Dateline, Augest 17th, 1206 Thursday

(Trails of Cold Steel IV ost - Eryn, the Hidden Village)

"This is troubling." Roselia hummed "The Great Twilight is advancing further and further."

"Yeah, it spread as far as Sutherland and Kreuzen now." Elliot nodded "With all the requisitioning and conscription, the regular citizens are feeling the pinch more than ever."

"Jusis' absence hasn't helped morale, either." Fie added "IDF are keeping order, so there haven't been any major disturbances yet."

"It's the same situation at Saint-Arkh." Levi sighed "Hyarms mansion went through the same thing it seems."

"Heimdallr's not immune either, if the rumors we've heard are accurate. And they're launching training for the new recruits at bases all over the country." Sara said

"Already?" Juna asked. "Wow, the war's starting to feel that much more real."

"You can thank the curse for that." Yuri fold his arm. "It continues to spread like a plague. And with the Great Twilight in affect, the people of Erebonia's resentment has been amplify. Turning their desire to fight."

"What's more. Chancellor Osborne and Governor General Rufus are really food at riling the people up." Annette added.

"Not to mention all the support they'll be getting from Major Arundel and Major Rieveldt." Altina added.

"They may have intelligent people on their side, but that doesn't mean we don't have them sides on ours." Alsin said.

"Right. So Ash. Mind explaining what happened in the Pantagruel?" Yuri asked.

"Yeah, did you get a chance to talk to Musse?" Juna added

"Not really, she just told me what happened while I was out." Ash answered "Tch, sounds like everything's going down exactly like she thought it would. Maybe escaping with the Hector was just me playing my role."

"We heard a little about that from Jusis." Elliot said.

"Getting Aurelia Le Guin and the Azure Abyss on your side isn't easy. Show she's not all talk, if nothing else." Sara added

"It's not so strange when you consider the Cayenne family's ties to the Imperial family." Roselia stated. "Mediating has been in their blood since ancient times. Perhaps that aspect of the family has peaked with her, ironic as it may be."

"Mediators, huh?" Kurt asked

"Look, Musse is Musse. That's what's important." Juna stated "We got Ash to rejoin us, so we can get her back, too!"

"You're right." Altina ndoded. "Once we talk things out with her, everything else will fall into place."

"Hmph, I'm warning ya, it won't be as easy as it was talking me around." Ash comment

"That's true. But anyway, we should discuss where we should head next. I say we should head to Lamare to find the singularity." Levi suggest

"I was thinking the same thing." Roselia nodded "You can set out tomorrow. At least take one more day to rest and recuperate."

"Right. I know we all want to find Rean, but it's important not to overwork yourselves. It won't be good if you're not in top form. Not to mention Lamare is also a large territory. We need to be patient so we can search properly."

"Levi's right." Fie nodded. "Sara, Elliot, and I are going to start gathering Intel again tomorrow, as well."

"Unfortunately as much as I like to continue investigating. I got some duties I must attend to. So I'll be out for awhile. Wolves, what will you plan to do next?"

"We'll head back to Fodlan with you." Hapi said.

"Indeed. There is something I must attend to." Constance nodded.

"Same. I was going to continue going around Erebonia, but Alsin was afraid I would get caught. Or at least a problem with gambling." Balthus said.

"Trust me. It's best to keep you on a leash before things become worse for you." Alsin rolled his eyes.

"Well in that case, how about I come along with you guys to search for this... singularity, right?" Shez offered.

"We don't mind, to be honest." Levi said. "Actually wait. What are you doing here Shez? Aren't you suppose to be in Bowser's Castle, now?" He turn to Kazuha, Ares and Ryker. "And what about you, Kazuha, Ares... and who's the guy next to you."

"Ah, I suppose this is our first time meeting." Ryker said. "I'm Ryker. I'm from Rigbarth like Priscilla, Lucy, Ludmilla, Beatrice and Reinhardt. And I'm also Ares's husband."

"Really? You're married to a hot guy like him?" Levi blinked.

"Ahaha... yeah." Ares replied with a blush as he scratched his cheek and looked cute.

