June the 20 of the Septian Year 1204
Like usual Rean woke up earlier than his classmates to get some light training in before starting to help out with the requests in town but to his surprise he wasn't the first one to be up at this hour, Sharon was already in the kitchen preparing breakfast for the members of Class VII, "Good morning, Master Rean! I have already prepared a cup of green tea and some rice balls for you to eat before you start on your morning training. They are not enough to get you through the morning because I wanted to ask you that if it was possible, could you come back a bit earlier so that your entire class can eat together? Since I have become the caretaker of Class VII, I would like to make it a rule that the entire class has to eat at least breakfast and dinner together."
Taking a short moment to recover from his surprise, Rean just nodded, "Sure, I don't mind cutting my training routine a bit shorter for that but Sharon you don't have to wake up this earlier just to make me something to eat, the others are going to be sleeping at least for another hour or so. The only ones to wake up this early are me, Gaius and Alisa when she joins me for training in the mornings so there is no need for you to be up this early."
"That won't do, Master Rean. It is my duty as a maid to wake up earlier than my masters so that I may prepare for the day and help them to the best of her abilities. Besides I already am used to this kind of early hours thanks to working with Lady Irina back in Roer, at this time she would already be on her desk going through her schedule for the day and starting on the paperwork." One look at her smiling face convinced Rean that trying to convince her any further was useless, so he decided to let this go, though he put the small nugget of info regarding Alisa's mother in the back of his mind and took a seat on the table to start eating the meal Sharon had made for him.
After thanking the maid for the food, Rean left the building to start his practice, done with the usual stretches he started to run on the route leading towards the capital while his mind recalled the events from yesterday after he had returned from accompanying his mother to the capital.
-Flashback-
The moment he stepped back into the dorm he found the rest of Class VII (minus Alisa) sitting on the sofa while enjoying some snacks that were likely prepared by Sharon, according to his senses the two missing persons where on the second floor with Alisa surely trying to convince Sharon not to take the job as caretaker of this dormitory, at least she took his advice and seemed try to discuss it calmly with her maid, after greeting his classmates he took a seat in front of Gaius and took a finger sandwich, "How did it go with principal, Gaius?"
"It went fine; he wanted to ask me how I was adjusting to the Erebonian culture." Getting the feeling that that wasn't the entire reason for that meeting but judging from the amused glint in his eyes he knew that his friend wouldn't elaborate on that answer so he put it for a later date where he would try again. Looking around he noticed that Laura and Fie were sitting as far as possible from one another as they could while ignoring each other, (Well, at least they aren't at each other's throats like Jusis and Machias had been, but this isn't a good sign at all. We will have to see if this situation is going to get worse or if they manage to resolve whatever issues they have with each other on their own.)
Noticing the ongoing silent Elliot tried to break it with the first thing that popped in his head, "I don't know about you guys, but I was completely stunned finding out that the R stands for Alisa Reinford and from the sound of it, her mother is the company chairman too." Noticing what the redhead was trying to do Machias followed up on that remark, "Yeah, I wasn't expecting that Alisa's mom is basically in charge of the continent's biggest industrial company. Her family has probably more money that even the members of the four Great Houses."
"I can't speak for the other three but in terms of money the Reinford Company has certainly more than the Albarea House and based on that point alone I can see why she would want to keep her family under wraps, given how small minded most nobles here at the academy are." Nodding his head to support the jab at the nobles Machias stopped before grimacing slightly as he realised that he had just agreed with Jusis. The others shared amused looks at that before Gaius spoke up, "Back in the Nord Highlands even me and my tribe have heard of the Reinford Company, heck we even have a small car from them that we use to help us with transportation." The rest of the conversation went along with the others telling each other what they knew of the famous company until the conversation turned to the other unexpected surprise of the day namely the visit of Rean's mother, but before the others could share every detail they had heard from Lucia about her son, a depressed Alisa came down the stairs followed by a smiling Sharon which showed who had won the conversation if the maid was going to stay or not.
After introducing herself again to the entire Class VII, Sharon went into the kitchen to prepare dinner for the people who haven't eaten yet which unsurprisingly was just Rean, who had just returned and Alisa who had spent the entire time arguing with Sharon, the others had already eaten dinner elsewhere while the two had their discussion.
Leaving the pair downstairs, the rest went into their rooms to either relax or prepare for their free day tomorrow, looking at the blonde archer who had her eyes closed and was muttering something under her breath, Rean decided that perhaps he should try to cheer her up a bit, so he silently offered her one of the remaining finger sandwiches. Opening one eye she looked at his nervous face and at what he was offering, releasing a tried sigh she took the offering and ate it in one go, "I thought that I had finally, finally, gotten away from her and yet here I am again under Sharon's watchful eyes who will report everything back to her. Arrgh, why me?!"
"Is it really that bad, that she is here? I mean, I am probably not the best person for this, but I am here in case you need someone to talk to, if you want to, of course. It is better to let these things out than to bottle them up."
"Rean…..Honestly, what am I going to with you? Talking with your mother today made me remember the times, like now, where you always listened to my worries and helped me with them, while I haven't been able to return the favour at all. You do know that also can come to me even if it is just to vent, don't you?"
"I know that, and I am grateful for your offer, maybe because of the way that I am, I don't have that many worries." Snorting at that, Alisa shoot him a look that seemed to say, "Yeah, right. " before settling to give him a stern look, "Rean, please don't take me for an idiot, I may not know you as well as your family does but I think we have spent enough time together, that I got good enough at reading you to know that you just bottle up your worries up like you just say that I shouldn't do it because it isn't good for me."
Noticing the way, she was looking at made him suddenly feel like an open book, trying to suppress that feeling he attempted to divert the conversation back to her, "Come on, Alisa. I don't have that many worries just some small ones like how I did on the midterm's exams or what type of work will Instructor Sara try to dump on me next and so on. See, just some small time worries nothing to really fret over."
She had already expected that he would try to downplay what was really weighing him down and she didn't really think that he would truly opened up to her at this point but she wouldn't also let him continue thinking that no one had noticed, "What about that time where you had scared that captain in Lunaria Park, don't think that I and the others didn't noticed how you acted afterwards or last month where you ran inside the old schoolhouse like you had been possessed or like today where your mother mentioned your most reckless moments and I could go on with this list, Rean. You are always there when I or one of the others need you but please remember that it goes both ways, we also want to help you. It isn't fair that you just give but don't get anything in return."
Looking at the sincerity in her eyes caused Rean nearly to come undone and just tell her everything, (Wow, what just happened?! Why did I just think that perhaps it would be alright to tell her about what happened back then or about my power?! I know better than that, or I thought that I did. What I did back there was to save people and how they reacted afterwards was just a normal reaction, everyone would have reacted that way from seeing a demon like me fighting like that, not the mention how I must have looked covered in wounds and blood.) In a subconscious action Rean put his hand over his heart where one of the biggest scars on his body was, that one had been on him since he woke up at the Schwarzer house.
(I won't hesitate to use my power if it helps to save lives, but I can't ever expect that other people will accept me after seeing me like that nor should they. It is an already a miracle that Mom, Dad and Elise didn't chase me away after what happened on that day or that Master was still willing to teach me the way of the sword after he found out why I wanted to learn it. I shouldn't be so greedy to want more, I am dangerous and the last thing I want to do is hurt the people that I care about.)
Seeing Rean actions and how guarded and closed off his eyes were becoming made it clear that whatever was bothering him went far deeper than she had imagined, for now the only thing she could do was to try to be a better friend for him and hope that in the future she could help him with what was making him look like that. Trying to get his attention Alisa reached over and flicked his head to get him out of that state, surprised at that Rean could only look at her with his mouth open, chuckling to herself the archer tried to alleviate the mood, "Zemuria to Rean, are you there?"
Shaking his head at that, Rean tried to switch the conversation back to the girl sitting in front of him, "Sorry, got a bit lost in my thoughts. Anyway, let's go back to the topic on hand; is it really that bad that Sharon will be here?
"(Of course, he would try to do that, avoiding what is bothering him and instead focusing on someone else's problems. One of these days I will get him to open to me and help him out but for now…) You wouldn't say that if you knew her as well as I do. Imagine living with someone who knows nearly everything about you but never thinks about your feelings and on top of it all, she is always taking Mother's side. Like she did when….."
Stopping midsentence the archer didn't finish her sentence but Rean got the hint that she wasn't ready to talk about that, "….Sorry, I shouldn't have tried to pry. Even so, you don't really dislike Sharon, do you?" A bit surprised at that question it Alisa took a moment before answering, "….I mean…. I guess I can't exactly say dislike. It is kind of hard to dislike someone who has been a permanent fixture in your life since you were a kid."
