Making sure that their equipment was in order, they began their exploration into the changed floor of the old schoolhouse, taking point Rean made sure to keep his guard up, (I had a feeling that this building wasn't normal but changing its interior like this, without anyone outside noticing, is really something else and the monsters too have changed completely, there aren't any from the first time we were here, left. Makes me wonder what else has changed, maybe it wasn't a good idea letting Elliot and Gaius coming along.) Glancing behind him, he could see that although they were tense (and in Elliot's case scared), there was also resolve in their eyes, keeping a sigh back he continued forward.

(Seems like it would be useless to try to convince them to leave me here alone and go back upstairs to wait in safety. At the very least I will make sure that they aren't hurt in any way, especially if that presence from before returns.) While Rean was thinking, they encountered their first monsters in this new floor, it was a group of slug-like monsters. Checking that the combat links were on and connected, they began the fight which thanks to their combat links was easier than anticipated.

After managing to defeat the monsters, Elliot released the breath that he had been holding, "Wow, this combat links are really something else, I wasn't expecting this to go so smoothly and it helps that I know where you guys move to, so that my arts don't hit you or when you guys need support." Putting his spear away Gaius agreed with his companion, "Yes, knowing how and when your partners are moving and knowing what they are going to do makes fighting in groups far easier. I guess Instructor Sara was right, this Arcus will surely change the way wars are going to be fought, I am just not sure that if it will be a good thing or not."

Raising an eyebrow at Gaius worry filled tone, Rean tried to alleviate his worries, "Well, that depends on your point of view Gaius. Think like this while this combat links will make fighting in a war easier, at the same time it will also raise the chances that the soldiers who are fighting will return safe and sound to their families. In this world nothing is perfect, if something can be used for good, there is also a chance that it can be used for something bad. There is no correct answer here, you alone can decide for yourself what is good or bad. Besides according to Instructor Sara, this are still in their testing phase so it will be at least months or even years before they can be mass-produced and that is not taking in account the time the military will need adapting to this new way of fighting." Stunned at the sudden turn the conversation had taken, Gaius couldn't help but chuckle at his friend, "I didn't realise that you were into philosophy Rean but listening to you does make me feel a bit better, thanks."

Waving his hand to indicate he didn't need to thank him for something like this, Rean continued speaking "Still, this new ability is amazing, if this is just the first level of combat links then I wonder how good the remaining levels are. Guess that is something to look forward to." A confused look appeared on Elliot and Gaius faces, "What do you mean by first and other levels, Rean?" Looking at his friends, it was his turn to be confused, "Didn't you guys read the explanation in the student notebook, concerning the combat links?"

Seeing them shake their heads, Rean explained to them what he meant, "Apparently there are five levels to the combat links, and these levels represent how much we can use the links, the higher the level the more we are in sync with each other and apparently each level can give the user something like a special ability. For example, all our link levels are at the first level which allows the users to follow up with an attack to a foe if the other user knocked their opponent out of balance, we saw this ability during our previous fight where you Gaius used an attack to unbalance your opponent and Elliot followed up with an attack."

Seeing the realisation on their faces, Rean continued with his explanation, "Each level that follows will give the user another ability, but that ability will depend on the user, apparently it has something with your aptitude or personality, you should read the explanations yourself because I don't really understand everything written there myself. I was going to ask the instructor for some explanations as soon I got the chance." Gaius raised his hand like this was a class, "So how do we raise our link level? I mean, like you said if the first level is already this amazing then maybe it would be better to raise it, given that we don't know what is waiting for us here."

"The manual didn't give a precise explanation concerning how to do that, it said that continued fighting while using the combat links would slowly raise the level or raising the bond between the users can quickly raise it, whatever that means, I guess this will be one of the questions for the instructor."

Absorbing this new information, they asked Rean some questions concerning the combat links, he tried his best to explain what little he knew himself, finished with this they continued with their exploration. Maybe it was the new knowledge concerning the combat links, but their cooperation improved with each fight and since his classmates now knew of the follow up attack, they tried to use it as often as they could. They didn't however forget that their original goal was to find out about the strange changes in the old schoolhouse, for that they searched every corner on the floor while eliminating the monsters.

When they took a break near the water that was flowing thorough the floor, they even saw some fish in it, out of curiosity Rean took out his fishing rod and tried to fish some, to his surprise they were the same types of fish that were in the river that flowed through Trista, (Do this mean that, the river in town flow through here to or…) realising that he wouldn't find an answer he quickly released the fish back in the water and they continued on with their quest. Thanks to their constant fighting, the numbers of monsters in the floor continued to dwindle until there were none left, sensing that they had hunted down every monster, they returned to a passageway they had found before but didn't go inside because they wanted to search through every corner on the floor before moving to wherever that passage led to.

Standing before it the trio shared a look and a nod before they walked through, only to find an open room with a door and the same strange contraption that had been on the entrance to this floor. Looking around they didn't anything out of the ordinary, so they once again stood before an entrance only this time Rean sensed that something was behind the door, (Strange what is this? It doesn't feel like any of the others monsters we encountered today; I can't put my finger on it, but I get the feeling that I have sensed something familiar to it…. That's it the gargoyle it gives me a similar feeling as the gargoyle. Does this mean that it is that monster from back then or something else? It doesn't matter what it is, we will have to be careful nonetheless, I just hope that it doesn't have the same regeneration ability as last time.) Turning around Rean explained what he had sensed to his friends, to make sure that they were prepared for everything that was behind the door, they took another break to inspect their weapons, Arcus and to plan a strategy for whatever was behind the door.

Thirty minutes later, they opened the door to step inside another empty room. Remembering how the gargoyle had appeared the last time, no one let their guard down and soon enough a monster appeared out of nowhere in the middle of the room. Its appearance seemed like an overgrown ape, its heads had two horns growing out while his mouth had what seemed like razor-sharp fangs seeing the trio standing before it, the monster let out a howl and began charging at them. Remembering their strategy Rean and Gaius activated their combat links and began running toward it to intercept it while Elliot stayed behind to analyse their opponent for its weaknesses.

Dodging a swing from the monster Rean counterattacked with a slash on its arm, seeing that he at least managed to wound it made him feel relieved since this proved that they could at least hurt it from the beginning unlike their last fight with the gargoyle. Not missing the opening that Rean had made, Gaius followed up with an attack of his own. Thanks to their links and experience working together they soon began dancing around their opponent while attacking, as soon the monster tried to attack one of them the other used that opening to land an attack which in turn caused it to change its target frequently without ever landing a single hit.