"Wow... to be perfectly honest. I expected a cute guy like you might be in a relationship. But Never expected you would be married, let alone a hot guy."

"I know. I'm often be told that I'm handsome down to the boot. I'm cursed to attract guys and girls with a cute smile and a nice... you know." Ryker chuckled. "But Ares stole my heart. We dated, got married, and we even have a child together. We'll have more on the way."

"Ryker..." Ares replied with a blush.

Levi whistle. "Wow. You are so lucky." Levi chuckled. "Actually. Has anyone noticed that Ryker sounds like Yuri?"

"Oh good, I wasn't the only one." Constance said.

"Come to think of it, Ares sounds like Lloyd!" Juna added.

"Heh. I guess the Undine Prince of Ouroboros isn't the only voice that sounds similar." Yuri said. "I guess some guys who are in the handsome category are bouncing to have our voices."

"I know, right?" Ares smirk.

"It is quite the mystery that many people begin to have similar voices. Emma told me that mine is similar to Enforcer No. XVII." Roselia mused.

"And Tio's voice sounds similar to Mint too." Juna wondered.

"I hope I don't confused Yuri for someone else who has the same voice as him." Alsin sighed.

"Hey, you know. Yuri-bird and Ares here have something in common. They're both married to handsome men, they both have the same voice. And they both look similar to each other style when it comes to air of mystery."

"Huh. Now that you mention it. We do have something in common, don't we?" Yuri turn to Ryker.

"Looks like it." Ryker said.

"Yeah, can we get back to the topic?" Ragna sighed. "Something about Shez not being in Bowser's Castle?"

"Ah, right." Shez scratch his cheek. "Well, I'm on a mission from Bowser. I can't go into details but It's got something to do with Erebonia and the Great Twilight. My mission is nearly over. Just got one last thing to do. Who knows. Maybe accompanying you guys might help me find it. Kazuha here wanted to come with me."

"Right. I thought Shez might need a helping hand. That and I'm very concerned for Erebonia with the state its end... and want to mourn for Prince Olivert, Toval, and the Lord Arseid." Kazuha said as he look down.

"Kazuha..." Altina look at him with a sad look.

Kazuha shook his head. "I'm all right. Anyway. When I arrived in Erebonia, I could feel the overwhelming fowl miasma all over, tainting the land and air itself. I nearby barf that day."

"Yeah. I was worried that coming here was a bad idea for you." Shez said.

"It's all right. It isn't poisonous nor does it affect the air we breathe in... but the curse has caused massive changes. Which made me concerned. For example the weather."

"Oh I know what you mean. It was summer but it doesn't feel like anymore." Juna said.

"Right. I wanted to help fix the mess the Chancellor and his party have caused to Erebonia in any way I can." Kazuha said.

"Kazuha has been a big help and his ability with nature helps me a lot." Shez said

"I heard that the swordsman from the eastern part of Zemuria has the ability to be more attuned to nature. It's quite an impressive ability." Roselia said.

"As for us. We wanted to help out too. Prince Olivert was a friend to everyone in Rigbarth. What happened to him was shocking news. My superior, Luvia, gave me permission to investigate the situation in Erebonia. And with my abilities. I was able to get a little more interesting." Ares said

"And I wanted to accompany him. I'm worried he might get into a tight spot. Of course, I'm very worried about our son being back home, but we entrusted him with our friends back home to look after him. We'll be leaving once we get everything up and running." Ryker said.

"Right. You don't mind if we join you too? Don't worry, we promise not to draw too much attention."

"In that case, mind if I tag along too?" Ragna asked.

"I better come along before my brother cause too much attention." Jin said.

"Well we don't mind having each of you accompany us." Kurt said.

"Yeah, you guys will be a big help." Juna nodded.

"I hope this number doesn't cause too much attention." Levi said.

"Oh trust me. It's gonna happened. But all the more reason for it to be fun." Ash said.

"In that case, we wish you guys luck." Sara said. "By the way, have you guys consider getting some training in the meantime, I'd be happy to join you in the labyrinth."

"Speaking of training. Rose, there's a phase 2 in the labyrinth, right?" Levi asked

"Of course. I already set it up by the time you return yesterday." Roselia answered.

