-Dateline, August 2nd.-
(Trails of Cold Steel III ost - Now, Things To Do)
The Net day arrived and it was morning. Me and the new Class VII gather around a teleportation stone near the village where the Old Class VII and Randy will investigate the Black Pleroma Grass. Yes. I remember discussing this with Emma and the others. A new type of Pleroma Grass. It must have been caused by the Great Twilight.
"Okay, guys. I'll be gone for a while to search for clues about Tio-tot whereabouts." Randy said.
"Okay, Levi. Take care of your students. They're in your care now as you said." Alisa stated
"Grandmother, try not to be too hard on them." Emma added
"Of course. You can count on me." I wink.
"Oh, worry not. I plan to rough them up just enough to get them ready." Roselia smirked. "After all, Levi has rough Prince Cedric up and look how he is now."
Cedric nervous laughed as he scratch his cheeks while the new Class VII are sigh and upset.
"Hey, cheer up guys." I said to them. "I know you guys are sad that you couldn't go. But can still catch up to them."
"Levi's right. There's no need to be so down. You'll catch up to us before you know it." Laura nodded
"Besides, while you're doing your training, we'll be gathering Inel." Machias added
"We'll look for info on Rean, the mobilization law...uhh, anything that might come in handy." Elliot smiled
"Come join us once you're ready." Fie replied
"We've got a touch mission ahead." Sara stated. "We're gonna need all hands on deck."
"I understood. I promise, we won't be far behind you." Kurt nodded as he place hia hand to his chest
"Good luck. And please, be careful." Altina said.
"Don't do anything crazy... at least not without us!" Juna added
"Yeah, after all, we're all in this together." Venti wink.
"Right." Gaius nodded. "Then until we meet again, may the wind and the Goddess be with you."
"Overcome whatever ordeals awaits you and come find us!" Jusis added
"Right!" The new Class VII nodded.
And then the teleportation stone activated and then teleported my classmates out.
"All right everyone. Once you all get prepared, I will be waiting out here. I will lead you to the training ground." Roselia said.
"Training Ground?" Venti asked
"It's a place where Wandering Witches begin their training before wondering to the outside world. A labyrinth of ordeals so to speak." I explain. "I often come to that place along with Prince Cedric to train."
"Yes." Cedric nodded. "For the past two weeks, while all of you were resting, I come to the training ground with Levi to keep up with my training."
"With that said. Do gather your weapons." Roselia nodded.
"That reminds me. What will you plan to do Your Highness?" Kurt asked.
"I'll be planning on waiting until I can join you guys on your training. But you have a lot catching up to you. Do make sure you give it your all."
"Yes, Your Highness!"
And so the new Class VII ran off to get their weapons. A few minutes have passed. And then Juna, Kurt, and Venti got their weapons. Altina was already ready.
"Is everyone finished?" Roselia asked and they nodded. "Good, now follow me into the forest." Roselia said and then begin to use the teleportation
(Trails of Cold Steel IV ost - Eryn, the Hidden Village)
Roselia guided me, Kurt, Juna, Venti, and Altina to a giant building deep in a forest area called the Saint-Gral Labyrinth. This place I often come here and also the place where I train Cedric to help him grow stronger.
"All right. Here we are." I said.
"S-so, this is it?" Juna asked.
Kurt nodded. "Indeed. The Hexen Clan's labyrinth of ordeals."
"That it is." Roselia clarified. "As I told you yesterday, your long rest has left you weak. if you remain out of shape, you will find yourself in mortal danger with every battle that lies ahead."
"I do feel like I'm weaker than before." Altina said.
"I still feel kind of bad that we couldn't head out with the others though." Juna added.
"I know you guys are feeling a little left out. As I said earlier, You'll catch up to them. And as Rose said, you guys have been sleeping for two weeks. Your body is not once what it once was."
"All right, then. Time to figure out just how much weaker we've gotten."
"So our objective is to enter the labyrinth and begin exploring." Altina confirmed.
"Yes." Roselia said. "Once you have fought off the vicious monsters in your path and made your way to the utmost depths of the labyrinth, that will be it...for today. Sullivan, be sure you lead them well"
"Of course." I nodded. "I'll use the experience I had back then to lead them well. And once you all get your strength back, we'll catch on to everyone else."