"See what I mean? If she is going to be at the academy anyway, you might as well try to make the best of it. To be honest when I first saw the two of you and if Sharon hadn't called you my lady, I would have thought that you were siblings with the way you were talking with each other. Though siblings aren't always easy to deal with, in the end she is sort of like an older sister to you, right?"
"You are right about that, but it still wouldn't kill her to think about me a little more."
"Heehee. Not a moment goes by in which I don't think of you, Lady Alisa." Nearly jumping up from the sudden appearance of that unexpected voice, Alisa quickly turned around to face Sharon who was sporting a smile on her face, "Sharon?! Since when have you been there?! Were you eavesdropping on us?!" Slightly shaking her head, Sharon denied it, "Of course not, Lady Alisa. I came out of the kitchen to tell you and Master Rean that dinner is served", Releasing a sigh out of relief, though that relief was short lived as Sharon continued speaking, "After all, isn't that what an older sister does, taking care of her little sister?"
Watching Alisa groaning at the wide smile Sharon was now sporting managed to get a chuckle out of Rean, "She knows how to make an entrance, I will give her that." Shooting a glare at the swordsman who seemed to enjoy her situation a bit too much, the blond murmured to herself, "….I can't believe she heard all that, now I am never going to hear the end of it….." Deciding that perhaps he should help her out a little, Rean stood up and made his way to the kitchen, "Well, I wouldn't want dinner to get cold so how about we start eating, are you joining us, Sharon?"
"I couldn't do that, Master Rean. I will wait until both of you are done eating and only after I am done cleaning up will I eat something, please you don't have to worry about me." Bowing slightly, the maid stepped to the side to let him enter the kitchen first, before Rean says anything else, Alisa cut him off, "Forget it, Rean I have been trying for years to get her to join me for meals but no luck until now, she is far too stubborn in that regard." Not really having had any opportunity to get to know the maid more, Rean decided that he should trust in Alisa's judgement for now and perhaps try again later to get her to join them.
-End of Flashback-
Sometime later after Rean was done with his training routine, he returned to the dormitory to get a short shower and to change his clothes, done with that he stepped into the kitchen to eat together with the others like Sharon had asked, the moment he stepped inside he was greeted with the sight of several different types of dishes laying on the table. The rest of Class VII were already sitting and waiting for him to get started on breakfast, after exchanging greetings the students started eating their meals while praising the taste as soon as they took the first bite, "This taste incredible, Sharon! Looking at the variety of the dishes, is this what they call an imperial breakfast?"
"That is indeed the case, Lady Emma. It is a traditional Erebonian style of breakfast, having said that I must apologise. It will take me some time to familiarise myself with this kitchen, so my cooking turned out a bit lacklustre. I assure you that tomorrow I should be able to present to you something far better." Putting her cup down Laura was quick to praise the lavender haired woman, "Come, now, Sharron. Your skill is something to be praised. This is far more colourful and varied than the one served in my own home." With Jusis right behind doing the same, "I would even compare this spread favourably with the breakfast served in the duke's household."
"Heehee. I am honoured that you think so highly of me, Lady Laura, Lord Jusis. I have also brewed both tea and coffee if anyone wants some more." To no one surprises Machias was the first to ask for refill for his coffee, seemingly enjoying the taste of it, for a time the students concentrated on just eating the delicacies laying before them, though it was clear to see that a certain archer still wasn't happy with the situation at hand but refrained from making any comments about it, till Sharon served her some toast with some jam on it, "My lady, here is some of your favourite apricot jam, I know how much you love the taste of it."
Alisa's eyes light with joy up as soon she heard that, "Ohh, really?! I mean, stop treating me like a child! But since you already when to the trouble of preparing it, the least I could do is eating it, I don't want to waste any food, after all." The delight on her face couldn't be concealed as she bit onto the toast, wisely no one commented on the heart-warming scene in front of them, after eating Sharon's peerless breakfast, the members of Class VII left to go about their free day which meant that they went to their clubs, but they didn't forget to remind a certain someone that he should call them when it was time to explore the old schoolhouse, after assuring them that he would, Rean went to check the requests the Student Council had given him for the day.
Opening the envelope he found three requests for the day, one was the usual investigation request while the others were a request from Angelica and George to meet with them in the Engineering Building for some testes regarding the orbal bike and the last one was from a second-year noble that wanted his help to find out who his secret admirer was. (Huh, the investigation was already a given but to be honest, I am looking more forward to helping with the orbal bike, perhaps I will even have the chance to ride it for a bit, one can certainly hope. The last one is a real surprise though; I didn't think that Towa would even give her approval for something like this. Now let's see, like always I will leave the old schoolhouse for last since it is easily the most time consuming but which of the other two should I do first?)
After some thinking he decided to head out to meet with the second year noble to see what exactly what he wanted his help with since normally the reason one was a secret admirer was to remain hidden until they decided to reveal themselves to their crush. On the way there he found Laura walking into the General Goods Store with a conflicted on her face that has appeared more often during the last days, deciding that a little detour couldn't hurt and perhaps he could help her out with whatever was causing the tension between her and Fie, he also went into the store.
Inside he found the blue haired swordswoman looking at the wares but as soon as he stepped inside, she saw him and gave him a small wave of her hand as a form of greeting, walking towards her Rean spoke up, "Hey Laura, it is rare to see you here by yourself at this hour, normally at this time you would already be at the swimming club warming up. Did something happen?"
"You are right, but the meeting starts a bit later than usual today since Klein had something urgent to do this morning and since I found myself interested in this store's wares, I decided that I would browse them for a while until it was time for the club meeting, and it is also a good way to clear my head."
"Mind if I join you?"
"….Feel free, maybe this would be a good opportunity to have you tell more about the things being sold here." The short pause before answering made it clear that Laura knew why exactly he asked to join her, nonetheless she agreed to it, "Well, I don't know all that much about them myself, to be honest. I usual just buy some everyday products." For the next thirty minutes, the two went through the store looking at the many displays of wares while talking with each or commenting if they saw something interesting until they stopped on the stand where some mascot plush were hanging, "They have a wide variety of items here on display, most which I am unfamiliar with. Which leads to a question I would like to ask you, Rean. What sort of goods and accessories do girls my age tend to like?"
"….What?" That was the last thing Rean had expected to be asked today or ever, seeing the look on his face, Laura clarified her question, "I ask because, well…..I have noticed there is a significant difference between myself and the other girls here. For example, I went shopping with Monica recently, only to find myself searching for equipment to keep my sword in shape. Meanwhile, Monica was fawning over cute accessories and the like or another example would be just three days ago I went with Alisa to Le Sage to look for some new clothes; she searched based on how they looked on her while I looked at the protection they offered. Doesn't this prove that I am rather …. strange?"
"Well, I don't think that I am the best choice for that type of question but in my opinion isn't it normal that there are differences between people?"
"I know that, but I was talking about me and other girls in general. Every time I try to bring up sword techniques of different schools or the ways to optimise your trainings exercises, they don't know how to react or respond; I am the same the way when they are talking about fashion and the like. Which can only mean that I am different from them, right?"
"That is necessarily not true, but I guess that compared to the girls here you are more driven and focused on your goal which leads to you perhaps neglecting certain aspect that girls your age value more than training? Like I said I am not the best person for this type of conversation, but I don't think that is a bad thing." The rest of his words went unheard from the point that he had said that she was different from the others, "Just as I thought, but this is no issue. If there is something I lack, then all I need to do is take the opportunity to learn it." Stepping forward she gestures to the wares before them, "Now tell me: which of the items here would most likely grab a girl's attention?"
Resigning himself to the fact that Laura didn't seem to register his claim that he wasn't an expert at this or his words, he looked around until he found something that maybe suitable and showed her, "How about this Mishy plush? From what I have heard, he is a pretty popular character over in Crossbell." Taking the plush into her hands, Laura examined it from all angles, "Fascinating. He is certainly charming, to say the least. But how about this?"
Stretching her hand Laura grabbed a strap with a blue-haired, muscular man attached to it, "This 'Dogi' character has a rather gallant look to him, doesn't he?" Sweat dropping at her choice, Rean was sure that this particular wasn't popular, at least for young girls, "I am one hundred percent sure that most girls wouldn't have any interest in him….." A bit shocked at that Laura could just put it back, "This is more challenging than I had expected."
The pair looked some more around to see if they could find something more suitable for a teenager girl while trying to satisfy Laura's unique tastes but in the end the blue haired noble went with the Mishy plush, "I couldn't be more grateful for your assistance, Rean. If it weren't for your help, I would have never purchased something so nice; still my grasp on what other girls my age like remains tenuous. It seems I have a long and harsh path ahead of me if I am ever to truly know."
