Dateline, September 15th, 1204.

The situation across the entire empire had risen to new levels. We had learn that Crossbell was declaring its independence and therefore be free from control by the neighboring areas of Calvard and Erebonia. I was very worried about this cause this no doubt raise tension across the whole county.

Which was probably the reason why that during the beginning of the fall season, the academies board of directors and other important people, attended an important meeting at the conference room with the principal. Whilst this was going on, we were back in our winter uniforms and having a homeroom session for an entirely different reason.

(Trails of Cold Steel ost - Let's Study)

"All right everyone, I'd like to begin by taking everyone's ideas for our class's part in the school festival." I said as I stood in front of the class with Emma near the green board. "The festival will run for two days next month, the 23rd and the 24th. Equipment setup and other preparatory work will begin in the afternoon two days before the start of the festival. But there's a lot of preparation needed before we get to that point, and the sooner we get that underway, the better."

"That's all the more reason to figure out what exactly we want to do. Some of our options are displays, events, stage shows and cafes" Emma added. "Does that sound right, Crow?"

"Yeah, though no class I know would settle for just some simple display." Crow replied. "I mean, c'mon. No one ever said, 'Boy, we'd better rush to get in the line for that display!'."

I raised an eyebrow. "That sounded oddly specific. Well, either way, I'd like to start by soliciting some ideas from all of you." I said. "We're just brainstorming right now, so feel free to say whatever comes to mind."

There was a long silence, it seemed like none of us had any good ideas

"I'm guessing none of you have any…" I sweatdrop with a smile as Emma nervous laugh.

"Sorry..." Rean sighed. "It's just..."

"It's kind of hard to focus right now." Alisa added.

"Well, I can't say I'm surprised." Elliot said.

"The board of directors is in session as we speak, deciding what'll happen to our class…" Laura replied

"And those of us with family members who sit on that board probably have even more cause for concern." Gaius added.

"You can say that again." Alisa sighed. "We can't be even sure whether there'll BE a field study this month."

"That's about the long and short of it." Machias sighed. "With everything that happened during last month's field study, it honestly wouldn't surprise me if they just cancel it."

"Hmph. I can't say I have any particular feelings of attachment to our field studies… But I refuse to accept needless chances to our curriculum" Jusis said. "Especially with my brother involved in the decision-making process."

"Let's not forget to take account that going on our field study means less time to prepare for the festival." I added. "As you notice… this presents a bit of a problem."

"Man, look at you guys taking this all seriously." Crow said.

"Umm, I probably should've asked this a little earlier but..." Millium added. "What's this festival you guys keep talking about?"

I frowned. "Millium, did you seriously not listen to a word any of us said?"

"Oh! I'm sorry. I'm should've gone over that for your benefit." Emma said.

"Every year, the students here organize and put on a school-wide festival." Rean explained. "There are stage events, food stall, and all kinds of things to see and do. And it generally falls to each of the first year classes to provide the main attractions."

"Yeah. Participating is optional for the second years, since by this point they're usually focusing on their future careers." Elliot said. "Oh, and each of the clubs generally get involved, too."

"Huh, that sounds fun!" Millium replied. "In that case, we have to do something. We can't just let the other classes roll over us because we're small."

"Still, if we at least had an idea of what the other classes were doing, perhaps we'd be able to come up with something that no one else has done yet." I sighed.

"Come on, everyone. Get it together." Sara said as she walked in the classroom.

"Oh, isn't this a self-study period?" Rean asked.

"Oh, it was. But I thought you all might like to know that the board of directors' meeting just adjourned a few minutes ago. So I decided to skip along down here and be the first to break the news."

"So what's it going to be?" I asked.

"Hehe. The chancellor's not the only one with a little too much iron in his blood. Because the board voted unanimously to have you continue your field studies."

(Trails of Cold Steel ost - Refreshing Sunlight)

"You mean it?" Alisa asked happily.

"So that's how it is." Jusis added.

"Y'know, even though they're always hard work, I actually feel a little relieved." Elliot replied

"Considering all that happened last month, we'll need to be especially careful this time around." Laura said.

Rean nodded. "Still, it feels like our field studies are a big part of who we are as a class."

