(Levi's pov)
As two weeks has passed. I finish training Cedric and help him grow stronger. A lot has happened… My formal classmates have lost their morale with Millium's death, and Rean lose control and slaughtered the Tainted Holy Beast. Once again… that happen to me again… I failed to save them… and stop the Great Twilight… right now… It wasn't easy. But I managed to recover part of everyone's morale. even if it's little… And… look after the new Class VII… But also… needed to take out some of my anger… I was in the room watching over the new Class VII. And praying for them to wake up.
"Why haven't they wake up…" I look at them sadden with tears in my eye… And then I close my eye and then use my eyes onto them.
(Venti's pov)
(Trails of Cold Steel IV ost - Gentle Nap)
"Juna, wake up." I called to Juna as she was asleep. Me and the others are wearing Thors main campus uniform.
"Huh?" Juna slowly woke up.
"Sleeping in class? Hmph… were you up late last night or something?" Kurt asked
"Yes, she was reading cookbooks and looking up recipes well past midnight." Altina answered
"So that's why. Someone really wants to master cooking, huh?" I asked as I lay my arms on my desk and relaxed.
"Oh… Kurt…, Venti…and Allie…" Juna said as she turn around. "Wait… what's with your uniform?"
"Heh, you're still dreaming or what?" Ash asked
"I bet she was having a lovely dream about whoever it is she's planning to cook for!" Musse cooed
"Musse and Ash too? Hold on… how are you here, Ash…? Didn't you…?" Juna title her head
"Goodness. Would you all please simmer down?"
"Class is about to start. You need to snap out of it and focus."
Juna turn to see two students. "Ada… and Fritz? You guys are supposed to be in the main campus…. What's going on? Why are you two here?"
"You really are out of it, aren't you? Did you hit your head or something?" Cedric asked who is sitting next to Kurt.
"What? C-Crown Prince Cedric?! What are YOU doing here?!"
"Are you serious? Maybe you did hit your head after all. I'm here waiting for class to start. We're classmates now, remember?"
Kurt sighed. "Did you seriously forget? The main and branch campuses being merged? All out classes being rearranged?"
"His highness, Ada, and Fritz were added to Class VII. But that was two weeks ago." Altina said.
"heh, They've only been here two weeks, but these scrubs are already acting like they own the place." Ash shrug.
"Watch your mouth! I won't allow you to disrespect his highness like that!" Ada pouted
"Well, anyway, the fact that we are all at about the same point in the curriculum made things easy." Musse said
"True. The transfer was fairly smooth, all things considered." Frintz added
"Oh, uh I guess that rings a bell, now that you mention it." Juna nervous laugh. "Haha… man, I must've just had some crazy dream or something."
"Ugh, I'm so tired…"
"Heehee. Good morning, everyone."
Then enter a man in a labcoat and a woman in a green dress.
"Okay, uh, Class VII. Looks like you're all here, so we're going to start the today's announcements." Said the man with the labcoat.
"Sorry, everyone. We still don't have a homeroom teacher for you yet." Apologize the woman in the green dress. "But the two of us are going to support you as much as we can, so please give it your all."
Hmm,,, is it me or… no…something is off here…
"Thank you Instructor Mary." Ada said.
"You as well, Instructer Makarov." Cedric said.
"Anyway… Today's class schedule First off, we've got applied info processing."
As the lesson begin I've begun to write down the lecture. Huh… we don't have a homeroom teacher huh? How strange… I could have sworn we… Hmm… Those days I spend in Thors were so warm and fulfilling. I was surrounded by my friends and classmates. They were all so brilliant and talented. But together, we all supported each other and pushed each other to grow. We gave our clubs and our personal lives everything we had, too. As time flies. We were in our dorms. I was playing my harp. But then Juna, Kurt and Altina arrived. The four of us talk for a bit but seem to recall something. But can't remember.
'up…'
"Huh?" Venti look around
"Is something wrong Venti?" Kurt asked
"Odd… I thought I heard something…"
"Heard something? Now that you mention it. I sort of heard someone calling me but I don't know who." Juna said.
'Ple… wa…'
"I just heard something just now." Kurt said.
"Are… we all hearing it?" Juna asked
'Oor… thir… flo…'
"Wait… I heard… third…floor?" I asked "Let's head to the third floor."
As we arrived at the third floor. All the names were blinked. But then we headed to a room. Then we enter and then see a familiar room. We saw a Tachi… and the coat… and… pictures… Rean… Rean!
"Instructor Rean!" Juna, Kurt, Altina, and I shout as we remember
"You all remembered."
(Trails of Cold Steel IV ost - Bonds -Relations-)
The voice was clear and familiar. And suddenly a person appeared. The person was transparent It was someone we all know.
"Levi!"
"Thank goodness… thank goodness… all of you…" Levi smiled as he sound emotional "Kurt… Juna… Altina… and Venti… … you're all having the same dream… I don't have much time… I know a lot has happened but… please wake up… You have to wake up!"
(Levi's pov)
I was in a dreamlike state, using my powers of light. I was shocked… but they heard me! And then Venti suddenly rose up from bed and then panted.
"Was all of that… a dream?" Juna look around.
"Those strange school days we spent with everyone? It seems so…" Kurt said
"W-Wait, you had a dream about that, too?!"
"Yes. I get the feeling we were all in the same dream together… Altina, and Venti included."
"I… I remember now…" Altina sadden "I was brought to that dark place… the Gral. I tried to protect everyone.. but then, Millium, she…" Altina remembered what happen. "NOOOOOO!"
Juna hug Altina.
"I remember that as well… Valimar went berserk… No matter how much we tried to reach Instructor Rean… we couldn't stop him." Venti clench his fist.
"Thank goodness you're all awake!" I called them out as I look at them with tears on my face.
Juna gasped. "Levi! You're okay!"