"Thanks, Levi." Juna smiled.
"We'll be counting on you, you are our second in command." Venti added
"We'll do our very best." Altina added.
Kurt nodded. "We appreciate in you guiding us."
"I honestly wish I can join you all but I have to wait. But I wish you all the best of luck." Cedric smiled.
Roselia stood in front of us. "Good, it sounds like you are ready then. You stand before the grounds where witches of the Hexen Clan who wish to venture outside the village must first prove their worth. Saint-Gral Labyrinth."
(Trails od Cold Steel IV ost - Saint-Gral Labyrinth)
We soon entered the labyrinth and into the main entrance area. We can see magic crystals around the walls, the ceiling.
"Woah..." Juna whispered.
"What an eerie place." Kurt said.
"You been here before a lot, right, Levi?" Venti asked
"Of course. Even the old Class VII and Cedric himself." I answered. "Think of it as a magical version of Einhel Keep. There will be dangerous monsters roaming around while we explore. Don't hesitate to ask for help. Because you certainly will need it.
"Wait, you think we've gotten THAT weak, don't you?" Juna asked
"Please tell me you're joking." Venti added
"Sadly I'm not." I answered "I may be the type who likes to laugh but this is no joking matter. If you want to prove me wrong, be my guest. If you want to see for yourselves, then you will need these." I pulled out our Master Quartzs.
"Our master quartz?" Venti blinked.
"Did those fall out from our ARCUSes?" Kurt asked.
"Yep. Not just that. We also dropped a lot of stuff back at the Gral. The quartz we've made and got, as well as the accessories, they're all gone."
"For real!?" Venti exclaimed
"For real. So we have to start from scratch. Don't forget to equip them."
They put their master quartz into their ARCUS IIs, and I felt a slight aura of power from them.
'Yep. As I thought. They have gotten that weak.' I thought.
'Ugh… I thought you were just joking earlier…" Juna muttered
"But we truly are weaker now than we were at the Gral.." Kurt sighed.
"Yes, it is as you said about misplaced the rest of our quartz and accessories." Altina added.
"Aww, we really do have to start again from scratch…" Venti frown "All that hard work...gone..."
"I know it's frustrating to you all. But that's why you're going to get your strength back. We'll just take it nice and easy until you're back in your usual selves." I said with a smile. "But I should also discuss about your brave orders."
"Huh? Why?" Juna asked
"It shouldn't be a problem. Our ARCUSes are fully functional." Kurt said
"About that. Your body is not the only thing that chance. You should see for yourselves and you'll see what I mean." I stated
"Well, whatever you throw at us, we can handle it!" Juna cheered
"I agree." Altina nodded
"Me too!" Venti nodded
"Let's get started, then." Kurt nodded
"Right. Just so you know. I will also tell you some battle tips. Now let's go everyone!" I smirked as I declared in a command position.
"RIGHT!" They said unison.
We passed through the entrance and started exploring the labyrinth. There was an orbment charging station nearby/
"Look, an Orbment charging station!" Juna pointed out.
"Correct. You all know this but the Orbal Charging stations not only recovers your HP but also your EP. So make sure to remember to come back here when you sustain heavy injuries." I advised.
"Understood." Kurt nodded
We walked through a narrow hallway which is like a small maze. There are many pathways but most of them are clothes. Soon we found some treasures and open them and take what was inside. We turned right before entering a small area where a small monster was roaming around.
"THAT'S a monster?" Juna asked. "It looks more like..."
"A fiend." I answered. "They're actually the weakest type in this place. However, you should be cocky. Even they can be difficult for beginners."
"Hm, we should exercise caution." Altina advised.
"Good idea. We're in phase 1 of the labyrinth, so it suppresses the higher elements. Even so, you should be able to deal with opponents like them as long you fire up the combat links and the brave orders."
"I see."
"Got it." Venti nodded
"We should get some training in so we can familiarize ourselves with these combat tactics." Kurt advised
"Yeah, good idea!" Juna nodded.