"Yeah. Exploring all over Erebonia and then Nord Highland was paradise to me!" I boasted

"They're kind of a pain, but, oh well." Fie said.

"We should be grateful to His Highness and the directors." Emma added.

Millium giggled. "Well that's good news."

"Seein' the hard road and the easy road, then picking the hard road one anyway... that's youth for ya."

"Someone sounding like an old man." I turn to Crow.

Sara smiled, I think she was pleased too. "It also sounded like His Highness and the directors will be taking off in pretty short order. So I'll let you guys out of study hall early to go see them if you want."

"If you say so." Machias said.

And so we were able to get the chance to meet Prince Olivert again. While Machias see his dad. Alisa with her mother and Sharon. And Jusis with his brother. While Prince Olivert praised us. Millium always said something blunt about the issue with Crossbell. And When Prince Olivert would like to see her combat shell. Millium was going to but I covered her mouth.

"Abababa!" I exclaimed as I covered her mouth.

"Whoaaaa, there. Cool your jets." Rean added

Turst me. It would be a very bad idea for her combat shell to be out here. And who knows how Alisa's mother would react to something like this. And it seems his bodyguard agreed with us. Good grief. Prince Olivert and Millium are like two pea in a pod in some way. And then we met Mueller Vander.

Dateline, September 18th.

(Trails of Cold Steel ost - Suburban Town of Trista)

We had gotten together for a few days and no matter how much we tried, we wouldn't think of one idea that we would stick with. Today was nearing the end of homeroom and Sara was wrapping up today's session.

"Geez. I can't believe we burned through another week already." Sara said. "But hey, at least it's the perfect weather for a weekend out on the town. I hope you all enjoy your free day tomorrow. Especially since you've got another practical exam coming up next Wednesday."

Alisa sighed. "You couldn't just send us off with 'Have a good weekend!', could you?"

"Haha. It just wouldn't be Instructor Sara if she didn't throw in a little dash of torment." Crow chuckled.

"And then we have this month's field study coming up, right?" Machias asked.

"Yep, just like we'd been planning. We might've made a few changes to the original itinerary, but nothing major. I'll tell you all about where you're headed after the practical exam, so until then, keep on guessing."

"Yeah, yeah..." Rean frowned. "You don't need to make it into some sort of dramatic revelation."

"She always does though." Fie said.

I stretched. "Well, I don't think we should be surprised. We've all grown strong for several months now."

"Oh, and by the way, you guys really need to figure out what you're going to do for the festival next month." Sara continued. "First years HAVE to participate, so if you can't think of anything, you'll be showing your field study reports instead."

"Wh-what?!" Elliot exclaimed.

"Hrm... That certainly wouldn't be my first choice. Or even my fifth." Laura sighed

"Anyway, that's a wrap for homeroom. If you do the honors Miss Vice Class President?" Sara said.

"Y-Yes, Instructor." Emma nodded

Homeroom was then over and Sara left, we formed a circle to resume our idea thinking.

(Trails of Cold Steel ost - Afterschool Hours)

"Well, I'm sure she was just joking about putting our field study reports on display... I hope. Either way, we need to figure out what we're doing by the start of next week." Machias said.

"That sounds wise...especially considering we have our practical exam on Wednesday and our field study next weekend." Emma added.

Gaius nodded. "If that's how things stand, we should make it our goal to at least home some solid ideas by the end of tomorrow."

"We also need to check out what other classes are planning." Alisa said. "If we ended up doing something that was already being done, we'd seem totally redundant."

"Yeah, we should split up and start gathering some info." Rean suggested. "But remember, we need to find that'll work with the people we've got."

"All the other classes have more than double the manpower we do, easily." Elliot replied. "And they all seem to have some pretty grandiose aspirations, at that."

Jusis hummed. "If greatness were reliant on numbers, museum would be full of artwork produced by committee. There must be some course of action that can turn our lesser numbers to our advantage."

"Yeah, the question is what?" Fie asked.

"Something no other class can do... hmmm..." I was in complete thought. "I need to do some research. Feel free to invite me to the Old Schoolhouse when you needed as well, Rean. You know i'm always free for that."

