"Jessica, come with me,"
"R-Right."
I barely register Altina dragging me behind as I watch Instructor Rean raising his tachi.
"It will be fi—"
Altina's attempt to reassure me is cut short as the cryptid roars and purple mist pours forth from its mouth.
"First Form: Helix Strike!"
Instructor Rean slashes at it, swirling purple flames evaporating the mist in an instant.
"It's toxic, don't breath in the fume!" He said, his voice distorted with bestial echoes.
From beside me, as she activates her ARCUS, Altina shouted, "Jessica! Support arts."
"R-right!" I replied as I too start casting arts.
Altina cast Recuria, which purifies the toxic fume. I cast La Crest, channeling the earth's power to layer Kurt, Juna, and Instructor Rean with protective orbal energy.
Just in time as large roots are swung at them.
"GET BACK!" Instructor Rean aggressively shouted.
Purple flames are set ablaze once more, trailing behind a single horizontal crescent strike, repelling the roots.
Yes. Right. Deep breath, Instructor Rean is in control.
"Juna! Activate Brave Order!" He ordered.
"Right! Brave Order—"
The cryptid responds, sending one of the venus flytraps at Juna,
I start casting, "ARCUS act—"
A flash of white. Instructor Rean is suddenly in front of Juna.
A flash of white appears in front of me, a sword at his side.
"Third Form: Karmic Flame…"
Instructor Rean brings his sword down at the venus flytrap. Purple fiery dragon swirls across its vines, burning the cryptid.
Calm down. Calm down. See, it's fine. He's in control.
Juna activates her brave order, "Brave Order: Sledgehammer!"
Instructor Rean then grips his tachi horizontally at his side.
"Second form…" Instructor Rean intoned before he disappears.
No. Not disappear. He closed the distance to the cryptid in an instant.
"Analysis complete."
Only Altina reacts in time, as information regarding the cryptid enters our mind through the link.
A moment later a large gash opens up at one of the possible weak points Altina identified.
Then another. And another. And another.
White with purple hazes blurs are all I can see, aside from the glinting of steel savagely tearing the cryptid up.
A glint of steel…sharp pain assaulting all of my senses.
Focus.
This is…was he ever this brutal even in ogre form before?
Instructor Rean finally stops behind the cryptid, he draws his sword back for a large swing.
"Arcane Gale!"
He then swung it with ferocious strength, generating a sharp blade of wind that cuts through the cryptid.
"It's down! Kurt, with me!" Instructor Rean almost growled.
"O-Of course!" Kurt replied as he started running
I catch a look at Instructor Rean's red eyes.
It's bestial, like a predator that has cornered its prey. This is not like when we spar, or when we escape from the Pantagruel, or even when he uses this form against our enemy in Karel Imperial Villa.
But I saw this once, it's…
I look up, feral red eyes, blade in his hand as my bloop drips down to the snow below
I immediately look away.
Not good. Needtothinksomethingelse. Fast.
"ARCUS activate!" I focus my mind on casting Saintly Force at Kurt, forcing it to not think of that.
I avoid my eyes so I won't see the carnage, but I can hear Kurt and Instructor Rean slashing and cutting the giant plant cryptid.
From my peripheral vision, I saw Altina sneaking a worried glance at me.
The sounds of steel tearing at vines stop.
I turn my attention back to the frontline.
The cryptid is still standing, barely. Its defenses were torn to shreds.
"Kurt, Juna. Get back. Now!" Instructor Rean ordered before sheathing his tachi, and then holding it in front of him.
Kurt and Juna immediately run to my and Altina's position.
"My blade, calm as still water…" Instructor Rean chanted.
He then becomes a blur once more, this time streaks of sinister purple-white flames as he dashes through the cryptid several times.
He finally reappears with a final horizontal slash, a circular ring of bright purple flames appearing in its wake.
"Seventh Slash, Ashen Fatal Leaves!" He finished as he sheathed his blade.
Multiple brutal gashes burning with the sinister flames appear on the cryptid, as it finally dissipates into mana.
I take a deep breath. It's over. It's fine. It's fine. See, nothing to fear. Instructor Rean is in control.
Instructor Rean then falls to his knees.
"Instructor Rean!" Altina shouted.