While they walked around Rean got the impression that it wasn't just because of the differences between her and others but that perhaps she was also trying to understand a certain girl, "You know, you don't have to force yourself to be like everyone else because no one is the same. Every person is different and that is fine, the members of Class VII like you for you and not because you know the latest fashion trends. Remember what we talked about during our first night in Celtic, regarding why Class VII was created and what each member can offer?"
Recalling that night, Laura just nodded, "Each one of us brings a different perspective or lifestyle to the table, the most important thing is that we all, not just you Laura, learn to accept these differences and try to see things from their view and not just denied them or try to conform to them." The swordswoman took a moment to think about what he was saying, "You have given me a lot to think about today, let me thank you once again. Perhaps if the opportunity presents itself, we can do this again with the others joining us that time but for now I think it is time for me to make my way to the swimming club, I don't want to be late after all."
After thanking him again the two parted ways leaving Rean to think that perhaps these two can work things out between themselves without anyone interfering, or at least he hoped that it would be the case. Putting that thought aside for now, he resumed walking towards the academy field, because for some reason the second year had requested that they should meet in secret behind the cabin where the sports equipment was being stored.
Walking down the stairs he looked at the left side of the field where he could see the lacrosse club doing their practice, perhaps it was just his imagination, but it seemed like Alisa was looking rather annoyed at Ferris though that disappeared quickly as their seniors yelled at them to get a move on. Making a mental notice to himself to ask her if everything was alright later, Rean arrived at the meeting point that the noble had specified where said second year was already waiting for him, "Excuse me. Is your name Vincent, by any chance?"
"Indeed, it is. Standing before you is a nobleman overflowing with love and pathos: the one, the only…Vincent Florald! I presume that you are the cupid that I asked the Student Council to send me?" Sweat drooping at the pompous way the older boy had introduced himself, Rean thought to himself, "(He is quite the character and seems to really like himself, but then again that is what I have grown to expect from Class I.) I am no cupid, but I am here on behalf of the Student Council."
"Haha! Then you may still serve my purposes. Allow me to congratulate you on making your way here."
"So, based on your request and my new nickname, I assume you want me to find someone for you?"
"Yes, something along those lines. Since you are already here, I can safely assume that you are ready to help me in my quest?" Getting in a nod in return, Vincent clapped his hands together in delight, "Very well, although before we can begin, let me make sure that Sariffa is nowhere to be seen." Not understanding who he was talking about Rean could just observe how the noble looked around to see if they were truly alone, "Phew, seems like we are in the clear."
"This meeting place was already unusual and given your actions just now, can I assume that you want to keep this request quiet?"
"Not exactly, I was merely hoping to avoid a certain person meddling in this. My father sent Sariffa to the academy to keep an eye on me. As you can imagine, her watchfulness can occasionally be rather constraining, anyway that hasn't anything to do with why you are here. To be blunt, I have received not one, not two, but three passionate love letters of late and all from the same writer. Curiously, however, the writer in question signs with naught but a Nome the plume. What I would request of you, my fine fellow, is to find out just which lovely lady is responsible for these."
"That is reasonable, but….. are you sure it's appropriate for me to try to find her? These letters are anonymous, after all…" Vincent didn't seem quite convinced that this secret admirer should remain a secret, "My young friend do take a moment to think this over, the fact that she chose to use a pen name rather than remaining completely anonymous is proof of a pinning but hopeful heart. In fact, I am absolutely certain that she wishes for me to find her! Besides she sent me some cookies with the last letter, I would hardly be worthy of the Florald name if I did not properly thank her now, would I?"
Putting his concern regarding his reasons aside for now, Rean could see that nothing could sway Vincent determination to find this secret admirer of his, so after some more talking Rean found out that this admirer was suspected to be a first year who used a grand rose in each letter, so Vincent advice was to talk with owner of the Flower shop in Trista to see which first year had bought one during the last few days. Armed with the second years well wishes Rean made his way towards the florist to inquire about the grand roses, as he arrived at the shop Rean also saw Fie looking rather stern at some flower seeds and gardening tools that were being sold.
Since the shop owner was currently busy talking with another customer the swordsman decided that perhaps he also could talk with his youngest classmate and see if could help her with the Laura situation that was currently happening, "What is with the stern look, Fie?" the silver haired girl acknowledge his presence with barely a nod but still answered his question, "Turns out that I will be growing some flowers for the club but Edel said that I should buy the tools and the seeds myself."
"I see, that does sound something like a member of the Gardening Club should do, though it is kind of rare to see you this serious about something. Do you want some help with this task, I have some time if you want?" A raised eyebrow was the only visible reaction to his question, "Hmm…sure. Have fun!" With that she turned around to leave but was stopped by Rean's hand on her shoulder, "I wasn't offering to do it for you, Fie." Having already expected that it wouldn't be that easy to get out of this, Fie could just walk back to the shop to continue with her search.
Looking around Rean saw several types of planes being sold, "Looking at this it seems like you have got no shortage of options. Have you got an idea what you want to grow?" Nodding to his question Fie took out a small bag filled with seed and showed it to Rean, "I will use these, dunno what they are called though. Someone gave them to me when I was in the corps, had them ever since. They told me to raise them with lots of love, which had to be a joke."
"I don't know if that was a joke. My mom says the same thing about the plants she grows in our garden."
"So does Edel, I don't know much about love though."
"Then maybe this is right time for you to try and raise them. But man, the way you are talking about them, they sound like one big family, in a sense. In general, the jaegers are portrayed as violent and bloodthirsty, but it seems like that impression comes just from the narrowminded impression of people." For a short moment Fie stopped moving before she continued making her purchases, "…Can't blame them. Everyone is more concerned about the negative reputation jaegers have than anything else. There are some people who can't even accept their existence." Rean narrowed his eyes at that remark bur before he could say anything, she went on, "Let's hurry up and buy the tools and fertilizer."
Getting the feeling that he wouldn't get anything more out of her, he went along and watched how Fie paid the florist and made her way back to the Gardening Club while remembering everything that he knew about the young girl, (Seems like this isn't going to be easy, I think I am beginning to understand why Instructor Sara sometimes forces Fie to participate in certain activities, she doesn't know how to deal with other people her age which gives the impression that she just doesn't care, I guess that is one of the reason why she is here at the academy. I will talk with Alisa and Emma to see if we can help her out with this.)
Done with that Rean approached Jane the owner of the flower shop to ask about the grand roses, "Excuse me Miss Jane, would you mind if asked you a question?"
"Not at all, Rean. How can I help you?" Rean explained the situation to her and asked about any first years who had recently purchased any grand roses. "Hmm….it wouldn't be too hard to find out if I looked through my records, but does that second year know why it is a called a secret admirer? I am not exactly sure I should disclose this information."
"Understandably so, Miss Jane, I don't intend to do anything with this information that they don't want me to, though. If they ask me to keep their identity a secret, that is what I will do. Vincent will have to understand that the most I can for him is perhaps get him to write a thank you letter and give it to her."
"I see. Well, if that is the case, I guess I can help you out. Just remember Rean, it is your job to give the mystery sender your support and nothing more, do you understand?"
"Yes, mam. (Sigh, this request is getting pretty complicated at this point.)" With that answer, Jane went into her store to look for the names, five minutes later Rean had three names, so he went in search of the three young ladies, it took him over an hour just to track them down and ask them about why they had purchased though he had to explain to them why he was asking. In the end none of the three were Vincent mystery admirer so he returned to back to the meeting place where Vincent was eagerly waiting for him, "Tell me did your investigation prove to be successful? Wait don't tell,,,, have you brought our mystery woman here with you? Oh, be still, my beating heart!"
Seeing the anticipation in his eyes made Rean almost feel bad about what he was going to say, "About that, sorry. I wasn't able to find her in the end." Like he had suspected Vincent happiness turned into disappointment in a heartbeat, "You cannot be serious! Did you ask the florist like we had discussed?"
"Yes, I did, and I got the names of the three of girls but every girl that brought one grand rose, had a use for them that has nothing to do with you. I am sorry that I wasn't any help with this, though this does raise the question where could a girl get a grand rose if she didn't go the florists?" That got the noble thinking, "There is no way to tell, perhaps the girl in question is a noble, she could have had an alternate source. However…." He didn't to get finish that sentence since Rean had quicky raised his hand to keep him quiet, because he had sensed that someone was approaching their location quickly, but before he could turn his head to see who was coming, both boys heard a hoarse voice yelling, "My darling Vincent, I have found you!"