"Alright, I'll hold you to that." Rean nodded

And so we begin to split up. I begin to head to the riding club with Jusis. We both were discussing about his other brother. Which I've still haven't met just yet.

Dateline, September 19th.

(Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia - The Heritors of Arcadia Instrumental)

I was singing in the rooftop as I was singing a song back then with my Lyre.

On an ocean of stars

Lo, an angel they see

Untouched by the war

That they waged

Lain low by their scars

A people wounded but free

Seek what lies beyond this dark age

The seasons they turn

Winter to Spring

Dulling the pain and erasing the sting

The seasons turn

Summer to Fall

Time's warm embrace begins to heal all

"Ohhhh myyyyy gooooosh!" A familiar voice exclaimed. "Elliot and Sweet Mary was right!"

(Trails of Cold Steel ost - Leisure Day)

"Hm?" I look at the door and saw Sara who is smiling. "Oh, Instructor. I thought I sense your presence. So you heard my voice, huh?"

"Yep. I never heard a beautiful male voice and that's a very long time. With your good looks and your silver hair. I can't blame people to compare you to an angel."

I began to blush. "Please...you're making me blush."

"Oh come on, Mr. handsome. When it comes to slashing down monsters, you have no trouble. " Sara winked. "You always have a soft side, I bet the girls are already swooning for you."

I frowned. "I won't deny that…But you're also missing the part even the boys too." I sighed from back then the girls ask me who house I'm from. "Anyways, what brings you here?"

"It's long overdue. I wanted to have a let's say heart to heart word with you. So let's go the faculty office."

I sighed. It's bout to happen. "Okay."

I begin to follow instructor Sara and then after two floors down. We went into the facility office. Sara took her seat and I sit on the opposite side.

"I want to be honest with you, Levi." She said. "Do you recall back when Machias and Jusis tried to make me change my decision on the groupings?"

"Yeah, I remember that. Jusis and Machias back then were... prideful." I nodded

"Yep. However, I was holding back."

"You did?" I asked as I blink. "Come to think of it. I did notice something like that."

"Right. And I did so for a reason. It isn't because I'm too strong for them. Nor between skills. But to test their potential."

I eyebrow "Their potential."

She nodded. "Right. I wanted to see if they can break the shackles of their difference between them. And push themselves to the limit. If they can break it. They will continue to grow. I've seen many youngsters in Bracers, Jaegers and others like Laura. Who been through heavy training of their own. Some might even say for someone to be so strong and so young to be rare. There is no doubt Laura is the strongest First year. She continues to grow stronger every day. You recalled that she and Fie were having trouble until finally their issue with each other is resolved. They finally being honest with each other. Making each other unleash their full strength, to stand as equals. To help each others push their limits. Everyone was doing the same. Except for one person. And that person is you."

(BGM ended)

"..!" I gasped on what does she mean.

"There's no doubt you are strong, Levi. Even the bonds between your friends help you grow stronger than before. However. You were holding back. You were hesitant to reveal your true strength to others. Remember when you were trying to rescue Elise in the old schoolhouse? You were the only one who somehow took care of that Giant Headless Knight, but we still have no idea how you were or how strong you are to be able to do that. Everyone, including myself want to know how strong are you. Plus Laura, Rean and the others back in Heimdallr on your field study also told me you were toe on toe with C. But you were holding back still. Even the Arseid family butler notice. And that you quoted: your strength is too much for even Laura to handle. I think it's time you came clean on why."

I let out a sigh. "I had a feeling this is bound to happen… you really want to know?"

"Of course. I want to see how overwhelming."

I close my eyes and then think for a moment. She's already one who notice I was holding back my strength. I guess It can't be help. Besides, this is about my strength. Not THAT secret.

"Very well." I got up. "Since the past month… I gotten even stronger than before. But I need a place we can use for you to see my strength."

"I think the same place where you defeated that Headless Knight may work." Sara said.

Then she got up and then we begin to head into the Old Schoolhouse and then she open it and the door open and we close It and then descent to the 4 floor and then once we arrived.

(Trails of Cold Steel ost - The Mysterious Old Schoolhouse)

"Okay, this place is perfect enough. Alright, show me." Sara said.

