Dateline, August 30th, 1204.
(Trails of Cold Steel ost -Refreshing Morning)
A lot has happen back at that ancient castle. I told my classmate that I saw someone in the balcony. Rean told me he saw her too. And then some pointed out it was this Lance Maiden Lianne Sandlot. But… how? Ugh, this is getting me a headache. Anyway. We return back to the mansion that day. Next day. We begin to leave and head onto our next destination. We were on the train for we had to leave Legram and travel to Celdic where we would rendezvous with Group B before getting the train together to Garellia Fortress.
"Yesterday was crazy…" I sighed.
"I can't exactly blame you after what we both saw and conclude. Still… something seems to be going on." Rean said.
"Yeah. And I don't know where to begin with."
"Not only that, but another moment from when we walked through the door."
"And why are you looking at me?"
"Never mind."
"That was pretty great! Do you have this much fun on all your field studies?" Millium asked.
"Oh yeah. You have no idea. Seeing news things, cultures. It was a never-ending fun to me!" I smiled
"Heehee! I like the way you think, Levi! I just wish it was a little longer. Those two days went by so quickly."
"Yeah, but our field study isn't over just yet. We still have to make our next destination."
"It looks like I must say farewell to Legram once again, for the time being." Laura sighed. "I wasn't expecting to, but i can't help but feel a little homesick already."
"I can understand why." Rean nodded. "It was a really welcoming place. I didn't ever get the sense that social classes were keep people apart."
"True." Jusis nodded. "It seems like a place that we nobles could learn much from."
"Yeah. It would be nice if Erebonia was like that." I sighed.
(Trails of Cold Steel ost - Across the Railroad)
We then arrived at Celdic station and got off the train, we had to wait on platform two where Group B would be arriving shortly.
"Well, isn't this quite the coincidence?" A familiar voice asked.
(Trails of Cold Steel ost - Strain)
We turned to see Captain Claire and Millium rushed up to her.
"Captain Claire." Rean said as we walked up to her.
"Oooh, it's Claire!" She exclaimed. "Did you come to see me?"
"Just a coincidence I'm afraid." Claire answered. "Eisengraf will be passing through here soon, so this station's operating under heightened security."
"Oh, right."
"Still, I'm happy to see you again. It's been, what, two months since I last saw you?" She stroked Millium's head.
"Heehee!"
'Huh... from the way they're behaving. They're like sisters. If they're related by blood. Then that would explain the sisterly bonding vibe.' I thought.
A different colored-looking train suddenly passed by. I then notice for a moment I saw Towa there. Then Olivert and…. Chancellor Osborne. And then it seems I wasn't the only one.
(Trails of Cold Steel ost - Brain-racking Test)
Moments later, a more familiar-looking train pulled into the station, we waited until we saw Group B come out of the train. They waved at us, saying that had seats saved for us. We got on that train and took our seats together. Sara was with us well. Now we were all together again which made me feel happy. We begin to talk about each other field study. And then a few moments later. We begin to arrived at the Fortress known as Garellia.
(Trails of Cold Steel ost -Great Wall of Garrelia)
Then we saw a familiar person join us. "I see you've arrived."
"Good morning, Instruc-er, Major Neithardt." Sara said before saluting. "Instructor Valestein of Thor's Military Academy, homeroom teacher for Class VII. Reporting the arrival of myself and all students in my care."
"Acknowledging our arrival at 1130 hours. Welcome to Garrelia Fortress." Neithardt saluted back before turning to us. "In addition to my teaching duties at the academy, I hold the rank the major in the Imperial Army's 4th Armored Division. I'll be acting as your guide, as well as your instructor for special lectures, during your time here at the fortress. Now, if you'll follow me."
(Trails of Cold Steel ost -Brain-racking Test)
We followed him from the station and to the barracks area where there were two guest rooms ready, one for the girls and one for the guys.
Moments later and we were in the briefing room with Neithardt giving us a brief explanation of what to expect here.
