Trails of Eastern Steel

by TF1990

This a rewrite of the first Cold Steel game, with some twists concerning Rean Schwarzer, the rest of the story will mostly follow canon. -Instead of training in Ymir, Rean left with his Master to travel the eastern part of the Continent. -Emphasis on Rean/Alisa -A more experienced, but still as dense and insecure (maybe a bit more than canon) Rean. -Can somewhat control his Power

18. The Nord Highlands

Hello Soup100, thanks for leaving another review on my story and for liking it so far. Regarding Charle Noir, well I can't say too much about him since I don't want to spoil my plans for him so perhaps you are right or perhaps not ;) . Regarding the Fox, no it isn't the Divine Blade of Silver but you will who it is in this chapter here. I hope you and the other readers enjoy this chapter since this is one of my favourite points in the game, so I hope I did it justice and that you all enjoy it.

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Gaius let his classmates enjoy the view of his home for a few more moments before he redirected their attention to the four horses waiting for them, before coming to the Highlands Gaius had already told them that they would have to use horses as a form of transportation since the distance between locations was far too big to do on foot and still have time left to complete the requests that were surely waiting for them. Luckily for them they had four people out of five who could ride on horses, which left Emma to ride with Alisa on the same horse.

"…. Honestly, I suppose words are woefully inadequate in the face of such majesty." Even the famed Nord horses that Jusis had been looking forward to seeing, couldn't take away his attention from the scenery in front of them, the others agreed with him, causing Gaius to give them a grin in return, "Glad, that you all think so. But as much as I would like to give you all the time you want to take it in, we do have to leave now if want to reach the settlement before nightfall and it isn't like you can't enjoy it some more while we travel."

With that reminder, the others got on the horses, Emma like planned sat behind Alisa on the same horse, after making sure that the class president was secured on the saddle, one of the nearby soldiers gave Rean and the others a detailed map of the Highland in case that Gaius got separated from them, done with that the four horses started running forward.

"Sigh, it has been long time since I was able to enjoy riding a horse trough such a large plain, I nearly forgot of incredible this feels." Agreeing with Rean, Alisa made her go faster, "It really is! I feel like I am one with wind!" which caused Emma to lurch forward to grab Alisa's waist tightly, "Indeed… but if you didn't go too fast, that would be great." Grinning at the girl, the archer was tempted to go even faster but decided against it after seeing Emma's eyes looking at her pitifully.

"I am sure that during this field study, it will begin to feel natural. No doubt the Riding Club would be fuming with envy if they could see us now."

"Haha, glad to hear you all enjoying this. My home settlement is due northeast of here, if we can keep this speed up, we should have no problem to reach it before sundown." From that point on Group A ran towards their goal while enjoying their environment, even Jusis and Alisa were as excited as children during their journey, the archer had even at one point, yelled an 'Yoohooo' out loud just to show her excitement, grinning at her, Rean was really happy that this had pushed the meeting she had with her mother from her mind, though when she caught his grin at her she just struck out her tongue at him, causing him to laugh out.

During their journey, Gaius took this opportunity to teach them some landmarks that they could use to get their bearing on the plains, though the most noticeable were the Watchtower from the Imperial Army, a big triangular rock sitting in the middle of the highlands and what according to Gaius were the ruins of the old Neolithic civilization that had existed around a thousand years ago on this land, after that they made swift progress towards their destination, reaching the settlement just before the sun disappeared from the horizon.

In a clearing were dozens of tents spread around, with some sheep and horses that were surrounded by fences while Rean could see people moving around the tents, (Hmm, I think Gaius called them Yutzes? Seems like we can leave our horses over there.) The rest followed Gaius who leads them to a place where they could dismount and leave their horses, done with that, Group A took in the settlement, something about the place made them feel a bit wistful for their own homes.

"We don't actually stay in this place all year round, sometime between summer and fall we move towards another area further in the north, which I think is the primary reason why people call us nomads. The yutz are made with thick cloth and designed so we can put them up and take them down pretty easily. Anyway, let me show you to my home first. Afterwards we can go greet the elder…"

"Broooooooo!" Stopping midsentence Gaius turned around to see, a small girl running towards him while calling out to him, spreading his arms wide Gaius knelt down to embrace the girl with a big hug before standing up with her in his arms, before he could say anything the people hugging him doubled with another girl, this one visible older than the other one, while an boy was looking at him with a big smile on his face, "Welcome home! We missed you, bro! Though that should be obvious from seeing these two."

Laughing loudly, Gaius also embraced the boy with one arm while the other was carrying the little girl, "Hey, Thomas, Lily, Sheeda. I am back." The others watched this scene warmly, letting their friend enjoy his reunion with his siblings, "Aww, they are so cute. Watching them makes me wish I had a little sister or brother of my own. You are pretty lucky that you have Elise, Rean."

Chuckling at Alisa pouting, Rean just told her, "Don't I know it, perhaps you can ask Elise next time you two meet, if she wouldn't mind becoming your honorary little sister."

"Oh, really? You wouldn't mind sharing?" Making a show of thinking seriously about that for a moment, Rean gave her a teasing smile in return, "If it was anyone else, then the answer would have been a resounding hell no, but since it is you, I will share my little sister with you reluctantly." The two may have tried to be as quiet as possible as not to disturb Gaius and his siblings but didn't remember that they were two other people around who were watching them while wearing grins on their faces at both displays, though it didn't take long before the boy noticed them, "Oh, hey. Are these the people you wrote about in your letters?"

Still keeping his siblings close to him, Gaius told him, "They are indeed. The illustrious, industrious Class VII. Let me introduce you to them, guys this here is Thomas my younger brother. This budding young Lady is Sheeda, and this bundle of energy is Lily, they are both my little sisters." The others presented themselves to Gaius family, though it didn't take before they were joined by another pair, "Haha. I am glad to see you have been blessed with such wonderful friends, my son."

"Dad, Mom. I am home." The older woman stepped forward to give her oldest son a hug, while the man clapped him on his shoulders while smiling at him, "Welcome home, Gaius." Turning away from him, the woman greeted the rest of Group A, "It is a pleasure to finally meet you all. I am Gaius mother, Fatma."

This caused some surprise to them especially to the girls, "…His m-mother…? But you look so young." Looking pleased with that remark, Fatma gave both girls a grin that was so like Gaius own, that they could see where he got it from, "Hehe. Flattery will get you everywhere."

"I am Gaius' father, Lacan Worzel. I am very glad to meet my son's friends and schoolmates, I have prepared a place for you all to stay while you are our guests, please come with me, this way you can put your bags away and join us for dinner, since there is much to discuss." Thanking the older man, they followed him and did as he suggested, and afterwards they greeted the elders of the tribe, done with their greetings they were led into a big tent and offered a place around the fireplace while Fatma gave them their dinner.

Done with eating Group A praised the cook for her skills, completing her with the deserved praise such a delicious meal had earned, after offering to help clean up and not taking no for an answer. Group A found themselves sitting with Lacan who explained some things to them, "The land of Nord is nothing if not a free country, I have no doubt your time here will make for a unique experience, though not without inconveniences here and there. Still, these highlands have plenty history with your own homeland, especially with the tales of Emperor Dreichels exploits."

"You must be the one who chose our tasks for this month's field study, am I right?"

"That you are, Alisa. Though the hour is already late, I will give you, your tasks in the morning. For now, I would suggest that you go rest since those tasks are going to take you through a big area tomorrow, starting with the southwest area, you travelled through today. I nearly forgot, we rise before the sun here, so sleep well. Morning will come sooner than you think." After Group A thanked the Worzel family for the meal and hospitality, they made their way inside their tent, where four beds were waiting for them, "Sorry. I know you girls probably would have preferred separate rooms but, this was the only yutz that we could spare for you all during your stay here."

"Don't worry about it. Rean and Jusis are both gentlemen, after all. We have nothing to worry about."

"Well…. Jusis, I am sure of but the other one not so much. You wouldn't perhaps have some iron chains around here that we could use, just to be sure?" Rean rolled his eyes at Alisa teasing remark, though he was clearly amused at it since it brought back memories from the last time, they had to share a room.

"Very funny, Alisa. You will be staying over at your family's place, then?"

"My sisters both insisted on it, I couldn't have turned them down with them using their puppy eyes at me. Will it be all right if I come in and wake you guys up at sunrise?"

"Yeah, that sounds fine. Though, I am sure that one of us will already be awake and ready to go at that time." Seeing the amused looks thrown his way, Rean didn't say anything in return because he knows that it was the truth, so he and the rest wished Gaius a goodnight and walked to his bed to go to sleep, while the rest followed his example, "I feel like I am going to fall asleep the moment my head hits the pillow."

"Yeah, I am the same even though we only sat on the train for most of the day, I am still oddly tired, combined with that delicious meal just now and I am ready to sleep till morning. I must remember to ask Fatma to write her recipes down for me, I am sure that Sharon is more than capable of making meal like that. Alright, you two. Good night and no peeking Rean, you hear me."

"Ha, Ha, Ha, don't worry Alisa, I will try to restrain myself."

"Don't try, just do it." The banter between them caused both Emma and Jusis to snicker at them, "Anyway, I think that is enough for now. We should go to sleep, we have an early wakeup call coming soon, so we should get as much sleep as we can. Good night, guys." With that the rest also bade him a good night and pulled up their curtains to get some privacy to change and go to bed, Rean made sure that his curtain was able to hide him from the rest,

(I know that it is just a matter of time until we will have our first swimming lesson and they will see these and what I have on my back, although I already have prepared my answers on what I will tell them. I am not looking forward to that conversation, especially with Alisa, lately she really is starting to see me through more and more. Perhaps I shouldn't have taught her the basics of the Unclouded Eyes to combine it with her archery skills, no I shouldn't think like that. That is a problem for future me, for now I should go to sleep and rest. Tomorrow will be a busy day, after all.)

The moment Rean closed his eyes, it seemed like just a moment had passed and it was already dawn, he got out of bed and stretched his body, those actions he did automatically without thinking until he remembered then that he was in the Highlands with his friends, spreading his senses around, he could sense that his friends were still asleep and that there were already some people up and running to do their morning chores outside of the tent, (I feel surprisingly energetic, maybe it is the clean air or that great food we had yesterday. Being here makes me remember the times where Master and I had to camp and train in the wilderness, can't believe I would ever miss master's surprise attacks from back then. It took a while until I stopped reacting to every presence that came close to me when I was sleeping.)

Taking care to not make any noises, Rean got dressed and stepped outside to see the sun coming up from the horizon and feeling the crisp air around him, looking around he saw that some people were feeding the animals and other such tasks. Glancing around again Rean caught sight of Gaius preparing to feed the sheep, the reason why he had overlooked him at first was because he wasn't wearing the usual red uniform, but clothes that were of the same style his parents and siblings had worn yesterday.

Strolling to Gaius, he picked on of the feeding bag and started to help with giving the sheep their meal, surprised that someone was helping him, since this was usually a one-person job, the lancer looked to his side to see Rean smiling at him, "Morning, Gaius. You don't mind me helping, right?"

Shaking his head at that question, he returned his attention to the sheep while grinning at his friend, "Alisa was right, that you would be already up at this hour, though I am not really surprised even back in Trista you got up this early every day."

"What can I say? I am already used to being awake at this hour since I have been doing it for years, it would actually feel weirder to sleep in, than waking up at this time." While chatting with each other, they finished their feeding task and returned to the tent to wake the others up, "Alisa, Emma, Jusis. Rise and shine, everyone. It is officially the crack of dawn."

"…...Are those….sheep? Wait, is it already morning?"

"…Uhm…glasses, glasses…"

Watching their friends try to shake the cobwebs from their heads, made the early risers grin at each other and after waiting for a few minutes they appeared behind the curtains while still yawning and rubbing the sleep from their eyes "Geez, even if I am already somewhat used to waking up at this hour from training with you Rean. It doesn't make it easier; I could use one or three cups of strong coffee right now."

"I already told you numerous times that you don't have to follow me in my morning training."

"And I already told you, that someone must keep an eye on you so that you don't get too reckless. At this point I have conceded that I can't stop you completely from being reckless, but I can at least try to keep it to a minimum." Before Rean could retort at that, Jusis butt in their conversation, "While I usually don't time mind you two flirting with each other, please wait until I am properly awake or have some coffee inside me." Not bothering to wait for them, Jusis went outside to go the Gaius family tent, in the hopes of getting something to eat that would waking properly.

That seemed to wake Alisa enough to wipe the sleepily look off her face, "F-flirting?! Who is flirting with who?! We are just discussing his unnatural habit of getting into trouble without supervision!" Rean wisely kept his mouth shut feeling that being quiet at this point was better than saying something wrong and having Alisa be mad at him for the next few hours, though that didn't stop him from sending dirty looks at the other two who were clearly enjoying the situation too much for his taste.