I walk to the other side of her view and then unleash my aura. It was Silver color. The aura was enough to shake the room. I was much stronger then I was before. I can see the shocking look in Sara's eyes. I then stop my strength revealing.

"That's how strong I am." I said.

Sara sigh and scratch her hair. "Well, I'll be damn… I can understand what you mean by overwhelming. I'm honestly surprised."

"If we done this early. I would have been a little less stronger than now."

"No doubt about it. I have to admit. You may have been stronger than I am now. So tell me… how on earth did you manage to get this strong… Are you a jaeger?"

I sighed. "No. I'm not one. But I been through some hell in my life." And then I begin to take off my shirt uniform and then reveal scratch on my arms, my chest. "You already saw my scar during the whole swimming thing. As for how I got them. I got them from training, and hunting… even within a dungeon. The hellish rigorous training regimen… these are the scars I have to show my manhood. I had plenty more scars… heck… I even had bite marks from a monster too. But they were heal. My master was a strict… yet fair mentor. It was he who taught me the way of this Glaive style. He taught me everything. He educate me. But for me to get practical experience. He throw me into a dungeon. A dungeon full of monsters." I said as I notice Sara look surprised as I put my uniform back on. "I been through hell. Trap doors, stronger monsters that would lead me to my demise, a room full of monsters. I had to go through them solo… and then force to fight monsters who have hard on physical attack. I had to be clever, know my way around to fight. I dodge fire breathing, traps that trigger darts, even traps that are explosive with monsters in it. I prevail, fail, my muscles were sore for days… to weeks. And then it awaken the power I have within me. I still continue to fight. I continue fighting, learning my way to battle as if my life depend on it. I struggle in hardship… while practicing and learning to wield my weapon. I bought on both on foot and on horseback. Archery and on Glaive. I continue to train all day. All years long until I'm ready enough to face the world… wondering when that time is."

Sara was speechless.

"I never reveal my strength because some want to challenge me, recruit me, drawing any unwanted attention. That's why I suppress my strength. Because I want to be fair until it is necessary to fight on full strength. And because of the Master Quarts. I was even stronger then before."

"That explains a lot…" Sara said. "I can see it in your eyes you experience hell. Which explains how you dodge that little trap back when you first enrolled. Just like I have. Okay. That settles it. I understand now. So… you gonna reveal this to everyone?"

"Not yet. But I will eventually."

"Very well. Then we should head back. I still have some work to do."

"Yep."

Soon we left the Old schoolhouse and I return to relax.

(Bonding Event 3)

(Trails of Cold Steel ost - Leisure Day)

I was at the bookstore looking into the books. And then Rean enter the bookstore.

"Oh hey Rean. Looking for books to read?" I asked

"Something like that. Looking for some novels to read?" Rean asked

"Pretty much. I'm almost done with every book they have here."

"Whoa, that is some serious dedication to reading."

"Hehe. You know it. It's fascinating what book holds. Knowledge is power and imaginary. Truth, fiction."

"So what type of books you like?"

"History, fantasy, mystery, romance, comedy, education."

"Not bad. Those are some impression stories you read."

"You don't know the half of it. But there are things even I don't know or experience." I said

"Like what?"

"Love."

"Love?"

"Yeah love. In romantic stories and all that. I never understand it. Nor felt it. I'm sure you know why, right?"

"Yeah, that's true…" Rean said as he think for a moment. "Well, there is something I do know about love. Want me to explain it to you?"

"Oh that would help me a lot. But why don't we talk about it in my room?" I suggested.

"No problem."

So me and Rean begin to head into the dorm and then enter my room. I was sitting on my bed.

(Trails of Cold Steel ost - Let's study)

"So, what your definition of love?"

"Well there are many kind if I understand it right. The love of my family. The love for my friends. They are all warm feelings and happiness." Rean answered

"Like your bond with your sister?" I asked

"Oh yeah. I adore Elise. The love I have for her is special. She's the honest, kind, carrying girl. I'm proud of her and I'm proud to have a sister like Elise."

"I'm glad. Although you can be an idiot sometimes though…" I sweatdrop.