"STAY BACK!" Instructor Rean managed to growl out before we can approach.
Purple aura flares up around Instructor Rean and starts to darken into dark crimson red.
"Urgh…!" He grunted, sounding more feral than ever.
"Ahaha…This is the Ashen Chevalier? More like Ash-haired Chevali-ogre!" Campanella taunted from above the barrier.
Shit. That's right, he's still here!
We all look up at him.
He looks down at me, "Tell me, Jessica, aren't you curious how far he can go until he breaks?"
"What are you—"
He snaps his finger and the next thing I know is that I'm in front of Instructor Rean, staring right into his feral beast-like red eyes.
My breath hitched, I immediately drop my spear, and fall on my back, trembling.
"J-Jessica? G-go back…" Instructor Rean managed to let out as he grits his teeth.
"Jessica?!"
"We're coming!"
"None of that now, be a good audience and enjoy the show."
A wall made out of a gust of wind appears as Campanella prevents my classmates from reaching me.
I can barely make out Kurt and Juna trying to get through before getting thrown back.
"Well, Ashen Chevalier? How far can you go before you will tear her apart again? Show…me" Campanella said sadistically.
Instructor Rean can only growl in response as more and more of the aura around him becomes dark crimson red.
I feel my vision blur, as hot tears start to gather.
Campanella laughs, "Look at her, crying. Poor Snow Princess, trying so hard to escape from the role of the delicate broken heroine needed saving by the hero…but that's all you are, aren't you?"
"…shut up," I manage to sob out.
Campanella continues, "That's all you are, worry not. You know how these things go, right? The hero will save the heroine, they fall in love, the heroine gets over her trauma, happily ever after."
"SHUT UP! SHUT—" I shouted before stopping.
I start to feel pain on my chest. Nonono…it's just psychogenic pain. Not real. Calm down.
I think I can make out Claiomh Solais trying to break through…yes, it's fine…they'll be here soon. Or someone will save us…that's how things go, it has to be!
"Rejoice, girl…I'm sure this will only endear you to 'them' heroine showing weakness makes 'them' want to protect, you yes?"
Calm down. Calm down. Calm down. Ignore the psychogenic pain.
"Hmm…It appears the Ashen Chevalier is at his limit. Looks like he won't be able to play the role of the hero conquering his dark power…Perhaps I should just allow your blue-haired friend to pass? He should be able to play the hero role well by protecting you. I wonder, which one 'they' prefer?"
Through the tears, I can make out Instructor Rean's face contorting in pain, barely holding on. On the other side, Juna, Altina, and Kurt are bloodied as they try their hardest to get through.
Someone is coming…right?
"Stop…please…" I plead, not caring how pathetic this makes me.
Campanella laughs, "Haha, I suppose I can. Very well. As a fellow existence exempt from Aidios's law, I will ease up on you."
He continues, "Ashen Chevalier, pick one of your other students. I shall replace Jessica with them, so you can rip them to shreds instead."
"N-No! T-that's not—"
Campanella cuts me off, "Shush now! Let your teacher answer."
I hear Instructor Rean grunts in pain.
It's fine. It's fine. Someone will come. They have to.
"Aw…looks like he can't even afford to speak any longer. Too bad, guess you're stuck there, Jessica. Now then…he just needs a little more push…maybe I should guide another cryptid here to really break him. Opinions, Jessica?"
I ignore him, gathering all the composure I can muster, and look at Instructor Rean, "H-Hold on, just a bit longer…S-Someone will come."
The hope that someone will come is the only thing keeping me from completely breaking down at this point.
"Tsk, you're right. That IS the pattern in this scena—"
"Aurum Hedera / Golden Ivy"
Campanella didn't manage to finish as golden ivy vines wrapped around the barrier, obeying the incantation in Latin interposed with the common tongue.
The barrier shatters.
The golden ivy dematerializes into the ether, revealing a woman with braided purple hair wearing a sleeveless purple coat over a white pinstripe shirt, with a glasses and flat cap.
…I see. So like Laura in Sutherland, old Class VII will…thank god.
"Saltare, Flamma / Dance, Flames"
She waves the staff in her hand, and magical flames emerge and float through the air, reaching the wind barrier, and burning it down to nothing.
"The barrier's down!"
"Now!"