During breakfast Alisa kept sending glares at Jusis who simply ignored them, the archer didn't say anything out of two reasons, the first because Gaius family was there and she didn't want to seem rude and two because breakfast like dinner was far too delicious, "I really need to get this recipe from you, too…." Sheeda and Lily who had prepared the breakfast went into explaining what they used and how to make it in more details, while Alisa was writing down the necessary steps, watching these both Fatma and Lacan turned to smile at their eldest son,

"Your friends seem like such nice people."

"It would seem the winds have blessed you with their guidance."

Returning the smiles of his parents Gaius couldn't agree more when he looked at his friends, after they were done eating and cleaning up, Lacan gave Group A an envelope containing their tasks for this morning, there were three requests inside, one was from Lt General Zechs Vander regarding a monster extermination, the next was from the doctor of the settlement requesting their help in gathering some herbs that he needs and the last one was to delivery something to the Watchtower.

Gaius father left them to plan how they would handle the requests after telling them to try and finish them before the midday meal because he had others requests to give to them in the afternoon, after discussing how they could best use their time to fulfil every request, Group A made their way towards the doctor who explained to them, that he needed the herbs to make a vaccine for the horses and told them the general area where they could be found. Done with that they moved to the next person, who was an elderly woman responsible for running a small general store for the tribe.

On the display were some rather lovely looking souvenirs, deciding that perhaps a gift to both his mother and sister would get him on their good side for once, he bought two for them and one for his father while ignoring Alisa's (accurately) remark that he was just trying to bribe them. Making sure not to forget to buy some for the rest of their class and friends at Thors, finished with their shopping Kitte, the owner, explained that she wanted them to deliver a food parcel to the soldiers working at the Watch Tower.

Done with hearing the details of the requests in the settlement, the students took out the map of Highlands and plotted the best course to get the herbs, swing by Zender Gate for more information on the monster and end at the Watchtower with the food delivery.

After thanking Thoma and Lily for their help in preparing their horses, Group A galloped out of the settlement into the plains, on their trip yesterday they had managed to avoid all the monsters on the way, this time they wouldn't have such luck since some of those herbs were treated as a delicacy by monsters meaning that they would have to fight them. The monsters in the highlands were a bit stronger than the ones they had faced during their last investigation at the old schoolhouse, though thankfully Gaius assured them that a strong monster like the Ice Wolf was incredibly rare in the southwest area with the military making regular patrols to eliminate the more dangerous ones regularly.

With the horses, they made good time while searching for the herbs and fighting off the monsters around them so just under two hours later they had met their quota for the number of herbs needed and had enough time to get a good look around the ruins they had seen yesterday and arrived at the military base where they were led to the office of the Lt. General.

"Good morning, Class VII. Thank you for coming, looks you were able to get a good night's rest after your long journey." They greeted the Lt. General and thanked him for the horses and the map, waving their thanks away, Zechs grinned at Gaius, "No need for thanks, it was the least I could do to welcome Gaius back to his homeland."

"Thank you very much and for having helped me in enrolling at the academy, since I am sure that I wouldn't have been able to enter without your recommendation, Sir. I am truly grateful for it." Unable to surpress his curiosity Jusis asked what was also on the others mind, "Please forgive me for asking but I can hardly imagine the circumstances that would give cause for a nomad to meet an imperial officer and earn him a recommendation to Thors."

"Haha, it does boggle the mind, doesn't it?" Fondly looking at Gaius, he recalled the circumstances of their first meeting, "I actually owe a great debt to Gaius, he saved my life. We first met around a year ago back when I took up my post here at Zender Gate. While out on an inspection of the highlands, I found myself surrounded by a pack of wolf like beasts. …. Then, out of nowhere, young Gaius comes galloping in, spear in hand to pull me out of the encirclement and getting me back in one piece to the base."

Also remembering that event, the lance could only shake his head at his past action, "It was like a textbook definition of acting without thinking, like Rean here is prone to do." Grinning at the look the black-haired youth was giving his friend, Zechs went on, "No, no. You should be proud of yourself. There I was, on the defensive, cautiously gauging my best course of action, when you barrelled into the fray, all alone and fought off the lot of them giving us a chance to escape."

"And that was a year ago when he was just sixteen? Unbelievable, though it does sound wild enough to be a true Gaius story, though do we need to worry about you pulling something like that again because I think one Rean is enough for this group." Before Rean could protest to that, the lance went on while smirking at the swordsman, "No need to worry about that, I shall leave all future reckless actions to Rean. Anyway, that is how the Lieutenant General, and I first became acquainted. As thanks he wrote me the recommendation that allowed me to enrol at Thors Military Academy."

"I saw a lot of potential in you. Figured it would be a shame if you were never given the chance to realise it, but I am glad to see you again, Gaius. Anyway, as much as I would like to talk with you students, we all have work to do. Are you ready for me to explain what I would like you to do?" Standing at attention, Group A gave him their undivided focus,

"The monster that I want you to hunt down is a ferocious beast and a very dangerous one to boot. I have had reports coming in of people being attacked on their way across the highlands. My first thought was to send the tanks after it but unfortunately it never stays in any one place for too long. Making deploying our tanks to surround it too difficult, I was going to deploy a small platoon of soldiers to kill it but then you appeared, and I thought that this would be a good training opportunity for you all. Of course, your safety is the first priority here and if you can't defeat it, I want you all to escape immediately and report back to me, are we understood?"

"Yes, Sir." Nodding at them, the Lt. General gave them the possible locations of the monster along with every information they had on it, making sure to learn everything they could about their opponent, Group A left the base to look for their target, luckily for them it didn't take long until they found the target. Its appearance was that of a huge Rhinocider, far bigger compared to the ones they had run into while searching for the herbs which combined with the intel, they received from the military made it easy to plan a strategy to fight it.

"Physical attacks can't do much damage against its thick hide, so we will have to rely on Arts for most of the fight, thankfully we already know that its biggest weakness is against Wind, followed by Water. Me and Gaius will take on the task of keeping it occupied while the three of you cast your Arts from the back. Here are some quartzes containing Airstrike, Spark Arrow and I am sorry but I have just one containing Judgement Bolt…..is something wrong guys? Why are you looking at me like that?"

Rean stopped talking when noticed the looks his friends were sending his way, looking from him to the quartzes in his hand Emma, asked what was on the tongue of the others, "We are just wondering where you got so many Wind quartzes from?"

Oh, these? From George, I had to exchange all my sepith to get all the first and second ranked Arts from each element and some of the third rank though, unfortunately I didn't have enough to get more than one of that rank before coming to Nord. I was planning on correcting that after we returned…"

"Wait, wait! What do you mean, you exchanged Arts for ALL the elements?! Why would even to do that, you don't use Orbal Arts that much besides the occasional Fire Ball." Now it was Rean turned to look confused at them, "I asked George to make them in case we need to put a particular element in the Arcus to use in a fight…."

Rean got even more confused when he saw them exchanged looks with each other that were clearly full of fond annoyance before Alisa stretched her hand out, "Rean, could you show me please all the quartzes you have exchanged?" Something in her tone, let him think that it was better to comply with her request so gave her the pooch containing the quartzes he had prepared, opening it she and the others saw several pieces of each element neatly put in order of their rank, just with a quick look Alisa could roughly calculated how many sepith he must have used to get this many,

"Rean, you must have used at least used nearly three thousand pieces of each element to get this many, you have both Attack and Support Arts here! Where in Aidioses name did you get that many sepith from?!" Raising his hands, Rean tried to calm down the archer and from the looks his friends were giving him they too were not pleased with him at the moment though for the life of him, he couldn't understand why, "I would say half of that was the sepith I earned after I had unlocked all my slots and the rest came from the ones I brought with me when I came to the academy. Is there a problem?"

Releasing a groan Jusis locked at him and tried to explain it to him, "Rean, if Alisa is right, you gave more than over fifty thousand mira to make quartzes that you won't use but want us to use. There is a limit before being selfless turns into idiocy! What were you thinking?!"

"I was thinking that since we won't always have the luck to have someone with the Orbal Arts that corresponds to the elemental weakness of monsters, the least I could do was to prepare the quartzes of each element to cover that possibility." Restraining her irritation at the swordsman since he had a point with his reasoning, Alisa tried to explain it to him why what he did was wrong or at least that he should have talked with first,

"That is a fair point, which to be honest we should have thought about that ourselves since we are the ones who use the most arts in our class but that doesn't excuse you using your own resources make all this for us! You should have come to the entire class and discussed it with us, before making the decision that you would cover us, this here is a lot of money, Rean. You could have used it on yourself." She stabbed her finger in his chest to drive her point in, though in her eyes he had the audacity to smile at her without any remorse.

"First of, it wasn't that much sepith. Give me a month or two and I can earn that much from the monsters around Trista and the old schoolhouse back, no problem. Second, you and I were the only ones able to unlock all our slots last month and while the rest of the class have caught up to that now, they shouldn't have much sepith remaining to make extra quartzes of different elements than the ones they are most comfortable with, or am I wrong?"

The looks on their faces told him that he was on point with his assessment, so he went on, "Third, you all should focus all your resources on building the best quartz combination that you can right now, that way you can improve the fastest which in turn means less danger for you in combat situations and that should be a priority for you all."

"Still, that doesn't mean that you must pay all this for us. You also should concentrate on doing the same." As an answer to Alisa and his friends argument he took out his Arcus and showed them to his build, there were three Attack quartzes of each rank (one to three), followed by a Suzaku followed with an Evade 2 and at the end were four Time quartzes Action 2 to 3 and Impede 1 to 2.

Upon seeing this Alisa added how much sepith he must have used to get all these high-ranking quartzes nearly doubling her previous estimate, (How and where did he get this much sepith from?! I mean, I followed him in his training and every venture into the old schoolhouse so he should have had as much as me, so the rest should have come from his own reserves but that still doesn't explain it. I know that he said that he used the monsters in the mountains around Ymir for practice. Still, he must have hunted them to near extinction to get this much.)

"Like you all can see my set up is now as strong as it can be for the moment, though another advantage of me asking for all these quartzes was that George said that the data he sent to the Institution in Roer should make it possible for him to upgrade his services, so that creating even stronger quartzes should be possible."

Conceding that he was right, the others could see that his actions will help them down the line but that didn't mean that he was off the hook, which was clear to see on their faces, "Alright, you got a point, again. But next time before you even think to use your own resources for us, you come to us to discuss it and in the future, we will exchange the right amount of sepith with you for these quartzes as soon we are able to, I think the others here and in Group B will support me on this."

The rest nodded behind her, knowing that any argument he could bring forth would just make them angrier at him, he gave his ok and gave them the quartzes needed for the fight. Thankfully the target hadn't moved much from its spot during the time they were discussing their strategy, circling around it they managed to sneak attack it from behind giving them enough advantages to start the fight with the upper hand.

Rean and Gaius started the fight with their crafts, Arc Slash and Gale Stinger delaying the monster enough that the rest of them was able to cast three Sparrow Arrows at the same time further damaging the monster. Snapping out of its daze the monster charged at them, but they were able to evade it easily since they had already seen the smaller Rhinociders use the same attack. From that point on they repeated the same pattern several times over, Rean and Gaius both used crafts to delay it enough for the others to use their Arts or draw its attention away from the backline with short attacks at the only soft spot on his body, its eyes.

The final strike belonged to Emma who used the rest of her EP points to cast the strongest Judgment Bolt that she could manage, sending the monster to its death. As proof from killing the monster Rean cut its big horn off, before joining the others on the horses to make their report to the Lt. General.

"So, you were able to defeat the beast? Excellent work! I really appreciate your assistance in this matter, here is your reward for completing this task. Don't try to deny it, you have more than earned it." Seeing that they were going to refuse the reward, Zechs cut them off before they could say anything, "Besides even if it's against a monster, I would rather avoid deploying my soldiers, since mobilizing troops tends to alarm certain people. This is a far better outcome for all concerned which makes sense for you all to receive a reward for your service."

After thanking him, they still chatted for a bit before leaving his office. On their way out, Gaius remembered that there still were some acquaintances, he hadn't seen yet. This was how Group A met both Sharl and her father Marx who worked at the cafeteria, it didn't take long for them to see that Sharl was a bit sweet on Gaius younger brother Thomas, which seemed to irk her overprotective father immensely. Gathering her courage, she asked Gaius if he knew Thomas favourite colour because she wanted to knit him a scarf in said colour as a thank you for having showed her around the settlement the last time she was there and after Gaius gave her his brother's favourite colour, the young girl thanked him while blushing.

Done with that they left the base to make their last stop before returning to Lacan for the rest of their tasks, approaching the Watchtower, Alisa was the first to notice something odd about it, "Looks like they have got the bare minimum in terms of facilities and armaments, though it doesn't distract from the imposing look you would expect from a military base."

"This tower was only built four years ago and from what the Lt. General told me it serves as more of a statement to the Republic instead of a true watchtower." Seeing the melancholic look on his face made it clear that Gaius seemed to have mixed feelings about it, which was strengthened by Reans next remark, "Bare minimum or not, it still looks kind of out of place her on the Highlands. Nonetheless, let's get a better look inside."

