"Well, I'm glad you seem fine now. Haha, I dunno why I was worried with how knuckleheaded you are," Instructor Randy said as we are seeing him and the rest of Class VIII off.
"Jeeze, Randy. Was that last part really necessary?" Juna complained.
She then smiles, "But…yeah. I'm fine now."
Instructor Randy nods, "Just be careful, okay? You guys are going after Rean's group, yeah?"
"That is the plan, however, we are still waiting for a new update from Instructor Rean. Instructor Towa said that their last update was that they're entering the Geofront," I replied.
Instructor Randy turns to me, "The point is that you guys will probably end up facing the Enforcers from last night."
He then continues, "I'm sure I don't need to tell you guys to be careful of McBurn, but don't underestimate Campanella. Comparing what I heard from the report and from when we fought him two years ago, he seems to be holding back against you guys last night."
Altina chimes in, "Instructor, may I request that you fill us in on your experience fighting him two years ago? As that would be valuable data."
Instructor Randy grimaces, "Sure…well he mostly used wind magic…and he did that annoying switching position magic he did to you guys. But besides that, I got turned into a bell pepper at one point."
"A bell pepper?" Kurt asked before I could.
Instructor Randy sighs, "Yeah, couldn't tell you how he did it. But he did, and it felt really weird—thankfully, I changed back after a bit, but that was a thing that happened, yeah."
His expression then turns serious, "Still, that's not as bad as the next one. He summoned a small white pillar that will turn you into a salt statue if you got into its effective range."
"The salt pale from the North Ambria disaster?" I asked.
That really weird unexplained phenomenon that turned North Ambria into salt? That was actually Ouroboros?
Instructor Randy shrugs, "Dunno…sure match the description of the salt pale. But I don't think it's as bad as the one in North Ambria, thank Aidios. Tio managed to block most of the effects with orbal arts, so we only got parts of our body that turned to salt…and it turned back to normal after a few seconds or so."
"A few seconds of being immobilized could be catastrophic in a battle," Kurt remarked.
Instructor Randy nods, "Yeah. Watch out if he starts to chant. But anyway, he didn't throw any of those against you guys last night, so he's definitely holding back. I dunno if he's doing it because he just thinks you guys weren't worth him going all out or something else, though. Honestly, even back then, it felt like he was also just playing around with us."
If it were McBurn, I would definitely put it down as we're not worth it. But considering it's Campanella…did he notice our 'plot importance' and held back because of it? That'd fit into the Ouroboros are actually the good guys theory.
"That's…about all I can tell you guys about Campanella. So…yeah, be careful," Instructor Randy said.
Juna replies, her expression determined, "Don't worry. We got this, leave them to us and Instructor Rean. You go get those cryptids."
She then continues, "A certain inconsiderate jerk asked me if I was okay just being under the SSS shadow forever so…I'm gonna show him that I can help protect Crossbell in you guys' place! I don't know if I'm going to match up to the SSS, but I'll try my best!"
Instructor Randy looks surprised, then his expression softened, "Heh. That's the Junie I know. Then sure, I'm leaving it to you. You can do this."
He then smiles, "In return…me and the rest of Class VIII will take care of the cryptids."
Behind him, the Class VIII students give us nods and grins.
"We'll go get those cryptids taken care of, so you guys go kick some ass!" Leonora encouraged.
The rest of Class VIII responds with their own 'Go get them!' 'Leave these ones to us' and so on.
I guess if my original plan worked, Jessica will be there instead cheering us on…unlike me and the original Jessica who is on this side with Class VII. Funny to think about it, I wonder if there's a timeline where I succeed and I avoided Jessica's role as the main cast? Well, it doesn't matter now.
"…I don't seem to see Ash," Kurt chimed in.
Hmm? Ash? I survey the rest of Class VIII and indeed, Ash is missing. He didn't go off on his own like in Sutherland, did he?
Instructor Randy turns to Kurt, "Oh yeah. Almost slipped my mind. Ash applied for permission to go with you guys. Major Michael and I approved it since you guys need all the help you can get. He's probably in the dining hall lounge by now."
He then grins, "He said that it's just because Class VII's mission seems more interesting, but I think he's just being shy about wanting to help."
Delinquent male tsundere, huh? Pretty sure that's a trope from an otome game. Heh. Maybe Juna IS a reverse-harem otome protagonist.