The rest of my classmates finally reach me.
Claiomh Solais hovers over me, and lifts me up, bringing me away from Instructor Rean, and handing me over to Juna.
"Are you all right?" Juna asked softly as she hugged me.
I nod.
Altina glances at me for a moment before starting to approach Instructor Rean.
Kurt stops her and stands defensively between us and Instructor Rean.
"Instructor, can you—"
Kurt was interrupted as a black cat runs over to Instructor Rean, a moment later blue magical circle appears below them, and a barrier enclosing Instructor Rean and the cat manifested.
Immediately, the dark crimson aura around Instructor Rean recedes, turning back into purple.
"S-Sorry…and thanks, your timing was perfect," Instructor Rean managed to say.
"Shut up and focus on calming yourself down!" The cat snaps back.
"I-Is this cat talking? And using arts?!" Kurt exclaimed.
"What the heck is going on, right now?!" Juna asked from beside me.
"It's fine, they are allies," Altina replied.
"Yes…they're Instructor Rean's friends," I added weakly, still shaken.
Campanella who has been watching silently gives a small slow clap, "Wow, that was a dramatic scene. But…I can't be happy since someone spoiled my fun,"
The woman…Emma glares back at him, "Enforcer of Ouroboros…"
Campanella smirks, "If it isn't the Azure Abyss's little sister. You're quite the powerful one, aren't you? For a moment after you break my barrier, I thought it was her. Well done."
"So she is here in Crossbell," Emma replied.
She then continues, "Tell me where she is!"
Campanella smirks, "Haha, no can do, I'm afraid."
He then bows at us, "Well then, this has been…quite entertaining, let's meet again another time. Ta-ta!"
Flame burns around Campanella. He then disappears into thin air.
"A flame illusion?" Emma remarked.
The cat…Celine, nods, "Seems different than our kind of magic."
A moment later, the aura around Instructor Rean completely disappears, and his appearance returns to normal.
Instructor Rean looks at me briefly guiltily before turning away.
…I'm sorry. Instructor.
Kurt runs over to Juna and me.
"Are you all right?" He asked me.
"I will be," I replied softly.
"Sorry I didn't come sooner," Emma said as she walked over to us.
Instructor Rean shakes his head, "No. If you two didn't come, I almost… I'm the one at fault."
"No, Rean, it's not—"
"WHAT THE HECK WAS THAT?!"
Juna shouted, interrupting Emma.
She then hands me over to Kurt, who then awkwardly holds me.
Juna then walks up to Instructor Rean, "WHAT. WAS. THAT?!"
I turn to Instructor Rean, "You…didn't tell her?"
Instructor Rean looks away, "I-I…I'm sorry."
He didn't tell her?!
Juna looks ready to punch Instructor Rean.
"Juna, stop…there were not any other options back then," I said.
Juna turns to me, "Don't you defend him! What about not using something that can make you like that?! Isn't he supposed to be the Ashen Chevalier, the Hero of Erebonia?! He should be able to do it!"
"You're right, I don't—"
I cut Instructor Rean off, "No, Instructor. There weren't any other options, you know we could not take down that cryptid without your ogre form."
I then turn to Juna, "Juna please…you understand it as well, do you not? That cryptid was dangerous. There were really no other options."
"Juna, please calm down," Altina said, trying to hold her back.
Juna sighs, "Fine. I guess I overreacted. Well, what was that? And why did Jessica react like that?"
Instructor Rean sighs, and finally tells Juna everything, avoiding eye contact with us the whole time.
"…I see. And you didn't tell me because you were afraid I would hate you for it?"
"Yes, I'm sorry. You have full right to—"
Juna slaps him in the face.
"J-Juna?!"
"What are you—"
"A-Are you all right, Rean?"
Juna glares at him, "That was an accident, right?! I would hate you for that?! Do you really think that badly of me?!"
"I—"
Kurt and I walk over to Juna.
"Juna, that was perhaps a bit much," Kurt said.
Juna replies, "He needs to realize that I—none of us are going to hate him for that!"
She continues, turning to Instructor Rean, "So you need to trust us and tell us things! And depend on us a bit more!"
I turn to Instructor Rean, "Juna…might have been a bit rough in her delivery. But she is right, as I have told you before, you are not at fault, Instructor. Hence, please do not blame yourself."