It didn't take long before they found the person Kitte wanted them to give the food parcel to, Private Zats was so grateful for it that he asked them to give Kitte a bottle of wine in return and as payment for the students he allowed to come with him to the top of the tower to get a good look from there. The first thing they noticed was the Republic base on the opposite of the tower, though it wasn't a massive outpost, it was reflecting the same thing as the tower did, that it was there just for appearances.

The other four noticed that Gaius had been oddly quiet since they entered the tower looking at the base with a grim lock on his face until they finally left and made their way back to his home, there they reported both their successes on the delivery to Kitte and the collection of the herbs for the doctor. They still had enough time left before the meal, that they offered to help around the settlement ignoring both Gaius and his father's pleas that they were guest and didn't need to help. The girls went with Fatma to help prepare the food while the boys followed Gaius and Thoma to help with the more manual jobs until it was time to eat.

They had worked quite an appetite this morning resulting in asking for seconds and thirds for them, each request made Fatma smile even more, done with eating they washed it down with tea prepared by Sheeda, which earned her high praises from Rean Alisa, Emma and Jusis for her tea skills. After they had helped clean up, Lacan gave them another envelope containing two tasks for them. The first was a request for help with holding a simple lesson for the children in the tribe and the other was to catch some sheep that had run away when one of the fences had broken down.

Deciding that finding the sheep seemed the more urgent request, they went to the owner Watari to ask for more details, luckily for them only three sheep had escaped, and they ran away in the same direction, southwest. Getting on their horses and with help from Gaius tracking skills, they managed to find them all and return them back, in less than an hour much to the relief from Watari that his sheep were unarmed from their little adventure.

Next, they tracked down the wife of the Elder, Jeda, who had requested a lesson for the children about the Empire, somehow the rest of the group decided that Rean was the best one suited for holding the lesson, so they dumped all the work on him. Rolling his eyes at them, Rean took in his supposed class for the next hour or so they included both Gaius sisters, plus an young boy that was the same age as Lily, called Cotan. Rean first started to introduce himself to the children and where he came from, since this had been an impromptu class there wasn't any material that Rean or Jeda had prepared so he let the students pick the questions they had regarding the Empire, the swordsman both taught and explained his answers in a way that was easy for the children to understand and follow.

This went on until they reached the end of their lesson where the children asked Rean to explain what the Nobility meant to him, (Wow, wasn't expecting that one. Let's see I don't think that there is a right or wrong answer here, but I still want them to understand what nobility represents.) The others he noticed seemed also interested in his answer.

"To me nobility, means to have pride in both his family and in their duty towards those they must guide and protect. For example, Lily, you told me that your father fights with mean monster to protect your tribe, right?" An enthusiastic nod came from her, "And that makes you feel proud of him, right?"

"Yes, Papa is the strongest." Patting her head, he looked at the boy next to her, "Cotan and your father is the doctor responsible for both the people and the animals, right? And you are as proud of him as Lily is of Lacan, aren't you?" A shy yes came from him, "Both of them to me are very noble people, comparable to the highest nobles of Erebonia. They both do their duty as asked and with pride, while you are swelling with pride inside of you for them. Nobility should be about setting an example to inspire other people to do the same. I know what I just said isn't easy to understand but if you wanted my opinion about the Noble system represents then this is my answer."

Only Sheeda seemed to have an inkling of what he meant while the other two were just glad that he had praised their fathers, his classmates on the other hand were discussing his answer with each other and while he couldn't hear what they were saying they at least seemed to smile at him for it. Jeda approached the children to ask them to thank him for his lesson, head patting both youngest children he left to re-join the others, though he could see that the Elder was running towards them.

"Everyone, do you have a minute for me, please? I have a rather urgent request for you all." This got their attention while they waited for him to explain, "This morning a cameraman from the Empire arrived at the settlement while you all were away and asked if we could tell him about some of historically monuments here in Nord because he is writing an article about such things. I told him about the stone circle in the southwest and about both the Guardian and the ancient quarry in the northeast area. He then asked if I or someone else could show these places to him, I was going to ask Lacan if he could do it after he was finished with his chores but now, I realized that Norton had already left. The children saw him leave towards the northeast area on foot while I am sure that he has ways to defend himself from the monsters roaming around, I would rather be safe than sorry. Could you all please go search for him and keep him safe until he returns to the settlement, please?"

The elder looked at them with hope in his eyes, Group A didn't even need to discuss it between them just a short look with everyone and they were already getting ready to move out. The elder thanked them and returned with his wife Jeda back to their duties, while wishing good luck to the students. Riding their horses, they soon reached the northeast area of the plains, "The wind here feels so nice and seems somewhat different compared to the southwest."

"Oh, well done on noticing the difference, Alisa. That is due to all the sheer cliffs around here, it gives the wind in this area a unique feel. The wind takes many forms and bestow countless blessings on the people of Nord."

"Well, I can see why your people place such importance on the wind. Hmm… is something wrong Rean? It isn't every day that I see you with such a stunned look on your face." On hearing Jusis remark, the rest looked at the black-haired boy who like Jusis had described was looking stunned in one direction, "…O-oh, nothing really. I was just looking at that cliff over there. But it seems like I have a problem with my eyes, or does it really look like there is something buried in it? Like… some kind of giant?"

The others looked first at him to see if he was joking before turning towards the direction he was pointing, though if they had turned in the other direction, they would have seen that Gaius was smiling to himself since he already knew what had surprised his friend, though he didn't say anything and just let the rest find out for themselves, "What are you going on about? There is no way something like that is poss…?"

Jusis stopped midsentence as his eyes found the same thing Reans had, "What in Aidios' name IS that?" One the side of cliff was a gigantic statue that seemed to grow out of the stone, even from so far away it was easy to see how big it was.

"Honestly, we don't know all that much about it ourselves. It is an ancient statue said to be the 'Guardian' of the Nord Highlands, even in the oldest tribe here, there isn't much know about it." Shaking his head to clear it Rean turned to look at his friends, to his surprise Emma seemed to look at the statue with an intensity in her eyes that clearly wasn't surprise or interest it was more like determination mixed with fear though why that particular combination he couldn't explain though she stopped when she caught him looking at her and lowered her gaze to the ground before speaking out loud, "We shouldn't be distracted by it, didn't the Elder say that Norton should be on his way there to take photos, perhaps we should hurry?"

"She is right. By the way, if we head northeast of the statue, you will find the ancient quarry the elder mentioned, though the entrance is sealed by an extremely heavy door and to the northwest is the scenic Lake Lacrima. While it is always helpful to get the lay of the land, this time I think that it would be better if we just go straight to statue."

Agreeing with Gaius, Group A spurned their horses forward while trying to avoid combat with the monsters in the area, besides three fights that they had no way to escape from, they managed to reach the statue quite quickly where they found an older man with a camera taking photos of the giant from all angles. Norton noticed his visitors for the first time after taking several photos, "Oh, hello. What brings you all here? Come to get a good look at the statue, too?"

The others looked at Rean for him to answer, "Are you Norton, by any chance?" while he got down from his horse, the man was a bit surprised that the young man before him knew his name, "Yes, that is me. Have we met before? Do you have some business with me?"

Sighing in relief Rean explained to Norton that the Elder had been worried about him, "Hmm….it sounds like I have caused some unnecessary worry for the people in the settlement, normally I would say to go back right away. But could I please convince you to wait a little while? I am nearly done with this statue, so would you mind?"

Looking at the others they didn't seem to have anything against waiting for Norton to finish, so Rean just shrugged his shoulders, "Well, I can't really fault you for being fascinated, it is impressive. I doubt there is anything like it this anywhere else on the continent."

"Actually, it might surprise you to know that there is. This isn't the only huge statue that I know of. There is a somewhat similar one on Bryonia Island way out to the west. From what I heard they are similar in height though their forms are somewhat different, but they have enough similarities that experts speculated that they were made by the same people but beyond that there isn't anything known about these statues."

"Wait. Bryonia Island? Isn't that where Group B was sent?"

"Gaius, you told us that the people of the Nord refer to this statue as the 'Guardian' of this region. Can you tell us what you know about it?"

"Yeah, the old legend say that this statue was here long before our ancestors set foot here and that they only managed to settle down here after gaining its permission. Of course, each tribe has its own version of this story, but which one is true is impossible to find out." Steeping forward Jusis tried to examine the statue some more, "When I saw it, I was immediately reminded of the legend of the Great Knight. That is a tale that originated during the Dark Ages and spread throughout the Empire."

Noticing the curious look in Gaius eyes, the noble continued, "When the land broils with the tide of war a colossal knight, wreathed in flame, will come forth to quell the conflict. Or so the legend goes anyway, since each regions has its own variant of the tale. They all maintain a knight as the central figure, but like all such tales, its veracity is…. Questionable at best. Though, it is certainly one of the most mysterious of the legends passed down in the Empire."

"I see, it does seem like the statue could mesh with that story, too. I wonder if they are related somehow." Hearing the teenager's discussion made Norton come up with an idea, "Well, how about each one of you give me your impression of the statue here? I think that I could use the different opinions of young people like yourselves to write a better article about it, if you don't mind of course." Not seeing a reason why not, they started with Rean who fully concentrated on the statue, though no one noticed that his eyes seemed to glaze over as if he was in a trance, "Well, I would say that it is…. empty?"

That stunned the others since that was the last thing they would think about this giant stone statue, but Rean went on as if nothing had happened, "But if it is empty, then where did the inside go?" Suddenly several images appeared in his mind showing two giants fighting against each other while two armies were also clashing nearby but as quick, they appeared they also disappeared at the same speed leaving Rean to stare blankly at the giant for a moment.

A sharp pain came from the biggest scare on his chest, snapping him out of it, reacting on instinct he grabbed it with his hand while nearly losing his balance, (What just happened?! What did I just see?...Urgh, oh no you don't!) After the pain subsided, he felt his power coursing through his body, but he suppressed it quickly, feeling someone touching his arm, he nearly jumped back but he calmed himself down when he saw that it was Alisa looking at him with worry in her face, "Rean? Are you okay?"

Looking around he saw the others looking at him, so he took a deep breath and put a smile on his face, "…..I am fine, nothing to worry about." Not happy with his answer, Alisa made her displeasure known by griping his arm harder than necessary, enduring the pain without making a sound Rean patted her hand, "Really, I am fine. Just feeling a bit dizzy, perhaps I should sit there by the horses while Norton finishes up here? "

Not having expected that he would suggest something like that but glad that she wouldn't have to force him to sit down she let him go, "Sorry about that, Norton. Perhaps I can give you my opinion about the Guardian later?" That seemed to be the wrong thing to say since the worry on their faces deepened, "No need for that, you already did, though perhaps when you are feeling better you can elaborate why you would describe it as empty because that is quite a unique point of view."

"I did? (Empty? Why on Earth would I have said empty? For now, I should sit down and try to solve this without worrying the others even more) Of course, I did. I mean, I don't mind perhaps when we are back at the settlement when can talk about this?" With an nod from Norton, Rean made his towards a rock near the horses and sat down, ignoring the stares his classmates were giving him though one was far 'heavier' than the others and he already knew who it came from, (Sigh, looks like I will have to think about an 'believable' excuse for this or Alisa won't let the matter rest, though to be honest I also have no idea what just happened either or why.)

Taking a moment to relax, the swordsman closed his eyes and tried to recall everything that just happened, (I focused on the statue and tried to give Norton my opinion about it and apparently, I said that it was empty? Wait…) Now that he tried to remember it, he did remember saying that and that he also wondered where the inside went, (The inside? First empty then the inside? Why on earth would I say that and what does that even mean?)

Not finding any reasonable explanation for it, he put it aside for the moment and focused on what happened afterwards, (I am sure that I saw some images for a short moment, but they were gone so fast that I didn't get a good look at them nor can I recall them, then the scar above my heart hurt and snapped me out of whatever trance I was in and my ogre power was coursing through my body but without giving me the usual inhumane strength nor any of the aftereffects. Could it be that the ogre was responsible for snapping me out of it?)

That thought alone was something so completely different from what he knew and thought of it, that Rean didn't know what to think for a moment, though he was spared from thinking about it any further, since he could sense someone standing right in front of him, a small smile appeared on his face. He didn't even need to open his eyes to know who was standing in front of him, "I am fine, Alisa. You don't have to worry about me so much."

"Hmph, I am starting to hate the words 'I am fine' coming out of your mouth, Mister. Be honest with me, please?" Opening his eyes was a mistake, since now he could the genuine worry in her eyes and that made all his prepared answers fly out of the window, so he did as she asked of him, "Like I said before, I am alright." She didn't seem amused at the use of the synonym for the words, 'I am fine', "I don't know why I suddenly felt dizzy back there, perhaps riding until now took more out of me than I thought since it has been a while since I rode a horse this much."

She didn't seem entirely convinced that he was fine but seemed to believe him for the moment that he didn't have any idea about what happened to him back there and that he was just feeling dizzy, "Fine, Norton say it shouldn't take more than half an hour until he is done, until then…"

"I will remain here to relax, ok?"