Instructor Randy continues, "You guys take care of him too, yeah? He can be a bit of a handful but he is pretty good in combat."
Kurt nods, "Well, we did work quite well last night, so I won't be opposed to him joining."
"Understood, I'll make sure he'll behave," I added…if not, well, there's always the Aurelia Le Guin method.
Instructor Randy laughs, "Haha, then I'm leaving him to you guys."
He then continues, "Anyway…It's time for us to leave, so we'll leave it there, okay? Don't do anything reckless, you guys."
Juna nods, "You too, Randy. Good luck with the cryptids."
After Instructor Randy and Class VIII left, we go to the briefing room to meet with Instructor Towa and wait for further updates from Instructor Rean.
"Any new updates, Instructor Towa?" Juna asked as soon as we enter the room.
Instructor Towa turns to us from her laptop, "Not from Rean. I did get updates from the Military Police about the overall situation, though."
"Anything worth noting?" I asked.
Instructor Towa nods, "Lots of things…but I'll give you guys the bullet points, okay?"
She then continues, "There haven't been any new cryptids being reported, thankfully. But many more areas are showing higher elements activities, and unusual monsters keep cropping up. They even appeared in St. Ursula Hospital."
"In a hospital? That's a disaster. Has the situation been contained?" I asked.
"Yeah, do we need to go there and help?" Juna added.
Instructor Towa shakes her head, "It's okay. Linde, Vivi—who's visiting Linde—and Sharon—who was hospitalized there—managed to coordinate the staff to set up traps and barricades for the monsters until the Military Police came."
Juna breathes a sigh of relief, "Phew. Well, that's good that there were Thors' alumni and a super maid in St. Ursula."
Instructor Towa adds, "The Military Police operator I was speaking to said that they've received help all around from Thors' alumni here, actually."
She continues in more detail, "Aside from Linde and Vivi, Kenneth apparently helped them to set up a safe house in the boathouse for travelers in the area caught by surprise by the unusual monsters, Becky ended up coordinating the merchant association to help with logistics and supply, and of course, there are Rean and the rest of old Class VII—apparently, they saved a bus from monsters on their way to Crossbell."
Kurt adds, "Regarding Becky…I heard from Pablo that she's also helping Class IX procure supplies for the modification of the soldats."
Instructor Towa nods, "Yeah. Principal Le Guin set up additional funds and Becky helps Tita and the others to make use of it. Without those supplies, we'd probably only have enough parts to modify one of the soldats with new parts from Reinford, now we can modify two soldats."
…What went unsaid is that they're probably going to be used by propaganda.
Juna sighs, "They're probably going to be used as propaganda later by the Governor General, huh? Ugh, that sucks…but I guess it's better rather than them doing nothing and risking the citizens' safety."
We all turn to her.
"What?" She asked.
"It just seems that you were very bothered by it not too long ago, and yet you are very accepting of it now," Altina remarked.
Juna flashes us a smile, "That was then, and this is now!"
…Head empty. Breaking barriers only.
"Ah. Truly, you have returned to top form, indeed, Juna," I replied.
Juna grins, "Haha, thank—wait…That's not a compliment is it?"
I smile innocently, "Hmm? Of course it was a compliment."
"You liar! That totally wasn't!"
"I do not understand, what else could I possibly have meant?"
"I…urgh! Back me up here, Kurt!"
"…Please don't drag me into this argument."
"Hmm…another interesting data from those three for my case study."
Instructor Towa giggles, interrupting us, "Heehee, I'm glad you guys seem to be back to normal. That's good, you guys can't do the Special Ops mission well when there's an issue between you. Oh, by the way, about the Special Ops—"
She was interrupted by her ARCUS ringing.
Instructor Towa answers it, it's Instructor Rean and the old Class VII plus Tio.
Instructor Towa smiles, "Oh, Rean. Are you done with the Geofront?"
Instructor Rean nods, "Yeah. We're done. We also have the location…well locations of the cause of the disturbance in the spirit veins."
Two…? Oh...split dungeons? Is that what this is supposed to be?
"There are more than one?" Juna asked in alarm.
"Yeah. But before that, you okay, Juna?" Instructor Rean replied.
Juna nods, "Yeah. I'm fine, Instructor. You asked who's going to protect Crossbell in the SSS' absence, right? Well here I am—or I'm going to try anyway, as best as I can!"