"Huh? What do you mean?" Rean asked

"I'm pretty sure it's obvious about your love for your family and sister. But you can be dense as well as oblivious to many things involving your surrounding and your friends and family."

"Come on. There's no way I'm dense and oblivious as you said…"

I look at him with a flatface.

"Ahh…" Rean sweatdrop.

"Well, that Is part of your charm." I replied

"Hmm?"

"It's part of your charm Rean. I like it. It makes you a fun person to be around with. I wouldn't be surprised if there are those who might have feelings for you."

"You think so?"

(Trails of Cold Steel ost - Refreshing Sunlight)

"From what I've read. It's possible. Still… I do want to know a lot… but what can you do. But someday I do hope I know and experience everyone feels being with family. But life is full of surprises. So Rean. Is everything going well with your power?"

"Yeah. It's going well so far."

"Well don't hesitate to use it. And if you gone out of control. I can save you."

"How, exactly?"

"Let's just say I have a special way."

"Well… whatever that may be. I'm looking forward to being in your case."

"Same here Rean. Same here."

(Bonding ended)

(Trails of Cold Steel ost - Leisure Day)

As time flies. I have an incoming ARCUS call from Rean to wait for. When it was the afternoon, I got a call on my ARCUS and I made my way to the old schoolhouse. Millium, Jusis, Alisa and Laura were with Rean and we entered inside.

(Trails of Cold Steel ost - The Mysterious Old Schoolhouse.)

"All right, who's ready for another trip into the unknown?" Reana sked. "This'll be our sixth time down here, but don't let yourselves get too comfortable. There's no telling what we'll find next."

"Right." Alisa nodded

"You betcha." I replied.

"It's only my second month doing this, but i'm ready for anything." Millium replied. "Well, almost anything. This place seems like it's full of surprises."

Laura sighed. "It's been half a year since we first began our way through this labyrinth. And for all that we've discovered, it seems we don't know that much more than we did when we began."

"Yeah. I didn't think the mystery would go this deep...literally and figuratively." Rean replied. "But so far, we've uncovered plenty of questions and precious few answers."

"Oh, well. We'll just have to keep on pushing forward, bit by bit." Millium replied. "We're making SOME kind of progress, right?"

"Yeah. I guess you're right. Anyways, let's check out the elevator console."

We went over to the elevator and we could see that the sixth elevator icon was lit up.

"Whoa." Rean said.

"Is something the matter Rean?" Laura asked.

"Well, as you can see, the space on the console for the sixth floor is lit up now."

I took a look and he's right. "Yep, looks like we can go down the next floor." I hummed. "But it looks like it's the last one too. All the elevator's panels are lifted."

"Huh? That means..." Millium trailed off

"The sixth floor is the last one." Alisa finish the sentense.

We were in silence for a moment.

"I don't know why but... this feels anticlimactic." I said.

Rean nodded. "Yeah... I feel like it's a bit too sudden for this to really be the end. Either way, no way to know for sure until we see what lies in wait down there." Rean said. "Maybe the sixth floor is different somehow..."

Rean pushed the button and the elevator took us to the sixth floor.

"So this is the sixth floor..." Laura trailed off.

"It actually doesn't look too much different from the one we explored last month." Millium replied. "Is this really the last floor?"

"Well, considering what we'e seen of this place, there's no telling what we might find father in." Rean answered

"Yeah. Let's not forget this time. The stronger monsters will be here. And possible higher elements. Let's be careful." I added

"Right!" Everyone nodded.

"Oh hey Alisa. Want to form a link with me?" I asked

"Oh yeah. We haven't made one yet. Yeah, let's do it." Alisa nodded.

(Trails of Cold Steel ost - Into the Abyss)

The exploration was underway. We had to pull levers to switch the directions of the bridges and deal with stronger monsters as we made progress through the floor. Just like the rest of the puzzle from last time and had to get through the second area. It was getting harder and more annoying. We soon approached the depths of the sixth floor, we entered the big room and a pair of monsters appeared.