"Of course, you will. Don't even try to stand before we have to leave, if want you can even take a short nape, perhaps that will help you out." Thinking about it, perhaps that wasn't such a bad idea, "I think I will just do that; can you please wake me up when we are leaving? Why are you looking at me like that?"

"Ok, now I am really worried! Since when are you so reasonable?!" Raising both eyebrows, the archer made a show out of looking at him to see if he was hiding something else, "Hey, I resent that. I am always reasonable."

Snorting at that Alisa told him, "That is true, you are always reasonable, when we aren't talking about your wellbeing, of course! So, excuse me for being shocked and suspicious of you now." Rolling his eyes at her Rean nearly pouted but suppressed it at the last minute, "Fine, fine! Can I take a nap now?"

Putting all teasing aside for the moment, Alisa knelt at side his and took his face gently in her hands to make him look at her, smiling at her Rean put his hand above her and gently squeezed it "I really am fine, don't worry. Let me just take a short powernap and I will be good as new, you will see." Since both were just looking into each other's eyes and not paying attention to anything else they missed the flash of Nortons camera and that Jusis started talking with him right after he took a photo while grinning.

Seeing nothing but honesty in his gaze now, Alisa believed him and let his face go the same moment he let go of her hand, making himself comfortable Rean gave her wink before closing his eyes and started to nap, missing her blush completely as she realised her and his actions just now. Though from the smirks on the others faces, they wouldn't let her forget it soon, especially Emma who looked like the cat that got the cream, willing her blush down though her face still felt hot when she joined the others.

After Norton was done with his business, they woke Rean up, who seemed to have recovered completely and made their way back to the settlement, just to stumble upon a car accident. Near the entrance to the clearing was a yellow orbal car with smoke coming out of it, with Doctor Amr standing right next, leaving the horses nearby they ran towards the doctor, "Amr! Are you hurt?"

"Gaius… I am all right, just a bit in shock from this. Sorry for worrying you. I was on way back from gathering herbs in the mountain forest to the north, when all of the sudden I lost control of the vehicle."

"Was anyone injured from this?"

"I suffered a few bumps and bruises but other than that, fortunately not. Though I can't say the same about the car." The relief on Gaius face was obvious when he heard the doctors answer, "I am glad to know your injuries are light, Amr. Thanks to the winds and the goddess for that blessing. As for the car perhaps when can ask a mechanic from Zender Gate to come take a look."

While the two were talking, Alisa went towards the motor of the smoking car, "Cough, that is a lot of smoke. Let me see if I can help a bit, after all you might say it runs in the family." Remembering her last name the others let her work, though Jusis couldn't help himself from throwing a friendly jab at her, "It stands to reason that the scion of the Reinford Group would be quite handy in mechanical matters…..Even if she does pretend that she wants nothing to do with her family anymore."

Rolling her eyes at her follow blonde, Alisa quipped back, "Could you mind your own business? What you say, though it is not as true as it used to be. They have some professional engineers at the company now who can't even perform basic maintenance work. When you compare it to the Zeiss Central Factory in Liberl, the Reinford Group is getting too big for its own good."

Alisa didn't stop analysing the engine for the cause while she talked, "All those giant, vertically structured divisions, each with their own sub-divisions makes keeping an overview rather difficult and not to mention the work it is to keep them in line."

"It sounds as though becoming the Empire's largest corporation bought its own share of new issues. Have you figured out what the problem was?"

"…Hmm. I think so, it looks like there was a contact failure in the quartz circuits near the engine. That is probably why you lost control of the vehicle, though it was just fine before, getting a mechanic here is probably the best way to repair it, while I can diagnose the problem, unfortunately I can't repair it." At that moment both Lacan and Elder Ivan appeared from the settlement having decided to see what was going on after noticing the smoke in the air.

A short explanation later, both men were brought up to speed on what had happened with the car. The Elder thanked Group A for having brought Norton safe and sound back, the students volunteered to go to Zender Gate to ask for help in repairing the vehicle. At first, Lacan and the Elder didn't want them to lose time over this since this wasn't part of their field study, but they managed to convince them otherwise with the reason that the people of Nord had been so accommodating since their arrival, that why would feel bad if they didn't try to return to the favour.

Group A got ready to leave in the direction of the base but were stopped by Lacan who had an idea, "Actually, I just thought of someone that is far keener than any army technician for things of this sort, up near the Lake Lacrima in the northern highlands lives an elderly man form the Empire. I am sure he will be able to fix the truck for us, if we ask him."

"True, Dad. The hermit could probably have this fixed in no time at all. Besides this way the others get to explore some more of the northeast, right?" Not embarrassed that his son had caught on, the other reason why he wanted them to ask the hermit for help, Lacan just smiled at Gaius. Getting back on their horses, they left towards the lake to search for the Hermit, on the way there Gaius told them about some of the help the hermit had provided his tribe in the past.

"Wow. This lake is so beautiful, no wonder you called it the scenic Lake, Gaius." The others agreed with Rean, the lake was surrounded by mountains while a waterfall was formed from one, the water was crystal clear while birds flew over it, all in all it was quite the serene picture and on the left side was a cabin and pier. They attached their horses on a nearby fence and went to knock on the door of the cabin, after waiting for a few moments no one answered so, Gaius knocked again with the same result, looking around his eyes fell onto the pier.

"Seems like he took his fishing boat and left for now. He should return in a few hours at most, perhaps we should look around the northeast plains instead of waiting here, what do you guys think?"

"Are you sure? Shouldn't we turn back and go to Zender gate to ask for help with the truck?"

"No need to worry, the truck isn't really needed for now, besides I have no doubt that the hermit can repair it quickly. In the meantime, we should go and look around, I can show you all the ancient quarry if you are interested though we can't go inside." Seeing that Gaius wasn't worried, the others decided to take him on his offer to see the area, he took them to every landmark that was around which included a waterfall that seemed to be over five hundred arge tall, while at the end he took them towards one of the sideways that led to the ancient quarry.

The moment they set foot on it they could feel the change in the air, as an foreboding feeling appeared as they moved along the path, what appeared before them should be called a ruin and not a quarry, old destroyed monuments lay strayed on the ground with a big door having been carved into the side of a mountain, "The atmosphere is really heavy here, makes me wonder why it is called the ancient quarry and not ancient haunted ruins?"

The others rolled their eyes fondly, at Rean attempt of lightning the mood, "This place is said to date back all the way back to the Neolithic civilization that was here over a thousand years ago. There are legends that say the Guardian sealed away an evil djinn here which is the reason most people of the highlands avoid this area."

"Scary, I wouldn't want to be here at night. Is everything fine, Rean? Are you feeling dizzy again?" Noticing that Rean seemed to look intensely at the big door while wearing a serious look on his face Alisa called out to him drawing the others attention to the swordsman, "I am alright, no need to worry. Just a quick question, Gaius?"

Pointing towards the door, "Can it be opened?" Not having expected that question, it took Gaius a while before he answered, "Technically it can be opened but since most people tend to avoid this area, it should have been years since it was last opened, if at all and it isn't easy to open it. Come. let me show it to you." The closer they got the bigger the door seemed to be, getting off their horses the lancer tried to push the door opened with all his strength but it didn't move even an rege, even when Jusis and Rean joined him, in trying to open it, "See, you will need several strong adults to open it and like I said most people avoided this area at all cost, which makes it unlikely for someone to open it. Though I must admit I have been interested in what was inside since I was a kid but no matter how I searched around here, I didn't find a way in."

The others sweat dropped at that reveal, "Seems like you aren't 'most' people, Gaius. But is there a reason why you are suddenly interested in going inside, Rean?"

"Actually, I am more interested in keeping this door firmly closed, called it a gut feeling but I don't think people should go inside there who knows what kind of monsters are waiting. (This feeling is the same as in those 'places' back in the East, which means the Higher Elements are active inside, making this place far more dangerous for anyone that is unprepared for it. I should try to talk to either the Elder or Lacan about this and explain to them why this place should really be avoided and made sure that no one should be able to go inside.)"

"That sounds reasonable, which somehow makes me worry. Since when are you reasonable, Rean?" Alisa had to hold back from laughing at Jusis question which resulted in Rean crossing his arms and glare at his follow noble, "What is it with you guys today?! I am always reasonable."

"Only when it doesn't concern your wellbeing." Somehow the others besides Alisa, managed to speak the same sentence as the one she used earlier on him, at the same time. This made it impossible to hold back any longer, Alisa laughed at him pouting while the others at first surprised at what they had unvoluntary done grinned at each other and then at him.

"Laugh it up, will you? Anyway, since there is nothing to see here, how about we go back to the Lake to see if the Hermit is back." His attempt to change the subject didn't go unnoticed but the others let him have it, as a small apology for laughing at him, though they remained curious about why he wanted to make sure that the ancient quarry remained closed. They knew that Rean didn't tell them always everything because he didn't want them worry and not because he didn't trust them but if the situation asked for it, he would always explain it to them.

After that they wandered around the area, fighting some more monsters to get both experience and more sepith since they hadn't forgotten what they had discussed in the morning with Rean, noticing the time Gaius told them the hermit should have returned by now from his fishing trip, which was confirmed when they saw a small boat on the pier that hadn't been there before. Standing before the door, Rean could now sense someone moving inside and knocked on the door, an elderly man's voice came from inside the moment he finished knocking, "The door is open, come on in!"

Upon hearing that voice Alisa jumped in surprise since this was a voice she recognized even though it had been years since she last heard it, ignoring the looks of the others the archer opened the door and rushed inside, just to stop when she saw the old man standing in front of her, giving her a grin when he saw her surprised face before looking at the others who followed Alisa inside, "Well, if isn't Gaius! Haven't seen you around for, what, half year now? And little Alisa is here too! Why, I don't think I have seen your face in, oh, must be coming up on five years now!"

The rest were surprised when they heard what the old man was saying not having expected that he was an acquaintance of Alisa, though their surprise increased twofold when Alisa finally found her voice, "Grandfather, what are you DOING here?!"

Unfazed at his granddaughter's outburst, he turned around to take five cups and poured them some tea he had already been preparing, while inviting them to sit down at the table, "Haha.. Well, I guess that is one way to be introduced, but let me give you a proper welcome. I am Gwyn Reinford, Alisa's favourite grandad. Pleasure to meet you all, Class VII."

"H-honoured, to meet you. Sir. I am Rean, Rean Schwarzer." Overcoming the shock from the last moment Rean and the others, besides Alisa and Gaius, of course, started to introduce themselves to him, "Ah, a promising group of young folks if ever there was! But you have sure done a lot of growing in the last five years, Alisa, you are taller…and…bigger… It does this old man's heart good to see how easy on the eyes you have become."

Sweat dropping at that statement, the others didn't know what to say to that, so they remained quiet just to watch a flustered Alisa glare at Gwyn, "G-Grandfather, please! But forget about me! What have you been doing out here all this time?! Back when you disappeared from Roer, I would have never believed it if someone told me THIS is where I would find you! Do you have any idea how worried I have been?!"

"Oh, come, now. I sent you letters a couple times a year, don't I? And of course, I read all the ones you give to Sharon, too."

"Still…have you been her the whole time these past five years?"

"Just about, I don't stay year-round, though. I spent about half the year traveling around the continent, seeing old friends or visiting the Empire. But it was a luckily coincidence that I was staying here while you visited during your field study."

"Still… Wait, what?" It took Alisa a moment to understand what her grandfather had just told her. "How do you know about our field study?" Taking a sip of his tea, Gwyn explained on how he knew about that, "Irina told me last month that you were coming to the highlands, and I figured I would see you at some point."

"?! You still talk to Mother?!"

"Yes, though just the bare minimum. That girl's zeal for her works borders on unhealthy. Sigh, what did ever do to turn her into such a workaholic…?" Alisa looked down on her hands not meeting anyone eyes, deciding that now would perhaps be a good time to change the conversation, Rean told Gwyn the reason for their visit, "Mr. Reinford, the truck from the settlement broke down and we were wondering if you could come with us, to see if you can repair it?"

Apparently not noticing the change in his granddaughter, Gwyn happily replied to his question, "Of course, I don't mind, let's go after finishing our drinks. By the way, Gaius I managed to catch a lot of fishes today, we should take them with us for the settlement to enjoy." The rest of the time was spent with Gwyn asking them some questions about how they were doing at the academy, by the time it was to leave Alisa had recovered somewhat, though Rean could see that she was forcing herself to act normal, he let the others leave first before looking at her,

"Are you alright? Don't even try to pretend otherwise, I think I know you as well as you know me." He saw that she was going to continue to pretend so cut her off, sighing Alisa just shrugged her shoulders, "I think the surprise from seeing my grandfather after five years and the fact that he stills talks to my mother, hasn't really sunk in yet, but you don't have to worry about me."