"Yeah… I was told what happened… but you all saw an illusion of me being stabbed."
"An Illusion…" Altina asked heartbrokenly.
Altina looked at me and I immediately felt so awful for her.
"Oh...Altina, I cannot even imagine what it feels like right now. But please remember that you are not alone, every one of us is still here, and we'll be here for you, every step of the way."
She nodded and hugged Juna who comforted her again.
"I can't believe what happened while I was conscious. Rean slew the Holy Beast... Damnit!" I muttered.
"But...what happened afterward?" Kurt asked. "How did we get here?"
"Ah yes. I guess I should explain. But right now, we're all safe. We're in Roselia's Atelier. It's where Emma grew up. The scenery will surprise you a little when you're outside."
"So they're awake as well?" Sara asked.
"Sounds like it." Fie replied as the others walked in.
"You're all here." Kurt said.
"What a relief." Gaius added. "I'm glad you're all okay."
Elliot nodded. "Yeah, you really had us worried there."
"Levi has been watching over for you guys, and now you four have woken up too." Machias said. "It's nice to finally have a bit of silver lining after everything that's happened."
"I'd ask if you're all okay but..." Alisa then paused.
"No one could blame you after all that has happened." Laura said.
"I imagine you must be feeling weak and disoriented." Jusis added. "You were unconscious for two whole weeks after all."
"Two weeks?" Venti responded.
"Is that really you Kurt?"
And then the New Class Vll turn and then see Crown Prince Cedric is among them that just arrived.
"Your Highness!" Kurt exclaimed
"Thank Aidios you are all okay. You had no idea how much I worried about all of you… it's… it's…" Cedric tears begin to come up.
"I'm sure we have much to discuss…" I said. "But right now. You all should eat."
"Nuh-uh. We're talking now. You need to tell us what the hell happened." Juna responded. "And what in the world is an atelier? There's no way we're still in Heimdallr, right?"
Juna, Venti and Kurt got out of their beds and looked out the windows to see the village and they were in silence.
"My, for someone who spent the last two weeks dozing, you certainly are pushy." Roselia sighed. "As the elder, I suppose I should explain. We are currently deep in the heart of a pitch-black forest. Welcome, to the home of the Hexen Clan. The hidden village of Eryn."
"In any case. "I said. "Get cleaned up a little and be ready to eat in the dining room."
(Trails of Cold Steel IV ost - In the Darkness)
They nodded and we left the room, the other friends left the house to have a moment of silence to themselves. Once Juna, Kurt, Venti, and Altina had their late breakfast, they sat down with me, Randy, Roselia and Emma and we began telling them what had happened.
"So we all escape?" Venti asked
"But what about our friends?!" Juna asked
"I'm afraid we don't know where they are." I answered as I look sad.
"It's my fault. If only I was more powerful, I could have brought them here as well." Emma replied in sadness
"No Emma. You did all you could. As I said earlier, the Gral was turning back to it's normal state. Emma use her grandmother's staff to teleport almost everyone out of there. All of our foes and the Divine Knights left that very day. And Musse didn't came with us because of Grianos. Rean was captured and taken elsewhere."
"So much happened while we were unconscious..." Altina sadden.
"What was Musse thinking?" Kurt asked
"I don't know. But I figured that she and Vita are working together. There were some hints that lead me to that." I said.
"I always thought there was something odd about that girl. In all honestly, I never expected she and Vita to be working together." Roselia muttered
"Yes, it was quite the shock." Emma nodded. "She's even been teaching her magic."
"And knowing her secret. She's in a pretty tough spot. Jusis knows this as well." I said as I cross my arm. "If you want to know more. We can go ask him."
"Okay, I guess we'll do that..." Juna sighed
"That's far as our memories go." Kurt trailed off. "Your Highness, how did you get involved in all of this anyway?" Kurt asked
"I was just as confused as you are. I was back at St. Astraia after what I saw something horrific..." Cedric answered as he look in grief. "Ever since the Chancellor and the Gnomes has successfully unleashed the Great Twilight. I was suddenly teleported to this village from the sky."
"The sky!?"
"Yes, I thought I was going to die. However, I was gentle falling down by some sort of magic. I safely landed because of that."
Vent hummed. "Ah... I think I know."
"You do?" I asked
"Yes. I recalled what Liam said to us. He said by the time we leave. He got us some 'presents'. I'm guessing it was Liam who teleported you to the village."
"Oh that's right! I remember he said those words too!" Emma nodded.
"So he teleported His Highness to us..." Kurt said as he close his eyes.
"In any case. I've been here all this time for the past few weeks. Waiting by your side as well." Cedric said.
"Your Highness..."
"Randy is also here. He was pretty worried about you guys too." I added "But unfortunately we couldn't with Tio and the other branch students."
"I'm worried about Tio, and Instructor Towa... Louise and Juessica, too..." Juna sadden
"There's also Leonora, Tita, and the others." Altina added
"Same for Sidney. I can't believe we lost two weeks in whole." Venti sighed
"It couldn't be helped. That's just how much the battle in the Gral exhausted you." Roselia pointed out. "Using the Panser Soldats linked to the Ashen Knight further increased the burden on you. Levi already gave you all enough the mana to recover."
"The rest of us, except for Levi, only woke up a couple of days before you did." Emma added "That battle really took out a lot from us."
"Yeah. I was watching over everyone back then. But I'm also worried about Celine. Celine was also caught in the teleportation."
"Well, Celine is physically linked to Emma." Roselia reminded. "If anything bad were to happen to her, Emma would know right away. So far, things have been quiet."
"Yes, but I have been unable to sense her for a while, though." Emma nodded.
"She must be somewhere difficult where magic is heavily limited." I suggested.
"Yes. I think so as well. Even during the civil war, her presence felt very faint to me."
"It sounds like the two of you have a relationship similar to Claiomh Solais and myself." Altina replied but then she look down and hurt. Oh, I see.