"All right." Levi nodded before turning to the new Class VII. "If you're planning on going to the labyrinth, be sure you to call us so we can train."

"Right." New Clas VII nodded and everyone begin to split up to rest up.


With Shez and Kazuha...

"I never knew Emma's home would be miracious." Kazuha said in awe as they enter the Inn.

"Yeah. But we are in a different country so It make sense that there are seen we haven't seen before. I know I have since I'm a merc." Shez nodded before seeing the tavern keeper.

"Well hi there gentleman! Nice to see you boys again." Liese said.

"Hey Liese. How it goin'?" Shez asked before noticing Juna helping out in the Inn. "Oh, you got Juna to help?"

"She volunteer. The sweet girl. I told her I can handle it myself, but she insisted it. The same goes for the rest of you and your friends. I admire your work ethic. Just make sure you take time out to rest now and then."

"We will. Thank you." Kazuha smiled.

Liese then got to thinking. "Maybe I should prepare my specialty..."

"Your specialty?"

"There's something I been meaning to ask one of you for awhile. There's a dish that has the power to replenish spent mana. It makes use of a special ingredient however. Around these parks, we call dishes here 'magic cuisine.' due to those properties. Mandrake soup is my specialty. But I doesn't look like I'll be able to make any. I just checked my stores, and I've run out of the key ingredient."

"Magic Cruise?" Shez rub his chin. "Can't say I'm familiar with it. Then again, some of the food have their own special properties."

"Indeed. So where do you usually get your cooking supplies?" Kazuha asked.

"Saint-Gral Labyrinth. I might not look like it. But I'm still a witch. I used to go there all the time in my younger days." Liese answered "I'll have to run over and get some more when I can next time off."

"Well in that case, why don't we go get the ingredient you need for you?" Shez asked.

"You sure about that? I don't want to put you into trouble."

"Nah. It ain't no trouble at all."

"Well, if you say so. Mandrake do have a lot of medicinal properties you might find useful."

"In that case, please take some of mine." Kazuha pull out a Mandrake.

"Where did you get this?" Liese asked.

"We've face monsters before. Some of them drop Mandrake. It's often used back where I'm from too." Kazuha answered.

"Well, you're quite prepared, aren't you? But this is splendid!" Liese smiled as Kazuha handed it over to her. "Why don't you go get the others and I'll make enough for everyone!

"Sounds like a plan." Shez said as he and Kazuha begin to text everyone to come to the Inn for a special meal by Liese.

A few minutes later. Everyone was gather around in the table as Liese made her specialty.

"Voila! My specialty: Mandrake soup! Eat up before it get cold!" Liese cheered.

"Don't mind if I do!" Juna cheered as everyone begin to take a spoonful of the soup. "Hwurgh?!" Until they got a reaction they weren't expecting as Juna swallow hers. "Blah!"

"Juna are you okay? Do you need a pat in the back?" Altina asked.

"This soup is... quite bitter... Too bitter." Venti groaned.

"Gah! Why the hell is it so bitter?" Ragna asked as he see Kazuha is fine with it. "And how come you're okay with it?"

"I've drank tea that has some bitter flavor. So I'm used to it." Kazuha answered.

"I see" Shez said as he swallow. "Well it's food. It would be a waste to let it go to shame."

"Agreed. I don't mind after all. It has an acquired taste." Kurt nodded. 'I bet Freddy would be a big fan of this.'

"The aroma's pretty distinctive, too. I like it." Sara said.

"Well if you guys can past the bitterness, I guess it's not too bad." Juna said.

"Yeah, you could do a lot worse." Ash nodded

"Haha!" Liese laughed. "Talk about rave reviews. Still, so long as you like it, I'm happy. This soup has traditionally been used to help witches recover their mana after especially strenuous activities. To be honest, I'd be over the moon if I could just get Rose to eat some, too. Alas, no one in the village can break through to that picky eater."

"That sounds like her, all right." Kurt sweatdrop.

"I'm used to it by now. Well, I better get back to work. You kids go ahead and relax."