"You know, we are more similar than I thought. You accuse me of not wanting to worry others while carrying everything on my own and yet here you are doing the same." He could see that she was going to protest his claim but stopped since he was right, seeing the conflict on her face, Rean gave her a side hug by putting his arm around her shoulder, "You don't have to tell me anything, if you don't want to but me and others are here for you in case you want to talk, alright?"

Enjoying the hug, the archer just soaked in the warm of his body before giving him a nod and a smile, before walking towards the door with him and re-joining the others, Gwyn didn't want to take his vehicle to the settlement, so he proposed to right with someone on their horses, in his words, to get to know his granddaughter's classmates a little better, though Alisa seemed somewhat worried when he chose Rean to ride with.

On the way back Gwyn asked some more questions, "How is little Sharon doing these days? I heard she recently started working at your dormitory."

"That is right, I haven't had too much time to get to know her better, but she seems really skilled at what she does."

"Oh, she is! Very much so, but more importantly, she is a real cutie! She always has that lovely, reserved air but there is a playful side to her, too. I have been trying to get her to be my personal maid, for years now. That would be the life, wouldn't you agree?" Not knowing how to respond to that Rean just answered with a simple, "Y-yeah…"

Gwyn didn't seem to notice his hesitation on the topic or just ignored it, "But that Emma girl is really nice, too. She got those glasses, that hair you want to let her down and she is Class Prez material, to boot! There is a smouldering homeroom hottie if I ever saw one! Come on! You know you agree with me."

"W-well, I can't really say that I disagree with you but…." Thinking of a way out of this particular conversation, he spoke about the first thing that came to his mind, "…..If you don't mind me asking, Sir. Why did you never tell Alisa that you were here?" Gwyn took some time to mull over that question, so much in fact that Rean feared he had somehow offended him, "Tell me, Rean. What kind of girl do you see Alisa as?"

"Well, I would say she is a hard worker, in a great many areas. She may seem to have a prickly outside but that is just a way for her to hide what she is feeling inside, in general I think that she is a very caring and sweet person." Rean couldn't see the grin that was forming on Gwyn's face nor the teasing light in his eyes, "Oh, I have no doubt of it. She is good-looking, polite, as well-mannered as any noble's daughter, intelligent and that all comes naturally to her. It is not some persona she forces on herself."

"Yeah, I am amazed at how effortless she made it all seem and yet she has a habit of trying to resolve everything without relying on anyone else for support. She is kind and her sense of duty compels her to always see things through, but she always keeps everything bottled up, like she never wants to let on to anyone that she needs help with a problem."

The grin turned into a smirk when the boy didn't seem to have any qualms in admitting that his granddaughter was good-looking like he did with other girl before, but he put it aside for now though he would definitely return to it later when he got an opportunity which was when Alisa was in hearing distance to hear him say it, "I am not surprised that it hasn't escaped the notice of a canny young man like yourself. I have a feeling the relationship between her mother and me caused her to end up that way or to be more specific, the conflict between the two of us. That is why I didn't tell her where I was, but I will leave it up to her to fill in the details about that. I am sure that once the two of you are a bit closer, she will tell you on her own."

Rean could feel a bit of heat on his face, when I heard the implication in that tone, "…A bit closer? I…uh… I have a feeling there is a critical misunderstanding going on here. Alisa and I are just friends, Sir. I mean…"

"Oh, is that so? I thought there was a little something going on between you two after seeing your name come up in one of her letters." If the swordsman could see behind him, he would see the smirk on Gwyn face as Rean tried to explain himself, "Well, we did have that unfortunate accident back at the start of the year, but we eventually got it sorted out and nothing like it has happened since, I mean…." Just now he realised what he had revealed to Alisa's grandfather, but the damage was already done, (Me and my big mouth, if Alisa hears about this and after I promised her that I would forget about it, she will….) A shudder ran through his body at that thought.

Smelling an opportunity to get some more teasing material on these two, Gwyn tried to get more info out him, "An ACCIDENT, you say? Did you ACCIDENTALLY collide with her on your way to school, causing her to drop the toast she held between her sweet lips? And just as the dust cleared, did the two of you find yourselves sprawled on the ground in an unlikely yet heart-racing position?!"

"That is….. an oddly specific question. (Though the position back then was really heart-racing.)" Now there was a clear blush on his face, which didn't escape Gwyn's notice, "Sooo.. something really DID happen, didn't it? Now, just tell old Gwyn here all about it! I want every juicy detail!" Rean didn't know how to get out of this situation, since there was no way in Gehenna, he would tell anyone about that incident, he was saved by Alisa who had noticed the look on her grandfather's face and knew immediately that he was up to his usual shenanigans, "Grandfather, that is enough! We are nearly there so please control yourself!"

The wink that he gave her in return didn't calm her worries down at all, neither did the fact that Rean was trying to avoid looking at her while he was also blushing, promising herself to get either one of them alone to find out just what they had been talking about, Alisa remained close to them to stop anything else from happening.

Back at the settlement it didn't take Gwyn long to repair the truck, as thanks the Elder and Lacan invited Gwyn to spend the night with them where they would throw a banquet for, Group A, Gwyn and Norton as thanks for their help. It became quite apparent how close Gwyn was to the people of Gaius' tribe with the way both him and the Elder were drinking and laughing. The boys were sitting together with Norton who had been very surprised to see Gwyn in Nord, "I can hardly believe my eyes, finding the famous Gwyn Reinford here in the Highlands. I don't think I need to mention how he seized the opportunities of the Orbal Revolution to make Reinford the industrial powerhouse it is today, and it has only gotten bigger since his daughter took over."

"If I remember my history lesson correctly, the company was originally an arms manufacturer, making their name on firearms and such. They underwent a massive expansion of their line up and started working on orbal weapons and railway projects." Nodding his head at Jusis words, Norton took a bit out of his meal before he continued, "I suppose that is what it must have looked like to the nobility. But the company does business across the continent, not just domestically. A feat that is possible thanks to Gwyn's refreshingly international outlook, though the real mystery is why someone would walk away from that in the first place, perhaps the rumours from back then had some truth in them."

Before Rean and the others could ask what he meant by that Rean noticed how Alisa slipped out of the tent, not hesitating he excused himself and went after her, he found her some distance away from the tent just starring at the ground and murmuring to herself, "…I am such an idiot. What am I even doing?"

Not wanting to scare her, Rean called out to her, "Alisa?" while slowly approaching her. The archer turned around to him, "Rean? Is everything alright? What are you doing out here? Did you eat too much?" Scratching his neck, he answered with a sheepish look, "My mouth says, 'No!' but my stomach is thinking 'Yes!' You doing okay, there? You seem a bit unsteady on your feet."

"Nothing like that. I am stilling feeling a little out of it. I am just going to stay out here for a while and get some fresh air. Then I will be f—whaaaa!" Losing her balance Alisa was going to fall face first, if Rean hadn't acted quickly and caught her, so instead of falling on the ground she fell in Rean's embrace. Taking a moment to enjoy it, Alisa leaned against his chest with an ear over his heart, which was starting to beat faster, the longer they remained in that position, allowing herself a little smile at that, Alisa looked up to his face, "Sorry about this…"

Rean also didn't make any moves to let her go, "See? What did I tell you? We have been riding and fighting the entire day, I am not surprised that you are feeling tired." Sighing she lowered her face back down, "You are right. Why didn't that occur to me before?" With that she stepped away from him, while still looking at the ground. Rean didn't like seeing her looking like this but couldn't come up with anything to say at the moment until he looked at the sky above them.

"Hey, Alisa…. Look up at the sky." Following his words, the archer looked up and he found a clear sky that was full bright stars nothing like the sky she had grown up seeing in Roer, "Oh…wow…. it's beautiful."

"You know, I didn't even notice it last night because we turned in so early but now that we know. Since you are out here to get some air, it would be better to take in the starlight than look at the ground, right?" Rean laid down and patted the ground next to him as an invitation, not seeing any reason to decline Alisa did the same, for a while no one said anything they just looked at the sky while enjoying the company.

Not sure herself on why she started talking, Alisa just went with it, "…My father was a technician. Eight years ago, he passed away. My family was never really the same after that." She stopped speaking but felt Rean hand holding hers, in a silent show of encouragement which helped her, "Mother was Director of the company back then. She focused all her energy on making the Reinford Group bigger, she used to treasure our family but after that, it was like she could barely spare a thought for us."

"Oh? She did seem like a talented businesswoman when we met her. Well… more than 'talented' enough to run the Reinford Group." Snorting at that, Alisa told him what he had really seen, "What you saw in Roer Station was just a watered-down version of her normal intensity. We would be able to have dinner together maybe once every…..three months? And that is being generous, but at least I wasn't alone, Grandfather and Sharon were always there for me."

"I guess you have known Sharon for a long time, then."

"My mother hired her around seven years ago, being a Reinford and all, I never had many people I could really call friends when I was young. The noble looked down on me, of course, but the common people treated me like I was different from them, too. At least with my grandfather and Sharon around, I never felt totally alone. Grandfather showed me all kinds of different hobbies, like horseback riding and playing the violin. Sharon taught me self-defence and archery and all the high-society etiquette expected of a lady."

Seeing the happy smile on her face, Rean let her remember her happy memories, though it didn't take long for a frown to appear, "At the same time, my mother kept expanding the company, completely against the wishes of my grandfather, the chairman." Raising her upper body from the ground, Alisa slipped her hand involuntary from Reans to hug herself from the chilly wind that blew around them, taking off his jacket, he put it around her shoulders to keep her warm, which got him a thankful smile in return, "I see, though hasn't Reinford always been a big industrial company?"

"Kind of, yeah. Even back then, they took on projects in all kinds of fields, from steel mills to railway construction to guns and tanks. It is not surprising there are people out there who like to call the company a 'merchant of death'. I can't say I completely agree with that side of the company, but I have never felt embarrassed or ashamed about it. Though a few years ago, the Reinford Group finally went too far, I am sure you have heard about those two railway guns set up in Garrelia Fortress on the eastern edge of the Empire?"

"Yeah, I have heard of them. They are supposed to have the longest range of any orbal canon in the world." Alisa shivered again, though this time it had nothing to do with the wind, "I have only seen their spec sheets, but the destruction they are capable is terrifying. The Empire is still fighting with the Republic over Crossbell, and those guns can target any point in Crossbell State. Their power is such that they would only need a couple of hours, to wipe Crossbell City and its five hundred thousand citizens off the map."

Eyes wide the swordsman tried to imagine such a scenario, "….No way….That is way beyond being a weapon of war. More like an instrument of massacre." Alisa refused to look at him, stubbornly starring forward, "I couldn't agree more, and neither could my grandfather, who supervised their construction. Even though my mother was the one who signed off on the project, my grandfather regretted it like the decision had been his. As he was hesitating over whether to hand them over to the Imperial Army or not, my mother betrayed him."

Rean acted on instinct when he heard the hurt in her voice, moving closer to her he throw his arm around her shoulder and drew her closer to him, once again feeling his warmth gave the archer the courage she needs to continue, "She went behind his back and secured the support of all of Reinford major shareholders. Everyone from Roer's ruling lord, Marquis Rogner, to the top brass of the imperial Army was on her side. In the face of such overwhelming pressure from all sides, my grandfather was forced to capitulate, he stepped down as chairman and my mother wasted no time on taking his place. That is when grandfather decided to leave the company entirely….and me behind. I thought I would have at least Sharon on my side, but she just did whatever my mother told her to do."

"Oh….I think I get it now, why she gets under your skin, I mean. It is not so much what your mother did, but how it ended up tearing your family apart." For a while no one said anything they just enjoyed the moment but Alisa had started this so she wanted to get everything off her chest, "I couldn't believe my mother would betray her own father. I couldn't believe Grandfather would take it without fighting back and I couldn't believe Sharon, who'd always supported me, watched it all happen without a word of protest. It really drove it home to me. How big the Reinford Group had become… and how small I was. I hated realising it had become so large that corporate interests were stronger than family ties."

It felt good to have finally this off her chest, to finally vent to someone who was willing to listen to her without prejudice, smiling at the boy who was responsible for this, with gratitude, Alisa finally looked up to the stars, "Perhaps it was at that point in my life that I had decided to leave home and try to make it on my own, though the meeting in Roer with a certain someone helped push that decision forward. Even when I left, I couldn't go far enough to escape my mother's shadow, or the Reinford name. Then I come here and find my grandfather happily enjoying a whole new life without a care in the world….. When I stepped outside, I was feeling so lost, so frustrated wondering what I had been doing all this time…"

Reaching her hand out, she got the feeling that she was able to touch the stars, "It is kind of strange, you know? When I look up at the stars, it feels like I can escape the gravity of everything, making me finally understand why my grandfather chose to leave it all behind and move out here in the first place." Following her example Rean, stretched his hand out to the stars, "You really are strong, Alisa. Stronger than you realise, you were finally ready to talk about it, about your family, the company and everything. So maybe you have found what you were looking for to move past that, right?"