Kurt nods, "Yes. What happened in Ymir with Jessica was an accident. As for what happened earlier…I also agree that given the circumstances, there was no other choice. If anything, this means all of us simply need to train more so we can be more dependable in the future so you do not need to carry the burden alone and resort to your ogre form."
"Yes. We will do better, so please depend on us more in the future," Altina added.
Instructor Rean looks at us, "…Thank you, you guys…I'll try."
Emma looks at us and smiles, "Whew, when that slap happened earlier, I was afraid things would go badly. But it seems everything is all right now."
"Hmph! You think so? Rean needs to step up. Even his students need to lecture him," Celine said.
Juna turns to the two of them, "Umm…thank you for the save, but…who exactly are you? And why is the cat talking?"
"We understand that you are Instructor Rean's friends, but…" Kurt added.
Emma smiles at them and starts introducing herself to Kurt and Juna. And vice-versa.
In the middle of the introduction, Celine jumps into my arms.
She looks up at me, "D-Don't get the wrong idea, okay? I just can't stand you looking like that, it's annoying! A-and I heard that stroking the well-kept fur of a cat can be therapeutic for things like these."
I smile and start stroking her fur.
Thank you, you tsundere cat.
I'm still…a bit bothered by what happened. But I've calmed down enough at least.
Stroking Celine's glossy fur is indeed very relaxing. I wonder if I can have Emma agree to lend me her familiar…Celine (very reluctantly) admitted she enjoyed it too after all. 'Tis just a symbiosis mutualism between two organisms, yes?
Anyway, after we finished with the introduction, we relocate back to the boathouse. According to Kenneth, Professor Lughman had left. He then set us up in a room in the back for privacy, before leaving to fish.
Emma then proceeds to give the basic rundown to Kurt and Juna. That she's a witch of the Hexen Clan, Celine's her familiar, and how real magic—non-orbal technology magic—exists.
"… That basically about covers it. I just want you guys to know that there is a hidden 'backside' of this world, and problems on the surface can be traced down to the 'backside'" Emma said.
Instructor Rean nods, "Yes. And Ouroboros is an organization that is deeply involved in the backside. Also…"
He then turns to me, and his expression softens, "Jessica, I understand how it's hard to open up about a mysterious power you can hardly explain. But now that it endangers you by making you a target for an Ouroboros Enforcer…I need to know what exactly is going on with you."
Juna nods, "Yeah. Depend on us more. Don't pull an Instructor Rean."
"Even if you do not fully understand it yourself, maybe we can make sense of it together," Altina added.
Kurt simply nods at me with—what I think is his attempt at an encouraging smile—it's kinda awkward actually…but it's so Kurt.
I reply, "It is merely something that has been a part of me since I was born. I… notice patterns of how events would likely unfold. In essence, what I am doing, is matching the empirical data I have with the patterns to form a deduction regarding events or situations,"
There's no way I can just say, 'you guys are characters from a game in another life' even for after the encounter with Campanella earlier, that's a bit much.
"H-Hold on, since you were born? Does Viscount Schleiden know?" Kurt asked.
I shake my head, "No. He does not."
"…I think you should tell him. I know your father, and he would do his utmost to give you support," Kurt replied.
I nod, "Considering it has garnered Ouroboros' attention, I most likely will. However, this is not a subject that I can easily breach in a letter or ARCUS call…I think I will wait until I can visit."
"I can accompany you if you would find it easier."
"Please do not. It might cause…some misunderstanding."
I turn back to Instructor Rean, "In any case, that is the limit of my knowledge on this matter, I'm afraid."
He nods, "I see."
Juna chimes in, "So…what exactly is that guy talking about, being 'Exempt from the law of Aidios'?"
"Presumably, for other people besides Jessica and the Fool, the patterns are hidden," Altina said.
"I think that's exactly it," Emma said.
Instructor Rean turns to Emma, "You know, something, Emma?"
Emma nods, "Yes. If what I'm thinking is right. There are things in this world we are not meant to know about. For example…"
She then turns to me, "Jessica, do you know about the beyond?"
I shake my head, "Beyond? Beyond what, exactly?"
"What do you think lies beyond Zemuria?" Emma asked again.