"Including today, you have two days remaining in this month's field study. However, we won't be assigning you any tasks during that time." He explained. "Instead, you'll be participating in a series of special lectures and a field trip."
"A field trip? Here?" Machias asked.
"So what exactly does that entail, Instructor?" Alisa added.
"At 1400 hours today, a joint military exercise will be taking place at Garrelia's proving ground." Neithardt answered. "The 4th and 5th Armored Divisions will both be participating, and you will be observing it."
"We're going to watch a military exercise?" Rean asked
"The 4th Armored Division is led by none other than Elliot's dad, Lieutenant General Olaf Craig." Sara said. "By all accounts, it's one of the strongest armored divisions in the Imperial Army. And did you know our friend the major here is their most promising young member? It's true."
"Moving on." Neithardt coughed. "As I said, you'll only be observing this exercise, not actively participating. I imagine that has some of you feeling rather relieved, doesn't it? It does sound like a pretty easy assignment, after all. But we'll see how many of you feel the same after experiencing it for yourselves. That's all for now. It's currently 1150 hours. Lunch has been prepared for you in the mess hall. I'd advise you all to eat. Your field trip isn't something to be undertaken on an empty stomach."
We then left the briefing room to go to the mess hall for lunch. The food here lacks any sort of cuisine, it was bland. After we chowed down on it to some degree, it was now the afternoon and we had some spare time before the military exercise would begin. Eventually, we heard an announcement from the fortress.
This bulletin is to inform all Thors students that preparations for today's military exercise are now complete. Please assemble in the hanger immediately. Your transport is standing by, I repeat...
I made my way to the hanger to rejoin with the others. We got onboard a pair of armored cars. After a few minutes of a bumpy ride, the armored car stopped and we got out to see a large field filled with several tanks.
"Wow...Achtzehn main battle tanks." Alisa said.
"There's plenty of old model tanks out there too." Machias added. "It even looks like they have have airships here."
"Welcome." An manly voice greeted.
Along came a man with a solider. He had short orange hair and was in a military uniform
"So that Elliot's dad..." Rean said
"I don't see the family resemblance." Fie replied
"Looks like the hair made the jump from father to son, though." Millium pointed out
Sara and Neithardt saluted at the man.
"Reporting, Lieutenant General." Neithardt said.
"Very good, Neithardt." The man replied. "And instructor Valestein, I believe? Pleased to meet you."
"It's an honor to make your acquaintance, Lieutenant General Craig." Sara responded. "Allow me to extend my deepest thanks for agreeing to cooperate with us for the academy's curriculum today."
"Think nothing of it. Many of these fine youngsters may one day hold positions in the Imperial Army, after all."
'Yeah, no.' I thought
"Besides, I owe a lot to old General Vandyck." The man looked to us before noticing someone he knew. "Elliot my boy! It's so good to see you again!"
He suddenly went over and hugged Elliot.
"It must be...half a year now since I last saw you! How have you been?! That's a sharp looking uniform you've got, too. I've seen the photos, but it looks even better on you in person."
"D-dad, come on." Elliot replied.
"Heh. You've still got a long way to go if you want to put on some real muscle. There's a part of me that hopes you'll stay my little cherub forever, but you're a man of Erebonia, and the men of the Empire must be strong, stout and ready for action! If was for your good as a man that I held back my tears and enrolled you in the military academy."
"D-dad, I can't breathe."
"Well...I guess Fie was right, anyone could be comatose if they're this laid back." I shrugged.
"I feel like everything I've been told was a lie." Alisa said.
Emma nodded. "There do seem to be some differences from the stories."
"Are you kidding me?" Crow asked. "He seems like a cool guy."
"Heehee. What a delightful commanding officer you have, Major." Sara said.
Neithardt facepalmed. "Words fail me..."
"Dad, knock it off!" Elliot pleaded. "I'll tell Fiona."
The man finally let him go. "Ahem, moving right along...I'm Lieutenant General Olaf Craig, commander of the Imperial Army's 4th Armored Division. I've been entrusted with the role of overseeing today's joint military exercise. Pleased to make your acquaintance."
