At the drill grounds, Class G gathered around Zeri and Avan for their huddle about the upcoming combat drill.

Avan led the group. "Okay everyone, we're up against Class F this time. We may have lost badly to Class A, but we're going to give it our all, just like we always do." His words of encouragement were much needed, since morale among his classmates was low.

"I appreciate Avan's enthusiasm," Zeri went next, "but we'll need more than that to go the distance. We don't have to deal with Juliana, that's the good news. The bad news is that everyone else doubts us."

Avan patted Zeri on the back. "Tell me about it, man, but we have you, Zeri. You're the brains of the group."

"And I'm going to put my mind to good use. Our main goal is the same as always, to capture the base camp. While taking out the commander from the opposing team is technically optional, it may as well be another main objective. We take out the commander, we have a clear path to the main camp."

"Right! We'll do what we did in the previous match, have the more experienced classmates carry along the less experienced ones."

"That should help us out a lot. Regardless of how we perform, we want to give the appearance that we are organized enough.

Avan and Zeri looked around at their classmates. Everyone seemed good with what they discussed, with Noel giving the thumbs up.

"I think that's about everything, no additional questions or comments needed," Avan said.

"Avan and I will lead the charge, that about does it for the huddle. Avan, take us away," cued Zeri.

He raised his hand and pointed to the sky. "Class G, let's move out!"

Everyone got into formation, ready for the match. Avan stood next to Zeri and put his arm around his shoulder. "We got this. With you, I can do anything."

Zeri felt relaxed and flashed a smile at Avan, knowing he'd always have his back. They gazed into each others eyes for what felt like a long time, then looked out into the field. While they didn't know how well their classmates were going to fare in this combat drill, they believed in each other. Avan and Zeri checked their weapons and stowed them away for quick access.

Once the match began, they dashed out of the camp, not looking back, with the confidence that their classmates will give a good fight. They took cover behind sandbags to make sure they weren't completely out in the open, then vaulted over once the area looked clear to go. None of their opponents went after them, with Zeri believing that they were too busy fighting their classmates. This was already an improvement over last time because they were keeping them at bay.

Avan and Zeri came within distance of a mound, where the enemy commander stood in the middle.

Nahum Dryer. A show-off with a loud mouth who treats others like plebs.

"I have the high ground!" Nahum boasted and put one foot forward. "The last few of your lowly classmates tried going at me, but they ran away like cowards! I dare you to come next." He grabbed his submachine gun and fired away at Avan and Zeri.

They dived behind the nearest wall to take cover. "You think Nahum is compensating for his big mouth?" Avan asked Zeri.

"I think you know the answer to that one."

Avan laughed. "Cutting right to the chase, I see."

"You know how I am with my words."

Nahum taunted them from the mound. "I dare you to come out of hiding. Actually, you know what, I'll keep you there!" He fired some shots to back up his words.

"A total waste of bullets," Zeri thought out loud. "Either we make a move or we'll lure him off the mound. The latter probably won't work, with the way he acts. We'll need to find an opening and charge at him."

Avan listened attentively. "Whatcha thinking?"

"We both charge at him. I'll break away and circle around to his back. You keep him busy, and I'll take him out from behind."

"I was thinking about charging at him too. Glad we think alike!"

They overheard Nahum shout again. "You, dumb person! Dare to challenge me too?"

Avan looked at Zeri, relieved that they were both no longer the target of his tirades. "I wonder who that could be." He went out of hiding, and seeing that he wasn't shot yet, Zeri left as well. On another side, they spotted Reiner, armed with his lance rounds.

While explosive rounds were normally dangerous, the practice rounds were designed in a way to do some damage, but leave paint to show markings of how the blast would happen.

"You're going down!" Reiner shouted, then launched a lance round.

Nahum fell to the ground to evade the shot, then stood back up. "Try again!"

Reiner reloaded his lance, took aim again, and shot another round. Unfortunately, his aim was a bit off, possibly due to Nahum's taunting getting to his head.

Meanwhile, Zeri looked at Avan, a tad confused at the spectacle. "Don't you think we should flank him, while we have the chance?"