"Beyond Zemu—"
Celine cuts Juna off, "Shh!"
I look at them for a moment. What, is something wrong? Well, I suppose there's the Church teaching, but…
I turn back to Emma and reply, "The Septian Church teaches that there is nothing beyond Zemuria. However, were you to ask my personal opinion, I would say something has to exist beyond Zemuria, it is simply that no daring adventurer has tried going past Zemuria yet."
I did think it was weird that no one has tried, especially after the Orbal Revolution. But given how dominant the Septian Church is, I thought it's simply something like the geocentric cosmology model was. Simply accepted as unchallenged truth.
"What're you talking about, Jessica? How can there be something beyond Zemuria? That doesn't make sense," Juna chimed in.
I reply, "Pardon? It is not a hard concept, surely. As Liberl, Crossbell and other nations exist beyond Erebonia, so would something exist beyond Zemuria."
Kurt shakes his head, "But this is Zemuria. Nothing exists beyond Zemuria. That does not make sense."
"Yes, that is an absurd notion," Altina added.
Kurt and Altina too?
"You realized it now?" Celine asked.
Emma nods at me, "As you can see, unlike you, most people cannot conceptualize the fact that there is something beyond Zemuria as easily. In fact, it's incomprehensible, almost like asking them to conceptualize a one plus one that becomes three or something that is both dead and alive."
…So it's like quantum physics? No, even worse because it's a form of an actual mental block?
"H-Hold on, so there is something beyond Zemuria?" Kurt asked.
Emma replies, "It theorized there is. We know that no matter how far we fly and sail beyond the continent, we cannot progress past a certain point. And yet, with the correct frame of mind, as Jessica mentioned, there SHOULD be something beyond."
I turn to her, "There have been researches conducted on this subject? Why is this not common knowledge?"
"The scientific research on the phenomenon is still new. Beyond that, for the same reason that advanced Orbal theory is only known in the ivory tower of Orbal scientists. It is such an inexplicable phenomenon that it becomes a fringe subject," Emma replied.
You cannot go past a certain point is actually on par with advanced orbal theory? The mental block really makes them this world equivalent of quantum physics such as Schrodinger's Cat.
Instructor Rean who has been silently taking this in, turns to Emma, "Emma, is this what you meant by the Divergent Laws?"
Emma nods, "Correct, Rean. The Divergent Laws, is a term for phenomenons so beyond our reasoning that is incomprehensible to even conceptualize. They are things we cannot understand or even begin to explain."
Celine added, "In other words, laws that govern things beyond what the Goddess created. Understanding the Divergent Laws is not something the Goddess ever intended for us. This is why the Septian Church's stance is that as long as the world's order is maintained, no one should touch the Divergent Laws at all."
The Septian Church is hiding this fact from the common populace? Is it as altruistic as Celine made it out to be? To prevent people from reaching the truth that they cannot comprehend? Or...
But also, in the context of this world, exempt from Aidios's law is actually…
"…Exempt from the laws of Aidios…means to understand the Divergent Laws?" I asked.
Emma nods, "Exactly. I think that's what Campanella meant. You are able to more intuitively understands the Divergent Laws…or at least parts of them. Your patterns are most likely the rules of causality themselves."
She continues, "Of course, there are people who have been trying to understand the Divergent Laws. Like the mages and witches of the middle ages from which the Hexen Clan is descended from. Or scientists in the modern age. But most likely, none of them can comprehend the Divergent Laws as you do."
"Well, those people are not who you should be worried about," Celine chimed in.
Emma's expression turns grim, "Yes. Mages, us witches, and scientists try to understand the Divergent Laws through rigorous and careful study, but there are people who stop at nothing to learn it all…"
Juna suddenly interrupts, standing, "Wait! You don't mean—"
"Are you talking about the D∴G cult?" Altina asked
D∴G cult…I remember that name from Major Lechter's report. They're the ones that tried to make the artificial Sept-Terrion in order to replace Aidios. They also make the drug Gnosis, but its details are classified.
"D∴G cult…they are a cult that resort to devil worship as well as horrible child experiments in various lodges around Zemuria in pursuit of 'True Wisdom'" Instructor Rean remarked.