It was a big boned girl wearing the white uniform that had appeared in front of them, Vincent not having expected that someone would be able to find him here was quick to ask her, "Who are you? State your business!" Not caring for the question form the older noble, the girl made her way to him, "The cookies I just baked ended up far more delicious than I ever could have imagined. So delicious that they could only be destined for the lips of my beloved. My elegant, dashing, darling Vincent!"
Shocked at what he was hearing Vincent took a step back from the girl holding a plastic bag full of cookies, "Wh-what could possess a person to approach another out of nowhere and say such befuddling things?! Furthermore, I do not have even the foggiest idea who you ar…."
"Heheheheheheheheh, but you do. What if I told you that I was your secret admirer all along?" To say that both boys were shocked would be an understatement but luckily for Rean (and unluckily for Vincent) the girl who had introduced herself as Margarita Dresden only had eyes for the second year, so what followed next was something downright hilarious for those that weren't involved but Margarita was incredible persistent that Vincent tried her freshly baked cookies that were filled, her words, with something that would make Vincent reveal his undying love for her in public.
The only reason that it didn't come down to that was the maid Sariffa, who had appeared out of nowhere, to safely defuse the situation and take her charge away from Margarita but not before thanking Rean for having helped her master with his request and give him an accessory as thanks, Rean just stood there without moving as he saw how the first year girl murmured something that sounded like, "That maid could be an formidable obstacle between me and my Darling, I should go back to the kitchen and prepare another batch of cookies." But he was certain that he had just imagined that or at least he hoped so.
Banishing this entire spectacle form his mind Rean decided that now would be a good time to go see George and Angelica concerning their request but the moment he set foot on the stairs to leave the field he heard a loud bang that came from someone closing a door too hard, to his surprise it was Alisa who had done that having already changed out of Lacrosse uniform the archer was now storming her way towards him while muttering something under her breath. She came to a full stop when she noticed Rean standing there watching her with concern etched on his face, "Hey, Rean. What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be running across Trista as a gopher right now?"
"Just got done with a request and its helper, not gopher." Rolling her eyes at that, Alisa just waved it away, "Tomato, tomahto. They are the same thing." Seeing that he still had the same concern as before on his face Alisa just sighed, "I don't suppose that if I tell you that everything is fine that you will believe me?" The look on his face was answer enough for the archer, "Urgh, fine. I just got into argument with Ferris about Sharon and my family name. I don't understand why that girl is so obsessed with such things as one's lineage or that she wants to be better than me at everything. Since we both started in the Lacrosse Club, she has nearly challenged me at everything we do there as practice."
"Do you want to talk about it, I have some time right now if want to vent?"
"That is nice of you Rean, but I am sure that you have more request to do and…."
"Actually, if you don't have anything more to do right now, you could come with me to the next one. It concerns the Orbal Bike that Angelica showed us last time, she and George asked for my help with it." Rean quickly cut her off from what she was saying already knowing that she wouldn't want to burden him with this, especially after she talked with him about Sharon yesterday.
The archer got a pensive look on her face when she heard what he was suggesting, in the end her curiosity regarding the bike won out, "If you or George don't mind me coming along then sure and to spare us the time when can talk about what happened with Fenris on the way there, this way you don't have to try to come up with anything to get me to talk about it." That managed to get Rean to look away wearing a sheepish look on his face, "Yes, mister, I already know how you think. But don't forget one of these days I will get you to talk about whatever is bothering you just to even the score between us."
Chuckling at her instance that he should do that the swordsman remembered the look she gave him yesterday and how it nearly made him confess his secrets, "(I don't know why I got the feeling that one day she will actually manage to get me to talk about that, but for now I should just enjoy my time here and not think about how that conversation will play out.) Well, then Lady Alisa how about we make our way to Engineering building where the object of your curiosity is, so that we may satisfy your thirst for knowledge?"
Snorting at his over-the-top display Alisa just shoot him an unamused look before walking towards their destination while making sure that Rean didn't see the smile that was threating to appear on her face, the annoyance that she was feeling before had already disappeared. Having accomplished his goal, Rean quickly followed her for a moment no one said anything, until Alisa glanced at him, "I got into an argument with Ferris during practice. She started asking me all these questions about my last name after she found out about Sharon, which by the way was incredible fast if we think about the fact that she just arrived yesterday afternoon, seems like the rumour mill of Thors isn't to be underestimated."
"And knowing you that managed to annoy you until you just agreed to her challenges just to make her stop, but since you managed to beat her at everything in the end that made it worse and the two of you started to argue more and if I had to guess made the captain of the club cut practice short just that the two of you can cool off."
"You know, it is kind of annoying how well you already know me that you can predict things like this so accurately, but you are right it played exactly how you just described it. Sigh, how many times am I going to have to deal with this? I am sure that tomorrow the entire school will know about me being a Reinford."
"You are probably right, but after a day or two it should calm down, besides on Wednesday we will have our results from the midterms, so that should take the spotlight off you. Which reminds me how confident are you about your results?" Giving him a side look, the archer just exposed his plan, "Nice try, to get my mind of this but you are probably right that it will calm down after some time, the results will probably help with that not saying that I am looking forward to it but it is better to get it over quickly."
"You wound me with such accusation, Lady Alisa. It wasn't my intentions to distract you with that." The raised eyebrow on her face told him that she didn't believe that for a minute, "It is the truth, because what is going to take your mind of things is what is inside here." With that he gestured to the building where George and probably Angelica were waiting for them and opened the door for her, rolling her eyes fondly at him, Alisa just shook her head and stepped inside.
Like he had thought the two second years where already there waiting for him while making some adjustments on the bike, George was the first one to greet them, "Hey there, Rean, Alisa. Thanks for stopping by." Before he could continue talking, he was interrupted by Angelica who rushed forward as soon as he saw Alisa, "What a good junior, I have. Not until have you agreed to help us with testing the orbal bike, you even brought me a present in form of the lovely Alisa R."
Sidestepping the running second year, Alisa gave her an unimpressed look, "Hello to you too Angelica and I am sure that you have already heard that it is Alisa Reinford thanks to Sharon appearance in Trista." Not giving up on hugging her Angelica tried again but was stopped with just one look form her target, "I love those stern eyes of your ma chérie, how I would love to see them turn into eyes full of affection perhaps a ride with the orbal bike and a romantic lunch will accomplish that?" Alisa was already used to Angelicas behaviour, so she just ignored her and turned towards the other second year, "Hello George, I hope you don't mind me coming along for this request. Rean asked me if I want to come along to see the Orbal Bike and since I am curious about it, I hoped that I was allowed to watch?"
"Of course, you are welcome to watch, and I always could use a second opinion regarding the bike, and you are perfect for that. I guess Rean here wants to go the extra mile to satisfy my request, huh?" Shaking his head at that, Rean was quick to denied it, "It was just pure coincidence that I met Alisa on the way here and I just remembered that she was interested in the bike the first time she saw it, and one thing led to another and here we are."
"Who cares about the reason why she is here, the most important thing is that she is here and how just her presence alone brightens this deary place." It wasn't the hug that she had wanted but Angelica had managed to get her arm around the blonde's shoulder and pulled her into a side hug, Rean would have tried to say something about her actions, but he saw how the older girl bent and whispered something into Alisa ear that sounded like, "How are you doing? Need someone to talk to?" Giving her old friend a thankful look, she shook her head to say that she was fine, (Huh, I still haven't talked to Angelica much, but she is definitely an interesting one, perhaps she can help Alisa out, though I would feel better if she kept her hands to herself.) Seeing how said hands were making their way down the shoulder before Alisa slapped them away, made Rean feel that he should have his tachi ready in case she goes too far.
Forcing his attention away from the girls, the swordsman looked at George who was also wearing looks of resignation at his friend behaviour, but he was already used to it, so he quickly returned to the topic at hand, "This orbal bike here was built from ground up to suit Angelicas needs and expectations, thanks to that she has no problem driving it, she and that bike are practically symbiotic. When she is on it, she is a sight to behold but because we have tuned it specifically to her, it has become a little too tough for anyone else to handle, that doesn't mean that no one else can ride her, Crow was just fine with. Though I suppose he has been working on this bike since we started, too. What we need is a complete beginner like yourself so that we can have a more objective opinion after your ride."
"I guess that makes sense why you asked for me, then. But I have to say that I am intrigued on how this bike drives, so should we get started?" The others chuckled on seeing the barely restrained look of anticipation on Reans face, after getting everything they needed, the four took the bike to the highway but not before calling Towa and Crow to come watch the test drive. On the highway they began to set the bike up along with Angelica explaining to Rean how the bike worked, Alisa went through the specs of the machine with George explaining to her certain aspects of it. Done with the preparations Rean sat on the bike and was eager to get started, it was at that moment that Towa and Crow showed up, "Hey people, I hope that you weren't going to start without your guests of honour?"