The few times it managed to complete its attack, it landed on air since they were quick enough to dodge it or ward it off, soon its arms were covered in wounds but none were deep enough to cause any significant damage and they were the only targets that Rean and Gaius could target, since it was too dangerous to try to attack its body in case the monster decided to throw caution to the wind and attack them with an all-out attack. "Rean, Gaius I finished analysing it. It's weak against wind arts, slashes and trust attacks."

Before Rean could say anything, he was cut off by Gaius, "Thanks Elliot. Rean, I think we should continue attacking with our weapons since it is weak against them. So don't even think of trying to take it on alone while we attack from afar, there is no need for that this time." Seeing that his friends had already seen through his thoughts of trying to take this monster on his own while they were attacking from a safe distance, he just gave them a nod and continued coordinating with Gaius as he attacked. Having finished with his analyse, Elliot joined the fight with his arts, for a time it seemed like that they would win without problems, that assumption was soon shattered, as the monster stopped attacking and took a very deep breath and before anyone could react it released a dark fog which engulfed Rean and Gaius.

The darkness that consumed them was so thick that they couldn't see anything before their eyes. Suddenly sensing something approaching them, Rean acted on pure instinct and throw himself at where he sensed that Gaius was. That lucky action caused the monster to miss his target, Rean took Gaius by his shoulder and ran where he sensed the direction Elliot was. Leaving the dark fog behind but to his dismay he found out that the fog had somehow affect his eyesight, he could barely see anything. Sensing that their opponent was right behind them, he made a quick decision of shoving Gaius where Elliot was running towards them, "Elliot that breath attack did something to our sight, use a healing art or an item to take care of Gaius while I keep it busy."

"Rean, you can't be serious?! You can't see anything too, how are you going to dodge its attack?!" Hearing what his friend was planning, Gaius shouted at him while rubbing his eyes to clear them. "Gaius is right we should see that we get out of here, both of you aren't in condition to continuing fighting." Closing his eyes, Rean shot them a reassuring grin, "There is nothing to worry about guys. This isn't the first time I am fighting blind." Fixing his stance, he faced his charging opponent while remembering his training in the forest.

—Flashback—

In a thick forest somewhere in eastern Zemuria, a young boy wearing a blindfold was trying to defend himself from his master's attacks. Sensing an attack coming he tried to raise his sword to parry it, but he was too slow, the attack hit him in the middle on his head which caused him to cry out in pain. Clutching his head with his left hand while still holding his sword with the other hand in a defence stance Rean tried to sense where the next attack was coming. Seeing this Yun Ka-Fai sheathed his sword while sighing to himself, "Rean, I told you to stop trying to sense where the attacks are coming from, if you do it that way you will always be a step slower than your opponent." Seeing that the training was over, Rean put his sword away and sat down on the earth, keeping his blindfold on, "I know Master, but I don't understand what you mean when you said I should use my inner eye to see my surroundings."

Leaning against a tree, Yun tried to explain the point of this training again, "I already explained that this training is to get you started on using your inner eye, I don't expect that you will master this in just two short weeks, this takes years to learn and that isn't even talking about mastering it. You already learned how to sense living beings around you, this just takes it a step further instead of sensing, you will 'see' your surroundings. Let's begin from the start, try to sense what is around you." Crossing his legs under him, Rean took a deep breath and did what was asked of him.

Sending his perception around him, he could sense every living thing around him, the threes, his master and the little animals. Seeing his discilpe actions Yun nodded and continued explaining in a soft voice while slowly taking some pebbles from the ground, "Good Rean, you can sense what is around you, now make the radius of your senses smaller so that you are just covering this small clearing here and focus just on that small radius, try to keep doing that for a short time."

Following his instructions, Rean did just that and he found out that he could sense far better what was around him the longer he just focused on the clearing, instead of just having a vague feeling of presence, he could start making out some shape around him. Apparently sensing his student progress, he took one pebble and filled it with a small portion of his Ki and throw it up in the air in a way that it would land on Rean's head.

Enjoying this new feeling he tried to just concentrated on it, suddenly he could 'see' that something was approaching him from above, reacting quickly he caught it in his hand feeling that it was just a small pebble he turned his head to 'look' at his master who was shooting him a smile, "Attaboy, see you can do it if you try." In contrast to his Master, Rean didn't look happy at all, "This was easy Master I had enough time to prepare, and you put your ki inside this pebble if you hadn't, I wouldn't have been able to 'see' it all. Besides in a battle no opponent will wait for me to be ready."

Rolling his eyes at him, Yun snorted, "You are still trying to run, when you haven't even learned how to walk. Patience Rean, you must have patience with this and with all your other training, no one can become a master in a short time. This is why we are practicing, so that we can hone ourselves to be better and why you are wearing that blindfold in the forest, so that you can adapt quicker to 'see' without seeing." Receiving a nod in return, Yun turned around to left him to mediate in peace, "Oh before I forget Rean, I prohibit you from using this in a real battle unless you can 'see 'clearly what is around you for ten arge at the speed of a thought, are we understood?" After this the two spent another two weeks training in the forest before moving on with their journey.

—End of Flashback—

(Sorry Master it seems like I don't have a choice this time.) Calming himself he let go of his thoughts and just concentrated on his surroundings, 'seeing' that the monster was going to attack him with a swing, he jumped back to avoid it and the ones that followed. Seeing this scene, Elliot could just stare at it with his mouth open, (How is this possible? How is he avoiding the attacks if he can't see anything? Could it be that he wasn't affected like Gaius?) Looking closely Elliot could see how Reans eyes were closed as he evaded another attack, waking him from his stupor was Gaius concerned voice, "Elliot, what is going on?! Is Rean alright?!"

Looking at his friend, Elliot decided to act as quickly as possible to remove the effects on Gaius eyes, "Rean is alright for now, I don't know how but he is avoiding the monsters' attacks." Finished speaking, he began casting a healing art. Confused as how Rean was able to do that, Gaius tried asking how that was possible but changed his mind as he felt Elliot casting an art on him, (Sorry Rean, hold on just for a little while longer, I am coming to help you as soon as possible.) Just seconds have passed but to the two of them it felt like hours, finally being able to see clearly, the first thing Gaius did was to look for Rean just to find him dodging a swing with less than a hair width between him and the monster's fist. Not thinking how he was doing that, Gaius just charged at the monster to help his friend. "Rean, I'm coming. Fall back so that Elliot can heal you too."