"You've got one heck of a dad, Elliot." Rean said quietly.
"Believe me, I feel it in the bones." Elliot added.
I envy you Elliot…
"Now, let me give you a brief rundown of what will be happening." Olaf explained. "This exercise will consist of a simulated battle conducted by two of our armored divisions. Armored regiments at the formation's center, infantry, armored cars, and airships will work in tandem, using their maneuverability to the fullest to obliterate the targets."
He pointed to us different tanks that were in the far distance.
"As our targets today, we'll be using previous-model tanks that been decommissioned from service." He continued. "Autopilot functionality will allow them to evade return fire, but they've only been armed with paint bullets. However, all other regiments taking part in today's exercise have been equipped with live ammunition."
"So you intend to actually destroy the other tanks?" Laura asked.
"Hah. It would hardly be a live-fire exercise if we didn't." Olaf answered. "The current time is 1400 hours, right on schedule."
We sat together at a nearby tent with chairs and watched as the military exercise began. It was sure like a war zone out there with tanks blasting at each other and air support joining in the fight. I have to admit… it's both scary yet cool.
"So this is the kind of firepower it takes to fight a modern war." Machias said.
"Sure looks that way." I answered. "So the tanks currently in service are the new ones, right?"
"Yeah. They're a type of main battle tank the Reinford Company developed two years ago." Alisa replied. "I've seen their spec sheets, but seeing their power firsthand tells you what numbers and decimal points won't."
"They might be the strongest heavy tanks on the continent." Fie said.
"And the Imperial Army's got a couple hundred of those in the wing, huh?" Crow asked. "That's kinda crazy."
I notice Rean place his hand on his chest and look serious.
(Trails of Cold Steel ost -Evening Moment)
After a while, the military exercise ended with an obvious victory going to the newer tanks. We then took a ride on the armored cars back to the main fortress and the sun was beginning to set. We had dinner at the cafe and it was much better than lunch.
"Oh this is so delicious!" I smiled with joy as I look at the food.
"It was like night and day compared to lunch." Emma agreed.
"You're telling me." Gaius said.
"Awww, c'mon guys! What's with all the gloomy faces?" Millium asked.
"You think you guys might have had a bit too rosy of an outlook?" Crow added. "What were you expecting to see out there?"
"I'm sure you can understand at least a little of how we feel." Machias said. "It's like, has everything we've learned at the academy for nothing?"
"Academics, the arts, individual skill in combat... None of those matter in the slightest in real warfare, do they?" Emma sighed
"It's true." Fie nodded. "If all you're looking to do is fight a war, you don't need any of those."
"All you'd need is plenty of troops at your command, the latest weaponry, and overwhelming firepower." Gaius added. "Assuming you know the tactics to use them well and a strategy that employs them effectively, I suppose."
"The Achtzehns are even more powerful than I was expecting them to be, too." Alisa added. "I remember my mother boasting about their capabilities when she was trying to sell them to the army two years ago, but..."
"To be honest, I'm feeling somewhat disheartened as well." Laura sighed. "I can't see there being a place for swords on the battlefield with weapons like those on the front lines."
"Well, I don't think that means individuals combat skill doesn't matter at all..." Elliot sadden.
"No, no, no, this won't do at all." I shook my head. "Come on everyone, this isn't like you!"
"Levi?" Rean asked.
"I won't deny that what we saw out there was an example of pure firepower, but there's a difference between us and them. The Imperial Army are just soldiers that command divisions and regiments with pride and morality. We're students that can cast arts, crafts and form combat links. That gives us an edge no ordinary soldier can do. Each one of us brings something different, and with time, our fighting styles have learned to complement one other's style. And when we're together, we represent not just a class, but a team that we can be proud of!"
"Hehehe, well said, Levi." Sara said as she entered the cafeteria. "Look at you, mister motivational speaker."
"Instructor Sara?" Rean asked.