"Altina..." I look at her with the same feeling about Millium.
"It can't be easy, thinking about what happened to Millium." Kurt nodded
"I heard as well." Cedric sadden. "You have my deepest condolences, Black Rabbit... No... Altina. We both lost very important to us."
"Being used as a Sacrifice for that damn curse... I swear I will avenge her... as well as everyone else." I clenched as I clench my teeth. "Osborne... Alberich... George... Ouroboros... I swear... I will make you all pay in blood."
"Levi..." Emma sadden.
I calm down a little. "Right now. It's tough for all of us. Especially with Rean. As I said earlier. He's been captured by Osborne, Liam, the Gnomes, and his Ironbloods."
"The Ashen Knight- who has been consumed by his power- and the Sword of the End are with him." Roselia added "As Levi added earlier about that. She is there as well."
"I think both Celine and Rean are in the Black Workshop. I have a feeling that in my gut, they're there." I said as I turn to the students and Cedric. "Everyone, I know thoughts are tough now after what happened." I said "But I think, for now, we should get our bodies moving by going around the village."
"That would be a sensible idea." Roselia replied. "Try to put your concerns out of your mind for the time being." Roselia said. "You'll need to stay in the village to recuperate a little longer. Don't torture yourselves worrying over what you can't change. If you would like to unwind, we have some lovely hot springs here."
"Right. And I'll give you a tour of the village." I nodded as I stood up. " We can discuss more what to do next. Come on, you guys."
(Trails of Cold Steel IV ost - Ancient Oath)
They agreed and when Emma and Roselia left, I left with the new Class VII and Crown Prince Cedric and they saw the view of the outside village.
"It's beautiful, isn't it?" I asked them.
"Yeah, it really is." Juna agreed.
"As far as illusory village go, yes. To think all this was hidden deep within the great forest." Kurt said.
"It truly is a magical place. Fitting for a clan of witches." Venti nodded
"Yes. I was surprised when I first arrive here so... suddenly." Cedric nodded
"Let's go talk to the old Class VII, I'm sure they need cheering up as well." I suggested. "I managed to recovered some of their morale. But a few things left them valurable."
"Understood." Kurt nodded
We begin to explore around the village and then we begin to head into a store. When we got inside, I noticed Alisa over by the books at the far bottom left corner. Thinking about her, she must be going through this the worst. First, she learns about her father being alive, then Sharon leaves the Reinford company. And the part with Rean and Millium.
"Alisa, are feeling okay right now?" I asked.
"Oh, Levi. New Class VII, Your Highness. Good to see you on your feet again."Alisa replied. "Don't push yourselves, all right? You've been stuck in bed for two weeks now, after all."
Juna nodded. "I guess we are a little rusty after two weeks in bed."
"Were you looking through the books here?" Kurt asked.
"Yeah, they have a lot of rare stuff on display, so I thought I'd take a look." Alisa answered as She's trying to keep a strong front, I don't blame her at all.
"I'm guessing it's about the latest issue of the Imperial Chronicle?" I asked
"Yeah, usually the latest issue of the Imperial Chronicle get here within a day or two of it bring published." She then looked away.
"You're scared, aren't you?"
"Haha...I'm not surprised you can tell Levi. You must think i'm-" Alisa hugged herself.
"Stop." I interrupted Alisa. "Alisa...we talk about this."
"You're right... Sorry about this Levi. I know you're doing much for everyone sake. Because of this Great Twilight mess, the Empire's a total train wreck. When I think about what happened to Rean, and Millium, and Laura's father, too. And then, there's how the person who caused all that hurt is..."
"It's okay, we all understand. Everything was all sudden and shocking news too."
She looked at me and nodded sadly. "Sorry, everybody. I know I should be trying to set a better example. I need to find out what part my mother's playing in all of this. And I'm curious about what Sharon's doing too, now that she's back with Ouroboros."
You're right. Now that she's back with Ouroboros. We will have to face her in the future.
"I'm gonna go read this in my room. You guys take it easy, okay?"
"Of course, you should do the same as well." Cedric replied.
Alisa then went to the counter to buy the issue and left the store.
"Black Alberich..." Kurt hummed. "I don't think any of us could have predicted he'd turn out to be Alisa's father, Franz Reinford."
But that isn't Franz Reinford. It's a persona created by Ishmelga, taking control over him. If I meet it again. I swear I'll ever it out of existence and return Franz Reinford to normal.
"Levi, you coming?" Venti called me.
I snap out of my thoughts. "Oh, coming."
We left the store and then we begin to head back inside Rose's atelier. Then head up stairs and take the doorway that leads to an open bench area where you can see a nice view from there. Standing near the railings was Laura. I remember that day. She lost her father when the Courageous exploded. Prince Olivert was also in the Courageous. Cedric, the Imperial family, everyone who loved them... even me... are in mourning of their death. I swear to avenge you.
"Hey there, Laura." I said to her.
"Oh, Levi. New Class VII. And Your Highness" She replied. "Aside from Levi and Prince Cedric, are the rest of you feeling right and rested already?"
"Yeah, they're stretching out their legs by doing a little walk around. But what about you, Laura? I know two weeks had passed, and since... 'that' happened."
Laura nodded sadly. "From what I've heard, a state funeral has already been held. For him, Prince Olivert, Toval, and the rest of the fallen crew."
"Olivert…" Cedric sadden
I clenched my fist. I owe prince Olivert so much.
"They said the explosion had completely incinerated their bodies. It was a procession of empty caskets. Yet I still couldn't bring myself to attend. Maybe that's the reason it hasn't really hit me yet. It just doesn't seem real."
"Laura." Juna whispered.
"It's only natural to feel that way." Kurt said.
"Yes... I can relate… Olivert…." Cedric sadden.