Emma adds, "Yes. And the drug Gnosis, made out of Pleroma grass is one of the products of those researches. While they also give an unnatural physical boost, their main purpose is to give the cult members a glimpse into the 'true reality' beyond this world. They give people who consume them supernatural perception and knowledge,"
Celine picks up the explanation, "It is supposed to release people who consume it from the 'shackle of this world'…In other words, they consume it to free themselves from Aidios's laws."
"Exempt from the laws of the Goddess…" Instructor Rean said.
"Yes. The effect of Gnosis is what Jessica has. Though probably to a much lesser degree in Jessica. If she had a history of being kidnapped, I would think she was one of their victims, but she doesn't. That's why she's an anomaly," Celine confirmed.
Wait. Am I…essentially someone that naturally is just the magnum opus of a past game antagonist? Just by virtue of reincarnating here? Am I actually making Jessica more important than she actually is just by existing?
Without me, Jessica is just Kurt's losing heroine in his harem, right? Not someone this relevant to the overarching story?
"…If so, is Jessica in danger from this cult?" Kurt asked.
Emma shakes her head, "Thankfully, between S.1197-S.1198 there was a huge collaborative effort from all nations to eradicate the cult throughout Zemuria. And then, two years ago the SSS took care of the largest remnants group, including their High Priest. But…"
She then turns to me, "You should still be careful. They say that the remnants of the D∴G cult still exist, hidden or embedded in other secret societies. But beyond that, as evidenced by Gnosis there are ways to break Aidios's Law. But those laws must be here for a reason,"
Emma continues, "If someone like you, who are already naturally exempt from the Goddess's Law came in contact with Gnosis or something like that…who knows how far you can perceive beyond this world. Maybe some things are just not meant to be known."
I nod, "I will keep it in mind. I won't handle the Pleroma grasses we find directly, for one."
"That's…probably for the best," Instructor Rean agreed
A pandora's box…
"…that she and I…are both existences that are exempt from certain laws of Aidios," the voice finished.
Existence exempt from the laws of the Goddess…is being a story in a game a canon part of this world? If so…then do Kurt and Instructor Rean when he was a protagonist had a free will at all? Do I?
…No. It doesn't matter. In the first place, this is what they call a self-defeating argument. If there is no free will, then do I reach that conclusion because it is the correct one, or because I was made to think that way, regardless of the truth?
An AI that is programmed to think the sun rises in the west will be convinced the sun rises in the west, regardless of the truth, for instance.
It's the sort of argument that makes you doubt your own faculties that you used to make that argument, you're cutting the branch you use to stand on.
Furthermore…it doesn't matter on a practical level. If there is no free will, then what does thinking about it achieve? Nothing, except adding my stress level. If there is free will, well then it's just a huge waste of time.
So it doesn't matter. All I can do is give it my all, on my chosen course of action.
Also, don't do drugs. No Gnosis.
I close my eyes and enjoy the sensation of wind blowing on my face as Juna drives the orbal car.
After we finished our discussion, we said goodbye to Kenneth—who had brought a huge fish that Celine ate with gusto after a bit of tsundere antics—we then got on the orbal bikes and start heading back, Juna offering to have the rest of the new Class VII as passengers so Emma and Instructor Rean can catch up.
If there is one good thing that came out of that entire fiasco, it was that we finished our investigation of the cryptids appearing in Crossbell rather quick.
It's still about 4.45 PM, right now. Taking into account travel time via orbal bike, we should be done with our report by around 7 PM.
Maybe I do have some free time to visit Princess Alfin. Probably would not be able to stay for long, but I think it's doable.
"Jessica, are you okay now?"
Altina, who is sitting beside me in Juna's sidecar asked.
"I am fine now. Apologies for making such a scene and having all of you worry," I answered.
From across the road, on Instructor Rean's sidecar, Emma chimes in, "I don't think you have anything to be sorry about. Considering the circumstances, that's very understandable."
Instructor Rean nods, "Yeah, if anything I'm—"
Emma cuts her off, "—And you're also not at fault, okay Rean? It was a bad situation."
"Though you should probably try to make sure it doesn't happen again," Celine added.
Emma smiles, "Yeah, I think Celine and I can make something to help you control your ogre form…it won't address the root cause, because I honestly don't know, what the root cause is, but it should help."
That…would be a huge peace of mind, actually.