"Thanks again for the meal." Kurt said as they resumed eating the Mandrake soup until it was over and they all split up again.


With Levi...

"Ah, that felt good." Levi said as he walk into Gadolf's workshop. "Hey Gandolf."

"Ah, just the guy I'm looking for!" Gandolf said

"Oh? You need something?" Levi asked.

"Well I guess so? I gave the Panzer Solots you brought back with you the once-over. And I just heard from the elder, that I managed to confirm that their link with the Ashen Knight is still intact. That means you oughta be able to use Divine Knight Orbs on your own machines now."

"Ah that's right! That's good news indeed. This technology really is something special, huh?"

"Yup, yup. Too bad I couldn't get the chance to tinker with the main vessel. The Kin of Fire were the ones who first infused the Knights with their power. Luckily, we've still retained some knowledge from that time. It was our Hexen Clan, after all, that developed the EX Orbs later down the line. Ig you ever want to make some more orbs, just come talk to me."

"Actually, now that you mention it." Levi said as they begin to discuss.


With Ash...

"Whoof! Man that was some nice bathing!" Balthus cheered as he, the Ashen Wolves relax next to Ash after a dip on the hot spring.

"Sheesh, must you gotta be loud?" Ash asked.

"Oh just ignore the idiot Ash. It would be better if you ignore any of his loudness." Alsin said.

"Hey!"

"Now now. Let them be a little wild up for now. It's good to have you back Ash." Yuri said.

"So Ash. I know this isn't a good time to ask, but how did you show up at the Emperor's place?" Hapi asked.

"Honestly, can't remember a damn thing..." Ash sighed. "The only thing I remember was getting into the spring in the bathroom. Then suddenly I felt this pain in my chest. The voice came back, memories resurfaced, and suddenly all that hatred in me. Then I felt this weird vibe going on me. Come to think of it... I did remember something strange... That pistol when I found it... how did it get there? Along with that portal of darkness."

"Portal of darkness and the pistol was placed in the bathroom?" Alsin asked.

"That... seems awfully suspscious." Constance said.

"It's almost sound like something or someone planted there." Yuri rub his chin. "Have you spoked this with the others."

"Nope. You guys were the first."

"Hmm..." Yuri rub hie chin. "This is just a hypothesis, but what if someone planted that pistol there on purpose for you. And that portal of darkness was someone's doing."

"Hm, if that was the case, someone did set me up. Guess that prophecy was halted until someone make sure I follow that damn script. Whoever they are, I'm gonna beat the shit out of them." Ash muttered

"Know that we got your back Ash. As a member of Class VII and us Ashen Wolves, know that you can count on us. All right?"

"Yeah, yeah."

"That reminds me. you like you new get-up?" Yuri asked

"You like it? Wasn't sure if a coat would be too out-of-season. But summer's been weirdly chilly, this year, y'know? Plus, the hood might come in handy for when I need to be a little 'covert' you feel me?"

"Hehe, Obviously." Yuri smirked.

(BGM ended)


Meanwhile with Kurt...

(Trails of Cold Steel IV ost - Witch of the Quiet Forest)

Kurt arrived in the Errie Forest.

"One would think I'd be used to it by now, but these woods always make me a bit uneasy." Kurt said, looking around. "In hindsight, it was foolish to venture here on my own."

"Going somewhere, Kurt?" Levi asked as he appeared afterward.

"Oh, Levi." Kurt replied. "Perhaps I should be thankful that you appeared."

"I always I that affect on people." Levi's nervous smile. "But what brings you out here? Wait, hmm?" He glimpse to the direction where Roselia came from.

"Ah, Hello Kurt, Levi. Out for a stroll?" Roselia asked. "This is relatively safe, but you never know what horrors might suddenly be sprung upon you."

"Speaking of horrors. I sense an overwhelming power coming from the direction you came from. I take it that a cryptid shows up?"

"Correct. Black Peroma Grass bloomed this morning, accompanied by the appearance of a cryptid. And though it isn't as intense as when a singularity occurs, there have been local disruptions from the spirit veins. It happened during the Civil War as well. Troubles never stop for long, does it?"

"No doubt about that. Still, we better do something about it."