"When I think of Rean, Celine and Millium on top of that, it's more than I can even bear." Laura said, with emotions kicking in. "An Arseid is supposed to be strong at times like this. To lead. To inspire. Have I learned nothing? Have I not grown one bit?"
"This may sound harsh, but only you can find that answer."I replied. "But if you wish, there's nothing wrong with needing a shoulder to let it out with."
"Thank you..."
"Cedric, you want too?"
"Yeah. I need someone to cry on as well..." Cedric answered as he said emotional.
Cedric walked over to Laura and she hugged him with her face buried into his right shoulder. All I could hear was her silent weeps and trying to hold it together. Cedric was reminded of the pain he had to go through when he lost his big brother. And when I was sure that she had let it all out, Cedric let her go and they pulled away from the hug.
"I...I'm sorry, everyone. Please, forget you saw anything. Words of woe will do nothing to mend matters." Laura said. "The new Class VII is finally woken up. Now is the time to plan for the future, not weep over the past."
"Yes, we need to find a way of where to go from here. But we'll do that later." Cedric replied. "Let's go."
We went back to the atelier and then down the stairs to the ground floor before leaving heading to the small path area near the trees where Emma and Roselia were.
"Oh? Having a look around the village, are you?" Roselia asked.
"Are you sure you guys had enough rest?" Emma asked
"Yeah, so far so good. But we're still a bit hangover with things that happen" Venti answered.
Kurt nodded. "It's a bit hard to relax after all the information we've had dropped on us."
"We concluded that keeping ourselves busy might help us get over the shock." Altina said. "
"By the way, What was that bluebird that appeared over Musse." Juna said.
"Ah, yes. That would be Grianos. He is to be Vita's familiar, like Celine is for me." Emma explained.
"Unlike Celine, Grianos wasn't blessed with the ability to speak." Roselia said. "But Vita bonded with him closely nevertheless. He is irreplaceable. To all of us. I hope that nothing bad happens to Celine. I pray we don't lose her."
I hummed "To be honest. I was wondering why I haven't seen Grianos much. I can sense his magical presence but how come I didn't notice he appeared until after the Gral."
"That is a good question. Normally he would always appeared around Vita or whatever she send him to be her eyes and ears."
"Maybe Grianos know the concealment magic that Levi taught me and Celine." Emma hummed
"Wait, you caught Emma magic, Levi?" Venti asked
"I did. One of them is concealment magic." I answered
"I've heard from Emma about it. It's a type of magic that completely turns you invisible and completely erase your presence." Roselia said.
"Whoa really?" Juna asked
"Yeah. It's a very useful magic spell you can infiltrate the enemy base. The own downsides are that it will wear off if you bump into someone outside of its magic, or you speak too loudly, or someone with really sharp senses can sense you. But in any event, we should get back on topic. So far, nothing happened to Celine, right?"
"Yes. I know I've said this before, but if anything happens to Celine, I'll know immediately." Emma nodded
"As long as Celine is okay."
"Well. That seems as good a point as any to bring this dreary exchange to an end." Roselia declared. "I don't care much for and nauseates, but I advise you grant your weary bones a bit more rest out of your stay."
"Of course. We'll make the most of it." Kurt nodded
We continued exploring, making our way to Gandolf's Orbal Factory. Sitting by the tables were Sara and Fie, and they working on their ARCUS IIs, possibly modifying the battle orbments.
"Hey there, you two." I greeted. "Working on your orbments?"
"Yeah, I couldn't take just sitting around doing nothing." Sara replied.
"I kinda wish I'd asked Toval more about orbal arts when I had the chance." Fie said
Right... Toval has connections to Sara and Fie. He's another I swear to avenge.
Sara sighed. "Seriously...how am I supposed to break the news to Micht?"
"Is the Bracer Guild planning to get involved in things this time?" Kurt asked.
"Could be." Sata nodded. "We haven't been able to get in touch with any of the key players yet, though."
"And we're still having trouble pinning down the location of the other bracers who were helping us, such as Agate." Fie said. "We'll look for them once we've pulled ourselves together."
"But there's no need to rush into it. You all along with His Highness need to take some time to recover. That includes you Levi." Sara advised.
"Huh? Why me?" I asked
"You been working hard for all of us. Even taking care of all of us. And it's not just you. We're letting old Class VII have some space to bounce back, too."
"I suppose... And the new Class VII have also only just woke up. All right. We'll take things slow for now. After all, they're just stretching out their legs."
We left the store and made our way to the monument in the center with a lake around it to see Gaius and Elliot.
"Hey there guys, you seem to be doing better." Elliot greeted.
"I can see that your faces are lifting up again." Gaius added.
Juna nodded. "Yeah, thanks for watching over us."
"And for the help you gave us back at the Gral as well." Kurt said. "We're in your debt."
Altina hummed. "No words can express the amount of gratitude I feel toward the old Class VII."
"Aw come on, you guys helped out too." Elliot replied.
"Besides...it's not as though my powers were enough to make a difference, either way." Gaius added as he hung his head low.
"Gaius..." I trailed off.
"Sorry. Pay my grumblings no mind. I wasn't ready. Simple as that. It's just something I'll have to work on."
"Well, in any case, you've only just woken up." Elliot reminded. "I know you might feel energized, but try not to push yourselves too far, okay?"
"We'll try, thanks for the advice." Juna replied.
We begin head towards the Lux Lanae Inn, where Machias and Randy was sitting.
"Hey Machias, hey Randy." I greeted them
"We don't get to see you two together very often." Kurt comment
"Yeah, you make kind of an odd pair if you ask me." Juna nodded
"You think so?" Machias asked. "I'd say we get along just fine."
"Yeah, Macchiato and I are tight. And we've worked together before- three months back I think?" Randy nodded "He went out of his way to ask permission to use the SSS building for a meeting. I was real impressed with his manners."
"So that's how you knew each other." Venti said.