And then they begin to dive into their first battle after two weeks of sleep.
Venti got out his bow while everyone else brought their weapons out. Then they use Juna's brave order and notice the sudden change in their brave orders. Then we begin to fight against the monsters. The fiend and the two jelly-fish thing that showed up gave them a challenge but they were able to fend them off with ease.
"That went all right, but still..." Juna paused.
"Yes. The power of our Orders was underwhelming, to say the least." Kurt said.
Altina hummed. "So it wasn't my imagination."
"Our orders have gotten weaker…" Venti muttered.
"I did warn you guys." I said. "Even your brave orders have gotten weaker."
"But why did our Orders get weaker?" Juna asked. "They've got nothing to do with our physical strength. Are you affected, too, Levi?"
"Yeah, even I'm affected. But not just me. The Old Class VII too. It has something to do Rean's curse."
"His curse is affecting us?" Altina asked.
"That...is fairly inconvenient." Kurt said. "But why has it affected us more than the others?"
"Maybe because we lost a lot more mana when we were piloting our Panzer Soldats?" Juna guessed. "Ugh, it's so annoying we can't use Orders like we used to!"
"I know right. But it's so strange. My power is the complete opposite of Rean's curse. It can repel it." I pounder "And somehow it affected my orders. I feel like it's something else besides Rean's curse that caused it to become weaker, but I can point my finger on it."
"That is weird." Venti nodded.
"I'll think about how it affected our orders and find a way to regain its powers for now. In the meantime, let's go back to recover your strength. You guys can do it. I know you can." I winked.
"You're right. Thanks." Kurt nodded
We made our way down another narrow hallway and turned left to enter another area where a strange-looking monster was in the middle. The monster was a shaman fiend.
"A grim reaper monster?" Venti asked
"I don't like the look of it." Altina said.
"Yeah, we better be careful!" Juna added. "This may be the best time to use my Gunner mode."
I agreed to that and we moved in to begin the fight. As Juna switched to gunner mode. We begin to fight on the monsters. Things got a little easier against the shaman monster because of Juna's gunner mode and Venti's Archery skill. But they still need to work on movement and plenty more. Still, we were able to finish them off.
"Not bad, huh?" Juna asked.
"We're doing better, now that we've been at this for a while." Altina said.
"Let's keep the momentum going!" Kurt advised
"Yep! We have a long way to go!" Venti cheered
"That the spirit you guys." I wink. "It's only a warm-up, but keep that fire up."
We made our way up the stairs and past through an archway on the right then found a treasure. Then we take to the left to reach a third area with a big monster guarding the way.
"Caution, everyone, we encounter a strong monster." I warned. "It will prove more of a challenge than all the monsters we've faced. Don't hold back! Use arts, crafts, Orders and give it everything you got! That includes combat link! And don't forget to break them first."
"Heh, my Order's just the thing for that." Juna smirked
"We should also use Rush and Burst, right?" Venti asked
"High-level link attacks have a better chance of inflicting Breaks." Altina recalled
"Well done. Looks like you don't need me to tell you that." I wink. "But you're right. Also, feel free to use my Orders too. Use it when you need too."
"Heehee, we got it!" Juna nodded
"After all, Juna's Order can break our foes more quickly. My can enables flurry of rapid attacks." Kurt said
"Mine can repel all form of attacks. And Venti can evades attacks more easily." Altina added
"And I have two brave orders. One to increase our damage and the other can make us go first to strike." I nodded
They nodded and we braced ourselves for a tough fight.
We begin to launch our attacks on the monster and then we begin to use Juna's brave order and then while everyone is striking hard. Venti shoot the arrows from the distance to support us and then use my craft to even the odds. And the monster then knocks my students back and then we resume our clash with it. Once Kurt launched a strong fast slashes onto them. Then we all unleashed a Burst attack onto the monsters. Break them. And then finish them off.
"Phew, the danger's been dealt with." Kurt said.
"Yeah, but enemies like that used to be a piece of cake for us." Juna added.
Altina nodded. "Yes. It appears we will need to 'play catch-up'. It is quite aggravating to think about all the training we will need just to return to how we were before."