"In that case, I wish you good luck. Since you and the others have managed to overcome Xehanort, you might be able to handle it." Roselia nodded "That reminds me... This creatures seems to be guarding a most useful item."

"A useful item?" Levi hummed. "Hmm... I think I know what item you're talking about. Anyway, thank you for the advice."

"By the way, you may now access the second sector of Saint-Gral Labyrinth. Taking breaks to recuperate is important. of course, but so is persistent training as part of a larger team."

Kurt nodded. "Yes, I'll take your advice to heart!"

"So then, Kurt. If you want to explore the area. Why not call Juna and the others." Levi suggested

"Yes, I was thinking that. Perhaps we should do our training at Saint-Gral Labyrinth now."

"Of course." Levi nodded as Kurt begin to call the others and ask them to go for Saint-Gral training.

And so who came to join them were New Class VII, Sara, Fie, Elliot, Annette, Shez, Kazuha, Ragna, Jin, Ares and Ryker. They begin to follow the path straight head which eventually lead them to Saint-Gral Labyrinth where they go in.

(Trails of Cold Steel IV ost - Saint-Gral Labyrinth)

"So this is the place where you guys train? Wow. Not bad." Shez mused as they go in.

"The air around here has a unique taste. A bit of magical in the air." Kazuha agreed asd they go through the hall.

"Well we are in the Hexen Clan's training ground." Levi said.

"Whoa... It almost reminded me of Atohl's End." Ares said

"Except that place is leads to death itself." Ryker groaned. "I still can't believe you there."

"I didn't have a choice when it's on missions." Ares said as they go gown the stairs and spotted monsters roaming. "Whoa!"

"Damn, those look completely supernatural to some of the monsters we have in our world." Ryker said.

"Still, this is a good workout regardless. Come on!" Shez pull out his swords as Kurt notice Shez has a new sword besides his magic sword.

The Blood Monad spotted them and cry out to summon more monsters as the Grimblade launch a slash projection on them as the group split up and form combat links to take them on. The Blood Monands ew toward the group as Venti shot his arrow toward their mouth as they dodged as Ryker and Area ran toward them with duel blades and then launch combo slashes and kicks on them while Shez and Kazuha zoomed and launched slashes of their own. The Grimblade rushed over to them to slash them but Yuri throw a dagger at it as Ash ran over and swung his axe at him to knock it away. The Grimblade unleash slash projections before unleashing an eerie roar onto them to hurt their ear as the Blood Monands Bite Juna, Altina and Ares to suck in their blood. Juna hit the face while Ares and Altina slash their eyes before killing them as Juna shoot at it to kill it.

The Grimblade swing his axe toward Sara and Fie but they both dodged and slashed the thing as Annette swing Crush to knock it away, ELliot used his magic magic to explode on it, and Venti shot at it to deal the killing blow.

"Juna, you okay? Let me look at the mark." Kurt said as he look at it.

"Ngh... It's okay Kurt. Nothing more than a bite." Juna said.

"Even so, those parasite leeches are dangerous monsters. Let's get it disinfectant." Kurt said as he pull out a first-aid kit and then begin to cover the bite marks with alcohol to keep it getting disaffected as Juna felt alight sting but it soon fade away as she drink the Tear Balm which recover the wound.

"Phew. Thanks Kurt." Juna said with a smile.

"I'm glad that you're okay." Kurt said with a smile.

"Ooh." Venti let out a grinned. "Is it me or are those two are awfully close?"

"I'm sensing those two may got the hots for each other. Funny as it is." Ash grinned.

"What about you Ash?"

"Don't change the subject bard." Ash threaten him as they continue onward.

"Hey Shez, what's with that new sword?" Levi as asked.

"Oh, this baby?" Shez look at his new sword. "Kazuha made this sword specially for me."

"Oh yeah, you're family is a famous bladesmithing family right?"

"Indeed. I used my family's teachings to forge a unique sword." Kauzha said as Shez's sword is a jet-blade blade cutting edge sharpness with purple highlines, a black grip with a black and dark purple line half-ring under Shez's hand, the rain guard were two diamond shape with a purple gemstone in each centerpiece, and encase the blade was a purple decorated line.