"The only guests of honour here are mi armor Towa and ma chérie Alisa, you can take your sorry behind and bug off, for all I care." The words may have sounded harsh, but anyone could see that Angelica was just messing with Crow who soon retaliated in kind while Towa left the bickering pair behind to greet the other three students, "Good day George, Rean and you must be Alisa, Angie told me a lot about you. I am Towa Herschel, the Student Council President, it is a pleasure to meet you and if there is anything that I can do for you, please don't hesitate to come to me."
"Likewise, President Herschel, I heard a lot of good things about you too and since you already offered perhaps there is something I could use your help with." The glancing at him, made Rean feel that whatever was Alisa was going to say was regarding him and he had a pretty good idea what it was, "Of course, anything to help out a fellow student."
Now he was sure about his suspicious when he saw Alisa giving him a mischievous grin, "I have this one classmate that seems to have the pantological need to be reckless no matter how dangerous the situation is and likes to help people out to the point off discarding his own needs. What help can you give me with such a person?" That managed to get the attention of the bickering pair and Georges too who were now watching Towa with interest on how she would react while Alisa tried to keep a serious face and ignored the glare being sent her way.
"Well, besides scolding that person, perhaps some harsher punishments are in order if they don't mend their ways, though if you need any help on coming up with them and if you want to know if can legally get away with them, my door is always open," Sending a reproachful glare to the person in question, who had at least the decency to look away to the amusement of the others, "Regarding helping other people out that is somewhat trickier. I have already tried everything that I can think of but, he somehow finds ways to get more work behind my back. Angie! Stop that!"
Without Towa knowing Angelica had approached the small president and hugged her from behind while rubbing their cheeks together, "Sorry, Alisa. The first point my little Towa here can help with but the second one you are asking the wrong person, because if I wasn't one hundred percent sure that Towa here is a single child, I would have been sure that these two were siblings given that in that aspect they are completely the same."
Ignoring the protest coming from said duo, that they weren't as bad as the other, Alisa could just accept that she wouldn't get any help on that point, "It was worth a try at least, though I will defiantly take you up on your offer the next time he overdoes it and given what that we have another investigation plan for this afternoon perhaps the chance will come up sooner than expected."
Crow was immensely enjoying the show before him but he decided that perhaps poor Rean had enough teasing for now at least if they could continue after they were done, now that would be for the best, "I am sure that you have already heard that this bike is at least partially my baby, you can think of me as an overprotective father so make sure that you don't mess up and hurt my girl when you take her out." Sweat dropping at that comment Rean could just roll his eyes at Crow before he turned his attention back to Angelica who was going through the last steps with him, "Like I said, since you are already used to riding horses, this here isn't so different, you have just to watch out for the details that I explained to you and you will be fine, so go have fun!"
After George was done making sure that everything was working, the others stepped away so that Rean could start the bike, turning the key the engine started up feeling how the bike was vibrating under him reminded Rean off the first time he rode a horse, recalling what Angelica had taught him Rean managed a smooth start and the bike started driving forward, feeling the wind on him from driving so fast made the young swordsman feel excited after driving for a few minutes and noticing the details George wanted him to keep an eye on, Ran decided to accelerate to see what the bike could really do.
The moment he did that he could feel the pressure on him increasing so he bent his upper body down a bit like Angelica had taught to reduce the pressure somewhat. After having achieved the maximum speed that he could control, Rean tired the brakes and he managed to nearly stop at the point he had planned to, deciding that that this was far enough he turned back and drove in the direction he came for.
The others welcomed him back though Crow couldn't help himself from snickering, "Look at this guy! He is trying to act all clam and composed, but the look on his face is just screaming, 'Lemme go back out and ride!"
"Ignore what he is saying and tell us how it was?" Following Angelicas advice, Rean gave his honest opinion on how it was, "It was amazing to say the least. The sheer speed, the engine's vibration and the feeling of the wind as you ride along…. I have never experienced anything like it. No amount of horse riding could have ever prepared me for this. Just wow!"
"Haha. Guess you have got some potential with this, that is good I am always on the lookout for potential rivals in driving." Grinning back at Angelica, Rean could get used to driving the bike and her proposal was tempting but for now he should get off the bike and answer Georges and Alisa's question regarding how his test drive was. After a few minutes he was done with their question and George was a bit surprised at the results, "Seems like you have handled it really well, based on your report. I must admit, I didn't expect those kinds of results out of you. It is a pretty unwieldly machine and what is even more impressive is that this was your first time driving an orbal bike too."
"Perhaps persons like Rean and Angelicas with a martial arts background are more suited for a bike with this specs, though it would mean even more testes but with people without any training in martial arts." While Alisa and George went over the results and discussed their findings, Rean was checking the bike for any damage that he may have caused while driving, but that was soon interrupted as he heard Angelica speaking, "Then how about you take the bike for spin too, Alisa? You have also some experiences in that area, perhaps we can see if your theory is correct or not and to avoid wasting time how about the guys go back to the building to get started on the report while we girls stay here with you. What do you think?"
Alisa was clearly tempted to also try out the bike but something in Angelica's expression stopped her from saying yes outright, though it was Rean who saw through to plot of the second year, "It isn't a bad idea, but Alisa?" The others attention was now upon the swordsman, "Could I suggest that perhaps you should go change into some pants since I wouldn't recommend driving in a skirt?" It took the archer a moment to understand what he was implying but as soon as she did her cheeks turned red and she held down her skirt, on her side she heard Angelica clicking her tongue which made her understand what her goal had been, so she gave her old friend her patent glare.
Releasing a sigh and a look of disappointment at the first year Angelica could only lament that her masterplan was foiled, while ignoring the scolding from both Towa and Alisa while Crow laughed at her misfortunate, George was already so used to her actions that he didn't even blink an eye and continued looking through to report from Rean.
Later back in the Engineering Building the four students, since Towa and Crow went their separate ways, George thanked both juniors for their help, "Thanks, Rean and Alisa. The info you two gave should come in handy going forward with building a new orbal bike. I will have to be sure to tell your mother Alisa about everything we have learned today if they end mass producing orbal bikes."
"Of course, she is involved, why am I not surprised? Does that woman never stop?" Feeling Rean eyes on her, she tried to divert his attention away from her since she still wasn't ready to talk about her mother with him, especially with others watching them, "Knowing her, I am sure that she provided the engine and some number of other parts for the bike, am I correct?"
Seeing the nods, she went on, "If you can make the bike more stable and assure the safety of the driver I am sure that mass producing them shouldn't be a problem, although I am not sure if Reinford will make many since their main goal right now is to make profit, the trains and cars are too mainstream at the moment for the orbal bikes to cut in but I am sure that there should be many people that will want one, just for the thrill that they provide which makes installing more safety measures an priority, George."
The rest of the conversation was lost between Alisa and George opinion on how to make it safer and how to present it to make it more easier to sell, seeing that this could take a while both Angelica, who decided to do some maintenance on the bike, and Rean who did the same with his tachi while looking at the time, (It is nearly time for lunch and with this request done, only the old school house remains to do, the entire class said that they want to come with me this time, I should give them a call to see if they are available to go after lunch. Since this looks that it could take a while perhaps, I should go to the cafeteria to order some takeout for us while these two continue working on that report.)
Having decided what to do he asked Angelica, if she and George had any preference for their foods since he didn't want to disturb him to ask, after getting their orders and thanks from the older student, he quietly left the place to go to the cafeteria, though on his way there he ran into Sharon who was holding a basket, "Hello Master Rean, what luck to run into you here, I have the lunches for you, Lady Alisa, Lady Angelica and Lord George right here."
"What? I am sorry, did you just say that you have our lunches, Sharon?" Giggling at the look on his face, Sharon went on, "Yes, I made some nutritious lunches for the entire class since you all have that investigation in the old schoolhouse to do and since Lady Alisa is no doubt currently helping Lord George with his report regarding the orbal bike and Lady Angelica is with them doing maintenance on it, I decided that I also should make them lunches. Here you go, Master Rean and don't worry your classmates have already gotten theirs. With this I wish you all a successful investigation."
Giving the stunned Rean the basket, the maid bowed slightly before turning to leave, "Sharon? Sharon, wait a moment please?"
"Yes, Master Rean?"