"Well, like I said earlier. We'll just have to take it nice and easy until you're back to your usual selves." I assured. "Anyways, it looks like you're all warmed up now, so let's keep up until we reach the end. I'll leave the decisions to you guys. Takedown the enemies however you want."
Juna giggled. "Thanks, Levi!
We passed into a large hallway where pillars were blocking the way. If any of them notice, the pillar appears to be cracked
Kurt hummed "These pillars are to be cracked."
"Leave it to me. I'll call Claomh Solais." Altina said
"Thanks, Allie." Juna smiled "I can handle it, but you are probably more efficient, haha."
"We all have different weapons types that are efficient." I nodded. "There are Slash, Trust, Pierce, and Strike efficient. Juna, you have two sets of weapons. One for Trust and Strike. And one for Trust and Pierce. Kurt, you have Slash and Trust. Altina, you have a Slash and Strike. Venti, you have Trust and Pierce. While I have Slash, Trust, and Pierce. Each of different levels rating. So go wild Altina."
Altina nodded and use her combat shell and it easily destroyed them and clear a path and we continue onwards. We soon got into more battles that can help them gain their strength back little by little. We then arrived to the depths of phase one where at the end, someone was waiting for us.
"Heh heh, having some trouble, are we?" Roselia asked.
"Rose?!" Juna exclaimed
"What are you doing here?" Kurt asked
"I thought I sense it was you up ahead" I replied. "I'm guessing you teleported here?"
"Indeed I did. What marks would you give them, Levi?" Roselia asked
I look at the four students. "They're all still a little rusty. However, they have regained some part of their strength. They earn a passable mark for the moment. I think they're ready for the final test."
Then the four look surprised as they turn to Rose.
"You can't be serious." Kurt said.
"W-Wait, is our final test really gonna be..." Juna paused.
Roselia smirked and she brought out her staff.
(Trails of Cold Steel IV ost - Seductive Sudder)
"Yes. A battle against the last of the True Ancestors and elder of the Hexen Clan herself. I wish to see the limit of your power. And then...what lies beyond it!" Rose said as her Staff tap the ground. Then she unleashes her magical red aura. "Rise to the level of your predecessors, so that you may reclaim your lost instructor!"
"We'll do just that!" Kurt said as he and the others and I draw out our weapons.
"That was our intention from the start!" Altina said.
"And train from one as well." Venti added
"Let's go, guys! Come on, Levi, you too!" Juna said.
"You got it, but let me warn you—Roselia is extremely powerful! You have to fight her at full force! Stand strong and stay vigilant!" I informed.
"Now, come at me everything you had!" Roselia command
Then we begin to fight Roselia. Venti link up with Altina, and Juna link up with Kurt. Venti shoot arrows as Roselia dodge and then she counters with a wand while Kurt charge and strike at Rose. While Kurt uses his brave orders and then we begin to strike at Roselia with our crafts. Then I use Penetrate Throw on Roselia and she damaged her. Then Altina use her craft and strike at Roselia. Roselia smirked
"I do believe I'll help myself." Roselia then use her craft and then appeared a bloody claw and it strikes us and once it attack us. We can feel our energy being drain. "Hehe. How refreshing."
"That's one deadly craft!" Venti said and then he support craft: Wind Chain as he play with his harp and green wind energy flourished out of him as Wind chains appeared over eyes and green sparkles buff us and himself.
Then my craft got everyone their energy back. Kurt strike at Roselia. Then Juna strikes with me.
Then use my brave order on Roselia.
"All for one: Sacred Wings!" I command as I activate my brave order and they all launched their first attack on Roselia together.
Roselia then use her craft and launched a lance at us. I dodge and counter-attack. I strike at Roselia and then Altina use her craft and then she launched an all-out attack on Roselia. Breaking her and then we strike at her each, even with our crafts. Then we manage to at least give some damage to her. Then Roselia recovered from her Break State.
"You've done well holding out this far. But it is time we brought this to a close!" Roselia said.
Then Roselia then use her S craft on us. We took a heavy hit but the students barely survive. Looks like they passed.