Tio chimes in, "As you can see, Rean. You have nothing to worry about regarding this one here, Juna's the type that bounces back pretty quick…for better or worse."
"Hey! Tio, come on…don't get on my case on that, Randy already did," Juna complained.
Tio smiles, "Heehee, don't worry Juna, that's why we like you."
She then continues, "Anyway…let's move on to the situation at hand."
Kurt chimes in, "Hold on, where are Prince Cedric and Prince Olivert?"
Alisa replies, "Prince Olivert is currently taking his brother outside the Bracer Guild HQ we're in."
"We think that there is something we need to discuss with you without Prince Cedric," Emma added.
Machias pushes his glasses up, "Specifically, we don't want His Highness contacting the Governor General or the other Ironbloods. As they may ask us not to look into one of the locations, removing our plausible deniability."
"One of the locations is of interest to the Ironbloods, then?" I asked.
Instructor Rean nods, "Most likely. That's why we told Prince Cedric that we're going to ask you guys to check the other location but not that the Ironbloods might be interested in it…well, I'll explain. First off, there are two areas that we found thanks to Tio's and Emma's scans. The Stargazer's Tower, and in the wetlands south of Mishelam."
Emma adds, "According to my and Tio's scan, we detected confluences of mana in these two areas. We're pretty sure that the one in Stargazer's Tower is where Ouroboros at. Since we could sense the mana of the Aion from yesterday there. What do you think, Jessica?"
"…Could you tell me more about these two areas? Specifically was there anything notable that happened in these two areas two years ago when the SSS was active?" I asked.
When visiting the setting of a previous game, locations that tend to be relevant will be locations that were also relevant in the said previous game, after all.
Tio answers me, "There was quite a bit that happened in Stargazer's Tower…but most notably we fought Ouroboros' Steel Maiden and her Stahlritter on a different occasion. As for the wetlands…we encountered the Steel Maiden along with another Anguis, Professor Novartis, as well as Campanella, there. Oh, we also fought a strong cryptid."
"Did you fight the Society in the wetlands?"
Tio shakes her head, "Not really. We got beat up quick, but it was interrupted. We later then fought Campanella in the Moon Temple and the Steel Maiden on Stargazer's Tower. Never directly fought Professor Novartis."
I see. So the encounter in the wetlands was a prelude, most likely to build up the climactic confrontation later. In that case, from narrative weight alone, Stargazer's Tower is the more important location. So it would make sense for it to be where Ouroboros are, especially since Emma confirmed that the Aion is there.
I reply, "In that case…I agree that the Stargazer's Tower is the more likely place where McBurn and Campanella are."
Instructor Rean nods, "I see…all right. We will go to the Stargazer's Tower. What we would like you to do, is to go and check the wetlands, as whatever is happening there is also agitating the spirit vein. BUT only to check it out, I want you guys to get out of there the first sign of danger."
Alisa adds, "We've asked Celine to go back to camp to meet with you guys so she can lend her help. Teleport away with Celine if things got too much, okay?"
"Which of the two sites is possibly of interest to the Ironbloods, Rean?" Instructor Towa asked.
"The wetlands," Instructor Rean answered.
"Is it because that area is within the scope of the operation to keep the SSS at bay?" Altina asked.
Instructor Rean shakes his head, "No. This is the deepest part of the wetlands, it's beyond the perimeter of Operation Birdcage."
Machias adds, "Even if it is, Operation Birdcage is mainly to keep people from going out not in. Besides our orders were to check the location, and then go and deal with the problems. Nowhere is there mentioned about areas we are prohibited to search. As I said, plausible deniability."
…Spoken like a true politician
I reply, "Understood. May I ask how you know this place is of interest to the Ironbloods?"
Tio answers me, "It's because the Governor General is currently there. We have…some sources among the Military Police. I contacted them to see if they have anyone stationed near there. They don't. Instead, apparently ever since he heard of cryptids and higher elements activities appearing this morning, the Governor General departed to the wetlands."
"The best case scenario is that he's simply heading there because he has information we don't and is just trying to deal with the disturbance, but…" Alisa trailed off.
Instructor Rean continues, "There's something all of you need to know. Two years ago at the end of the civil war, Chancellor Osborne declared that he will be taking over the Phantasmal Blaze Plan from Ouroboros."