Avan answered with the sort of confidence that left no doubt in his mind. "Let's see what Reiner does. I'm curious. Besides, this is fun, yeah? Not like we're in actual combat. This will be good."

Zeri sighed. He should have expected better. "Honestly, Avan." There was no use in arguing. "I guess we'll see what unfolds."

Nahum placed his weapon down and crossed his arms in contempt. "You're at your wits end. Run away, why don't you?"

Reiner looked at his lance, realized he was out of rounds, and put it down. He then crouched and got into position. Whatever he was going to do, he looked committed to it. One foot behind the other, he took off, kicking up dust and dirt in his wake. Nahum stood there, wondering whether he should retrieve his weapon or run away. Before he could make up his mind, Reiner opened his arms, grabbed him below his shoulders, and tackled him to the ground. He got back up, stood over him, and pointed at his unconscious body. "That will shut you up! Yeah!"

Avan and Zeri ran over to the mound to check up on Nahum. "He's out cold," Zeri said, "you sure hit him hard."

"He had it coming!" Reiner boasted. "Nobody messes with me!"

"Yeah!" Avan shouted, "You gave it to him good!" He high-fived Reiner.

"With the team captain knocked out," Zeri said, "we can easily capture the camp and end this match. When his teammates realize what happened to him, they'll be too disorganized to do anything. We should go, Avan."

"I like how you think. I'm right here with you." Avan said as he patted Zeri on the shoulder.

Avan and Zeri left the mound and made their way to the base camp. Since it was empty, they captured it in no time.

"We did it! We won the round!" Avan boasted as he raised his fist into the air.

Zeri felt more reserved about their victory. He'd tell Avan about how he felt, but that could wait. "I'll stay here, you can tell everyone that the match is over."

Avan gave him the thumbs up, then went on his way.

Once he was gone, Zeri sat down within the camp and relaxed his shoulders. It was going to take some time for everyone to gather back, so he took the time to contemplate.

Was the win a fluke? He didn't know. Class G didn't have a good chance at winning to begin with, even if the odds were better than those against Class A. Under that logic though, Class G performed better by default. The only surefire reason they won? Reiner tackled Nahum within a window of opportunity he took advantage of with his instinct. While the win would give Class G a much needed morale boost, they needed far more to get through the combat drills and to stand a chance at the Laevatein Cup.

Zeri had ideas. He wanted to work with the rest of his classmates to make the most of their training and realize their personal potentials. Avan was the best person to help out since he could seamlessly switch between the different combat classes. It was this adaptability that made him stand out from the other team captains.

He wondered about the other classes.

Class A.

His thoughts went to Juliana.

Juliana.

She was always on his mind.

Zeri may have wanted to win the Laevatein Cup to prove that his class was the best, but his personal drive to prove to Juliana that he was the best motivated him further. He knew other students would go after him out of jealousy and anger, but he had to endure, if he was to reach her, to stand on the same ground as his rival. There was so much to take in. He expected an uphill battle in the face of prejudice, in order for people to acknowledge him, but he was already earning his great reputation through his actions, words, and most importantly his presence.

While he lived within the relative comfort of the school grounds, he knew the flames of civil war raged across the country. Who knew when they'd be called out again to fight.

Aliasse.

The way she fought the rebels as he and Erik looked on from the other night. Her cheerfulness. Her ferocity. Two sides of this young girl. The day he showed her around the school. The way she was with Juliana. Her mother figure, Clementia Forster. Zeri knew so much about Aliasse, but he knew so little. Meanwhile, Lotte knew more about Aliasse than she let on. He needed answers out of her. But most important, Zeri needed to be there for Aliasse, no matter what.

Magari and Mischlitt.

Two people with whom he shared a deep bond. Magari he knew from before Lanseal. A gentle soul. Mischlitt he only got to know at Lanseal. Quiet but profound. He made them feel safe and welcomed at Lanseal, and in return they were his emotional support, who kept him anchored within reality.

Avan.

His brother-in-arms. They shared a bond like nobody else they knew. Ice and fire.

These were some of the most important people in his life.

Zeri was not alone.