"Heehee. Perhaps you are right? But I don't think I would have been able to if hadn't enrolled at the academy, meeting everyone in Class VII, the Lacrosse Club, …you….I am a better person for it, your support has already made a difference, so…thank you, Rean. I really meant it, thanks for worrying about me and thanks for reminding me to look up, not down."

"Any time, Alisa, any time you want someone to talk to you can come to find me, I will always listen to you." The archer could just nod her thanks for his offer, (I swear he will be the end of me someday, though somehow, I don't think I would mind that at all. But I am not the only one with problems here perhaps now is my turn to listen to him and encourage him.) Alisa put her hand on his chest to create a bit distance between them, though not enough to make him take away the arm that was around her shoulder. The fast-beating heart that she was able to feel underneath it, gave her both happiness and a bit of pride, that she was the one who caused it to beat so fast.

"You know, it is kind of strange to hear you tell me I am strong because I could say the same about you. You always seem to get trust into the role of leader, and I know that sometimes me and the others are the ones to push you into it, but that is because you are someone, we can count on to keep us on track." The look in her eyes told him that it was okay for him to open to her too, like she had just done. Even though he was nowhere ready to tell her everything and if he was being honest with himself, he was also too sacred to do it because he was afraid to see her looking at him with either fear or disgust if she learned the truth about him.

She at least deserved a part of the truth, "I am not really that strong, especially when I keep running from myself. I have been running for a very long time perhaps since I came back to the Empire or perhaps since I asked Master to start teaching me nine years ago. Back in Celdic, I said that I came to the academy to find myself, though sometimes I wonder if I just wanted to leave everything behind, both my family and me."

Now it was Alisa's turn to take his hand in hers, to give him the same courage he had given her which he noticed and smiled his thanks at her, "My parents always loved me like I was their real son and Elise no matter what would treat me like family, the real problem here is me. I know that what I am about to say is going to sound idiotic and ungrateful, but sometimes I think that their lives would be so much better without me in it and then I want to hit myself hard for even thinking like that, since these kinds of thoughts are an insult to all the love and care they have given me."

The kindness on her face encouraged him to let go of one more piece of information, "Something happened to me when I was nine years old and when I was fourteen years old in the East, these two situations led me to who I am today. I am nowhere ready to talk about them, I don't know if I ever will be ready, but these are what shaped me into who you are seeing now, someone so afraid of himself that his sword is bound to his fears and is…"

Alisa knew him well enough to know that what followed would just be him discrediting and insulting himself, so she put a stop to it by pressing her finger to his lips, "I don't know what happened Rean, the only things I know right now are, that I don't like it when anyone insults you even when that person is you and any time you want someone to talk to, you can come to find me, I will always listen to you and finally the fact that you were finally ready to even hint at to these circumstances, means that maybe you have found what you were looking for to move past that, right?"

The look on his face was priceless right now, "Heehee. Who would have thought that I would have the chance to feed you, your own good advice so soon? Sometimes I can't believe you can just say things like that with a straight a face. Maybe being on the receiving end every now and then will do you some good."

"Haha, all right, you got me. I admit defeat. Maybe enrolling at Thors was the second thing I'd done right for the last four years. I ended up in Class VII and now all of us are out here like this, spending time together."

"Yeah, l like that. I hope the things we learn during our filed studies can help us all make a difference in the world….Wait if enrolling was the second thing, then what was the first and what do you mean all of us?" Now it was his turns to tease her, he let go of her shoulder and stood up offering her his hand at the same time and while he was pulling her up, he bends down close to her ear to whisper, "The first was smuggling some books into your bags four years ago." That got him a glare in return since according to her they weren't even about that little stunt he pulled when they first met but before she could say anything about it, he let go of her hand and stepped aside and pointed behind him, "And that is what I meant by all of us."

Standing there were the rest of their group, smirking at the pair, Alisa flushed bright red when she recalled how they must have appeared to them while they were talking, though her face got far redder when Emma and Jusis started talking, "You two were gone so long that we started getting a little worried, though it seems like there wasn't any need to seeing how close you two were just now."

"'The fact that you were finally ready to even hint to these circumstances, means that maybe you have found what you were looking for to move past that, right?' and dear goddess that wasn't even the corniest thing you said, perhaps Rean is rubbing off on you or is it actually the other way around?" The smirks these two were wearing made the archer even more flustered as they went on teasing her some more, meanwhile Rean made his way towards Gaius who unlike the other two was just grinning at him, "Seems like you did well."

"Honestly, I feel like she helped me more than I helped her and Gaius? This a really beautiful place, thanks for showing it us." The lance followed where his friend was looking at the sky, with a face full of pride and gratitude that Rean was able to appreciate his home like that, "You are welcome, my friend."

Later Alisa was still pouting as she helped Emma wash the dishes while the boys cleaned the rest of the feast, "Just one last question and then I will stop teasing you about it, I swear." Groaning out loud Alisa couldn't really stop the bespectacled girl even if she tried, "Fine, but this better be the last one!"

"Do you still insist that both of you are just friends? Because from where I was standing that didn't look like two friends at all. Just think about it, if that hadn't been Rean but another boy would you have said the same things you did tonight or even let him hold you like Rean did?"

The archer had her automatic response on her tongue but stopped when the rest of the questions registered on her brain, (No, I wouldn't have said anything at all and everybody else who tried to hold me like that would have gotten a punch to his face and several arrows in uncomfortable places but since it was Rean it was alright?...Why? Oh…Oh…...OH!)

Emma watched as her friend came to the slow realisation that the feelings, she had towards the swordsman may have been friendship at the beginning but were slowly changing to something else, "Alisa, I am not pressuring you into admitting it nor into doing something after this, I just want you to be clear on your own feelings because I don't want you to miss out on anything. I may not have known you as long as Rean has but to me you are an important friend."

Alisa could only bob her head slowly at Emma, "Ok, then what should I do now? Hypothetical, speaking of course."

"That part is up to you, Alisa. I meant it when I said I am not pressuring you into doing anything and while I am no expert on these kinds of things, I am a good listener, and you can come to me anytime you want to talk about these 'hypothetical' situations. But for now, I would suggest on getting a good night of sleep and think things through tomorrow or even wait until we are back at the academy to think about it."

Her friend was right, now wasn't the time to freak about this and she would think things through like she had suggested, though she wouldn't know that events were being set into motion, that would put Alisa's revelation on the back burner in her mind.

The next day Group A got up on the same time as before and enjoyed once again a delicious breakfast prepared by Gaius family, afterwards they got their tasks for the morning from Lacan which consisted of just locating an unidentified monster and take it out when they found it. Rean and the other boys had noticed that Alisa had been oddly quiet this morning, thinking that perhaps it had something with Gwyn, "If you want to spend some more time with your grandfather this morning, me and the others can take care of the request."

Gaius and Jusis were quick to give their agreement to Reans proposition while Emma followed suit just a moment later, kind of regretting to have dropped that bomb on the archer last night, her guilt would have been greater if Alisa hadn't managed to get some sleep because of her, thankfully the blonde had been so tired the moment her head had hit her pillow she fell asleep. But before Alisa could respond a frantic voice could be heard from outside the tent, "Lacan! Are you home?!"

Confirming that he was home, Gwyn, Norton and the Elder came in wearing grim faces, "I am sorry for disturbing you all so early, but we received word from Zender Gate just a short while ago. They say that the Imperial Army's watchtower has been attacked last night and that is not the last of it, either. The Republican Army's base has also been attacked. According to the Lt. General, this won't be pretty."

This shocked everyone else in the tent, Lacan got to his feet quickly to discuss with the Elder their departure from this place, Group A looked at each other and got to work to help them out with the preparations but were stopped by Lacan who asked them to make their way towards the base to get more information regarding the situation.

"Are you all sure that you don't need our help?"

Elder Ivan looked with appreciation at the students while shaking his head, "I appreciate your willingness to help, but we will be fine. We are used to these proceeds for moving the settlement in case of an emergency. The same goes to you, Gaius. I know that you want to stay and help but right now the best way for you to help us is by gathering information."

"I will stay behind and help them out, I can use the truck after all. These people have been very good to me over the years, so I will do what I can to help them out. You and the others be careful, alright Alisa?" Gwyn assured his granddaughter of his intention, though she was still worried about him she also knew that he wasn't going to change his stance on this. Norton on the other hand seemed too ashamed to look at the others, "I am sorry, Elder Ivan and Lacan. I feel terrible that I can't help you when you need it the most…"

"Nonsense, Norton! You have your job to do, there is no shame in doing that." Lacan assured the cameraman that they understood his position since this could be breaking news, if the situation became worse, so it was decided that Group A and Norton would make their way towards Zender Gate as fast as possible, on the way there, they saw several Airships patrolling the sky and upon arriving they saw that the army had already prepared their tanks to move out in short notice. Norton left them to ask for permission to take some photos about the events that were going on, before Group A could also find someone to ask about the situation, Lt. General Vander returned from the watchtower.

"I wasn't expecting for you all to show up now, but your timing couldn't be better. There is a train leaving in thirty minutes, which you all are going to board, forget about your tasks for today and prepare to return to the academy." Dismounting form his horse the military man could see that they weren't convinced, "This situation depends on the actions of the Republican Army, but the bottom line is that we may be mere hours away from armed conflict with the Calvard Republic and you Class VII have nothing to do on a battlefield. So, I repeat prepare to return to the academy!"

They knew that he was worried about them and that he was right but still they couldn't bring themselves to leave the people of Nord behind while they escaped to safety, steeling his resolve Gaius stepped forward to face him, "Lieutenant General, have you established which side attacked first?"

"It is still under investigation, but you have my assurance that the Imperial Army did not attack. We did not make the first move, nor did we retaliate. However, our army's watchtower was destroyed, and several guards lost their lives which mean that as the officer in charge of Zender Gate, I have a duty to act."

"Sir let's presume for the sake of argument, that the damage sustained by the Republican Army's base was in fact deliberate sabotage by their own forces. How bad WAS their damage? Have they also suffered causalities or just material damages?"

"We have not been able to approach them for more accurate details, but from what we gathered several of their facilities suffered major structural damage. Their loses appear to be, at minimum equal to ours, though in my opinion I would estimate them to be far greater." Group A was confused by those facts since it didn't make any sense for them to have more loses if they were the ones to initiate the attack.

"Though I am afraid we have long since passed the point, where we can leisurely discuss our possibilities was an option. I will do all I can to avoid full-scale war, but, if need be, we are prepared for the possibility of armed conflict. Which brings back me to my previous order, for you to leave!"

The others could see Gaius clenching his fists, before he looked straight at Zechs, "Will you at least allow me the chance to investigate what happened on my own? As I am sure you are aware, I know the Highlands like the back of my hand and when someone attempts to threaten the peace of my homeland, I won't rest until I have unearthed the truth behind what is happening."

"And we will be right there with you!" Turning around Gaius saw the serious faces of his friends, "No, wait! This is the people of Nord's problem. There is no reason for you all to stay here and risk getting caught in the crossfire."

"A classmate and a friend is staying behind, as Class presidents that is reason enough for me."

"I am a son of House Albarea. I would never disgrace the honour of my family name and my own by fleeing in the face of danger."

"Your people have done a lot for my grandfather and now it is time to return the favour."

"Gaius, do you remember what we said at the train station back in Heimdallr? The most important thing is that we all come back, safe and sound. Sorry, but you are stuck with us for this." Gaius eyes were getting wet, from hearing all of that and seeing that his friends were ready to help him and his homeland no matter what but before he could thank for their help, an imposing voice sounded behind him.

"And what exactly makes you children think, that I will allow this? This here is no laughing matter; war is looming on the horizon, and you believe that inexperienced students like yourselves can prevent it, more importantly why should I allow you all to risk perhaps your very lives on this?" The imposing air the Lt. General was emitting was enough to stop them from saying anything else until Rean stepped forward,

"Because you also don't want this war to happen, One-eyed Zechs." The military man focused his attention on Rean, though inwardly he couldn't help but nodded that the young man was remaining composed in the face of him, "We are inexperience like you said and perhaps our actions here will have no meaning, but the people of this land have been nothing but kind to us we owe it to them to at least try. Besides we are the ones that have the most chance to investigate this, both armies are now focused on each other, but we are just simple students. Neither side has the resources nor the time to keep watching us. This in turn gives us the perfect opportunity to get to the bottom of this, so please let us help!"

The others also looked at Zechs with determination on their faces, "Seems like I lost this one, it is now eight a.m. sharp. I will give you four hours and thirty minutes to complete your investigation after that no matter the result you are to report immediately to the base. Are we understood?!"

"Yes, Sir!" After getting his permission, Group A returned to their horses and left as quickly as possible in the direction of the watchtower, on the way there Gaius couldn't help but give his thanks to his friends, "Really, guys. I appreciate it more than you know." The others told him that he didn't need to thank them they were just helping a dear friend and classmate.

"Gaius, if you don't me asking. I know you want to protect your people but that's not the only reason you are doing this, isn't it?"