"So you spoke with the commander?" Alisa added.
"Sure did, I've got up-to-date info on the trade conference, too." Sara answered. "As well as the latest on the terrorists."
"So there's new information about the Imperial Liberation Front?" Laura asked.
"Anyway, before I get to that, let me explain what you'll be doing tomorrow. In the morning, you're scheduled to participate in the Imperial Army's physical fitness training. In the afternoon, you'll be attending a special lecture, where I'll bring you up to speed on that info I just mentioned. After that, you've been granted special permission to view the railway guns."
"Looking forward to that." Fie said.
"And, I have to add with what Levi said." Sara continued. "Every nation possesses power in the form of a military, whether that military is large or small. Garrelia Fortress just happens to have that power in a very striking, easy-to-understand form. As students of a military academy, you have an obligation to know the scale of the power the Empire of Erebonia wield at present. A power you might one day be in charge of yourselves. But that doesn't mean you should start fearing what you can and cannot do, you're students with ARCUS and you can fight in more unique ways than soldiers can, you should be proud of yourselves and represent your class with pride."
"Yeah...you're right, Instructor." Rean said.
We left the cafeteria and into our guests rooms to sleep for the night.
Dateline, August 31st.
(Trails of Cold Steel ost -Great Wall of Garrelia)
Today is a tiring morning. But it's a Military experience I suppose. Me and my fellow classmates force to wake up early. Then we done a routine. Next was a nice lunch. and had just finished with a lecture on the Imperial Liberation Front when the whole fortress suddenly went on red alert and several explosions occurred.
(Trails of Cold Steel ost -Atrocious Raid)
We rushed down to the hanger to find the tanks leaving with some parts of the hanger in smoke and a few engineers out cold. We then rushed outside to see a battle taking place due to the tanks that were somehow moving on their own. We followed them to see a war zone going on. Then we saw Olaf's armored division arrive to take care of the situation.
I looked at the sky to see two airships land on the top of the fortress, one on each side.
"They landed on the left and right-wing!" I exclaimed.
"It's the railway guns they're after?!" Neithardt exclaimed.
"No!" Gaius exclaimed.
"Are they gonna fire them at the trade conference where the chancellor is?!" Fie asked
"If a shot from one of the railway guns hit that building, it'd blow the place to smithereens!" Alisa exclaimed
"Those scums! They will go that far to kill innocent people!?" I growled
"The situation seems to have escalated far beyond the scope of your field study. I want you all to stand by here-"
"No way!" Rean interrupted. "After what Levi said last night, we've decided to agree as one. If we wanna help save lives, then we'll do that with what we know best and accomplish that goal."
"Rean..." I smiled.
"He's right. Time's one luxury we don't have. I think it's best to have them help us" Sara said. "Listen up! We're going back into the fortress. Groups A and B, you're with me!"
We nodded in agreement and we followed Sara and Neithardt, rushing back into the fortress through another entrance. When we got inside, we were stunned to find a pile of bodies.
"How horrible…" I look in shocked.
"Agreed…" Rean nodded as he clench his fist. "We're not just going to stand by and let the worst scenario happen. We have to stop them before they can activate the railway guns."
Sara sighed. "Looks like any attempt to convince you otherwise would fall on deaf ears. All right, Rean, you and the rest of Group A will be with me. Group B, you'll be under the command of Major Neithardt."
"One will secure the gun in the right wing, the other group will secure the left." Neithardt said. "This is an actual combat situation with real lives at stake. I expect the best from each of you!"
We nodded and split into our groups. Sara led the way and we past through the command room and to a hallway where we saw a group of mechanical monsters. With Sara in our group, she helped us in the battles and we had no problem forming a link with her. Then we found out these machines are Archaisms. They were created by some group which might be evil.
We resumed with rushing across the hallways and noticing some of the routes blocked by wrecked frames, so we had to find another way, we went down to storage area and to another hallway before we found ourselves outside. Our view was a canyon and on our left were two giant doors that opened and out came two massive cannons.
