
The battle begin and me and Rean buff the party and then Crow begin shooting at the thing and then it launch an ice breath and then Millium had her Lammy punch it on the face and then Alisa shoot arrows as it while Laura and Rean slash it and then I join in the flurry of slashes and then it stump and I dodge and then Crow use his craft and shoot it. Then then Fie zoom slash at it and then I Toss my Glaive and then highly damage it with some follow up attack and then Rean use his craft gale and then Fie did a powerful attack on it. The Beast spin tail attack and then let a mighty roar. Millium laser it and fie added some swift slash and bullet attack it and then I Whirl dance it and Laura follow up with her craft and land a great sword slam. And then Rean slashes it and then use his craft. And then Fie did a powerful strike. Fie fire bullets at it. And then Millium fire as it again with Laser and then the monster let a powerful shockwave with an icy breath and froze some of us. While the boss is fighting the others while I'm frozen. Laura bust me out and then I use Vortex Plunger and double the damage and Laura follow up and I finish it. Soon the monster explode into purple light.
"Phew… good battle and combat like Laura." I wipe my sweat.
"Indeed. You are remarkable as usual" Laura nodded.
"Man, I wasn't expecting something like that to just pop up out of nowhere."Crow sighed "But I didn't have any trouble linking with my ARCUS, so I'd call this field test a rousing success."
"Maybe it's 'cause I've got Lammy, but it didn't seem all THAT tough." Millium said.
"Well you both proved pretty reliable, and that's what counts in the end." Alisa said.
"Yeah. But this floor guardian was more powerful then the other we face so far." I replied
"Agreed. We'll need to be properly equipped if we intend to venture farther." Laura nodded.
"Oh, I agree." Rean nodded and then notice something.
"What's up?" Then I click. "Oh wait… there isn't a tremor this time."
"Huh? What tremor?" Millium asked
"Yeah. There was a tremor down here last time, then that red door showed up." Rean answered
"Huh? Really? Doesn't seem like anything's happening this time, though." Crow said.
"Maybe it will happen again until we defeated the other floor guardians." I guessed. 'Yeah… that sounds about right. After all… from what happen… this is where the Divine knight test the potential Awakeners.'
"Well, we're sitting here looking at a dead end, so let's get outta here already." Millium sighed. "I'm getting hungry."
"Haha… yeah, it's probably evening by now." Rean nervous laugh. "Let's head out, then. Keep your eyes peeled for anything that looks different, just in case."
As we exit. And it's cloudy. Yeah a storm is coming. Thank god for weather detection.
"A storm is coming. We should hurry back to the dorm." I advised.
"Yeah. Let's go before the storms light up." Rean nodded.
-At Night-
(Trails of Cold Steel ost - Evening Moments)
I just bought some new books to read. And they're lovely. I notice the Rain stop and then as I was going to head out. I see Rean.
"Oh hey Rean." I called out.
"Oh hey Levi. I didn't know you went out." Rean said.
"Yeah I just purchase some new books to read. Looks like the rain stop. Want to return to the dorm together?"
"Yeah that will be great."
"Oh, Hello." A familiar voice called out and then we turn and then I see Misty.
"Oh, Misty! Long time no see." I said.
"Nice to see you too Levi. I'm glad you're on good health." Misty smiled. Then look at Rean. "Is he your classmates of Class Vll from Thors?"
"Yep. He is."
"Who's this Levi?" Rean ask me. "You said you call her…. Misty? Wait… come to think of it, her voice is familiar."
"Probably because she's known from the Radio." I nervous smile. "You know that woman who talks on the air?"
"Yeah… wait…" Then he realize. "Huh!? Y-You're Misty?! From Abend time?!"
"Bingo." Misty wink. "You must be quite the avid listener, recognizing my voice so easily. Glad to know I've got a faithful fan out there."
"Haha. I always makes sure to catch Abend time. It helps me relax when I'm studying."
"Heh. Thanks."
"I'm surprised you're acquainted with Levi though. When did you two know each other?"
"That was… I think it was 4 months ago before we were leaving with Celdic. I met her on the morning and I was eating pizza for breakfast. And then notice me because of my uniform. And then we begin to chat and here we are. Still, I haven't seen her for 4 months because of studying, and school life. And I'm guessing she must have been busy as well." I answered
"Yeah. I was hoping to see you again as well. It sounds like you had an interesting life too." Misty giggled
"Oh yeah. You have no idea what has happen during the field study."
"Hehe. It's wonderful to see you again. But it sure is serendipitous, you know? Having the chance encounter like this, just after the gain ease up?" Then she look at me and Rean. "Ooooh. Maybe I should mention this on tonight's show."
"Haha… I'm not sure that I really constitute a noteworthy topic for a radio broadcast…"
"Yeah I have to agree… if people found out. Who knows what might happen." I sighed. But then I look at Misty... hmm…come to think of it. She looks like Vita Clotilda
"Is something the matter you too?" Misty asked "You're both staring at me so intently. I feel a little embarrassed."
"Oh, my apologize for the staring but… oh. You wanted to ask her Rean?" I asked as I turn to him.
"Ah… well… U-Umm…" Rean trailed off. "Well, forgive me if this sounds a little odd, but… This isn't actually the first time meeting, is it? If I'm not mistaken, we met once before… in a hotel in Hiemdallr."
"Ahh… so it wasn't just me. And I wasn't mistaken after all. You're actually HER, aren't you?"
Misty look surprised and then she laugh. "Wow. I can't believe it. I never figured anyone would actually catch on."