(Trails of Cold Steel ost - Tie a Link of ARCUS)

The battle began and we pulled out nearly everything my Link with Alisa was impressive. Rean, Laura and I let out powerful attacks. And then I even use my Craft Wave of Aquarius. I spin while twirling my Glaive above my head, then forcefully slams the butt of my Glaive into the ground. This generates a large wave of water that travels straight forward. Giving everyone an opening. And each of us help grant opening for the monsters. Soon we begin to end the battle thanks to buffs, combat links, Arts and powerful crafts.

(Trails of Cold Steel ost - Into the Abyss)

"I have to admit, they were no pushovers." Jusis said.

"Oh well, we beat them." Millium added as we put our weapons away.

Rean looked ahead. "Aaaaaaand nothing's happening. No sign of any new door appearing, either."

"Hmm. That seems to be the case." Laura nodded.

"Is it really all they had?" I asked. "I was expecting much more...maybe it's one of those places where something else happens in the future, but that's just a rough guess."

"True." Rean replied. "We've been able to access a new floor every month, but that's about it. I guess we can't do much more here right now. Let's head outside."

We made our way back to the elevator, took it up to the ground floor and left the schoolhouse.

"Well, congratulations. We all survived another month of exploration." Rean said. "And sure enough, nothing suddenly appeared on our way back out."

"Well, if the sixth floor really is the bottom of the ruins... that would mean we're finally done with our monthly investigation, right?" Gaius asked.

"I'm a bit irritated. We still haven't cracked a single one of its mysteries." Jusis muttered

"That can't be the end." Millium answered. "That'd make this the worst designed dungeon ever!"

"This is just my hunch, but I don't think we've just taken our last trip to the old schoolhouse." Rean said. "Maybe we should tell the principal later and see what he thinks."

Suddenly, we saw a cat coming towards us. What is Celine doing here? Did Emma send her here? While the others notice she's a lovely cat. Celine mostly stare at Rean. Then look at me as I look at her suspicious so the others won't know. Then she turned around and ran off into the bushes. I'll deal with Emma later. So everything was over. Whilst Rean went to the principal's office. I return to the dorm and take a nice bath. When it was the evening, we got together at the dormitory dining table to discuss what we had learn about what the other classes were doing. That was when Rean told us that he received a flash drive for us to look at tomorrow which could tie in to what I suggested.

Dateline, September 20th, 1204.

We were in the computer room during our lunch break and we were watching footage of a concert performance on the big screen. It was a band that had Crow, George, Angelica and Towa in it. Holy crap they look awesome!

"Holy crap." I said. "That was amazing!"

"But if you think we're gonna put on outfits like that and prance around on stage, you must be dreaming." Alisa said to Rean.

"Well, the outfits all depend on what kind of performance we put on." Rean replied. "The clothes have to fit the mood and the music. Right, Crow?"

"Yeah, we did a rock song last year." Crow answered. "So if our outfits didn't scream 'rock', the whole performance would've lacked something, in my opinion. Though, in my infinite wisdom, I'd like to point out that revealing outfits will be popular regardless of the music."

"Really?" I asked.

"Outfits aside, it does seem like a bold concept. Few would think to put on a performance like that." Laura said. "If we put in the time to practice, we may even compare favorably with Class I's operetta."

"Well, Elliot and Levi are the music experts here." Machias said.

"I'm not exactly an expert." I replied. "I mean, do any of you play an instrument?"

"Yeah, that's an important question." Elliot agreed. "You learned the lute from your dad right Rean?"

"Yeah, I can play it, as long as the music's not too complicated." Rean answered.

Everyone else had more or less the same experiment on a few instruments.

"On the subject of vocals, it would make sense to use my voice to our advantage." I suggested.

"Yeah, I don't think anyone of us can sing better than you can." Rean replied.

"Then the matter is settled." Jusis said.

I nodded. "Yep, I think we're all in agreement and right on time too. So you're okay with helping me out on vocal arrangements, Elliot?"

"Sure thing." He answered. "I haven't spent all these years studying music for nothing."

We left Crow in charge on the costumes and instruments...but either way, this was gonna be a long day.

So we found out how strong Levi is. Even stronger than Sara? What he must have been through really did make him reach such heights for someone of his age. Ooh, I'm looking forward to the festival though!