"Wait! So you mean that the Governor General is doing something similar to what the Society is doing under the Chancellor's order?!" Juna asked in alarm.
I nod, "That would be the worst-case scenario, yes. I presume this is the crux of the matter, which is why you are insistent that we should investigate the wetlands, Instructor?"
He replies, "Yeah, and that's why I also want you guys to get out on the first sign of danger. Because if they are trying to do whatever it is Ouroboros is trying to do, it can't be good."
Tio adds, "Since Lloyd and the others were also in the wetlands I wanted them to rendezvous with you guys, but it doesn't seem to be possible. The RMP and the Icy Maiden got them pinned down when I contacted them—"
Juna interrupted her, "Are they okay?! And hold on, Instructor Claire is involved?"
Instructor Rean replies, "They're fine, Juna. As for Major Claire, well…I'm sure she was just doing her job. This can't be easy on her too, you know."
"Well of course, but—"
Tio cut Juna off, "The situation with Lloyd and the others is not something you can change, Juna. The important thing is that right now, they can't go and do their part to protect Crossbell…and I can't do it too. But you can, right? Didn't you say you're going to do it in our stead?"
…I can't help but be impressed that Tio, small and young as she is—younger than Juna, in fact—actually pulled off a senpai encouragement speech.
For a moment, Juna is silent. She then nods, "Yes. Of course. Leave it to me, Tio."
Tio smiles, "Good. Then stop worrying about Lloyd, he'll be fine. Besides, he's not alone. Rixia and Arios are with him too."
"Rixia? As in Rixia Mao the famous dancer?" Instructor Towa asked.
"It's…a long story," Tio replied.
Oh right. Yeah. I remember from the report. Rixia Mao, Arc en Ciel troupe performer…is actually the assassin Yin, who ended up helping the SSS quite a bit.
Instructor Rean chimes in, "Well…that's the gist of it. Can we leave this to you guys?"
Juna nods, "Of course, I'm happy to show up the Governor General!"
"It is a bit out of protocol, but if the government is indeed in cahoots with a terrorist organization, it would be derelict if we don't investigate," Altina remarked.
"As Altina said, it would be a dereliction of duty were we to ignore this. It is a collusion of the highest degree by our government, " I added. Especially if Ouroboros IS secretly good because then the trope would be the Chancellor taking over the plan and twisting it for a more nefarious purpose.
Kurt nods, agreeing with me, "There is no way we will simply sit idly by here and allow that to stand."
Instructor Rean smiles, "All right. But again, be careful. Once Celine got there, go to the edge of Lake Elm near the base camp. We've asked Heiyue to arrange a motorboat for you there to go to the wetlands. Tio told me you can drive them, Juna."
"Yeah. Noel taught me. I don't like working together with Heiyue, but…ugh…I guess it IS an emergency," Juna confirmed.
"They can be useful collaborators. But yes, don't trust them fully," Tio chimed in.
"Roger, Tio," Juna replied.
Instructor Rean nods, "Well, that's it. We'll leave the wetlands to you guys. Stay safe, everyone…oh, one more thing. Juna, we met Governor Regnitz earlier, he said he's coming to Mishelam to meet with Speaker MacDowell."
Machias adds, "He didn't say it, but you asking him to get Speaker MacDowell's opinion about the Metropolis plan last night must have spurred Dad to do this. This might not change anything in the long run about the Metropolis plan, but at the very least he'll try to make sure Speaker MacDowell is involved in the process."
He continues, "…Oh, and as for Jessica and Kurt, he'll also try to advocate for more involvement from the nobles too. Especially for smaller regions when they start rolling the unified tax system for all regions."
I nod, "Please convey my thank you. I am not sure if he would succeed, but the sentiment is appreciated. At least as far as House Schleiden is concerned."
"Indeed, it is gladdening that the Governor would seriously consider opinions from us," Kurt agreed.
Instructor Rean chimes in, "Up until now, through these two field exercises you guys have been confronted with many uncomfortable truths Erebonia, but I hope that you keep in mind that like Governor Regnitz—"
Juna cuts her off, "Yeah, yeah. Some of you guys are trying to change things. I get it. Kurt gave me the same speech."
"Well, I suppose they are on the same wavelengths for speeches," I added.
The wavelengths of being protagonists, that is.
"…Same wavelengths huh, yeah I can see it," Alisa added.