"So you really are her!" Rean exclaimed
"I knew something was familiar with you back in Heimdallr." I said. "So you're also the Azure Diva herself."
"Vita Clotilde!"
"Right you both are once again!" Misty wink. "Honestly, even the people I work with at the radio station don't seem to have notice, so I'm surprised you two could tell!"
"That makes the three of us. I didn't say anything because it seem to implausible." I sighed. "But what does a star like you end up working in Radio Trista?"
"Heehee. It's just a little something I do for fun on the side. Gotta spice life up a bit, right?"
"Well I suppose that's true."
"The best part is, the people at the opera house in Heimdallr have no idea I came here to do my show every week. So don't go telling anyone, okay? It'll be our secret."
"O-Of course! I wouldn't dream of it." Rean nodded. "I'm amazed no one else has figured it out, though. It's not like you are using a different voice when you're on the radio…"
"Let me guess… you use a trick to it, didn't you?" I asked
"My, you're sharp Levi. Heehee. You're not the only two who aren't surprised, though."
"And that would be?"
And then she suddenly takes off her glasses and then approaches Rean up close
"What are you-"
"I had this feeling I'd seen you before, but I couldn't put my finger on where. But it's 'you' isn't it?"
And Rean was speechless.
"Really Misty?" I sweatdrop.
"Hehe." She giggled. "Anyway, I have to get over to the studio now. Oh and… be sure you two tune to tonight's Abend time. It'll be a fun one. Promise."
"W-Wouldn't miss it!" Rean replied.
"heehee. And give my regards to those two, would you?"
"Those two?" I eyebrow asked as she walk away.
Wait… what does she mean by those two? Wait… now that I think about it… didn't I sense a magical affinity from her when we first met? But what does she mean by… 'Those two'? Does she mean by someone we know? But who?
"Levi, you coming?"
I heard Rean's voice as he's at the dorm.
"Oh, coming!" I ran to him and then we enter the dorm. There we saw Emma.
"Oh, welcome back." Emma greeted.
"Oh! Hey there Emma, did you just get back, too?" Rean asked
"Yeah. I just return a short while ago." Emma nodded "Were you two out shopping?"
"Yeah, Sharon asked me to go out and pick up a few things for , I ended up taking a bit longer than I expected."
"As for me. I went out and bought some new novels to read." I answered
Then it look like Emma notice something. "Wait… do I smell… Lavender on you both? This is perfume, isn't it? How did it get onto you?"
"Lavender?" I asked and sniff myself.
"Ohhh, right… I guess I must've soaked up the scent, too." Rean recalled
"Yeah that does seem to be the logical conclusion. I mean I don't mind the smell but… it sort of not my natural scent."
"She did get pretty close… that's the only thing I can think of…"
Oh boy Rean…
"Umm… Rean… Levi… I can only hope the reason you ended up 'taking longer than expected' isn't because you two were…"
"Emma, I'm gonna stop you right there." I palmface. "First of all. It is nothing like that. Second. We just met up with a friend of mine who was here in Trista."
"Y-Yeah, what Levi said! We bump into a friend of his. Nothing happen I can assure you, right Levi?" Rean turn to me for help.
I sighed. "Rean, you always seem to have a knack for getting misunderstood and getting into trouble. But it is true. We bump into her and we chat for awhile. Honestly, I'm surprised she can be so bold."
"Is that so?" Emma nervous smile
"Yep. She wanted to talk to me and notice Rean as my classmate. After a little talk, for some reason, she said something that was weird."
"Huh? What did she say?"
"Oh yeah, you're right. What does she mean by give her regards to "those two"? " Rean wondered
I notice Emma look confused.
"I honestly don't know who she referring too. Anyway. I'm gonna go read before I head out to sleep. Later." I waved and then begin to head to my room.
"Oh yeah… what does Instructor Sara wanted to talk to me about?" I wondered.
And then I cast the sound barrier around my room.
"Hamsuke. Luka." I called out to my familiars.
"Yes." Both familiars appeared before me.
"So… what have you learn?" I asked
Both look at each other and serious.
"It is as you claim. Emma is a witch." Luka answered
'I knew it…' I close my eyes.
-Flashback-
I was heading back from the school Liberty when I notice Emma was gazing at me in secret. This wasn't the first time. Ever since the mid-term exam. She has been keeping an eye on me in secret. During training, eating with my school and classmates, my riding club, and when I was shopping. She isn't doing a good job at concealing her presence. She continues to keep an eye on me. It's starting to get annoying. Not to mention that Black Cat was doing the same.
-Flashback ended-
"And that Black Cat?"
"Is her Familiar name Celine." Hamsuke answered. "Last Month. Celine reported to Emma that she sense magical power coming from you when you were fighting that headless Knight. In addiction. She reported you given her the glare as you knew she was there after the battle."
I open my eyes.
"It seems I will have to questions for Emma. But right now. We'll let her live for now. I can't let anyone know about I'm able to use magic. Still… why did she drag Elise into the Old schoolhouse? Was it because of their duty to guide the potential Awakener? Was that her goal? Hmm… Yes… it has to be… but for the potential Awakener... does it mean me?"
Looks like things are getting serious. Well here is the surprised. Crow and Millium join Class Vll. That reminds me. I also place in the Links Levi has done and those he haven't yet.
Link with: Rean, Gaius, Jusis, Fie, Laura, Elliot, Emma
For who haven't Link yet: Machias, Alisa, Crow and Millium.
The link ability level remains the same for now. Crow and Millium will be at level 2.