'Seeing' that Gaius was charging over, Rean let out the breath that he had been holding back, he may have appeared relaxed, but his back was full of sweat running down. Before he could do as suggested, he 'saw' that the monster was taking a deep breath once again, recognising the pattern he yelled at Gaius "Stop, don't come over!" The urgency in his voice made Gaius stop, just in time to see the same dark fog that had landed them in this situation appear in front of him, he nearly spat out a curse upon seeing this. Maintaining his calm Rean found out what was going on, "Guys, I think it learned from its mistakes from before as soon as one of you approaches it will release this breath attack to blind us. We must change our tactic if we want to beat it."

Thinking fast as he barely dodged another swing, he soon formulated an attack plan. "We must finish it off in one go, Elliot start casting Frost Edge, Gaius you use that attack of yours that lets you attack from afar on his left arm and I will attack his right arm. Elliot as soon you see that its guard is open, you unleash your art on it with all your strength. Gaius we will link up so that we can use our attacks at the same time." Done speaking he concentrated on evading until Elliot was ready, as soon as he was finished charging his art, he gave a shout to his friends. (Good the preparations are done, now I should use the fifth form Morning Moon to counterattack, this will be risky but, in this case, I have to take a chance.)

Standing still Rean took a drawing stance and waited for the monster to attack, on the other side was Gaius concentrating his energy on the tip of his spear, the frustration on not being able to help his friend caused him to gather more energy than ever before but he bid his time until Rean gave the signal. Finding his target standing still, enraged the monster so he unleashed his strongest punch until now, the punch was fast approaching but Rean didn't make his move until suddenly the sound of a sheathing sword was heard and the monsters fist was severed from its arm.

Feeling Rean attacking trough the combat link, Gaius unleashed his own attack by trusting his spear forward which released the accumulated energy in the direction of the target. The wind spear managed to pierce its left arm at the same time it lost its fist, the sudden pain caused it to cry out loudly, this had the result that it was completely open to Elliot's art Frost Edge which he had unleashed just seconds after his friends' attacks. The monster was cut cleanly in four parts thanks to the powerful art, seeing it disappear the trio released a relieved breath.

Sitting on the floor an out of breath Rean tried to recover while his classmates ran towards him to see if he was truly alright, after making sure that he wasn't injured and his sight was restored, they started to scold him for his reckless actions, "Honestly Rean, you were lucky that none of those attacks landed on you. I don't know what we would have done if something had happened to you." Trying to calm Elliot down, Rean explained his action, "Don't worry Elliot, as you can see, I am completely fine, I don't even have a scratch on me besides I was pretty sure that you guys would have come to my rescue, if I had been hit."

"Still, Elliot is right you were being reckless but like you said you don't even have scratch on you, so the worst didn't happen. How did you manage that by the way?" Getting the feeling that their lecture wouldn't have any effect on Rean, Gaius changed the subject to the question he was burning to ask since he first saw Rean dodge those attacks with his eyes closed. "That was a trick my master taught me once, it is called the 'Inner Eye'."

Seeing the interest in Gaius eyes, he tried to explain what his Master had taught him so long ago, having finished he could see the impressed look on their faces, "Wow Rean, something like that is possible? I mean I saw what you did but still that is something really impressive." Feeling uncomfortable from Elliot praise, Rean tried to downplay his actions, "That wasn't anything impressive Elliot, if had been my Master he would have been able to cut that monster down with a single attack while the best I could do was just dodge. Though I must admit we are starting to get the hang of these combat links, it feels like the Arcus has practically synchronised my breathing with the two of you."

Smiling at Reans humility and at the way he was trying to change the subject, they continued talking about the fight until they remembered why there were here in the first place and since the monster was now gone, they could search this room in peace. Not having found anything more and since they had thoroughly scrutinised the floor before fighting the monster and seeing that it was getting late, they decided to stop for today.

Leaving the room, they found a light shining from the strange contraption that hadn't been there before they went to fight the monster, they decided to approach it to see what was going on. Standing on the glowing circle they tried to see where the light was coming from up until Gaius touched the stone in the middle by accident, that action caused the light to intensify until it was blinding before anyone could react, they felt a sudden pull followed by a strange sensation of being compressed but that feeling disappeared as soon it appeared.

Trying to regain their bearings they looked around just to find out that they had somehow returned to the entrance where the other contraption had been. Gaius walked towards followed by Elliot and opened the door just to confirm that they really returned to their starting point from hours ago, "I know that I have asked this a lot in the last two weeks but is something like this common in the Empire?" A shocked Elliot could only shake his head before answering, "No, this isn't normal here. I don't even know what happened just now. How did we travel that distance that took us hours to cover in a blink of an eye? How? Do you know how this is possible Rean…." Looking around they found their friend starring at the strange machine with the most serious expression that they had seen on him until now, not even when they were fighting for their lives had he appeared so serious.

(This can't real! A teleportation device?! How could something like this even be here?! From what I heard back then, this should only appear in ruins that have survived since the great Collapse and this building doesn't like it had been around for over 1200 years, so how is one here?!) His thoughts were interrupted as he heard someone calling his name, turning around he found his friends looking worried at him. Taking a deep breath, he calmed himself and began walking towards them, "Alright, we are getting out of here. Let's go back to the entrance and call Instructor Sara." Worried that something was wrong Elliot couldn't help but ask, "Is everything alright Rean?" Glancing back at the device, he could just answer, "I don't know Elliot, I really don't know." Outside the building he tried to call his instructor who picked it up on the first ring, "Why hello my favourite wunderkind. How are these requests going? Got any trouble?"

"Instructor Sara, I am sorry for asking but could come immediately to the old schoolhouse please?"

"…. Why what happened? Is one of you injured?"

"No, we are all fine. We were asked by the principal to investigate some strange happenings inside the old building, and we are done but…"

"But what? I'm standing next to the principal, so if you are done why don't the three of you come here and give us your report?"