"…Thank you, really. If you could do that, that would really help," Instructor Rean replied in relief.
Juna chimes in, "Even then, you should probably still keep it as last resort, Instructor."
I nod hesitantly, "…I hate to say this, but I would like that as well."
"Aside from distressing Jessica, it seems to also have a huge toll on you," Altina added.
"Furthermore, from what I understand, such a brutal fighting style would not let you achieve the full potential of the Seventh Form of Eight Leaves One Blade, the Void," Kurt finished, ever the sword-brain.
Juna, not missing a beat retorts, "Is sword the only thing you think about, or are you actually that insensitive?!"
I chime in, "Leave him be, Juna. It may not be as prevalent, but Instructor Rean is also quite the sword brain. Who knows, Kurt's sword talk might be the thing that finally got through to him."
Kurt simply rolls his eyes in response.
"I…I don't think I'm a sword brain, am I?"
"Yes, Rean. You absolutely can be at times," Celine replied.
Emma adds, "Now that I think about it, you do seem to listen to Laura more,"
…Was that a hint of jealousy? Ah, well…I suppose Emma would be third in the running in Instructor Rean's harem? I still have my money on Alisa, though.
Instructor Rean sighs, "…I just can't win, can I?"
"That statement…resounds most empathetically with me, Instructor," Kurt replied.
Celine looks at our orbal bike "Ugh. That silly thing is happening in the new Class VII too? And here I thought after Emma and the rest graduated that'd be the last I saw it."
"Haha…I'm not sure what you're talking about, Celine," Emma said, trying to laugh it off.
She then turns to me, "But still…Jessica, you seem much more at ease with the new Class VII than when you were in the Courageous. Were you avoiding us because you notice something in the patterns?"
I nod, "Back then, I realized old Class VII was about to be embroiled in something monumental. I was trying to avoid it. I noticed the same with the new Class VII as well, but I suppose I am tired of running."
"Then during the beginning of the year, when you were reluctant to join Class VII…" Instructor Rean began.
"It was partly because I noticed something, yes," I confirmed.
I continue, "Though, as of now, I am content in Class VII."
I get plot armor, at the very least, just look at Emma and Laura showing up in the nick of time. And…it honestly is enjoyable being here.
"Well…I'm glad that you're happy here. I told you before, but I think Class VII is good for you too," Instructor Rean replied.
Kurt suddenly chimes in, "While we're speaking of this…I'm curious, who exactly are 'they' that enforcer mentioned?"
Good question. Since even my 'pattern reading' fits in the context of this world, does that mean there are players' proxy like Blick Winkel from Ever17 who are referred as 'they' by Campanella?
I turn to Kurt, "I am unsure. Perhaps they are beings unknown to us that are watching events unfolding in Zemuria."
There was that one time a few years back when I genuinely felt someone was watching, but I'm not sure if that was just imagination or not.
"Maybe they are denizens from the beyond, I wouldn't rule it out," Emma theorized.
Kurt nods, "I see. I was most perplexed when that Enforcer was asking if 'they' prefer Instructor Rean or myself. I'm not quite sure in what terms he meant. I suppose this is an example of the Divergent Laws?"
"Considering the context, that appears to be—"
I cut Altina off, "Yes, you are correct Kurt. Divergent Laws, yes."
Instructor Rean coughs, "Y-Yeah, let's leave it at that."
"Understood, truly, Divergent Laws are incomprehensible," Kurt replied.
Juna sighs, "Can this guy get any denser—Wait, what's that?"
Juna stops the orbal bike just before we cross a bridge. Instructor Rean followed suit.
"That's…" Instructor Rean said, looking to our left at the railway.
Several giant cannons are moving through the railway.
"Railway cannons…" Altina remarks.
Emma nods, "They used to station some in Garrelia Fortress. Their power is terrifying, they could wipe out a city the size of Crossbell in half a day's time."
"Their size and design aren't the same as the one we saw in the fortress. They must be newer models," Instructor Rean added.
Kurt turns his head to look at the direction they're heading.
"Are they…heading for Tangram Gate?" He asked.
I reply, "Building a massive fortress in the border is one thing, but installing railway cannons that are able to bombard Calvard cities? That…there is no other way for Calvard to take it except as provocations."