"It's a fine blade. Looks pretty sharp." Fie said

"Yeah. This baby is one unique masterpiece too." Shez nodded.

"Hehe. I did forge it with my thought and feelings for you Shez. And the blade suits you well. Plus it's made from special properties." Kazuha smiled.

"Aw, shucks. You really are the best. I know this sword is I can use to protect those I love and care for."

"Aren't you cute." Ash shrug. "But what's this about a special properties?"

"Oh, that's a secret." Kazuha said as they got down more monsters on the way and then found some treasure chest along the way until they reached the depths of the place.

"So this place is the depths?" Balthus asked.

"Yeah. I wonder who we'll face today?" Juna wondered until they see a giant gargoyle statue. "Whoa!"

"A giant gargoyle? Piece of cake." Ash said.

"In that case, let's take this thing down." Fie said as everyone got ready. "Let's go!"

(BGM paused)

(Trails of Cold Steel IV ost - Robost One)

The Gargoylorus spotted them as it begin to roar at them and they rushed in.

"Break through!" Slaughhammer!" Juna yelled as her brave order activated and then they begin toa attack it as Gargoylorus launch a claw attack on them.

Ryker flip to his left and then dash and launches combo slash as Ares summons fireballs at it to strike it. Hapi cast Luna to strike at it as Alsin forged a Bow of Ice with his Ice Magic and released multiple arrows at it while Balthus jumped up and punched Gargoylorus to the ground. Gargoylorus got back on it's feet as it used its swings to generate a tornado to blow them away, but Annette used Excalibur to counter it. Elliot shoots out orbal projections attack onto Gargoylorus as Sara and Fie rush over and deliver some slashes onto it. Gargoylorus then begin to cast Arts, but then it was interrupted by Juna's Craft: Cross Break 2, then Kurt follow up by slashing it twice. Venti shoots his arrow onto Gargoylorus's legs to his wings. Gargoylorus let out a booming roar as Kazuha rushed over and launched powerful slashes as Shez launched combo swift slashes and then jabs, kick, then slash.

Gargoylorus swing its claws onto them and used his tail to attack them. But Ash swung down his axe to stop the tail from hitting anyone as Constance summoned beams of light to strike it, Altina used her Bomb magic to channel several orbs of energy and launch them around it and then combined them to Gargoylorus and explode on him with heavy impact. Levi ran over to launch combo slashes, spin clockwise slash downward, trust attack, a couple of horizontal slashes, then spin slash. Ragna jumps toward Gargoylorus's face and launches powerful slashes as Jin follow up with powerful slashes of his own before encasing Gargoylorus with ice, then a single swipe shatters it. Gargoylorus unleashed a breathing attack onto the group as it flew into the air and then summoned meteors onto them.

"Heads up!" Shez yelled as they split up.

"I got this!" Venti charge his arrow and released it, multiplying as it shot the swings to knock it out of the sky as everyone being to rush in.

Gargoylorus then blow them away with it's swings and then channels energy from its claws and punch the ground, creating pillars of fire toward the group. Constance counter it by summoning a magic circle to rain down several ice, thunder, light, fire, wind, and dark magic onto the battlefield to counter it and cause quite the explosion. Hapi let out a sighed as her hand glowed with dark magic, spread her arms and cast several Mire onto Gargoylorus. Balthus ran up and used launch powerful punches onto the guts and then used Flamewhiol Kick on it. Ryker ready his blades as he rush over, warp around Gargoylorus, and launched several slashes as area as Ares switch to a single sword with a shield, ran over and launched combo slashes and then, raised his sword and released a large slash projection to knock Gargoylorus on it's back.

Levi leap into the air and then dive into a plunge attack on the belly, causing it to roar in agony as Levi pull his Glaive and jump off, causing Gargoylorus to crumpled into pieces.

(BGM ended)

(Reusming Saint-Gral Labyrith)

"Okay, that's a wrap!" Sara said.

"Eh. I was hoping more of a challenge." Ragna said.

"Well there are many of us." Juna said.