"I…do not think that's inherently a bad thing, though," Kurt said.
Instructor Rean coughs awkwardly, "…Yes, Kurt's right. A-anyway. We should hang up now, I think Prince Olivert and Prince Cedric are coming back inside. Good luck to us all, I'll see you guys later."
He then hangs up.
Instructor Towa turns to us, "Well…I guess you guys have your mission huh? I know Rean already said it multiple times, but stay safe, okay? Don't be reckless."
I nod, "We will certainly try our best, Instructor."
She smiles, "Right! Oh, also…I was about to mention it earlier before Rean called, but Musse applied for permission to accompany you guys too. So she'll be your backup."
Huh. Finally. I've pegged them to be main party members since quite a bit ago. I guess it's time.
"…I can't believe I'm relegated to a babysitter."
"Meh, and I didn't sign up to take care of a weird-ass talking cat either."
"Aw…Don't be like that, Ash. Celine's a good kitty, aren't you, Celine?"
"W-Wait, don't scratch me there—oh…oh…you're really good at this."
I look at the scene unfolding in the back of the motorboat, Musse giving Celine scratches while the familiar is trading barbs with Ash...It certainly has gotten livelier.
After we brought Musse and Ash up to speed, Celine arrived a bit later with a…certain item that I'm currently holding…Do I really need to wear this thing?
Altina, who is sitting beside me turns to Juna, who is driving the motor boat, "Juna, what is the estimated time of arrival to our destination?"
Juna replies, not taking her eyes off the roa—er…water, "Eh…maybe…10 minutes or so? We're making a good time. Gotta admit the Heiyue gave us a nice, fast motorboat."
Kurt nods, "They seem very cooperative for an organized crime syndicate."
"Heehee, Xin—that young boy from Heiyue—was certainly quite eager to help Speaker MacDowell's granddaughter," Musse chimed in cheerily.
Ash smirks, "Heh. That brat, huh? Considering what he said earlier about you, Egret…I'm really interested in meeting this Elie chick."
"Teehee, oh that boy just needs to grow up a bit. Bigger isn't always better, after all," Musse replied.
She then turns to me, "Isn't that right, Jessica? You agree with me, right? He did make similar comments about our siz—"
I cut her off, "No comment."
…But yes. Medium is premium, thank you very much.
Juna sighs, "Can we please not talk about this?"
Musse smiles, "Aw…but out of the three of us, he takes a shine to you the most Juna…even though you only beat me by a few—"
"Okay, that's enough out of you!" Juna shouted.
I sigh, "Musse, please don't agitate Juna too much lest she crashes this motorboat."
"Teehee, I'll try. But Juna shouldn't be so fun to tease. That's just tempting," Musse giggled.
Altina sighs and gestures to the item in my hand, "Musse's antics aside…Have you figured out how to operate that, Jessica? We are about to arrive in a few minutes so perhaps it is best for you to test it."
"…Do I really have to wear this?"
Celine chimes in, still purring from Musse's scratches, "Emma and that Plato girl manage to get a general scan, but for pinpoint location—oh, lower, please—a scan from closer proximity is needed."
I sigh and look at the cat ears—I mean the Aion system headband on my hand.
Altina chimes in, "I would offer to do both the scan and analysis. However, it seems some affinity for the Divergent Laws is paramount to effectively analyze the data rapidly. So I have to leave it to you."
…That's right, according to Celine, Tio has some heightened senses that while nowhere near breaking the Divergent Laws—is somewhat tangential to it.
Juna commented a bit that it's due to something from her past involving the D∴G Cult and Gnosis…Yeah, this D∴G Cult is really starting to sound like the overarching villain.
Kurt interrupted my thoughts, "…I'm not quite sure why you are reluctant to wear that, really. But trying it out seems to be prudent."
"Tell her it'll look good, Vander. That'll probably do the trick," Ash chimed in with a shit-eating grin.
"Your 'advice' is noted but is unwarranted, and shall promptly be discarded," I retorted.
"Hmm? Well…If I were to comment I do think—"
I cut Kurt off, "No."
I then sigh and put on the headband, "Let us get this done and over with."
As soon as I put on the headband it establish something almost like the ARCUS link but not quite—well, considering the ARCUS was made in a collaboration between Epstein Foundation and Reinford, I wouldn't be surprised if Aion system's brain-machine interface is the precursor to ARCUS' links or vice versa.