"Such actions are almost as good as a formal war declaration," Altina added grimly.
Celine shakes her head, "Just what is about to happen with this country?"
I notice Juna hasn't said anything.
"Juna? Are you all right?" Kurt asked before I could.
"…Let's just get going," Juna said, all the good mood we had going earlier all but gone.
…What Musse said is becoming more and more likely to happen. Are they actually planning to invade Calvard? Or rather, provoking Calvard into doing something stupid for casus belli?
Once we enter the city, we head toward East Street to drop Emma off at the hotel she's staying.
"Ah, there it is. This should be it," Emma said pointing at a very Chinese Eastern-looking building.
"Oh, this is where you'll be staying?" Instructor Rean asked her.
Emma nods and gets off the sidecar, Celine in tow, "Yes. Thank you for bringing us here."
"Yeah, thanks," Celine added.
Instructor Rean smiles at them, "No worries, after how you helped us out earlier, that's the least I can do. I hate to ask more of you two, but…"
Emma smiles back, "I'll get on making the charm to help you control your ogre form immediately."
"Thanks, Emma. Really," Instructor Rean replied.
Emma nods, "Of course, anytime. Now I better check in,"
She turns to Juna, "Juna, do you know anything about this hotel?"
Juna doesn't seem to have heard her.
"Juna? Are you okay?" Emma asked her again.
"H-Huh? Sorry, what was that?" Juna asked in surprise.
"…She was asking you if you know anything about this hotel," Kurt explained, looking worried.
"O-Oh, I think you'll like it here, Emma. Zhang Hui's food is amazing and the rooms are nice and relaxing. Yup, you made the right choice staying in Long Lao," Juna said.
Emma smiles, "Is that so? Then I'm looking forward to it. I have my ARCUS II with me, so feel free to contact me if something comes up. I'll do the same if I found out something on my end too."
Instructor Rean nods, "Got it. Thank you."
"Bye now. You guys don't overdo it, okay?" Celine said.
Emma and Celine then enter the hotel, giving us one last wave before closing the door.
We then simultaneously turn to Juna.
"H-Huh? Why are you guys looking at me like that?"
Kurt sighs, "Obviously because the railway cannons earlier are bothering you. I may not be from Crossbell, but I at least understand that this is serious."
"We should go back and make our report, we might hear more about why the railway cannons are here," Altina said.
I nod, "In any case, no need to panic just yet. Being mobile is one of the key features of railway cannons. Perhaps they are merely conducting a test to see how much time is required to deploy them here if needed."
The 'patterns' suggest otherwise, but saying that to Juna now doesn't seem to be a good course of action.
Juna gives us a small smile, "You guys…"
Before we can continue, Instructor Rean's ARCUS rings.
Instructor Towa's voice came from the ARCUS as Instructor Rean answers it, "Oh Rean. Where are you guys right now? Are you all done with your Special Ops mission?"
Instructor Rean nods, "Just about. Is this about the railway cannons?"
"Ah…so you guys saw them too. Well…I do want to talk about that, but for now, it's something else," Instructor Towa answered.
She then continues, "Anyway, something came up, can you guys go back to the camp ASAP?"
"That's the pla—"
Juna cuts Instructor Rean off, "W-what happened? Is something wrong?!"
"O-Oh, hello there, Juna. Don't worry, it's nothing bad," Instructor Towa replies reassuringly.
She continues, "We had a request from the Governor General, he wants Thors' branch campus to help with the security details of tonight's party in Orchis Tower. He also wants us there to greet Prince Olivert, Princess Alfin, and Prince Cedric."
…Well then. Looks like I'm meeting them, after all.
Yeah. I'm looking forward to it. After today, seeing Princess Alfin would be nice.
Huh, I can't believe how much I miss that little gremlin.
A.N. A lot of the meta explanations are actually canon such as Gnosis breaking the shackles of the world and what not. But, the link between each of them and Jessica's pattern is mostly guesswork.
Also, how many of you have even heard of Ever17? Probably not much, that's an old niche VN after all. The main author is Uchikoshi, more famously known for the Zero Escape trilogy (999, Virtue Last Reward, Zero Time Dilemma), and more recently the AI Somium Files. As you can imagine...he is fond of knocking on the 4th wall.