"Because seeing is believing in this case here. I wouldn't ask this if I wasn't sure that it was important and maybe the principal should come too because now, I am starting to think that this may even be above your pay grade."

"…..Ok, I talked with the principal. We are coming to you; we should be there in a matter of minutes." Closing his Arcus, he explained to his friends that the principal and Instructor Sara were on their way, still confused about why he was acting so serious, they decided to wait with him. Soon two figures were approaching them, as soon as their instructor saw them a moment of relief showed on her face before she approached them, "Alright Rean, we are here. So, what is so unbelievable that you had to ask us to come here?"

Opening the door he guided them to the entrance of the floor, "Like I said Instructor Sara, Principal Vandyck. You have to see this to believe it." Sharing an intrigued look, the two adults followed him with his friends behind, pushing the door open he let step inside so that they could see for themselves. For a moment they couldn't find anything out of the ordinary but soon they found the anomalies in the room, before they could ask any questions Rean asked them to follow him down so that they could see what else had changed.

If before they had been surprised at the changes, now when they saw the changed layout of the floor their jaws literally hit the ground, "Ok, unless I haven drinking a lot more than I had thought, this can't be possible." Shaking her head as if to wake herself up, Sara took another look around to see that nothing had changed, the new floor was still there. Taking on a more serious look, she turned around to the principal, "Sir, you told me that over the years a lot of strange things had happened here but has there ever been something like this?"

"No Sara, in all my years as principal here, there has never been something like this. There were some rumours about doors appearing out of nowhere but that an entire floor has changed. Never." Turning around he addressed his students, "Mr. Schwarzer, Mr. Worzel and Mr. Craig could the three of you please give us your report on your investigations concerning what you experienced here?" So, they explained everything they had been through, how the monsters had changed, the water flowing through with fishes who were from outside inside its currents, their fight with the monster at the end of the floor. When they reached the part where they were transported back to the entrance, Rean took over the conversation, "Principal, Instructor I know that this is a lot to take in but there is something more astonishing down here than the changes concerning the floor."

At this point the adults had thought that nothing could surprise them anymore but listening to Rean made them wonder what else could have happened, "Mr Schwarzer, it is not that I don't believe you but what could be more astonishing than this?" Making his way to the teleportation device, he pointed at it. "This Principal Vandyck, this right here." Confused at what he was pointing, they shared a look, "Well Rean, I admit a glowing stone is normally unusual but compared to everything else not so much."

"Then could I ask the two of you to step inside the ring around this 'stone' please? Elliot, Gaius could the two of you wait here please, this shouldn't take long I will just show them where we fought that monster." Confused the two adults stepped forward while the students just gave Rean a nod, seeing that they were in the circle he touched the glowing stone, like before the same light and feeling appeared and like before it disappeared as soon as it appeared. Looking around Rean found that he had returned to the other device, somewhere inside him he had the small hope that it had been a freaky coincidence that had transported him and his friends back to the entrance, having this small hope destroyed he could only hope that this wouldn't spiral out of control. Gathering his wits, he looked at the adults who were understandably even more surprised than before. "Ok, what just happened here? One second ago, we were at a completely different place and now this? Rean can you please explain what in Gehenna is going on here?"

"I suspect that this here is a teleportation device used to teleport between the entrance and the end of this floor." Letting that bomb sink in he waited for them to digest that information, moments later they were able to regain their composure, sharing another look, they focused on Rean with a very serious expression, "Mr Schwarzer if you are correct with your assumption that this here is such a device and given what we have just experienced I see no doubt that you are correct, do you realise what this means?" Before he could answer Sara answered for him, "Of course he does. This is why you called us here Rean, not because of the changes in the building but because you recognise what this here is, am I correct?"

"Yes, Instructor Sara, this can only be an artifact. An ancient orbment dating back to before the Great Collapse happened."

"I assume that the reason you left Mr. Worzel and Mr. Craig behind and just came here with us is because these two don't know what this represents and you don't want them involved in this, am I right?"

"If possible, I don't want them getting into trouble for this they were just trying to help me out today…."

Sharing another look, however this time it was an amused one, Principal Vandyck interrupted him before he could continue, "Your loyalty to your friends is appreciated Mr. Schwarzer but in this case unnecessary. First, the church won't be making trouble for anyone because of this, you just discovered this artifact nothing more. Second and more importantly this academy and its surroundings belong to the imperial family so the ones that will handle this will be them. What happens afterwards won't have anything with us. So, there is no need to worry." Finished explaining he gave Rean a small smile which seemed to relief the young man.

"While are at this, care to explain how you immediately recognise this as an artifact? Because most people don't even know that they really existed, they just assume that they are some urban myths." Realising that Reans quick actions concerning what had happened seemed a bit unusual, caused Sara to question him. Still feeling relieved that his friends wouldn't get in any trouble, he just answered causally without thinking much, "I have heard a lot about artifacts from an acquaintance of mine when I was travelling with my master, that was why I was able to recognise this." Having noticed what, he had said he stopped there, despite their curiosity they didn't ask any more questions after inspecting the room where the monster had been they returned to the entrance where Elliot and Gaius were still waiting and left for the principal office where they could continue discussing this in peace.

Having finished their report once more, this time with more details than before, Elliot couldn't help ask some questions, "Umm….. Do you know anything about the origins of the floors below the old schoolhouse? They look like they predate the school by…..well, a lot." Sitting back on his chair the principal tried to explain what knew, "I'm afraid I can't be certain who constructed them, nor exactly how long they have been around, but you are correct, they have existed for at least several hundred years before this academy was founded. All signs point their construction occurring sometime during the Dark Ages."

Sara added her own explanation, "Most of the ruins archaeologists have uncovered from that period are full of strange things. Some of which seem to have been made with technology that we don't even fully understand. We are talking magic, alchemy or in today's case a device capable of teleportation but the inside of a building completely changing its layout. I have to say, that is a new one, definitely not normal."

"Indeed, it seems we have a bona fide mystery on our hands. I will arrange a meeting with the rest of the staff tomorrow morning to explain the situation before going to the capital to report this to his Majesty. It would perhaps be for the best if our students didn't venture inside until this is resolved." Finished speaking he glanced at Sara with an unspoken request which she received with a nod. "Well, I will try to have a look around the place myself when I get a chance. To be honest, I have been curious about it ever since I started working here."