"You got me, Rean. The reason why, it ties back why I accepted the Lt General's recommendation and entered the academy too. I am sure each of you feels the same way about your own homes, but I love this land with all my heart. The wind racing in across the highlands, the vast mountain peaks, the clear blue of the sky. The breath-taking beauty of the rising sun, the melancholy of the sunset, the twinkling of the stars in the night. I love everything about this land it's a part of who I am."

The others understood his feelings of wanting to protect his home, though it also raised another question, "If you love it so much why did you leave it behind?" Gaius took a minute to formulate his answer to Jusis question, "To be honest I am still not totally sure what compelled me to do it. Back when I was a kid the Republican army built a base in the eastern plains and in return the Imperial army built a watchtower. Their actions made me more uneasy with every passing year."

Gaius remembered the man responsible for making him realise what was happening in the world, "Years ago, a traveling priest from the church taught me all about the history of the continent and it made me realize how small I and my people were in the face of the conflicts between the major powers. Thanks to the advancements of Orbal technology the continent had become so small, people could now travel everywhere and faster than before. And that made me realise a sad truth, that there was no guarantee my homeland could stay at peace forever. That one day it might be drawn into outsiders' conflicts and be occupied and redistricted into oblivion."

The rest of Group A was astounded at what they were hearing, "I can't believe you were thinking about such weighty things even as a kid. You joined Thors in order to learn more about the outside world and the threat it posed to your homeland?"

"Yeah, something along those lines. When I realised how afraid I was, I knew I couldn't close my eyes. I wanted to do something, anything, to protect this land. So, I asked my father and the travelling priest to train me so that I could be prepared to face whatever I may find in the future. Dad may have been the one to teach me the basics of using my weapon, but it was the travelling priest who became my master and taught me how to use it to fight, to read, to learn."

Rean and the others could practically hear the gratitude in Gaius' voice, though it was Jusis who spoke out loud what they were thinking, "This is the first time I have heard that a travelling priest taught someone how to fight, I guess there are all types in the service of the goddess."

"Well, Father Barkhorn is an unusual priest, I will give you that but to the young me, he was the one who helped shape me into the person I am today." Luckily no one seemed to notice Reans stunned expression when he heard that name, (Barkhorn?! As in Gunter Barkhorn, the Roaring Lion?! The eight Dominion?! Geez, that was the last thing I was expecting to hear today, though perhaps it is just the same family name for a different person. Doesn't matter right now, I must focus on stopping the war from happening. I can ask Gaius about this later.)

It didn't take long for them to arrive at the watchtower, the damages were more than visible, with pieces of the tower spread out on the ground. Thankfully the Lt. General had called ahead to inform the soldiers about their arrival and investigation, though some of the men were not happy to see a bunch of teenagers play detective, they followed their orders, it didn't take a long for them to notice some anomalies with the attack. Done with their investigation for the moment, they regrouped away from the marching soldiers to discuss what they had found so far.

"We know that attack was at three a.m. and according to a soldier, the Republican base came under attack at the same time, which means that it was unlikely that they bombed themselves and got more damages than the tower did, just to frame us. That can only mean that there is a third party in the shadows who attacked both sides and is trying to make them fight each other."

"As farfetched as it sounds, that does make the most sense for now especially if we consider the weapon that was used, I rather doubt that Calvard would use an old Reinford model of orbal mortars to attack and not one of the Verne Company. I have heard that military surplus sometimes makes its way onto the black market and ends up in the hands of mercenaries. Now if we can just find out from where they attacked, we may get more clues." Watching her friends compose these theories, made Emma come up with her own idea to help.

"I may actually have a way to find the place where the attack came from, if Gaius and Alisa can help me out with it, I can use some of the formulas that we learned at the academy pinpoint the location where the mortar were fired." This got their attention, after getting the information she needed she was able to narrow it down and they left the watchtower in that direction.

There they found a hidden rope ladder on the top of a cliff, what was more luckily was the fact that Alisa had managed to hit the safety pin of said ladder with her arrow making it fall down and give them access to the cliff, though Rean could have sworn that for a short moment there was a strange light on the tip of the arrow before it was fired. On the cliff they found the Mortar Launchers that were used for the attack on the tower, but before they could call the Lt. General, they spotted a big white flying object in the air. Rean, Jusis and Emma recognized it from their time in Bareahard. Deciding that it was too suspicions to leave it alone they chased after it on their horses until it landed in the ruin of the stone circle, they made sure to approach their target without making a sound.

In the middle of the ruins, there was a blue haired young girl standing beside a white puppet that seemed to float like the one Instructor Sara used on their Practice exams, the closer they got the more they saw how truly young she was, she couldn't be older than thirteen years old, deciding that they were close enough they jumped towards her.

"Halt! Stay where you are!" The girl turned around to face her attackers, "Ohh, it's the military academy students! What are you doing? Didn't you hear that this place may turn into a battlefield soon? You all should quickly leave. Go on, Zender Gate is that way, you can't miss it."

"How do you know about us?! Or rather who are you and what are you doing here?!" The girl just gave Jusis an cheeky look and put her finger on her lips, "Sorry, pretty boy, can't tell you that." Jusis reaction to being called pretty boy would have been amusing if the situation hadn't been so urgent, exchanging a look with Gaius, both Rean and him stepped forward, "How about we start with who you are? Were you involved with the attack on the watchtower and on the Republican Army's base?"

"We would rather not accuse you of a crime you didn't commit, but can you at least tell us who you are and what you are doing here?"

"Aww. How did I end up being the bad guy? This is going to make things a bit sticky…. but wait perhaps you can help me out with the situation here. Now I have just to see, if you guys are strong enough to accompany me to that place. Alrighty, get ready here I come." Not giving Group A any time to prepare, the girl called her puppet and jumped straight towards them, caught off guard Rean and the others took a moment to activate their Combat links.

Rean deflected the big punch from the white puppet using the fifth form while Gaius used the opening to launch a counterattack but to his surprise his spear didn't even make a scratch on the white material and his opponent didn't even move a rege from the force of the impact. The rest of the group got in the usual positions, with Jusis in the middle and Alisa and Emma in the back. Emma first tried to analyse the white doll, but the results were unusable while Alisa attacked with her arrows.

Recovering from their surprise the front fighters linked up and started to attack in synchronisation but like before their attacks didn't make one scratch though they had at least managed to drive it back just in time for Jusis Air Strike to hit it driving it further back. But in the end the white puppet advanced again, Rean noticed that everything the young girl did the white doll copied it, deciding that it was worth a shot though Rean did feel bad about it, he decided to take the girl as a hostage to make the puppet stop moving.

He sheathed his tachi to use the Eight form to apprehend the young girl, but he didn't go very far because suddenly there was a barrier in his way, before he ran into it, he jumped back. With a grin the young girl performed an uppercut which he avoided by leaning back thought it had been a close call, Gaius tried to help while the others attacked with Arts from the back.

Because they had wanted to apprehend the girl, they had been holding back in their attacks but remembering that her goal had been to test them, Rean decided that perhaps this would end if they showed her enough of their strength, using the combat links to tell the others of his plan, they got into position. Jusis and Alisa used the Space Arts Dark Matter to pin their opponent down at the same spot, while Rean and Gaius used this opportunity to launch their own attacks to drive the puppet away from the girl as soon as it was away, Emma casted the Silver Thorn Art around the target but the thorns it didn't do more than appear and remain in place effectively trapping her.

"Wow! You guys are really good, not bad at all." With a snap of her fingers the doll disappeared into thin air just to reappear behind her again shattering the thorns around showing them that she could still fight. "We have had quite enough of your wild chases and your games tell us who you are and what you are doing here!"

"Calm down there, pretty boy. I am Millium. Millium Orion. As for what I am doing here, I am after the bad guys who launched the attacks on both the Republic Army's Base and on the Imperial Watchtower, of course." The others clearly didn't believe her which made her pout, "What can I do to make you believe me?"

"How about you start with telling us everything you know about the attack and who is behind it in your opinion and where we can find them." Following behind Rean was Gaius, "You said you wanted our help then please tell us what you know." Ignoring the protests from the others these two waited until Millium talked to them and told them that she too had found out about the mortars and had been following the men who used them to launch the attack.

Though some remained suspicious of her, she had at least provided them with the location of the group responsible for the attack, though Rean had to bite back a curse after she told them that they were in the ancient quarry, and that they appeared to be a group composed of jaeger dropouts.

Using their Arcus Units, they called the Lt. General to inform him what they had learned unfortunately, at the moment he didn't have any soldiers to spare for capturing the dropouts, though he did extend their time limit by another three hours. Coming to the decision that they had no other choices but to help Millium capture them, they introduced themselves to her, until it was Jusis turn, "Jusis Albarea and just you know, you still have a lot to answer in regard to your intrusion into Aurochs Forts."

"A-ahaha… You knew that was us, huh? Anyway, time is wasting we should get a move on, people. I will ride with pretty boy over there, so let's go go go!" Not bothering to ask for permission Millium jumped right behind Jusis and held him, ignoring his objections to her choosing him. Again, the situation would have been amusing if war wasn't looming behind them, so they drove their horses as fast as they could ridding into the northeast area, unluckily for them, something appeared to block their path forward. It seemed to be the monster Lacan had asked them in the morning to find and kill, its appearance seemed to be like the golems spoken of in Erebonian legends.

Seeing no way to avoid it, Group A plus Millium chose to fight though to their surprise the blue haired girls was also in possession of an Arcus Unit and managed to form a combat link with Jusis during the fight and her puppet that she called Airgetlam or Lammy proved invaluable during the fight, tanking the hits from the golem and managing to land a punch to destroy its head making it stop moving. The students had so many questions for her, but like before she reminded them that the time was running out, so they continued with their journey until they reached the door into the ancient quarry.

The big door was no match for Lammy's punches, it didn't take long until it was destroyed, Gaius was the first to notice that something was wrong inside, "There is something weird about the wind I am sensing inside here, though this is the first time I sensed something like that."

Releasing a sigh from his mouth, Rean explained it to the rest, "What you are sensing right now are the Higher Elements, Gaius. As you are all aware, there are seven types of elements in the world, fire, water, earth and wind are commonly known as the Lower Elements above them are Space, Mirage and Time which are called the Higher Elements. Normally you don't have to worry about those three because their presence in the world is so small besides in certain places where the Spirit Veins are unusually active like ancient ruins and the like. In those places the three elements are far stronger giving birth to somewhat stronger monster who are resistant to the Lower Elements though not completely. You will have more luck in defeating them if you use an Art composed of either Space, Mirage or Time to defeat them."

"I take it this is why you wanted this place to be closed of permanently, because the 'Higher Elements' are active here." Giving Alisa a short nod, Rean took out his pouch containing all his quartzes, "Going forward we will change our formation to adapt to this place, me and Millium will take point while Gaius guards the middle and you three are in the back solely responsible for casting arts. Time is running so we won't have enough time to advance carefully, we will have to 'blitz' through this place. That means that each one of you three will have a setup composed of one of the higher elements completely, as soon we start fighting with a monster you start casting your Arts."

"Shouldn't I first use my Orbal Staff to analyse their weakness before we start using Orbal Art?."

"Like I said time is running out and we can't waste too much time here on the monsters, fortunately we have enough EP chargers to last us for several dozen fights so no need to hold back. Alisa, you take the Space Quartzes, Emma you take Mirage and Jusis takes Time. Me and Millium will keep them occupied while Gaius will take care of the ones that slip through."

They understood that time was pressing, so they took the quartzes and started making their way inside, "Buuuh, I didn't understand what you were saying but don't worry with me and Lammy here those monsters are a piece of cake. Come one, let's mosey!" Sweat dropping at Milliums energy, Rean had thought about trying to keep her out of the fights but after their fight against her and the golem, he knew that despite her young age she was a competent fighter and combined with the combat links he should be able to keep her from getting hurt.

The trip through the ancient quarry was filled with monsters like Rean had suspected but thankfully his strategy seemed to work fine, and it did help that the monster's group didn't contain more than four of them, though they were burning though the EP chargers faster than expected until they reached a small room with big doors on each.

Closing the doors on one side Rean spread his senses and found that in the next room were five people, signalling to the rest to keep quiet he sneaked forward and opened the door just enough to see inside, four men were wearing military attire while the fifth one was wearing a long jacket and glasses with an orbal gun on his right hip. They were able to hear the conversation between them,"…. Come one! We fulfilled our part of the bargain, now it is your turn! Give us the rest of our pay, man."

"Hmph! Our contract says that you will get your money when the two countries go to war with each other and not before. Though given the situation it shouldn't take long until it happens but perhaps another nudge would speed things up."

Rean could see Gaius glaring at the man with the glasses with an intense anger in his eyes while he discussed on how they could start the war faster, taking him by his arm he led the rest away from the door to discuss their strategy, "I imagine this can't be easy for you Gaius but please endure it for a bit more, it won't take much longer until we get those bastards. Alright guys, do you have any suggestion on how to do this?"