"First of, thank you for the lunches and second how do you know about the old schoolhouse and the orbal bike? Wait, I guess for the orbal bike it is normal since you work for the Chairman of the Reinford Company but that doesn't explain how you know about the investigation concerning the old schoolhouse, I though the principal had sealed off the information regarding that to everyone besides a selected few." The smile on her face was unreadable, "There is nothing to worry about that, Master Rean. This is just one of the duties of a maid, we must be always ready to support our masters in all their endeavours."
"Uhuh, right. Seems like I am not going to get a straight answer out of you, just tell me does the principal know?"
"Of course, principal Vandyck knows. In fact, he even gave me a report on how the investigation is going just last month."
(That brings just up more questions than answers, though I get the feeling that isn't all that Sharon is hiding.) Seeing the young man in front of her in deep thoughts, Sharon decided to give him a bit of a hint, "There is nothing to worry about, Master Rean. I am sure that soon you will know exactly how I got that information and perhaps even another piece of the puzzle that is Class VII. With that I bid you farewell for now and hope that you will be successful with the investigation." With another bow, the maid left him to think about what he just heard,
"Soon, huh? Now I have the feeling that, what she was talking about has something to do with our next field study. Guess I will have to wait and see, though I can't exactly complain if yesterdays and today's food is anything to go by is that Sharon is a fantastic cook. However, I am not sure how Alisa will take the fact that Sharon has also prepared lunch for the class."
Going back the same way that he came, Rean entered the building where Alisa and George were still deep in conversation but had changed their place to the orbal computer in the back of the workshop. Angelica was the only one to noticed him, "That was fast, did you forget your wallet or something?" Putting the basket on the only free table, Rean started taking out the dishes, "I ran into Sharon outside and she gave me these." Understanding filled her eyes with that explanation, "Nice, it has been while since I ate Sharon cooking."
"How come you aren't more surprised about this?" Grinning at him Angelica took the dish that had her name on it, "I have known Sharon for years, after a while you get used to things like this and just roll with the punches, though I am curious to see how Alisa will react to this." Throwing a playful look at the blonde, Angelica went to get the two working students while Rean took the rest of the dishes and the juice out of the basket, contrary to Angelicas expectations Alisa just glared at the food for a moment before sighing and starting to eat.
The conversations during this meal were split with Rean and Angelica talking about the bike itself while the other two continued discussing the upcoming report for the bike, after they were done eating the two first years said their goodbyes and left to go to the old schoolhouse since Angelica had volunteered to return the basket and the plates back to their dorm to catch up with Sharon. The two were the first to arrive, though it didn't take long before the rest of their class showed up, "Hello, you two. Alisa, I really must thank Sharon for the food that she made, though I wasn't expecting that she would show up at the Literature club with it."
"Tell me about it, I was playing a round of chess with Stefan when she appeared though the food was delicious." After Emma and Machias, the rest followed suit telling the archer of their surprise when they saw the maid appear to give them their lunch, nonetheless each one was more than happy with the taste of their food, seeing the annoyed look on Alisa made Rean try to surpress a chuckle though he wasn't quite successful given the glare she was sending his way, "Alright, guys. This will be the first time that the entire class will be here for the monthly investigation, I talked with Instructor Sara, and she told that while we can't use our Arcus units to call from and to the inside of the building, we shouldn't have any problems with calling each while we are inside. With that we can safely split up in two groups which should reduce the time that we need to explore the new floor that opened."
"How are you sure that we have a new floor? Did you go inside to check?"
"No, I didn't Jusis. But this will be the third time that we go inside since the start of this request, I noticed that each month there is a new floor which we have to explore and beat the floor boss at the end to get the teleporter to work. Once is a chance, twice is a coincidence, third time is a pattern, though I can also be wrong, but we will shortly see to that, before we decide the teams for this perhaps, we should go inside to see if am right or not."
Taking the key out of his pocket Rean tried to open the door but was stopped when felt someone gripping his shoulder, turning his head he saw that it was Alisa hand, "Is something wrong, Alisa?" The sweet smile on her face made him shudder for some reason, "Nothing is wrong, just making sure that you don't dash inside without us." He knew better then to argue with her at this point, though I would have preferred that his classmates weren't snickering at him in this situation, taking a deep breath he spread his senses as far as he could before he turned the key, though he wasn't expecting what happened next, (There it is again, this time let's see where you are really are hiding….urgh)
The scar on his chest was suddenly heating up but it disappeared as quickly as it appeared, thankfully besides a short twitch there was no other visible reaction to this sudden flaring up of his power but unfortunately with Alisa gripping his shoulder she also felt him twitch, ignoring the question in her eyes Rean opened the door and stepped inside with the others following him. At that moment the archer let go of him but not before putting a bit more pressure on his shoulder as a message that they would talk later about what had just happened, later.
Unsurprisingly they had a new floor to explore, "Seems like you were right with your theory, Rean. But is there a reason that we have to wait a full month before we can have access to a new floor and what does lies on the last floor?" Machias examined the control panel of the elevator but couldn't find anything new, "And what of that presence you sensed last time here, did it appear this time?"
Nodding at Laura's question, Rean pointed down, "This time I was prepared and was able to sense where it went, which was down. But how far it went I don't know but if had to guess than I would say probably to the last floor." That seemed to answer at least the question on where that mysterious presence disappeared to but what it was or why it was here or why these inexplicable changes were happening for those question no one had an answer but perhaps when they reached the last floor, they would find them. Next Class VII spilt in two groups, like their instructor these groupings were also balanced in terms of fighting power,
Group A: Rean, Alisa, Emma and Fie.
Group B: Laura, Gaius, Elliot, Machias and Jusis
This way each group had someone could at the front, in the middle and could get support from the backline be it in form of healing or attack arts, after arriving on the third floor they tested if their Arcus could really call each other on this floor, thankfully there didn't seem to be any problems. After checking their equipment and their quartzes in their Arcus and going over what they should if they got in any type of danger or if they found something. The two groups spilt up and went on exploring what the new floor had to offer, like every new floor the layout was different, and it had different monsters but this time it had also something complete new, a type of bridge that could be drawn in and out if they touched a certain stone and if said stone was the same colour as the bridge. Thankfully with two groups they didn't waste much time with that new gimmick and made good progress.
"Second form, Gale!" As quick as the wind Rean struck six monsters at nearly the same time which gave him and Alisa the opening to use their Rush Attack killing all the remaining monsters in one go, "Nicely done, Alisa!" Raising his hand, the two did a high five, "Same to you, that was great." The other two member of their group joined them in celebrating, "I have to say the teamwork of the two of you is pretty neat."
"Fie is right, I think it is safe to say than in our class yours is the best." Sheathing his tachi Rean sensed if there were any monsters nearby while Alisa and the two girls picked the sepith from the defeated monsters up, "Thanks you two, but I think that as soon as you and the others also reach Link Level Three it will be the same."
"I don't know, given what Sara has said we are still a good distance away from reaching it which begs the question how did the two you reached that level so quickly, is there any secret to it?" The wiggling of her eyebrows made it clear what Fie was implying, choosing to ignore that Alisa picked the last ones up and put it in her bag, "Fie, be nice. They are just really good friends, that is all." Even though Emma tried to dissuade the younger from teasing Alisa too much, she also couldn't stop herself from teasing the archer a tiny bit.
"Oh, is that so?" Rean had stayed away to watch their surroundings before but now he just didn't want to step into that conversation though he did send the girls a look to stop which was promptly ignored by their youngest but before she could say anything else, a sudden gasp from Alisa got everyone attentions, "My Master Quartz finally reached the third level."
"Congratulations Alisa, I told you it would soon happen. With this you are the second person in your class to reach that level, though I am pretty sure that Laura also isn't that far away perhaps she will also achieve it here."
"Thanks Rean, it was frustrating to see that no matter how many monsters I defeated that it wouldn't advance at all. Can't wait to see how much strength I am now able to use with it." Putting her Arcus away Alisa looked for monsters, on who she could test her new level out. Unfortunately for the archer these had been the last monsters in their surroundings, and they had also reached the end of the floor, the only thing that they could do was to wait for the other group to join them. A short call later showed that group B wasn't that far for them, and it didn't take long for the rest of them to join. Like on the other floors, Class VII took a thirty-minute rest before they challenged the boss of the new floor while sharing what each group had seen so far.
"Thanks to there being so many of us, we cut the time needed for exploring this floor drastically down, perhaps we should do this every free day, what do you think Rean?" The swordsman took a moment to think about it but shook his head in the end, "I won't deny that it is a lot easier with more people, but I don't think that we will have to opportunity to always do this, I mean we got lucky today that all your clubs were just in the morning but what about next time?"