"I would greatly appreciate that. Mr. Schwarzer, Mr. Craig, Mr. Worzel, thank you very much for all your hard work." Hearing the principal thanking them caused some slight embarrassment the three students since they felt that they hadn't done anything special, this sight caused Vandyck to smile before his expression turned serious, "I would like to ask that none of you speak of what you had encountered today at least until we can get this situation sorted out, that includes your classmates too. I imagine that will cause you some discomfort for keeping this a secret but if we are lucky this should be cleared fast, and I am sorry Mr. Schwarzer but it seems that your request for using the old schoolhouse as a training place for live combat will have to be put on hold."

"You don't have to worry, Sir. I understand completely. (Though this means that I won't have an opportunity to see what that presence was this morning nor how it is connected to my power. Doesn't matter the safety of the school takes precedence over my issues right now)" His friends seemed surprised that he made a request like that, though they kept quiet about it for now. "…If you'll excuse us, then." A nod from the principal at Gaius request made them leave the room with their instructor behind. Outside Sara started praising them, "Heh. The three of you did pretty well and as a bonus it seems you are getting the hang of using your Arcus, too!

"The combat links definitely did make our battle in the old schoolhouse a lot easier. I just wish a certain instructor of ours had explained to us more about what these links can do." Seeing the slight cold eyes of Rean looking at her, Sara avoided his stare and started whistling innocently to herself, noticing that Rean wasn't going to let it go she spoke quickly, "Well, just keep at it. You will need to be forming links with your other classmates eventually too after all and let me reiterate once again: you've all done very well today. Especially you Rean. I will be expecting great things from you next time too!"

Perceiving that she was avoiding the issue, he let it go and answered out of reflex, "I will do my best…. W-wait a second! What do you mean 'next time?!" Noticing what she had said, he couldn't help but shout out the rest of his sentence, not caring about this Sara continued nonchalant, "Well, the way I see it, you are a natural at this, so why stop now? Besides, with how busy our poor Student Council President is, don't you just want to do everything you can to help her out?"

"W-well… I guess I do feel kind of bad for her, but…Gaaaah, okay, fine! I am in, I guess." Relishing in this small victory, she started to skip away in a good mood, "That's our Rean! I will pass the good news to dear Towa, then. Anyway, I will be seeing you kids later. Toddles!" Sighing to himself Rean could just wonder what he had got himself into this time around while his two friends stood beside him not sure how to respond to the curveball their instructor had thrown at him, "Are sure you are all right with this, Rean?" Getting himself together he turned around to answer Gaius question, "Haha. Yeah, I am sure. It's not like I am signed up to any clubs and as long I don't wind up with more requests than I had today, I will be fine."

"Well, okay then. But if you need any assistance, please just let me know, it's really no trouble for us to help you out." Elliot too promised Rean his help should he need it, "Same goes for me and if you get another chance to go into the old schoolhouse, I will be happy to come along too!" Touched that they were willing to help him, Rean gave them his thanks, "Thank you guys, should I need your help, I will call you. How about we eat at the inn today for dinner, it will be my treat as thanks for your help today."

"Really Rean? You don't have to treat us just because we helped you out today."

"It isn't a big deal, Elliot. Besides I want to talk with you guys about some things concerning what had happened today and doing it over dinner is like killing two birds with one stone. So how about we meet at seven o'clock there?" Seeing that they couldn't persuade him otherwise, they accepted his invitation and agreed to meet at the appointed time. Done with this, the three went their separate ways Elliot and Gaius went back to relax from the days ordeals while Rean remained behind at the academy to walk around to see if anyone still needed help. Strolling around helped Rean gather his thoughts, (I will have to explain to them what that artifact represents and why the principal asked us not to tell anyone. I just hope that the principal is right, that the church won't make much fuss over this and that this won't involve the Gralsritter but then again maybe it will just end with the Imperial family handing over that device, one can hope after all. Maybe I could do some research on my own concerning the origins of the old schoolhouse, the chance that I could find anything regarding its origins is small, but I won't know without trying, perhaps Instructor Thomas could help me.)

He was so deep in thought that he didn't realise where his feet were taking him until he could see that he was standing before the stairs to the practice field, he was going to leave to visit the library, if hadn't seen a flash of gold at the one end of the field. Taking a closer look, he found that it was Alisa in a lacrosse uniform trying to clean up the equipment on the ground, frowning he walked closer to see better. Finding that she was alone, his frown deepened, (Is she trying to put all that equipment away alone? Shouldn't there be someone else helping her out?)

Looking around he couldn't find anyone else on the field, (She may be angry at me but that doesn't mean that I shouldn't try to help her out maybe this could be a chance to properly apologise to her?), having decided on his course of action he approached Alisa while calling out to her so that she wouldn't think he was sneaking up on her. Having heard her name being called, she turned to find Rean standing some feet away from her, narrowing her eyes she stared at him, for some time no one said anything until Alisa couldn't take it anymore and addressed him, "What do you want? I am in the middle of something in case you didn't notice." Hearing her tone, he had the sudden impulse of putting his hands up to surrender, suppressing that impulse he questions her on her actions, "Are you on clean-up duty all on your own?"

"That's part of our job as new recruits. There was a noble girl here too but she went home….Why am I even telling you this? I don't need to explain myself to you!" Sighing internally Rean thought, "(Doesn't seem like she is going to be forgiving me anytime soon. But at the very least she is talking to me again after two weeks of radio silence, I will take my victories where I can get them, no matter how small they are. Still, I need to find the chance to apologise to her properly…) Do you mind if I helped you a bit? This seems like a lot of work for any one person to be doing on their own." Surprised at his offer she didn't know how to react, "I-I'm not going to stop you….You better no try anything funny, though." Relieved that she wasn't rejecting his help, he just smiled at her and started to help immediately, working together they made good progress.

Standing before the last net, Rean had to wonder though, (Sports clubs almost seem like they are more trouble than they are worth. First, they set everything up then they go through a gruelling practice and finally everything needs to be taken down again.) Feeling someone watching him he turned to see Alisa standing behind him, looking at him with a hesitant gaze but before she could speak, he beat her to it, "Oh, sorry. I was spacing out, wasn't I? I will start with this net right away."