(Trails of Cold Steel IV ost - Saint-Gral Labyrinth)
"Impressive, you managed to survive." Roselia replied with her voice lowered, she was in her adult form.
"That...was real scary." Juna said.
"Incredible...what power she wields." Kurt added.
"And the elder… of the Hexen Clan." Venti added
Altina sighed. "A single mistake...and we would have been done for."
"Color me impressed you guys!" I praised. "You have taken heavy damage and you're still standing."
Roselia folded her arms. "Well, I suppose it counts as a pass, even if that was just a fraction of my power."
"So that is what you look like before?" I asked.
"That is correct." Roselia replied. "Up until I divided my power to create Celine and Grianos. I was able to recover my erstwhile form in places like this, which overflow with mana. But thanks to a certain object I have. I'm free to return to this form."
"A certain object?"
"Indeed. Hehe, perhaps I should continue returning to my original form. I'm quite the charmer regardless of my form." Roselia then smirked
Oh yeah. In that form, she's a babe. But I rather not say anything about that.
"Knowing Randy, he would obviously say something." Juna said with a dry face.
"Indeed." Altina nodded "Though, for some reason, it doesn't bother me as much as Instructor Rean."
"Oh, I think I know what you mean! Instructor Rean's stoic and calm for the most part, but he's also wound up to be kind of a lady-killer."
And that's when us boys sweatdrop.
'Once again Rean's knack of trouble never fails to amaze me.' I whisper 'He easily won the hearts of all women.'
'I suppose that's the consequence of his natural charm.' Kurt nodded
'Oh yeah. I have no idea how he can be so dense as he is right now.' Venti added
"Well, young ones, consider this first round complete." Roselia continued. "Take some rest, and then enter the labyrinth once again. I'll increase the strength of the monsters to come, to keep it challenging."
"Huh?" Juna blinked
"What exactly..." Venti trailed off
"Please don't tell me..." Kurt paused
"So we're not finished?" Altina asked.
"Yep. You guys are not done yet. You really think phase one would be enough to get your strength back?" I asked "Not even close in fact. This is just the beginning. We got more than enough days. We'll use those times to push you all to your limits and then go beyond that."
"Worry not, there are facilities here that will allow for a quick recovery. Then you can push those limits of yours to your heart's content. In fact, perhaps I'll go ahead and absorb some of that fresh young energy for myself seeing there's plenty to go around." Roselia smirked
Then the student sweatdrop.
"Oh, dear…" Venti sighed.
"W-Well, I guess the pressure's on, but—all right, let's do this!" Juna said.
"Right. This is only the first step!" Kurt nodded
Altina nodded in agreement. "I'll persist no matter how severe the training, in order to maintain the oath I made to myself."
(Trails of Cold Steel IV ost - Gentle Nap)
Hours have passed. Today's training for the student is finished, and we left the labyrinth with Roselia teleporting us out of the building. We were in there for a long while, because the sky was about to change to nighttime. We were relaxing at the fairy spring and it was mixed. I've never been to a mix bath before. But thanks to some common knowledge. It's a bit... well... embarrassing to be bathing in our bath towels with the opposite gender. We were all laying our back on the rocks.
"Ahhhh...this is amazing." Juna sighed happily.
"So this is a 'fairy spring' is it? It's so smoothing…" Kurt smiled
"It's unlike any hot spring I've been to." Cedric sighed happily. "Then again, I have never been into one. This is my first time from the past weeks with people of my age or so."
"And knowing Kurt. He's very much happy that he can bath with you, You're Highness." Venti chuckled.
"Venti..." Kurt gave Venti a dry-look as in a way to say 'shut up' "Well... I guess I can't deny that."
"It may be even more effective than the bath at our dorm…" Altina smiled.
"To be honest, I was thinking the same thing." I replied. "I often used the hot springs at my isolated home or Ymir to unwind after some harsh training, and I always come out of it fresher than ever."
"Gotta love hot springs, am I right?" Venti chuckled.
"Yeah." Juna nodded then look at her hands. "After everything we did today, I feel like i'm slowly starting to get some of my old strength back. I was worried at first when I noticed how stiff I was in battle, but now..."