"Perhaps we could talk with our clubs so that we could do this every free day, I am sure they wouldn't mind if we said that it was on orders of the principal."
"No, Eliot. You guys shouldn't do that just for this, you should all enjoy your free day like you want." Raising his hand to stop any protest before they could begin protesting Rean went on, "I know that this request is for the entire class, but it doesn't mean that everyone needs to participate in it every time, we should do it like we did the last two times whoever is free can come join me here but there is no need to sacrifice your club time for this."
"As long you know that without at least four other members, you don't get to set foot in here no matter the circumstances then I don't have any problem with it." Seeing the look on Alisa's face made it clear that she wasn't joking around with that statement, so Rean could just nod at her, "I know that Alisa, don't worry. Geez, where is the trust?"
"Oh, I have complete trust in you that given the chance you will do something absolutely reckless; don't you worry." The others could just laugh at the display before them where Rean was rolling his eyes at the archer, done with one last check the entire class prepared to take whatever was behind that door. Rean tried to sense what was behind that door, but he couldn't exactly pinpoint its strength this time, getting a bad feeling he reminded the others, "Everyone, please remember to always keep your guard up, I can't get a read on how powerful this boss will be, but I am certain that it is just one. Just remember that if it is too strong, we will retreat and call in the instructors for help, ok?"
With that done he opened the door and they stepped into the familiar room, for a moment nothing happened until the doors closed themselves and a wolf howl was heard which was soon followed by a bright light in the middle of the room. Now there was a blue coloured wolf standing in the room, it seemed to be three arge tall with shoulders of the same length and around five arge long. The pressure that came from it didn't seem that strong compared to the other bosses they had fought, the others relaxed slightly when they saw it, safe two people. (What is something like that doing here in Erebonia?! That is impossible! Master Ka-Fai himself told me that this kind of monster was nearly non-existent in this part of the continent. Focus Schwarzer! That isn't important right now, I have to get the others to leave, now!)
"Seems like we got lucky this time around it doesn't seem to be that scary, perhaps…"
"We are leaving right now! Fie, you come with me to distract it while the others leave don't underestimate it and just focus on dodging! Gaius, Laura you cover the others while they are retreating! Move it people!" Eliot was interrupted from what he was saying by Reans sudden yelling, the others weren't expecting this order from him and couldn't understand why which led to a short moment of hesitation. Before they could move the wolf released another howl and ice started to appear around the door sealing the only exit out of the room.
"Dammit, we were too late! Alright, new plan! Gaius, Laura, Fie you are with me on the front line! Jusis, you are on the middle to attack with your Arts unless it breaks through the front do not engage it with your sword, Arts only! Eliot, analyse it first then be ready to support us with Healing and Support Arts, don't cast anything else besides those arts. The rest of you try to break through that ice, we need to have an escape route in case that we can't defeat it! (Alright, now concentrate and be prepared to call out the ogre, for that I need to use 'Frozen Heart'.)"
This was the first time the entire class had seen Rean so serious and considering on how the monster had sealed away the exit and how their hesitation had made that possible, guilt soon appeared inside them, to make up for their mistake they followed his orders as soon as he gave them. (Good, perhaps we can get out of this without anyone getting hurt. I must be really careful now the last time I faced one of these, I had to go all out with my powers to win. But compared to that one this wolf seems one or two level weaker perhaps with the Links we should be able to overpower it but if not, well in that case I can just introduce it to the ogre in me. I still want to know how in Gehenna there a Spirit Class monster is here.)
With the others in position and linked up Rean was the first one to make a move, "Sixth Form: Arc Slash!" like he had expected the monster nimbly dodged the slash shaped projectile right where Fie was waiting to attack it with her gun swords, she fired several rounds of bullets but to everyone surprise they were blocked by an ice shield the monster had conjured in the blink of an eye, the next attack was an pincer attack combining Laura's Earth Cleaver and Gaius Gale Stinger which the monster also evaded by simply jumping back and launching its own attack with another howl. From out of nowhere ice spikes appeared from the floor, Gaius just sidestep it, Fie made a summersault to dodge it and gain distance, Laura used her great sword as a shield and Rean just used an Iai attack to destroy the ice.
When the rest saw how the monster was avoiding each attack and how it had still managed to counterattack so fast, made them realise why Rean was so serious about this opponent. After its counterattack the wolf made no other move besides starring at its opponents watching them for any weakness it could exploit which suited Rean just fine since this gave the others enough time to get rid of the ice blocking the exit. Rean focused his senses on the wolf so that he wouldn't miss any move it made, the others did the same for a while no one moved so it came as an surprise when Rean was once again the first one to move and even used the same technique as before the only difference on it was that the slash was now covered in flames and this time it wasn't fired towards their opponent but toward his classmates who were trying to melt the ice.
It became soon clear why, somehow another giant ice spike had silently appeared above the three in the back and Rean projectile managed to destroy it to the point that nothing remained, the wolf used this short opening when Rean had fired his technique to jump towards the swordsman back, luckily Jusis had already the perfect art ready for the monster, "Dark Matter!" with that Space Art the monster was dragged from mid-air back to where it had been while suffering some small wounds on its body, not missing this chance to attack again Fie, Gaius and Laura attacked at the same time. Thanks to that they managed to hit it, but their joy was short lived when they saw that the wolf was now covered in a thin armour of ice that took the brunt of their attacks, having already experienced this attack once they jumped away from it was the moment the ice spikes started to from again. The standoff from before appeared again but this time Machias kept a lookout for another surprise attack from the monster and was ready to fire his shotgun the moment he saw ice appearing.
"Guys, I am sorry, but my staff can't analyse it, it comes back as inconclusive, what should I do?!"
"What, but that is impossible! Instructor Makarov told us that while they can't analyse every monster it should be able to give us at least a rough reading on their weakness no matter what monster they are, should I try then? (Could it be that because it is a cryptid our staffs can't analyse it?!)" Unknown to Emma the same thought was going through Reans mind, "No Eliot, forget scanning it just concentrate on healing us in case we need it, Emma you should just concentrate on getting rid of that ice."
Seeing that it didn't have any more chances for an ambush, the wolf decided to attack with its claws and ice spikes, what followed was a fast exchange between Class VII and their opponent, they managed to keep the balance up with defending against the monster and attacking it at the same time, though their advantage with numbers meant that they also managed to land more attacks, unluckily any damage was softened thanks to the monsters ice armour, that managed to recreate it anytime that it was destroyed.
Looking back from her position Alisa managed to see Rean narrowly avoiding getting pierced by a spike which drove her frustration up the roof, (Dammit, the ice isn't melting fast enough but what should we do?! Both me and Emma are already using Heatwave to melt it down but it slow going. Think Alisa think, you can't always leave it to Rean to come with solutions to our problems. Come on, think!) A short moment later an idea appeared, "(That could work and since my Master Quartz reached Level Three it should be possible that my EP are high enough now to use it.) Emma, I got an idea but will need your and Machias help for this."
Machias and Emma were brought up to speed on her idea though both had some misgivings about it, in theory it was possible besides the sooner they could join in the fight the better it would be for the others, having warned Elliot and Jusis about what was going to happen, all three went to work Machias and Emma activated continuously the Earth Lance Art making them big enough to reach the ceiling and close enough to each other so that there was no gasp between them until the exit was also covered with earth leaving just a hole big enough to fit an Arcus inside of it, done with that part of the plan, Alisa put the strongest flame quartz that she had on her, Flare Bomb, into her orbement and began casting it until she felt that it had reached its limits terms of temperature and power, just to throw the Art into the hole that was quickly closed with another Earth Lance. Taking cover on the sides of the walls they waited until the flames that had exploded between the earth and ice which had no way out reached their limits and explodes to the site that had the less resistant which was the Earth Lances with a loud boom.
Looking at their results they found out that while the ice had completely disappeared, the wooden door itself had not even a scratch on it but at least they could now leave if they wanted to, "Rean we have melted the ice! What should do now? Join the fight or retreat?!" Risking a quick look behind him Rean saw that they had now an escape route in case thing went south, "(That is one less thing to worry about, now what should we do? Keep fighting or leave? It is weaker than I had thought but that doesn't mean that I should underestimated it.) We will try to take it out in one attack if that doesn't work, we are leaving. Alisa, you try to pin it down with your Molten Rain attack and Jusis get another Dark Matter Art ready to make double sure that it stays in one place. Gaius and Machias you will cover us in case we have to retreat while Emma and Eliot get their arts ready to attack from afar."