Having lost her chance to speak caused Alisa to turn sullen, so she replied sharper than she had intended to," H-Hmph! That is right. Don't let it happen again." Rean continued with his work immediately, so he didn't notice the frustrated look on her face. After finishing putting everything away, Rean waited for Alisa by the gymnasium while she changed back into her school uniform, "It looks we are done for the time being but were you really able to clean up the whole club room on your own?" Rolling her eyes, she started walking past him, "It is not like I would have let you in there either way. This is a girls club remember?"

"Right, good point." Once more they returned to the awkward atmosphere from before where no one spoke a word, this time it was Rean that broke it, "Well, I think I will be on my way or do you need help with anything else…." Before he could finish speaking, he was interrupted by Alisa, "Thank you for help, you really helped me out today. See you later, Rean." Not giving Rean a chance to proceed what she had just say Alisa started running into the school building, as he returned to his senses she was already inside. Chuckling to himself, he could only shake his head, (Well seems like I was able to make at least some small progress, if I can keep this up maybe I will get the chance to ask for her forgiveness. One step after another like Master likes to say.)

Rean didn't notice but he was smiling in the direction Alisa had disappeared, something else that he didn't notice was the head of gold sneaking glances at him from the windows without trying to be spotted. (Alright Alisa, at the very least you were able to hold a somewhat proper conversation with him and you even thanked properly this time around, so next time you will apologise to him.) Both teens went their ways feeling lighter than they had been the past two weeks.

Having arrived earlier than his friends, Rean made his to the counter to ask for a table for three however he found the bartender murmuring to himself, "Oh man. This is bad. It will take a while to get here even if I order now…" Rean being Rean couldn't ignore someone who looked like that they could use some help, "Umm, is something the matter?" Having just noticed him standing there the barkeeper, Fred, spoke to him, "Er, yeah…. Based on the red uniform, I am guessing you are from that new class at the academy?"

"That is correct…. but where did you hear about the uniforms?"

"Haha. We get students in here all the time, so I am always up to date on the comings and goings at the academy. You here to order something, though?"

"Actually yes, but are you alright? You look kind of upset." From there he learned that Fred had a little stock issue concerning some herbs he needs to make his signature for his clients, after listening Rean told him that he could try asking the head of the Cooking Club, if had some to spare. Astounded that a student would go so far for him, he thanked him profoundly. "It is not sure that he has some, the most I could do is asking him."

"Doesn't matter a small chance is better than no chance at all. That you are just willing to try means a lot."

Before he left, Rean remembered why he had come here, "Oh I nearly forgot. My friends and I were planning on eating dinner here, could we maybe get a table for three please. And in case they come here ahead of me could you explain to them that I wouldn't take long. Thanks." Fred gave him a thumbs up in response. Making his way back to the academy, he went up the stairs to the cooking club to see Nicholas but unfortunately, he didn't any of the desired herbs. He suggested that perhaps the chef of the cafeteria could have some, thanking him for the tip, Rean made his way there and he was lucky this time. The chef gave him a bundle of the requested herbs and the promise that if Fred needed more, he more that he was more than welcome to come to him, he would help him out.

Returning to the inn he found that his friends had already arrived and were waiting for him, giving the herbs to the thankful barkeeper and after explaining what the cafeteria chef had told him, he made his way to them. "Hey guys, Sorry for keeping you two waiting." Sharing an amused glance, they told him that had just arrived too, "I have to say though you really have a lot of stamina, Rean. I thought I had already a good endurance but compared to you I realise that I still have long way to go. After helping the Student Council with its requests and battling in the old schoolhouse you still have enough energy to help Fred that is really impressive Rean."

Looking at Rean with a bit of envy in his eyes, Elliot gave his own opinion, "Gaius is right. I don't know how you manage all that, I just had practice with the music club add the fighting to that, and I am ready to go to bed and sleep for a week. Do you have some secret for having this much energy?"

"There is no secret, I just got used to this when I was travelling with my Master, this is what I did every day. Training, studying and helping other people out after a while I got used to doing that, I don't think this is something amazing. Everybody can do it if they try." Rolling their eyes with amusement at him, they continued chatting waiting for their dinner to arrive. During their meal, Rean noticed that no one in the inn was paying attention to them given that it was getting full of its usual costumers, deciding that now would be a good time to speak about what he, the principal and Sara had talked about away from them.

"Guys, there is something I would like to talk about with you. It concerns what had happened today and why I called the principal and the instructor to the old schoolhouse." Noticing the serious air around their friend, they stopped eating and gave him their undivided attention. Taking a deep breath, he started explaining to them the reason for his actions, "How much do you guys know about artifacts?" On Elliot face he could see confusion while on Gaius he could see an understanding forming, a little surprised that Gaius would know what artifacts were and given the serious look that was beginning to appear in his eyes, Rean could see that his foreign friend was realising what they had really found today. "Seems like you understand now why I reacted the way I did, Gaius."

"Yes, now it makes sense. Your reactions and the way you were behaving after finding that teleportation device." In contrast to Gaius, Elliot seemed totally lost as he looked at his friends, "Wait, back up guys. Artifacts? Like those in those urban myths? They aren't real, right?"

"Unfortunately, Elliot they are real. You even saw one today." Seeing his continued confusion he answered the unspoken question, "That device that teleported us from one end to the other on the floor was one." Before he could ask something more, Rean continued with his explanation, what the principal had told him, what he was going to do tomorrow and so on. At the end of it they recognised the gravity of the situation while Gaius seemed to keep his cool, their poor friend was quickly becoming pale, "Does that mean that the Imperial family and the Church will come for us?"

"There isn't any need to be worried Elliot, the principal explained that besides being the ones who discovered this, this will have nothing to do with us. The rest will be dealt with between the emperor and the church." Managing to calm himself somewhat he returned to eating his meal though the taste had become somewhat dull given what he had just experienced. Gaius on the other hand looked at Rean with a slight reproachful look, "So the reason Elliot and I stayed behind when you used that device with the instructor and principal was because you didn't want us involved in this, in case this would result in trouble."

Rubbing his neck nervously, Rean couldn't help but show a guilty look on his face as he nodded before he could try to explain himself Gaius continued speaking, "Rean, I know that we haven't known each other for a long time but I consider you my friend, that means that I will stand behind you to help you no matter what. If there is any way I can help, you just have to ask me and I would like to think that you to consider me a friend as well, so please the next time there is trouble like this don't try to shoulder everything on your own."