"Those are the railway guns?!" I exclaimed. "If either one of them fires at Crossbell..."
"Don't tell me they're just going to let 'em rip without even setting a target!" Sara added.
Suddenly, a pair of new metal monsters appeared and we had to settle with them as fast as possible. We dealt with them in record time at least and the metal monsters broke into pieces.
"There. At least we dispose of these machines." I said. "Huh? Look up there!"
I pointed to the railway guns where both of the cannon parts lifted up and increased in length, ready to aim and fire at the tower that I could see in the distance.
"No...don't...STOOOOOOOOOOOOP!" Rean yelled loudly.
We heard a bang, but nothing happened.
"Huh...they didn't fire?" I asked
"Oh! Maybe the first bullet in each of the railway guns is a blank to prevent firing accidents." Millium said.
"Then that means it's going to take some time before they'll fire again."
"Oh thank goodness." Rean sigh of relief.
"Then if we can reach them before that." Laura said
"Yeah. There's no way we're going to let them get off a second shot. Let's keep going!"
Getting back up, we went up the stairs and into another hallway before passing through another storage room. Then we found ourselves at the railway station, we crossed the bridge and then up a very long flight of stairs until we reached the end and then entered a very large area with a massive railway gun in front of us.
"There's one of them!" Millium exclaimed.
I looked to my right to see a bunch of soldiers that looked like the jaegers we fought at the highlands.
"Who the hell are you?!" One of them asked rudely.
"Stay away from the railway gun!" Another one added.
I glared at them. "Not gonna happen assholes! We're coming for you!"
"Let's give it all we've got!" Rean ordered.
The battle started and we put all we had against the terrorist, knocking them down completely. I'm going to send them to their death and in Gehanna! We then rushed towards near the railway gun when I sensed someone coming to attack..
"Watch out! Someone's coming!" I exclaimed.
We stood back and saw a familiar woman land several feet away from us.
(Trails of Cold Steel ost -Requiem for Blood and Iron)
"Heehee. I'm impressed you saw me coming, boy. Then again you have sharp senses back then." She said. "I see that the Purple Lightning is with you too. So the rumors about you weren't just trumped-up stories after all."
"I love a good compliment, but getting one from a terrorist just doesn't put a spring in my step." Sara replied. "Still, I suppose the fact you're here means that the other ringleaders must be over at the other gun."
"Haha, V certainly is. As for Gideon...I'm sorry to say he lost his life in Crossbell a short while ago."
We gasped slightly with eyes wide open.
"I received a call a few minutes ago. Apparently, he was killed by a real top-rate jeager corps hired by your friend the Blood and Iron Chancellor. Poor guy… I heard it was practically a massacre."
"What a terrible way to go…" Laura said.
Honestly… in my part. I'm glad he's dead… yet… I can't exactly forgive him for the stunt he did. Yet I am the Arbiter. I've killed many nobles, even while enroll in the academy while Patrick still has some chances of redeeming himself.
"This… might seem harsh… and…horrible and unlike me… but he deserve to die after what he did back in Nord, to the people of Celdic, and to Princess Alfin and Elise. I won't forgive him for dragging innocents lives into this. Especially peaceful one who had nothing to do with this. That includes you terrorist scum as well. So I do hope you forgive me for speaking honestly." I said.
"Haha. Well, I can't exactly blame you if you hate him and us. So I will not bite back." S replied.
"You keep talking like it this has nothing to do with you. But I take it you've got no intention of beating a retreat." Sara said. "It sounds like you've got the railway gun set to automatic firing mode too."
"Aww. I was hoping you'd miss it in all your babbling. It's got, oh,.. ten minutes or so to go?"
"Conniving Witch." Jusis muttered.
"Then we'll just have you defeat you in less than 10 minutes." I growled. "Of course, we'll just destroy those Archiams behind you."