Dodging another attack from the wolf Rean used that opportunity to gain some distance from his adversary while giving out orders, "Laura and Fie the two of link up and get ready to use your strongest attack at the same time, timing will be crucial in this, the moment it gets hit it forms ice to protect it, but that amour is just made to endure one hit. Your Sylphid Dance should be fast enough to destroy that ice and at that moment Laura will attack the same spot with her Blade Dance, which should be enough to kill it but in case it is not I will also follow up with my Flame Slash."
With their orders Class VII went to work, Alisa used her Molten Rain to unleash a volley of arrows in a fixed area, forcing the wolf the summon its ice armour the defend against the rain of arrows and stopping its movements while Jusis made sure that it couldn't move from that spot with his art, as a bonus 'Dark Matter' managed to make the ice disappear from its body, seeing this opening began Fie using her dance like planned while Laura followed behind her. For moment it was working like Rean had planned it, each strike of Fie was followed with one from Laura giving the monster a deep wound with each strike. What followed next was something no one had expected, and no one could say what had caused it perhaps it was just bad luck or since this was the first time these two had tried their ultimate attacks at the same time with each other it was bound to happen or perhaps the girls weren't truly synchronize with one another but Fie gun sword and Laura's great sword hit each other at the same time which threw them both off balance and to the ground, giving the monster the opportunity to strike back with its full power.
Howling as loudly as possible the temperature in the room began descending towards freezing and the others could see how several gigantic ice spikes began to form on the ground preparing to impale Fie and Laura before the others could react the spikes were launched towards their targets. The next moment every living being in the room including the humans and monster felt something that caused them to shudder, and it didn't come from the low temperature either.
(Spirit Control! Flame Slash!) Seeing the two girls in mortal danger Rean called upon his power at that moment and coated his tachi in flames but unlike the normal orange flames these were violet colour and seemed to possess even greater heat than the oranges ones, moving so quickly that everyone just saw a blur the ogre dashed forward to slash at every single ice spike in the room cutting them into pieces, including the monster. The slashes were so fast that the mist only appeared after the ice hit the ground in reaction to it meeting a high temperature flame covering both monster and demon from everyone sight, but that just happened after the ogre was done with his attack. The mist disappeared after just a short moment showing the unmoving monster Wolf and Rean behind it with his tachi in his hands holding it a downward position.
Regaining their bearing at the same time Gaius and Eliot dashed towards the girls who were still on the ground staring blankly at what just happened, the moment Gaius was close enough to attack the monster, it suddenly got cut perfectly in half before it disappeared in a flash of light, at the same time Rean fell to his knees releasing his tachi letting it fall to the ground while gasping loudly for breath and his hand over his heart. The others had arrived beside Laura and Fie but froze when they saw this scene, with only Alisa reacting fast enough to run towards the swordsman, "Rean! Are you alright?! What did you do?! Do you need Healing Arts?!"
Patting the hand of the nervous archer who was holding his shoulder to keep him from falling forward, Rean tried to calm her down, "I am alright, Alisa, just a bit exhausted nothing more and I don't need any Arts. How are Fie and Laura? I think I was fast enough to cut the spikes down before they hit them but…" Rean tried to get up, but his body wouldn't move, (I certainly didn't miss this pain that comes from using Spirit Control, it has certainly been a while since I last used it. But it wasn't like I had any choice in this, if I hadn't used my powers Fie and Laura could have been hurt or worse, now I just hope that I was fast enough so that the others didn't notice anything different about me though if they had I don't think that Alisa would be at my side right now asking me if I was alright.)
The others were now also at his side with Eliot checking him over for any injuries, "Rean, what just happened? Me and Laura were on the ground watching those ice spikes coming closer and the next moment they are cut in pieces and mist is everywhere while you suddenly appear behind the monster. Did you do all that?"
"Well, I kind of used my trump card, to take this monster out and to save you two. (Seems like I am in the clear for now, if even Fie couldn't follow my movements.) You can stop now Eliot, I am fine." Rean found himself on the receiving end of eight glares from his classmates, "I think I will be the judge of that, Rean and if I find anything wrong with you, we are carrying you to Instructor Beatrix immediately!"
In a way it was good to see Eliot take charge, since the redhead could use some confidence in himself, so Rean just let him do his thing while trying to explain to them what was exactly wrong with him so that they could stop worrying, "Fine, if it makes you feel better then go ahead but I can already tell you what is wrong with me. That craft of mine gives me for a short moment more strength and speed than I normally have, the drawback is that it kind of overburdens my body which makes it really a last resort kind of technique."
"Was that the same craft you were going to use against the provincial soldiers back in Celtic?"
"Yes Laura, the same one though this time we did end needing it." Rean noticed the looks of guilt on her face and Fie and understood that they were feeling probably guilty since it was their failed attack that forced him to use Spirit Control, "There is no need for that, you two. You were just unlucky, beside this is kind of my fault. I should have thought that this could happen since this was the first the two of you worked together like that, if anything I owe you an apology for putting you in danger like that." This managed to snap them out of their funk but before they could protest against his apology Alisa cut in with a so calm voice that everyone presented suddenly was reminded of a volcano before it exploded, "What is the verdict, Eliot?"
Having finished with his check-up, Eliot took one more look at his friend before saying, "From what I can see he is fine besides some muscle pain like he said but I would feel better if Instructor Beatrix could also take a look at him in case, I missed anything."
"Then that is what we are going to do, right now! Are we understood, Rean?" Gulping loudly Reans protests disappeared quickly with just one look in her eyes, (Oh boy somehow, I would rather deal with hundreds of those wolves than with Alisa right now. Oh well, it is small price to pay if they are safe.) Helping him stand up the archer lend him her shoulder to hang on as they made their way out of the room towards the teleporter, seeing the mood the others were in, made Rean stop for a moment though Alisa wanted to keep moving and was nearly dragging him until he asked her to stop, "Just a moment Alisa, please." Grinding her teeth, the archer gave him a look that said, 'Make it a short one!'.
"Eliot, thanks to your Healing Arts, we managed to keep on fighting even when we got hit, look at us not one wound can be found on all of us. Alisa, Emma and Machias the three of you managed to get us an escape route in case we needed it, and you may think that you didn't help in the actual fight but that isn't the truth it helps every fighter when he knows that he can retreat safely at any time. Jusis, your support with your Arts was a blessing in that fight, it was thanks to you that we managed to land so many hits as we did. Gaius, Laura, Fie you were on the front line with me to keep that monster occupied which gave the others enough time to do their parts and kept them safe."
Smiling warmly at his classmates Rean went on with his speech, "That was the strongest monster that we have defeated until now, you all should be proud of yourselves, there is no need for you all to be so down. Though I have a guess to why, I think it is better if you just said out loud and get it off your chest." The others shared uneasy looks with each other until Eliot stepped forward, "I knew that we are fighting against monsters and some injuries are inevitable but today when Fie and Laura were nearly attacked by those spikes drove made remember that fact vividly home!"
Looking around Rean could see that most of the others felt the same way, though Gaius, Laura and Fie were feeling it less since they had already experienced real combat instead of the controlled ones the others were used to, "Guys, I can't promise you that situation like this won't happen ever again, we are students of a Military Academy who are being sent across the empire for our field studies, combat situations are an part of the curriculum. The only real thing we can do is to prepare and train for every situation and perhaps that won't be enough but there is a reason why we are spilt up in groups, so that we can watch each other's back and thanks to the combat links we are also good at it, too. So, wipe those frowns away because if someone should be feeling down it should be me."
That managed to surprise the others since they hadn't expected for Rean to complain about anything, "I mean, I am on my way to see Instructor Beatrix because I am kind of hurt which means that I will probably get a lecture from her, and I am sure that as soon as I get back to the dorm this one." Raising his hand, he used his thump to point at Alisa, "Will give me a throughout scolding for hours and knowing my luck she will also write a letter to my mother to tell her about this which means I can expect either a letter from her to reprimand me or Aidios forbid another visit just to scold me some more. Woe is me!"
Rean overdramatic tone and actions managed to lessen the gloomy mood the others had, "Seems like you know what is going to happen next, that is good and don't worry I know that you are tired so I will keep the scolding to just four hours today and the rest for tomorrow and since you are done with your cheesy speeches, we can finally go see Instructor Beatrix." The others joined in with teasing him about his corny speeches.
(Well, at least this should be enough for now, still I should talk with the Principal, Instructor Sara and Instructor Beatrix if they can also talk with them about what happened here. This could leave a shadow in their hearts if this isn't handled properly, especially with Eliot and Emma, they are the more delicate ones in class. As soon as I get the chance, I will try to talk with the instructors about this, though to be honest I am not looking forward to the scolding that I will get from this.) With these thoughts in his head Rean let Alisa guide/drag him towards the now functioning teleporter.