Now Rean was starting to feel really guilty but before he could speak, he once again interrupted it seemed that it was Elliot turns to reprimand Rean, "What?! How could you think of even doing that Rean?! I know that I don't seem like the most reliable person, but I am not someone who would let his friends down in case they needed him. Like Gaius said we consider you, a friend and friends help each other no matter what. Or could it be that you don't consider us your friends Rean?"

Quickly shaking his head, he hurried to deny it, "Of course, I consider both of you my friends, there is no doubt about that. I-I am sorry, guys. I didn't want to cause trouble for both of you, so I acted that way without speaking to you about it. Sigh, again I am sorry. This is a bad habit of mine, every time there is a problem, I always try to solve it on my own without considering how my actions affect the people close to me. My Master always scolded me for it, I thought that I had already it on control, but it seems like old habits die hard." Seeing that their friend was genuinely sorry and reflecting on his actions, they let the matter rest and spend the rest of the evening talking with each other over different topics, thanks to their actions today it seemed as if the bonds between them was stronger than before.

Back at the dormitory Rean finished his training for the evening, "Not bad but I think this is enough training for today, now I better do some studying. I have the feeling that the next week will be very busy, with that ominous practical exam looming over us." Gathering his books, he noticed his new orbal radio that George had given him this morning that was he moment he remembered that Radio Trista would start their new show today. Looking at the time it was nearly nine pm and deciding that listening to the radio while studying wasn't a bad idea, he found the right station just as an angelic voice appeared from the radio.

"It's nine pm and you are listening to Radio Trista. Welcome. Don't touch that dial listeners you've found the right place to be tonight. It is time for the start of a brand-new show here on Radio Trista, coming at you promptly every Sunday. I call it 'Abend Time' after the word for evening. It may be a bit cliché, but clichés are clichés for a reason, after all! Anyway, my name is Misty, and I will be your host."

"This Misty has got a pretty nice voice. This might be good to leave on in the background while I am working." Sitting on his desk he began studying, as the show went on behind him.

"Here in Trista, the beautiful lino flowers have passed their peak and begun to wilt. But wilting flowers are beautiful in their own way, as they serve to remind us just how fleeting this existence truly is. I am sure many of our listeners are students, busy with the challenges of adjusting to their new lives but what harm is there in taking a moment to admire nature every now and again? Who knows, you may even meet someone that will be become someone very special to you while enjoying nature. Wouldn't that be romantic?" That sentence brought back the memory of Rean meeting Alisa again while the lino flowers bloomed around them, (I don't think I would have called that romantic but then again everyone that I know says that I wouldn't recognise romance if it was sitting right in front of me.) Laughing at himself as realised where his thoughts where going he concentrated on studying while the radio was playing behind him.

During the next two days Rean spent his evenings in the library after classes were over, researching what he could find on the old schoolhouse with the help of Instructor Thomas. True to his word the principal had explained everything that had happened in the old building before leaving for the capital, to the other instructors. This had the effect that Thomas wanted to research everything that he could find on the subject, for that he found Rean and his friends to talk about what they had seen inside while his friends seemed glad to escape their history instructor as soon as he was done with his questions he remained behind and asked if could help with the research.

Delighted at this request, he nearly dragged Rean away forgetting that both had still classes to attend to, this was how Rean found himself as an assistant for Instructor Thomas new project, buried in a mountain of books that didn't seem to get smaller no matter how hard he worked. Unfortunately, he didn't manage to find anything during that time, he had already expected it since the time was too short and the mentions of the old schoolhouse were already rare in the books that they had in the academy, still he couldn't help but feel a little frustrated.

On Wednesday afternoon, Class VII was assembled on the Academy field to take on their practical exam, after everyone had arrived Sara greeted them, "Okay! Let's get your exam started, shall we? To be completely clear from the outset, this exam is about more than just testing your physical strength and stamina. It's designed to home in on how capable you are of making strategic combat decisions on the fly. Defeating your opponent quickly is a good thing but it won't be enough to score you high marks here. Rean, Elliot and Gaius, you three are up first. Please step forward."

Surprised that they had been chosen right from the get-go, they stepped forward to take this test on. (Is it just a coincidence that we three were chosen or is she planning something again.) Before Rean couldn't think further on his suspicions, he saw Sara snap her fingers, just for something to appear out of thin air. It looks like someone had put a head on a thick stick with pauldrons on each side and it was floating? Blinking his eyes, he looked again, and it was really floating before he could he ask what this thing was, Elliot beat him to the punch, "What is that a monster?!" Shaking his head Gaius answered him, "No, I am not seeing any life coming from it all."

Grinning at her stunned students Sara explained what it was, "That is right. Think of it like a scarecrow only, it's a moving scarecrow. Either way, it's not alive, it is more like a machine that can fight. I have set its parameter fairly high though so it is pretty strong but if you give it your all, I am confident you can beat it! Probably." Glancing at the three she made her way to the rest of the student to watch them fight and as she passed them, "Make good use of your Arcus combat link abilities and I bet it will be a piece of cake. Hint, hint."

Looking at each other the three realised what their instructor was hinting at, taking the same formation as in the old schoolhouse they waited for the signal to start. As soon Sara said "Go!" Rean and Gaius sprinted towards their opponent while Elliot stayed behind to support them with his arts and to attack from the distance if the chance presented itself. Thanks to their experience during their investigation on Sunday, Gaius and Rean were more in sync than before, their strikes nearly hitting at the same time. The moment Reans sword hit, he realised that he had underestimated the sturdiness off the machine before him, ignoring their attacks the combat shell pauldrons opened and something resembling a cannonball came flying out at them.

Reacting quickly, they jumped back at the same time as the cannonballs landed on the ground and exploded, ignoring the fact that their instructor didn't tell them that were using real ammunition Rean once again sprinted forward keeping its focus on him while Gaius circled around the combat shell so that they could use the same tactic they had used against the monster in the old building. Using more strength on his attack, Rean managed to unbalance it while Gaius quickly followed up with another attack from behind. Seeing that their strategy seemed to work he tried to duplicate his attack from before, only this time the machine raised an arm on each side and blocked their attacks simultaneously. Surprised that it was capable of that, they stopped moving for just a short moment, using that opportunity the shell quickly turned around on the same spot with his arms stretched out responding quickly the students blocked the attack but were thrown back a bit thanks to the unexpected strength the attack had.