At that Millium raised her hand while jumping up and down, "Me, me, me! You can leave the jaegers dropouts to me and Lammy, we will charge forward and knocked them down."

"No, you are not! I don't care you how strong that puppet of yours is, we are not letting a child like you take such a risk, are we clear?" The glare Alisa was sending her way made Millium squirm and hide behind Jusis who was also looking at her with disapproval, "B-but, their guns aren't capable of destroying Lammy's shield which gives me the chance to approach them at high speed and knock them down."

Even with that explanation the others still wouldn't let her try it since this would leave her open to attacks from the fifth man in the room, "Then how about we add some extra protection to her?"

"You aren't seriously considering this, aren't you Rean?!" The swordsman tried to calm Jusis down, "This is why I said to add extra protection to her, I still have some earth quartzes that can give her more defence, add that with her barrier and the natural toughness of Airgetlam plus the moment of surprise. With that all together her plan isn't that crazy anymore besides you can leave the other one to me."

"And how exactly will take care of him, Rean? No matter of fast you are, you can't cover the distance between the door and him fast enough before he can shoot at you." Before he could explain how, "No! Forget it! I won't allow it, Rean!" Alisa directed her glare at him when she realised what exactly he had in mind, much to the confusion of the rest, "Alisa it will be fine, you should know. How many times did I managed to dodge your arrows until I reached you during our training sessions."

"You can't compare arrows to bullets, they are much faster than my arrows could ever be."

"Not really, with the help of your Orbal Bow I am sure that you can reach that level and…."

"Don't care, the answer is still no!" The others had realised what his plan was and so they left it to Alisa to talk him out of which seemed likely until Millium once again raised her hand, "I can cast the Adamantine Shield Art on him, if that helps." Though she used Jusis again as a shield when the archer's glare was sent her way, after repeatedly warning him of the consequences should he get hit, she allowed him to go with his plan though the moment the other backs were turned she gently grabbed his face to make him look directly at her, "Please be careful, ok?"

"No need to worry, I will be fine. This isn't the first time I have to do this, and this should be easier since there is only one gun." Pinching both of his cheeks the archer wasn't amused at all, "One of this day Rean, I swear I will get a full account on all of your reckless stunts." He was still able to smile even though his cheeks were being pinched, "For my sake, let's hope not." Pinching him harder for a few more seconds, she let him go and joined the others at the door to get ready.

Seeing an opening, Group A busted the door open and spilt into two groups with Rean charging toward the lone man and the others towards the dropouts with Millium in the lead. Guns were fired at the white doll but bounced off on the shield, not stopping Lammy crashed into them sending their weapons flying away and them thrown to the ground so hard they saw stars.

On the other side Rean was avoiding bullet after bullet using his speed until he finally got close enough, using his Autumn Leaf Cutter he sliced both the oncoming bullet and part of the orbal gun in half, though the man didn't wait for him to make another move and threw a flash grenade at the swordsman, shielding his eyes in reflex. Rean jumped back to avoid being attacked with his eyes closed, after opening them he found out he hadn't need to since the man had increased the distance between them instead of closing it to attack, though now he didn't have a chance to escape because behind him was a deep chasm.

"Where did you all come from, who are you, you brats?!"

"Thors Military Academy, Class VII! And you are all under arrest of suspicion of an unprovoked attack on both the Imperial Watchtower and Republican Army base."

"I see you are the students responsible for interfering with our work in Celdic, aren't you?! Seems like you can't stop sticking your nose where it doesn't belong and this time around you even have help from the White Rabbit. Though it pains me to do so it seems like I will have to nip these young buds before they could bloom, this a too good opportunity to eliminate one of the 'children'. Nonetheless I will give you my name as a parting gift to Gehenna. Gideon, though I am known in some circle simply as G."

Not waiting for an answer, Gideon took out an old looking flute and started playing, no sooner had the first note appeared that everyone could feel the entire place shaking and the source seemed to come from above them like something big was moving towards their direction, the moment of distraction was enough for Gideon, to take his grappling hook and jump down, not caring about him, Rean ran towards the others, "Everyone get away from there!"

Nearly everyone followed his order safe a man who was too stunned to move which cost him dearly as huge spider appeared from an hole in the celling and started to bite him, before it could get too gruesome, Rean turned both Alisa and Emma around to spar them from the sight while Jusis put an hand over Millium eyes to also protect her from the scene in front of her, the rest could only watch how a grown man was first torn into pieces before being devoured.

"You think we are looking at the face of the djinn from the legends!?"

"Whatever it is, it still seems hungry and since we need those men alive to fix the situation with Calvard we have to defeat it! Rean, your orders?"

"Group A prepare to engage! We need to stop it before it can harm anyone else, Millium keep a close eye on them, if they try to escape hit them with Airgetlam to make them stay in place."

"Aye, aye sir! You heard the man, don't move or you will get Lammy's fist."

"Gaius you are up with me on the front, Jusis to the middle for support with your arts and crafts, Alisa and Emma to the back, don't hold anything back." The spider was the first to move attacking both Rean and Gaius at the same with its long legs, both fighters had to block that attack, or the djinn could have broken through to Jusis and the girls.

At that moment Alisa's flamberge arrows arrived to distracting it together with Jusis Air Strike they managed to give the front fighters some more breathing room, using their entire strength they unleashed attack after attack and when Emma finished with her analyse she too joined in with attacking the spider, they had found that while its skin was far studier compared to the other spiders that had meet in the quarry, its legs were one of its weak points making it possible to keep it in place with Reans use of the Second Form Gale.

Though all good things had to come to end, with a mighty cry the ancient spider summoned a dozen of smaller spider to it, now Group A was the one being outnumbered, before Rean could think of a counter measure Alisa called out to him, "Rean if you can bring those small spiders closer together in one place, I can take them out with one attack."

"Alright! Rean, you and Alisa take care of the little ones and leave the big one to me, Jusis and Emma, I got an idea how to finish it off. Jusis, Emma can you two keep it in one place just for a moment please." Trusting his friends Rean gave Alisa a smiled with confidence for her and started to get the spiders. Meanwhile Jusis and Emma had managed to pin it down using a well-placed Dark Matter and Silver Thorn aimed at its legs, Gaius on the other hand gathered all his energy in his body, filling him with enough strength to jump above the spider, with a mighty cry he unleashed the image of a hawk behind him when he released it all. "Calamity Hawk!" Like a hawk swopping down on his prey, Gaius attack hit the back of the spider and went through its body, unleashing a mighty hurricane the moment his spear hit the ground, that shredded the rest of the ancient djinn into pieces leaving nothing behind.

On the other side of the room Rean had managed to gather the smaller spiders to his side while Alisa also helped attacking the stranglers until Rean got to them. "Ready, Alisa?" A nod was all he needed, the swordsman stopped moving for just a short moment to gather his Ki and plot the route he was going to use, "Second Form, Gale!"

He moved quickly through his opponents to strike them with enough force to throw them closer together instead of finishing them of with his strikes, he looked at Alisa, as he was done, who appeared to form an arrow out of pure orbal energy and nocked it to her Orbal Bow that was also pulsing with energy, "This is my secret weapon, releasing Orbal Energy. Rosetta Arrow!" What followed was Alisa releasing several smaller arrows of energy from her bow followed by a big arrow that was more a similar to an Ramm bock in size than an arrow, the smaller ones hit the monsters first killing some of them but when the large one hit there was an explosion of pure fire energy eradicating the rest, like their big counterpart nothing remained of them.

"Well, what do you think? Does my finishing move pass muster or not, Rean?" The smug grin on her face got wider when she saw his dumbfounded expression on his face, "What? Lost for words, Mister Corny Speeches?" As if to prove her right he just gave a thump up but the pride he was showing in his eyes at her attack was far better than any words he could have given her at the moment. They re-joined the others who had also finished their fight at the nearly same time, before walking towards the dropouts who had watched the entire fight and were quivering in fear of both those students and the little girl's doll.

After that they didn't waste any time to get back to Zender Gate, after they had explained the situation to the Lt. General, he had sent an airship to meet them halfway so that the attackers could be quickly escorted back to base to start negotiating with the Republic, Group A passed by the settlement to also give them a quick update on the situation before leaving. Back at the base they were brought directly to Zechs office where they watched the talks take place, it seemed like the Republic wasn't willing to take a step back since they had suffered more damage than their counterpart until a certain Major by the name of Lechter Arundel took the reins and managed to avoid armed conflict, though he left quickly while taking the mysterious Millium with him.

Zechs informed them that these two were part of a group called Ironbloods who answered directly to the Chancellor of Erebonia, though that was a story for another day. Group A returned to the settlement, where everyone was waiting for them to celebrate their success in thwarting the war, the feast went well into the night. The next day to the complete surprise of the teenagers there was Instructor Sara along with Sharon at the fireplace being served breakfast by Sheeda and Lily, apparently these two had made their way into Nord when they heard what had happened though by the time, they arrived it was already night and the threat had already been resolved.

Group A stood in front of Zender Gate to say goodbye to the Worzel family and Gwyn, the rest gave both Gaius and Alisa the privacy they needed after saying goodbye, Alisa looked at her grandfather who seemed to be quite lovestruck whenever he looked at Sara, "Please, can't you be serious for once! Anyway, I think I finally understand why you left the Company when you did. You love the company more than anyone I know, but it became too big, too concerned with growing, making more money and that is why you left. You took a step back to see what you can do to make it right."

"My little granddaughter is growing up, that is indeed correct. After we finished making the Railway Guns, I knew that I had to do something about it, though perhaps I should have tried to explain it all to you before just disappearing form your life and for that I am sorry." Steeping forward Alisa hugged him tight, "Don't worry about it, you did what you believed was right and I am proud of you for that, though next time try to at least tell me where you are going, alright?"

Returning the hug, Gwyn whispered into her ear, "You really have grown, though I am sure that you will have grown even more, the next time we meet. By the way, I completely approve of Rean, even if I can see that it won't be easy for him to open up to you, I am sure that my incredibly beautiful and smart granddaughter will have him wrapped around her finger sooner or later."

"GRANDFATHER!" A red-faced Alisa was hitting Gwyn on his shoulder while he laughed out loud, the time for their departure came and Group A plus Sara and Sharon left the Nord Highlands behind to return to Thors with fond memories of this beautiful place. Though there was on more surprise waiting for them at Roer Station, a black-haired young girl, she seemed be around twenty years old with obsidian coloured eyes, she seemed like the typical noble daughter appearance wise though more of the eastern variety, the only thing that showed that she wasn't an Erebonian noble daughter was the fact that she was wearing a grey business suite, though it didn't distract from her beauty if the looks she was getting form the men at the station were any indication.

At her side was as a woman dressed like a secretary that seemed to be in her mid-twenties though compared to the young lady, she was unremarkable with no distinguishable features, the bangs of her hair nearly covered her eyes. The pair seemed to wait for a certain someone to appear from one of the gates, the moment Rean appeared an innate type of fear ran through his body making him stop since this was a feeling, he was all too familiar with, and he had just met one being in his entire life that could make the ogre inside him feel like that. Ignoring the curious gazes of his companions, he scanned the entire station in search where said being could be while gripping his tachi tightly until his knuckles turned white.

The moment he had appeared both women began walking towards him entering his line of sight, though his eyes were more on the secretary following the young woman. Noticing where he was looking Sharon also spotted the two, a bit surprised to see them here she waited for them reach the place they were standing, before bowing to them.

"Lady Sasaki, Lady Inari, what a pleasure to see you again so soon, I take it Lady Irina informed you about the time of our arrival here?" A comforting voice was heard from the one called Sasaki, "She did indeed, Miss Sharon. And since this was just a too good opportunity to pass up, I decided to see how my good old friend was doing. Ah, but where are my manners? Please let me introduce myself to the rest of you all, I am Himari Sasaki. I hail from a small country in the eastern part of the continent, I am currently in Erebonia because of some business deals with the Reinford Company and this here is my secretary, Miss Inari."

Both women bowed slightly to Group A who in turn presented themselves to the young woman, though their attention was on one swordsman who after taking a deep breath spoke to the lady grinning at him, "Hey there Himari. How have you been? It has been what four years since we saw each other?"

"It has been rather a long time indeed since we last came face to face. I have been doing well and Grandfather and Father sent you, their greetings."

"These two still keeping busy with running the country and dealing with your uncles and cousins?" The others watched in silence how both Rean and Himari talked with each for the first time in four years, that was until Rean couldn't ignore what the ogre inside him was telling him, "I would love to meet up and catch up properly, Himari. But for now, I have a question that I really need answered, do you mind?" Tilting her head Himari didn't quite understand what had made her old friend be so tense when talking with her but she soon got her answer after she nodded.

Rean straight up glared at the woman who had been quiet the entire time, just standing behind Himari with an expressionless face though the beginning a smirk could be seen in it when she saw Rean glaring at her and it got wider when she heard him nearly snarl his question at her, "What in Aidioses name are YOU doing here?! Tamamo no Mae!