"Wait a minute... 'Macchiato'?" Juna asked
"I asked him to quit calling me tha, but you know how he is." Machias sighed
Randy chuckled "Aw, c'mon, don't be such a buzzkill. You should be honored. I don't give guys nicknames all that often."
"So i'm one of the lucky one?" I asked
"Yep. I called you Levy, right?"
"True. I feel special when you call me that."
"Yeah. I was thinking the same thing."
Kurt nodded. "That's right, I think only heard your nicknames for Juna, Altina and Venti."
"Hehe. I adore the nickname he gave me. Venny." Venti chuckled
Altina then had a dry face. "I never gave him permission to call me 'Alteeny'."
"Same foes for 'Junie.' Juna nervously laughed.
"In any case. We should continue looking around." I suggested.
We left the inn and carried walking around the circle path until we saw Jusis sitting on the bench and he was holding onto a hat. When we were closer, it was the same hat that Millium wore. How did he manage to get that hat?
"That's..." Altina said.
"Millium's hat..." Juna added.
"How did you get that?" I asked.
"It made its way over to me somehow, through the space-time distortion." Jusis answered. "Perhaps it was fate itself that brought me here."
"I see... maybe so." Kurt said.
"Oriion-Altina rather. I was thinking I'd give this to you, once you'd woken up." Jusis then offer Millium hat to her. "Plwase, take it. You were the only family she had."
"I...I can't." Altina shook her head. "You should be the one to hold onto it. That's what Millium would have wanted."
"Yeah, can't argue with that." I nodded.
"I see, very well, I'll take good care of it." Jusis replied. " I'd actually convince myself that i'd never be able to get over things, so long as it was in my possession. Still, in a way, I'm almost relieved to keep it, as maudlin as that sounds."
"Jusis..."
"You were right to mention about the situation Levi. With the curse spreading through the Empire, its more imperative that we figure out how the board will play out from here."
"The board?" Kurt asked
"W-wait, does this have something to do with whatever Musse's been up to?" Juna asked.
"Ah. That's right." Altina hummed.
"Levi did say you might know more about the situation." Kurt replied
"Levi was already aware of it. In fact. He already knew from the very beginning." Jusis replied.
"Wait from the beginning?" Venti asked
"Yeah, I notice some interesting patterns as well as the timing." I nodded. "Musse made some clever using some of the facts and truth to cover her tracks."
"Which is why I'm not surprised how sharp you are... You still have my thanks for not telling anyone about her true identity."
"True identity?" Cedric asked
"It's only fair I tell all of you as well, now that you've awoken." Jusis replied. "Now, listen closely, and try to follow along."
He then gave a brief explanation of her real identity and that she was the soon-to-be Duchess of the Cayanne family.
"Mildine... I never thought she was her this whole time." Cedric sighed. "I haven't seen her in awhile."
"So Musse's actual identity is Mildine Juzelith de Cayenne, the soon-to-be Duchess of the Cayenne Family." Kurt hummed
"The pieces are all coming together, so to speak." Altina said. "I assume the Intelligence Division knew of this all along."
"W-wait, so all of this is for real?" Juna asked. "You're seriously telling me that Musse 'foresaw' the possibility of something going wrong in Heimdallr, and headhunted the top members of the provincial armies just to prepare for it?!"
Jusis nodded. "That's precisely what I'm telling you. The Weissland Army, she calls it."
"Well, that would explain why she didn't come back with us." Venti said.
"Indeed, I only know what I've been told, but it seems Brigadier General Bardias, General Le Guin, and Vita have also been in cahoots with her. Tens of thousands of elite troops, all gathered together in secret, with the recovered Pantagruel as their flagship. It's possible that they intend on independently opposing the chancellor and his faction."
"Wait, what?!" Cedric exclaimed. "That's insane of her! Surely Mildine must realize that even with her army behind her, she is still outnumbered and outgunned against the Imperial Army, considering the powerful people who are on Chancellor's side."
"If I remember right, Erebonia army is a good 800,000 soldiers strong, isn't it?" Juna asked.
"And with the National Mobilization Law in effect, that total can only rise from here." Jusis added. "Lady Mildine's efforts are doomed to a brave, yet ultimately futile act of resistance. She's well aware of this, hence why she's parted company with the rest of the Four Great Houses. The Weissland Army is on its own from here on out. Nevertheless- that girl will find a way. She's almost certainly weaving a counterplan against the chancellor, even as we speak. Her keen foresight on how things would occur left even Marquis Hyarms and myself bewildered. But i'm certain there are many others risks involved that we couldn't even hope to imagine. We ourselves were blind to Musse's true intention until only recently. As such, it is critical that we determine what steps the government and the Weissland Army might take next."
I sighed. "Musse... I swear..."
"It's all right, Levi. Such is my duty as a lord of the Four Great Houses, as well as the brother of the enemy we've found in Crossbell's governor general."
"Are you sure, Jusis? I know you're still shocked about it, but Rufus..."
He nodded. "Indeed. I was in shock when I heard that he wasn't my actual brother."
"And that makes you two cousins, right?" I asked.
"I suppose it does. This is a very complex situation, to be sure. It's far from clear what the 'correct' course of actions might be." Jusis then stood up. "But the blindfolds are off now. All we can do is face what lies ahead. And I know even without Rean, he would want Class VII to remain strong. Just as you pointed out, Levi."
"True that." I nodded
He then left.
"Well, that help clean some things up, at least." Juna said.
"Still... Jusis is taking things pretty hard." I sighed
"Yeah... Instructor Rean isn't the only loss he has to deal with." Kurt nodded
"Indeed." Altina nodded
"I'm sure everyone feels that way." Venti nodded
"Yes... even me." Cedric sadden
With everyone we talk too. We begin to discuss about the village.