"Well if it a challenge, there is a crypid we can fight instead." Levi said.

"All in favor?" Jin asked as they look at each other and nodded. "Then let's go face the cryptid." He said as they leave the Labyrinth.

(BGM ended)

The group walk out of the Labyrinth as they walk back to the Teleportation Stone that lead them to the Hexen Clan.

"So where is this monster?" Ragna asked.

"It's nearby. But it doesn't seem to be moving it's position." Levi answered. "But just do you know, it's a tough one. Far tougher then that gargoyle we faced."

"Please. Xehanort was far tougher. If we can handle him, then we can beat some crypid."

"Hehe. I feel bad calling a cryptid weak compare to Xehanort."

"But we did face many odds before. And each one push us to our limits." Sara pointed out.

"She isn't wrong." Hapi added as they soon arrived at a large overplant Crypid. "Whoa."

"This is the cryptid we're going to face?" Constance asked.

"Hmm... Yeah we can take it on. Xehanort prove more of a challenge then this thing is." Ragna said.

The cryptid roared.

"I think he heard you." Fie said.

"Eh. Who cares." Ragna pull out his Armmara. "Come at us!"

(Trails of Cold Steel IV ost - Malicious Fiend)

Fornelius spit out several acids toward the group as they split up.

"Breakthrough! Sludgehammer!" Juna activated her Brave Order again as Kurt and Levi launch their slashes at it as Fornelius slammed his arm at them as they dodged.

"Search Mode activate!" Altina used her Detector Craft to scan it. "It's weak to wind magic and sword-wielding weapons. Which shouldn't be surprising at this point."

"It is an overgrown plant. Come on, let's do this!" Shez said as he rushed in with Kazuha and unleashed a flurry of slashes as Fornelius multiple mouths attempted to bite them as several vines were launch out to attack them.

Jin impale the ground with ice to freeze it, but they broke lose as Venti summoned several wind blades and launched it around Fornelius slash it, causing it to roar to blow them away and then it launch several seed bombs toward the group as rain down explosion. Sara and Fie avoided each one as they launch a flurry of slashes with imbued lighting and wind energy onto them as Yuri cast Excalibur onto it along with Constance. Wind Magic deal immense blow on it as Ash launches powerful swings on its overside as Balthus launch combo punches. Fornelius spit out several acid wave from it's self, forcing the others to retreat. Fornelius then implanted it's arms to the ground and several of it piranha arms spouted and launched themselves toward the group to eat them. Ash swung down to knock one to the ground while the others cut off the arms before it regrew.

"Dead Spike!" Ragna unleashed a dark projection of a head with sharp death onto Fornelius and exploded on it as Ares sent out a large wind blade at it as Ryker moved fast around the vine-piranha plants and cut down each one as he goes before jumping to the gut and threw down daggers.

Ryker landed, but the ground below him spouted out Piranha plants. "Whoa!" He yelled as he jumped off and spout as he dash to slash them off.

Hapi shot out dark magic projections onto the body of Fornelius as Elliot swirl his Orbal Staff and then shoot magic projection all around it as Annette ran toward Fornelius 's belly and launched a powerful swing, but one of it's mouth caught it.

"Uh oh." Annette sweatdrops as she used her wind magic on the mouth and forces it to release as then she hit the stomach.

Fornelius pull back it's arms and then it begin to slam down its arms for shockwaves and then it begin to shoot several seed bombs and acid toward the group. Esch of them dodged in their own way as Levi ran up to it along with Juna, Altina, and Kurt as they launch their hacking/slashing and bashing attacks on it. Levi swirl horizontal slash combo before launching jabs and a powerful swing downward as Kurt launch twin slashes slashes as Altina swipe as Claiomh Solais slashed it while Juna swing her gunbreakers.

"Now." Kazuha used his craft: Autumn Moon as he took a stance, created three after imagine of himself and warp around the crytid, dealing a flurry of slashes and phantom slash as it form a tornado, then Kazuha reappeared from behind and deal the blow. "An Opening!" He alerted Shez as he follow up by twin slashing it.