"Yeah. There is now a light at the end of this tunnel." Kurt added. "Our priority now is getting back in shape while the others start gathering Intel."
"And the good news is that I will be joining you all as well. I'm looking forward and exciting to be working with you all." Cedric smiled
"We may want to rebuild our stock of quartz and equipment as well." Altina advised.
"Lucky for us. All the Mira I got from the horserace gamble, the Mira I been saving and working are here in my pockets." I wink. "And I got a lot of sepiths too. All different elements while I'm adding it. We can use them forge us some quartz we'll need on our journey. Let's go to the workshop tomorrow and we can use them."
"Levi, you're truly are amazing you know that." Juna cheered. "Oh yeah, and the Mira you got back then will definelly help us too~"
"You're planning on buying some souvenirs, aren't you?" Kurt sweatdrop.
"Still in high spirits, I see. I suppose I will simply need to give you an even more grueling challenge tomorrow."
We turned and then see Roselia in her bathrobe.
"Oh, hey Rose. You're coming in too?" Juna asked
"Then perhaps this should be my time to finish the bathing time." Cedric nervous smile. "I should be on my way."
"Now, now, there's no need for that. You stay just as you are." She smirked. "Mixed bathing is commonplace here. Think of it as a test of your fortitude."
"I'm... not sure I like the way you put that." Juna said.
Roselia got in the spring bath and I could see Juna's cheeks glowing pink.
"Juna? Why the sudden embarrassment?" Altina asked.
"It's like His Highness said, we men can leave if you want us to." Kurt said.
"B-but you're tired too, aren't you?!" Juna responded. "It's not like there's any other baths you can use!"
"Now now, Let's cool our heads." I replied nervously. "We are wearing towels, so it can't be that bad... Though I understand your concern."
"Ah, youth...so pure, so naive." Roselia said. "But I have to say, you've got quite the promising pair. Though they pale in comparison to Emma's, of course."
My face along with us boys cheeks turn red. "Rose! We don't need to hear that!"
She then got her hands and did a grabbing movement. "They must be just brimming with fatigue. What say I wrest it all out for you?"
"Are you even listening to me?!"
"H-hold up! That is NOT the kind of fortitude I thought we'd be testing!" Juna protested.
"Ugh... she's like the female version of Ash..." I palmface then look as the other way.
"I'm watching." Venti smirked
"Venti." I gave Venti a dry-look.
"Kurt, Levi, Venti, I think it's best that we go." Cedric close his eyes while blushing.
"Agree Your Highness." Kurt nodded
"Yep." I nodded
"Aww, why me?" Venti pouted
Altina looking up as well with a smile.
"ALLIE! Are you just gonna let this happen?!" Juna exclaimed as Roselia was behind her, copping a feel.
"Juna, have some decency." Altina replied.
Roselia was in her own little world. "Ah, so soft to the touch, and much more..."
"H-HEY! Hands off, Already you-" Juna pleaded. "Mmngh! Fine! Let's see how you like it, Allie!"
That got Altina's attention. "Huh?"
Juna moved away from Roselia's grasp and hugged Altina from behind.
"Ahh, smooth and squishy to the touch, I could just do this forever!"
"W-wait, Juna!" Altina protested.
"Haha!" Venti smirked. "Things just got sexy~"
Roselia winked. "Now that's more like it!"
"And that's our cue to leave." Cedric said.
Kurt and I said in union "Agreed."
"Let grab Venti while we're at it." I added as I got up with the boys and then we begin to grab Venti. I got his legs, while Cedric got Venti's right arm and Kurt's his left arm as we pick him up and leave.
"H-Hey! Put me down! I'm enjoying a good show here!" Venti exclaimed as he struggle
And then we left the Hot Springs as gentlemen and dignity.
Hahahaha! The next chapter will be entering Sutherland and Cedric will be accompanying them! Oh yeah. The Boss Music Seductive Shudder is my favorite. But did you all notice that it's only been used by female bosses? And they're basically Magic casters. Have any of you notice that? Oh. I'll update the Master Quarts at the next chapters along with EVERYONE's quotes. Oh yeah. I also need to do some of Cedric's too. His Weapon battle type