Using this opportunity, the shell moved to attack Gaius but was interrupted by an Aqua Bleed fired by Elliot from the back, regaining their footing the front fighters continued with their attacks while being supported by arts from the back line. (So far so good, this strange machine isn't so difficult if we can use our combat links like the instructor said. That said we shouldn't take too much time fighting against it since this a test. I think we can use the same strategy from the old schoolhouse to defeat it.) Sharing a glance with Gaius and Elliot who seemed to grasp what he had planned, he continued attacking as Elliot began charging his art.

Feeling that his friend was done preparing his attack, Rean used his Craft Autumn Leaf Cutter on the combat shell which managed to unbalance it. Suddenly getting the feeling as if time had slowed down, Rean felt his combat link with Gaius growing stronger than ever before, moving on pure instinct alone they both attacked their opponent at the same time with multiple attacks. That feeling disappeared after they were done just in time to see Elliot unleash his art on their opponent, combined with their attacks from before, they managed to defeat the shell.

(Ok, what just happened? What was that feeling and why were Gaius and I able to move so fast? We didn't even think about anything, we just reacted.) Looking at his friend he could see the same confusion on his face and looking around, the rest of their class was wearing stunned looks on their face as well, even Sara. Before he could question out loud what was going on, Sara walked towards them while smiling at them, "Not bad, not bad at all. Excellent use of combat links, especially that last attack from Rean and Gaius. Elliot your timing with that art was also very good. Seems like the practice you got in the old schoolhouse really paid off!"

Raising his hand Gaius, asked what everyone was thinking, "Instructor Sara, do you know what that last attack was, I got the feeling as if the space surrounding us, was frozen or something and how did me and Rean manage to move so fast." Just before Sara could answer, Rean blurted his opinion as he thought of a possibility, "Could that have been an ability granted by the combat link?" A little surprised that he got it right, Sara confirmed what he had just said, "That is right, Rean. I must admit that I didn't think that you guys would unlock it so fast but that was the ability Rush Attack, I guess congratulations are in the order for this. I would like just to confirm one thing please? Could you check what your Link levels are right now?"

Confused by the sudden request they opponent their Arcus to check to their surprise the level between Rean, Elliot and Gaius was somehow at Level 2. "Wow that was fast. Seems like I guessed right and from the looks on your faces I can guess that you didn't have any idea about this. Well, seems like we will have ourselves an extra lesson after the practical exam concerning this new ability but let's finish first with this test. Alisa, Laura and Machias you are up next."

Already used to their instructor behaviour, the class didn't object to the arrangement, though that didn't stop Rean from drawing his own conclusions, (The manual didn't say anything about this 'Rush Attack' and from the way she asked to see our Link Levels, I can assume that it was unlocked after we reached the next level. Still, when did we reach the second level? Last time we checked was during the investigation and we were still ways away from levelling up. The manual did say that raising the bond between users was a quick to raise the level, but I don't think we three did anything special for that to happen and it doesn't help that Instructor Sara dodged the question last time we asked how that works. I guess she will have to explain it now given the circumstances.)

Putting these thoughts for later, he began watching his classmates taking the test, soon he noticed that compared to his group the others were having a hard time fighting the strange machine while they still managed to defeat it, he could see that their use of combat links was rougher and not fluent in contrast with his own use.

After everyone was done, the others noticed the importance of the combat links could have on their fights, seeing Sara satisfied face made Rean realise that perhaps that the reason she hadn't really try to explain anything concerning the combat links was to have her students recognise that on their own or given the way she was evading the questions concerning that weird machine they had just fought she was perhaps just that lazy.

"Anyway, that bring this month's practical exam to an end but as you might remember, I have a big announcement for you all today. Are you all ready to hear what it is? I already gave you a hint before, this concerns a special part of this class curriculum, maybe you can guess what it is?" Seeing that no answered after a while Sara continued, "No one wants to try to guess? Oh well, I will come clean. The special task you are about to be assigned to is none other than… a field study!"

The reveal left Class VII bewildered since they were just two weeks into the school year and it was too soon to have a field trip but like always Sara continued speaking before questions could be asked, "The class will be split into two groups, A and B, and each group will be sent to a different location. On that location you will be given a few tasks that have to be completed. Doesn't that sound like fun?" Class VII reactions varied between its member, some were resigned to their fates, some were eager for a challenge while others were nonchalant about it all.

"As I said, there will be two groups. Please come forward and take one of these papers to see how the groups have been divided and the location where you are being sent to." Steeping forward to take a paper, Rean nearly tripped as soon he read what was written on it.

'Field Study: April

Group A Location: Celtic, the Market Town.

Group A Members. Rean, Alisa, Laura, Elliot

Group B Location: Parm, the Spinning Town

Group B Members: Emma, Machias, Jusis, Fie, Gaius'

(Wow, I guess this her way of saying that we should put the tension in this class to rest. Still putting me and Alisa in one group and Machias and Jusis on the other, is pretty risky. No, it doesn't matter I will apologise to Alisa, I have already dragged this on long enough. I can't inconvenience the others more than I already have.) Glancing at Alisa he saw that she was looking at him too but quickly looked away as soon they made eye contact which caused him to sigh.

While listening to the rest of the instructions given by Sara, he gathered his resolve to settle this as soon as possible but not before asking his dear Instructor a very important question. Seeing Rean raising his hand, Sara nodded at him, "Instructor Sara, could you please explain something to me please? The practical exam was to test us on our ability to react quickly to unexpected situations, correct?" Not knowing why, Sara suddenly had a bad feeling, "That is correct, Rean. On the battlefield you must be ready for anything and any time."

"That part I understand Instructor, what I don't understand however is this. How you thought that using real exploding ammunition, in a fight involving your students, who are still minors I may add, and not tell them to be at least careful or warning them, was a good idea?" In all the stunning revelations they had received today, the 'Rush Attack', the field study and the allocation of the members of the two groups, the others had forgotten about that little detail.

Rean, if someone asked, would deny it but seeing his instructor squirm beneath the scolding of his classmates especially the way Alisa was grilling Sara was very satisfying which was made even better when he made the casual comment on how Instructor Beatrix would have reacted had they been injured, he almost felt pity for her but just almost.