"All right. That's everyone and the tour of the village Still, what should we do now?" I asked
"Maybe we should head back to the atelier." Kurt said. "We still need to figure out where to go from here."
"Then let's head back." Cedric said
We begin to head back to the atelier. It's just as before... Then again... I was like that too. The loss of hope in their eyes. The sadness, grief, sorrow, feeling powerless. Obviously, I knew I wasn't enough. I knew that something had to be done. I'm just a cheap knockoff. We need a leader to help all of us move forward. And that leader is Rean. We need to find some way to get Rean back.
The six of us stood in a circle, currently recapping the current mood of the team.
"I know this sounds obvious, but it feels like everyone is suffering." Juna said.
"Indeed. Especially Alisa, Laura and Jusis." Kurt added.
Altina nodded sadly. "And it really shows how much Millium meant to them."
"I could see it on their faces. My formal classmates' morale is just like back then before you guys awoke." I nodded "And it's because Rean is not with us. They relied on him just as we did."
"That's right." Altina nodded
"He wasn't merely the center of this group. He was their rock. Everyone drew strength from just his presence." Kurt added
"You're right. And I'm nothing more than a cheap knockoff." I nodded
"Don't say that. You're just much as a leader as Instructor Rean is." Venti stated
"I can't believe I wasn't strong enough to…" Cedric clenched his fist.
"You're Highness…" Kurt sadden.
"Well, what are we supposed to do, now that he's gone?" Juna asked. "As if Ash and Musse leaving us wasn't bad enough."
"Musse...or should we call her Duchess Cayenne?" Altina reminded. "It's quite difficult to believe she was putting plans in place the entire time we knew her."
"Yes, none of this feels real." Kurt said. "She has a much better grasp on the situation than any of us could have known."
"Geez Musse..." Venti sighed. "But right now, all we know is that Instructor Rean's held captive somewhere. We don't have any leads or even any methods on what we can do to find him."
"Even so, that doesn't mean we should stop." I nodded "After all, what was the point in fighting for our lives, if we're just gonna give up?"
"You're right...it is kind of annoying, though." Juna replied "She said she'd take care of Ash, but we have no idea what she's actually planning to do."
"Perhaps we should speak with Ash in person." Venti sighed
Just then, Roselia walked in. "Back already, I see." She walked in with Randy
"Yeah, they had a good walk." I replied. "But unfortunately the mood is still low just like with my formal classmates."
"Well, can you blame them? From what Emma's told me, the combined power of the Gnomes, and the Blood and Iron Chancellor is completely overwhelming. So much so, they could bring about the end of the world with ease."
"Let's not forget their other allies as well. Ouroboros, The Mysterious Man who identified himself as Liam Randolph, the Stahlritter, and the two Jaeger Crops." Cedric added
"We do appear to be heavily outnumbered." Altina said.
"Yeah, that's terrifying to think." Juna added.
Randy sighed. "To top things off, we also have four Divine Knights, besides Valimar and Testa-Rossa running around now. And one of 'em- that Ebon Knight- Chancellor Osborne is piloting himself."
My fist clenched because of that Divine Knight I'm planning on destroying.
"That Knight had an aura unlike any of the others. As if it wanted to dominate all it surveyed." Kurt nodded
(Trails of Cold Steel III ost - Bonds -Relations- )
"Yeah, honestly, it gave me goosebumps just looking at it." Juna added. "I mean, the other Divine Knights had powerful auras too, but that one..."
"It's power is beyond that of any Divine Knight... almost like it's the leader of the Divine Knights." Venti comment
"Well, if the Blood and Iron Chancellor's behind the wheel, it's gotta be bad news." Randy nodded
"Right, there was something's been bothering me." Juna said. " Right at the end, the chancellor called Instructor Rean by his first name. Almost like he knew him well. But when they met in Heimdallr, they were much more formal with each other. Last names and all that."
'Osborne said that?' I thought.
"Now that you mention it." Kurt muttered.
"Huh. That is kind of weird… hmm?" Randy thinks as he notices Altina and I know the truth along with Prince Cedric.
"Altina? Levi? Your Highness? Is something wrong?" Venti asked
"Is there something you're not telling us?" Kurt added
"Well..." Altina sighed off as I sighed
"So you do know something." Venti comman.
"Levi, Allie, please." Juna sadden
"You're with the Intelligence Division, right Alteeny? And Levi, you seem to know about it with the prince. Bet you know way more than us about all this."
"Hmm, certain things have been nagging at me for a while now." Kurt pondered. "Not just the exchange between the chancellor and Instructor Rean, but old Class VII's behavior as well. And then there's the fact that Instructor Rean is not a Schwarzer by birth."
"Huh? O-Oh, right, I guess I knew he and Elise weren't actually blood-related." Juna said
"Interesting." Roselia smirked.
"Why are you smirking?" I asked with a dry look on my face.
Kurt remained pondering over it. "As a Vander, I'm privy to certain information that I believe may shine a light on our current situation. Please, hear me out. Fourteen years ago, just before the start of the Hundred Days War. Someone attacked the home of the then-Brigadier General Osborne. To this day, nobody knows who was responsible nor what motivated them, but...they murdered Osborne's family in their own home. He lost his wife, and it's said that he lost a son. But the son's remains were never found."
Juna gasped, I had a feeling that she was not going to take this lightly.
"Whoa, so that's how it all connects…" Randy blinked
"I'm impressed, Kurt." I praised. "I guessing Rean taught you something?"
Kurt nodded. "It's a technique Instructor Rean taught me called the Unclouded Eye. Letting go of your preconceived notions will let you see the truth. And Levi, judging by your reaction, I assume you're aware of it, too? As well as his Highness."
'Ah crap. He saw right through me, huh? Rean, you train him well.' I thought
I sighed as I palm face.
Cedric sighed as he place his hand on his forehead with a smile. "Why am I not surprised with you Kurt..."