Shez then unleash a flurry of slashed and then a cartwheel attack, then rapid spin slash jump, launch a purple energy X slash projection underneath as Kazuha follow up by launching a flurry of slashes. Venti cast Ixion Vortex onto Fornelius, causing it to screech as Yuri imbued his sword with Wind Magic energy, then rushed toward Fornelius and unleash combo slashes before casting Excalibur onto it.

"Have a taste of this!" Constance swirl her arms as she cast her next magic as her hands glow with green energy and two large magic circles appeared and shoot several tornado attacks around Fornelius, causing large tornado-like explosion that pierces it's body, causing it to roar in agony.

"And this to!" Hapi's hand glowing with dark magic as she clapped her hands and then she forward them with cast a large Hades spell as a dark flames burn it's body as Juna begin to shoot at it, Kurt used Twilt Blades 2.

"Carnage Scissors!" Ragna used his technique to launch a powerful slash to drain its HP as Jin encased it with Ice, warp behind it, phantom slashes appeared and cause the ice to shatter as Fornelius roared in agony.

Fornelius then unleash a roar as it's body begin empowered.

"It's angry now!" Shez said.

"And my Brave order just finished too!" Juna groaned. "Breakthrough! Sledgehammer!" She activated her order again.

"In that case, let's do this!" Kurt said as Fornelius bent down, spawning several vines toward the ground as they split up again as Venti leap into the air, charge his arrow and released it, multiplying as it struck all over Fornelius as Altina follow up by merging with Claiomh Solais and then flew toward it and strike through it with a blade in her hand.

Altina then flew in circles and shoot several bomb magic at it and exploded on it as she flew onward, raised her arm, gathered energy and throw it at him and exploded. Constance, Annette and Elliot combine their magic and unleash a series of wind magic spells that strike all over Fornelius as Balthus, with a little help from Ragna, jump into the air and then dive attack to the head and punches it hard enough to make a small shockwave before him to jump back.

"Ice-Make-" Alsin then placed his hand on the ground and spawned giant blades of ice toward Fornelius. "Giga Blade!"

Fornelius turn around to face Alsin to attack him. But Yuri threw a dagger at one of their mouths, imbued with wind magic, caught it and exploded on its mouth. Ash axe switches to scythe mode by cutting down several of its arms as he rushes over and then slashes one of the mouths downward, as Ryker slashes the back with Ares. Ares cast wind blade on it as Ryker launched Siwft combo slashes and jabs. Fornelius launched a sweep attack before it begin to cast an Orbal Art... which was canceled thanks to Juna's Craft: Cross Break 2.

"Take this!" Levi use his craft: Penetrate Hurl to strike through it, causing it to finally be on break state. "Now everyone!"

Everyone let out a warcry as they all launch an assault onto the overgrown plant cryptids with hacking, slashing, shooting and magic assault until Fornelius exploded into a purple light.

(BGM ended)

(Trails of Cold Steel IV ost - Witch of the Quiet Forest)

"Phew... man that was quite the battle." Elliot said as they put their weapons away.

"Yeah. That was rather tough then that gargoyle." Juna said as she panted.

"Hm?" Ryker spotted something on the floor as he pick it up. "What's this?" He asked, looking at a sparking purple-pink quartz. "A quartz?"

"Oh!" Levi gasped. "That's a Lost Art Quartz!"

"A Lost Art quart?" Kurt asked.

"Yeah. Lost Arts Quartz are extremely ancient and very powerful quartz. It fell into obscurity a long time ago. Some were rediscovered during the Civil War. You can set them int your obment, like you would any other quartz."

"But those babies can give you some high number stats booth and cast ancient and powerful arts. But to cast them takes a lot of time, and your entire EP. It can be only used once in battle." Levi added. "They possess specific elemental affinities. We can scan it with our ARCUS units to tell which elements they are."

"I see. I never knew such things existed." Kurt said.

"Seriously. But in any case. Let's head back. We can plan what to do next, while we're at it." Ragna said as they all nodded and headed back to Eyrn Village to rest up.

"That reminds me. I think my Pokemon need some training too."

"Oh yeah, mine too!" Juna nodded.


All right. Now that the next day, they'll go off to search for Musse.