(Trails of Cold Steel ost - Belief)
"Teehee, Right again!" S smirked as two of those machines appeared. "Oooh. Just my color, too. For borrowed muscle. I've really taken a liking to them. Gideon might have fallen, but it's not too late to send the chancellor to join him on his way to Gehenna!"
"How about you go instead?" Laura growled.
"I couldn't agree more, Laura." I growled
"Crossbell's counting on us. Strike with everything you've got!" Rean command.
The battle started and with Emma standing back as support, the rest of us went all out from the start and wiping out the metal monsters first. The Archaism begin shooting lasers as us as we dodge and combat them. While S is battling with Insturctor Sara. And since we don't have time to talk. I begin to use some of my strength. But with my Master Quarts as well as Laura and Rean's strength. We begin to push back the Machines and then destroy them. Next we focused our attacks on S. Scarlet and that sword of hers, the Templar Sword, a sword that also act as a whip too. We begin to clash with S as she hold off her guard for now, but now isn't the time for that. I swirl and launch some flash trust attack and then managed to break her defensive formation and then push her back for Instructor Sara tos tirke at her follow up by Rean and Laura. And we end up using our rafts on her as she use her Crafts as well. Then Millium user her craft and push her back along with Jusis. As I soon clash with S with a power struggle.
"The boy who managed to best C while your comrades were pushed aside. You certainly are someone he's really cautious with." S said during the power struggle as I push her back.
"Good. Then that means I'm looking forward on breaking his mask!" I smirked and then push S back from the power struggle and then S begin to launch a chain wipe attack on us but we dodge and then she launched another one as a defense formed and then launched another whip. I got an idea and then once I managed to use my Glaive and grab the chain, Much to S surprised, then pulled her to surprised her more then I knee her face and lifted her in the air. Then grab her boot and then slam her to the floor as she bounch in pain.
"Instructor Sara, now!" I shout
"I'm on it!" Insturctor Sara nodded and then she perform an incredible Craft. I think what I've saw was her S craft. They don't call her the Purple Lightning for anything.
(Trails of Cold Steel ost -Seriousness)
"Guh...no!" S grunted in pain.
Sara rushed inside the railway gun and pulled a switch to shut the railway gun down. We then got a call that the other group had dealt with V and shut down the railway gun on their end.
"My my..." S panted as she got up. "You can hardly call our crossing paths coincidence at this point. Oh, well. No matter. Everything played out just like C said it would... both here and in Crossbell."
What does she mean by that? C predicted this? How? Then suddenly those terrorist goons slowly got back up. Ugh! And now suddenly, an airship came into view and S made a run for it, leaping off the balcony and using some kind of grappling hook to leap onto the ship, then it flew to the other side and we saw that bulky guy named V jump on board.
The airship then flew away and turned to face us.
"My name is C. Leader of the imperial Liberation Front." A voice spoke from the ship. "Allow me to extend my congratulations. You did well, fending off our two-pronged attack here and in Crossbell. But you would be foolish to assume this is the end of it. The hammer of judgment shall fall again. I'm ready...are you?"
The airship them flew away till it was out of sight. The terrorist group left behind commit suicide by drinking poison. I sighed with slight relief and anger...relieved that Crossbell was saved from what certainly would've been a fatal blow to the peaceful life of Erebonia, but also angry at the fact that they would stoop this low.
One day...we'll find out who C really is...and we will take him down! And you and your entire Liberation Front will die by my hands… You won't receive mercy. Still... how did C predict this? He must have had an informant.
Well, it was a little shorter than I thought. Or was it? Anyway. Things got serious. Looks like we will begin to see what will happen next. Speaking off. Let's see... the quotes? Oh yeah.
Quotes:
Strong Monster
That one looks strong. Stay Vigilant.
Link rush:
Rean: Levi!
Alisa: Now Levi!
Jusis: With me, Levi!
Fie: Levi!
Laura: Levi!
Machias: Levi
Gaius: Levi!
Ellitot: Levi!
Emma: Levi!
Crow: Levi!
Millium: Come on, Levi!
Quote: Got it!