"You're right." Altina said. "I received confirmation myself two years ago, during the incident at the Infernal Castle. Though it was only by coincidence. I was there on a mission to capture Duke Cayenne. But it was too late when the Mysterious Man, who now revealed his identity as Liam Randolph kill Duke Cayenne and send him into Gehenna. Instructor Rean and old Class VII were shocked to discover the truth."
"Yeah, No kidding, that's mess anyone up." Randy nodded "But that explains why Rean and his pals were so dead set on foiling Osborne's schemes."
Juna clenched her fists, Yep, I knew it.
"Juna? Altina asked
"Juna, are you angry?" Kurt asked. "Instructor Rean being Osborne's son doesn't change the fact he-"
"OF COURSE I'M ANGRY! How could I not be?!" Juna yelled. "Dammit! Why would he keep all that from us?! And not just him, either! The rest of old Class VII is just as bad!"
"Wait, Juna!" I replied. "It's not as if we were trying to keep it a secr-"
But she ignored me and walked away. "Come on, you guys. We're bringing them back here. Now! I'm...no, WE'RE gonna have a few words with them!"
"Juna..." Venti trailed off.
"Wh-What exactly do you what to say?" Kurt asked.
"I think we should follow her with what she wants." Cedric said. "Perhaps we all need to hear what's on her mind."
They nodded and the five of them rushed out of the atelier.
"Haha. That's our Junie, I suppose." Randy chuckled.
"It seems that for better or worst, nothing keeps her down for long." Roselia said. "Now then Levi, now that we're here. There are things I want to ask you."
"Hmm?" I asked. "What is it?"
"While I'm aware you're different from any humans. But I also sense that part boy is the same as you. Are you connected to him by any chance?"
"To be honest. I'm not really sure. We both felt that feeling... especially that weird feeling with... Liam. But Venti's power is wind. I think he does posses te same type of magic. But I don't know about the abilities."
"I see. But then. You know more about the Divine Knights and the legends far more then I am. So far as you pointed out. We now know Six Divine Knights. What is the name of the final one."
"El-Prado. The Auric Knight."
"El-Prado..." Roselia hummed.
Soon I wanted for a few minutes and then Juna came back with the new Class VII, along with the old Class VII. I'm guessing Juna's fiery energy must have forced them. I don't blame her now she knows the truth between Rean and Osborne.
(Trails of Cold Steel III ost - Things Entrusted)
"Good, that's everyone!" Juna said as her fists on her waist
"Um...Juna?" Alisa responded.
"What is it you wanted to talk to us about?" Jusis asked.
"I...kind of get the feeling you're upset with us." Machias said.
"Turst me... we sort of brought it upon ourselves." I sighed.
"I am not upset, I'm completely pissed off." Juna said.
Altina felt worried. "Juna, please..."
"I don't know what you're planning but try to keep a level-"
"Kurt, Allie, I need both of you to shut it." Juna interrupted. "We just learned the truth about Instructor Rean's father. His birth father, I mean. The Blood and Iron Chancellor, Giliath Osborne."
The old class were surprised to hear that.
"Oh..." Emma trailed off.
"Well..." Fie sighed
"So...you found out, huh?" Elliot asked.
"Please, Juna. Don't think any less of Rean." Laura said.
"He's suffered so much because of Osborne. But he never agreed with the chancellor's policies, with his unreasonable demands." Alisa added.
Jusis nodded. "It's true. For all the pain my brother has caused me, it pales in comparison to what Rean has suffered at the hands of his father."
"Each mission Rean fulfilled for his father ate away at him, piece by piece, but he always retained his sense of what was right." Gaius said.
"His actions in the Northern War are the perfect example." Sara added.
"I get it, I...haven't known him for as long as you have." Juna replied. "But...I know what kind of person he is, and I think there's something that we in the new Class VII understand even better than you do. And Levi, you know what I mean, don't you?."
As turn to me with that glare, I know in my heart that she's right. I knew I had to answer.
I nodded as I look down and gave a small amount of anger at myself but also to my classmates. "She's right, everyone. Right now, regardless of where he is, he's suffering...and what exactly are we doing?! All we have been doing is sitting our asses, moping as we lost hope! Instead of finding a way to save him! "
Alisa gasped.
"You're right..." Elliot said.
"We all know Rean by now don't we?!" I continued. "We all know that Rean wasn't going to let anyone else die, especially after what happened to Millium. And espcually back in the civil war with Scarlet. That's exactly why he chose to put his own life on the line to save us, but even that wasn't enough."
"That's true..." Kurt said quietly.
"I tried to alter the path that will lead to ruin. But something keeps interfering. It frustrates me to no end! But in the end. It was Millium who paid the price. She became the Sword of the End so she can protect us in Altina's place. I blame myself for that. But even though I blame myself. I still move forward, no matter how bad or dire the situation is. That is what Crow said to us back then, right?!"
My classmates' widen their eyes.
"If Millium were here right now... She would be sad that all of her efforts would be in vain. So why are we curling into a corner?! We shouldn't be curling and doing nothing! We should start planning! To find our next move! We should stand tall, gather information on where Rean is and find a way to rescue him!"
"He's right!" Juna agreed. "Let's not forget that illusion right? That Illusion where Liam stabbed Levi? That Illusion have put an impact on him. He thinks that Levi is dead. The shock and grief send Instructor Rean into a rage. In trying to avenge both Levi and Millium, He ended up triggering the end of the world. And now... his father, Osborne, is trying to use him for something else even beyond all that. I know that right now, Instructor Rean must be blaming himself for everything! For not being able to protect Levi and Millium! For making a mistake that can't be undone! That's why someone. Someone needs to find him, grab him by the collar, and shake him until he snaps out of it! To tell him that he's wrong! That it wasn't his fault! Tell him that Levi is alive and it's was an illusion! Wasn't that supposed to be your job?! You're his friends, aren't you?!"
I had nothing to say, we needed to hear all that. Then Venti, Cedric, Kurt and Altina looked at each other and they nodded.
"If you won't do it, then we will. As his students." Kurt said. "Instructor Rean has always offered us support when we needed it most. It now falls to us to do the same for him. And I swear I will. Not as a Vander, but as a member of Thors' branch campus, Class VII."
"Instructor Rean has been my mentor, showing me the way." Altina added. "He taught me to think things for myself. Gave me the courage to make my own decisions. Helped me figure out who I really am. That's why my decision was an easy one. I'll protect everyone, just like Millium did. And like Levi did when he saved me. And I will do everything in my power to rescue Instructor Rean, so that I can thank him in person!"
"I'm sure this applies to all of you. Both Instructor Rean and Levi are someone I look up to. They continue to fight. Raising morale, and not giving up hope. Because they knew that no matter the small of success. They always follow and believe in us. That we can overcome any optical and overwhelming foes. Because of them. I… no… all of us have gained newfound strength… one that we can create and push this darkness over us away! The light they both share. The melody they sing, it was all for us to take the grand stage and join as one!" Venti added.
"I may have not been a student to Instructor Rean… But I owe him so much when we were schoolmates. He also helped me find my way, just like Olivert has. I was destined as Crown Prince of Erebonia for one reason. In Olivert place, to become the foundation of the world. A place where no one has to suffer from this war and nightmare. No matter how small that dream is. I will follow what the Lionheart Emperor has left to guide our foundation!" Cedric added
(Trails of Cold Steel III ost - A Start Line)
Gaius chuckled.
"Sheesh, they got us good there." Sara said.
Fie nodded. "Yep, I agree. They didn't just catch up to us, they blew right past."
"And they won't have to do that alone." I stated as thanks to Juna, to Rean, and to everyone that I found a new resolve. "I was entrusted to be the new Class VII's assistant. Should Rean ever find himself absent, it falls to me to take care of them and lead the new class in his stead. I'm sure Rean would want me to do that. So I'm going to take the reins and help you four grow strong once again!"
"Levi...yeah!" Juna replied.
"You're counting on you Levi!" Venti nodded
"Looks like the new class has grown real fast." Machias said. "We came to much earlier than they did, but all we did was mope around."
"We let our sadness and our fear of what we have to do next paralyze us." Emma added.
"How could we? This is so embarassing!" Elliot asked in shock. "So much for setting an example."
"Does that mean..." Kurt said.
"Yes, you're all absolutely correct." Jusis answered. "Protecting everyone, huh? That certainly sounds like Millium."
"She's passed the baton to us. Now we must work together to what we hold dear." Laura said. "Rean has always devoted himself to helping others. We owe it to him to follow his example."
"Do you remember what we told Rean and Millium that day?" Alisa asked. "That we'd work to stop the war on the surface, AND find out what's happening behind the scenes. It's time for us to do just that!"
"And don't forget about Crow." Fie reminded. "Seems like he's got his memories back."
"Huh? What do you mean?" I asked
"The mask Crow was wearing fell off, and he started to remember everything after that."
"So the masks make them forget their memories? How does that work? Are they one of the Gnomes creations?"
"Hmm... good questions..." Sara hummed
"We should look into those masked." Roselia stated
"Yeah. Back to Crow, we'll get him back on our side even if we've gotta beat some sense into him first." Machias said.
Gaius chuckled. "Haha. I like the way you think."
"It's not going to be easy, though. Especially with that mobilization law in full effect." Elliot said.
"True, but we can start by investigating that black Pleroma Grass that sprang up after the ritual." Emma added.
Sara smiled. "Looks like all you guys needed was a little kick in the butt, and you're back on track."
"Yeah. Though to be honest. I was trying to find a way to lift your spirits. But I couldn't be harsh. But I owe Juna, Kurt, Altina, Venti, even Prince Cedric."
"Aww~" Venti smiled
"I didn't do much." Cedric scratch his cheeks.
"I'm glad to hear that." Kurt said. "That puts my mind at ease."
"Yeah, but this is only the beginning." Juna added. "Aside from rescuing Instructor Rean, we've still got to find Musse and Ash. And everyone else from the Branch Campus too."
"You're absolutely right."
'They're right. I'm worried about Sidney, and everyone else too. Espcually Tita, Tio, Professor Farnsworth.' I thought.
"We're going to take everything back." Altina declared. "Our instructor, our entire world."
"And you won't be doing it alone." I nodded. "We're all Class VII. Once in Class VII, always in Class VII. That includes you, You're Highness."
"H-Huh!? R-Really!?" Cedric respond with a smile. Guess he wanted to be a Class VII member.
"You have our gratitude for bringing us back to our senses." Jusis smiled
"Yeah, thanks." Fie added
"The trail that awaits us will be the Ultimate test for Class's VII worth." Laura nodded
"And that means all of us!" Elliot cheered. "Just as Levi said, Once in Class VII, always in Class VII. There's no difference anymore between old and new Class VII!"
Gaius nodded. "That's right, our shared goals have united us."
"And together, we can overcome any challenge!" Machias said.
"Right!" New Class VII and Cedric respond
I felt pleased at the scene, our morale was back up to speed, stronger than ever before. So in the end, it's up to us to rescue him. I'll take the reins of the new Class VII and keep them safe and help them to become strong. It's what he would want...isn't that right, Rean?
All right! Nice! Class VII morale is higher than ever! To be honest. I was having a hard time thinking of some ways for Levi to say his speech. Also, I also made Cedric a playable character in my story! Did you guys know he was ORIGINALLY supposed to be a playable character? I don't know why he wasn't anymore. So I decided to make him a playable character. Oh, right. I also need to think about his Master Quarts and type too. And his weapon Arts. His Crafts. Eh. I got a bunch of ideas in the next chapter.