Anyway…it's very intuitive, I can tell that I can pretty much run commands from my thoughts alone.
"Aion system is online," I reported.
Altina nods, "Summoning Claiomh Solais."
Claiomh Solais appears above us and starts running a scan of the area, the result is then transmitted to me from Altina through the ARCUS link.
Aion system runs its computation and calculation function before sending the data to my brain.
I close my eyes, and I can picture the surrounding area with bright spots where mana are gathered. I'm guessing this is the part where the more sensitive you are to the Divergent Laws the clearer the image you get as your brain can interpret more?
Well…we're not standing on top of a spirit vein or anything, so it's still a bit unfocused, but I can see two very bright lights, at least.
One is… in the direction we left from, that's probably Stargazer's Tower. The other…is where we're headed.
Yeah. Once we got closer I probably can pinpoint it—Hmm? There seems to be an additional packet of data that the Aion system manages to decode if I focus on the mana confluence in the wetlands.
Let's see…
"▅▅▅al gr▅▅▅▅ co▅▅▅▅▅▅▅ion 93▅ ▅▅pl▅▅▅"
It's full of static, but that's…definitely someone's voice. I can't make out any details, but…the voice, something in it reminds me of another voice, I just can't put my fingers on it.
…I don't think I can get anything else. Let's stop here.
I open my eyes, "I'm confident I could manage to pinpoint the location once we are closer, however…"
"Did you find out something?" Musse asked.
"The scan from Claiomh Solais caught something that is interpreted by the Aion system as a voice, but it's full of static, I cannot make out much," I replied.
Musse smiles and nods, "I see…well, I guess we just have to wait until we get closer."
…She knows something about this? Wait did she…plan for this to happen all along?
Musse simply continues to smile.
"This is the general area indicated by Emma's and Tio's prior scan," Altina said.
I nod, looking around the areas deep in the wetlands.
"…Pleroma grass…they're everywhere," Juna remarked.
"And it's the crimson dark red variants we found earlier," Kurt added.
Celine looks around, "I'm not sensing any cryptids nearby or is about to manifest. But be careful."
"Tch, no cryptids? Man, really? Weird flowers ain't what I came here for," Ash complained.
"So these are the Pleroma Grass. They're very eerie, aren't they? But they give a…peculiar ethereal quality to this place," Musse said as she bends down for a closer look.
Celine hisses at her, "Hey! Don't touch those directly, we don't know much about them, especially this new crimson variant!"
She then turns to me, "You too, especially, don't touch them directly. We don't know if you'd get adverse effects considering your circumstance."
I nod, "Thank you, Celine. I will watch my steps."
I then—reluctantly—put back the Aion headgear and turn to Altina, "Shall we start the scan?"
Altina nods at me and summons Claiomh Solais, "Beginning scan for mana."
I close my eyes.
…I can see a very bright light not far from walking distance to the North. That's it. This is the source of the confluence of the mana.
There doesn't seem any voice captured by the scan this time around…unfortunate.
"I have the location, it's not far," I said.
Juna nods, "Well, let's go then. We can't let the Governor General do…whatever it is he's doing."
"Remember, the first sign of danger you can't handle get to me immediately and I'll teleport us out of here," Celine said, reminding us.
Juna sighs, "Yeah…I understand."
Celine nods, "Good. Now let's go there. Jessica, you lead the way, and be careful not to touch the Pleroma Grass."
"Well damn, who put the cat in charge?" Ash grumbled.
Kurt interrupts him, "Not now, Ash."
I then start to lead them to the area indicated by the scan, minding our steps. It's slowing our progress a bit but better safe than sorry
…The terrain in the wetlands didn't make it easier, as Juna almost bump into Kurt as he stops suddenly.
"Hey! What gives?!" Juna shouted.
Ash snorts, "Jeeze Vander, you want a repeat of your infamous first-day bump with wild filly there or something?"
"S-Sorry, I think I just imagined it, this area must have unnerved me more than I thought," Kurt replied before continuing to walk, following me.
"Oh? What caught your attention, Kurt?" Musse asked.
"No, I just thought I heard—"
"Quiet! Stop!" Celine ordered beside me.
In front of us is a clearing…and a great swirling vortex of mana rising up into the air.
And in front of it…
"My, you all certainly took your time, didn't you?"
A beautiful woman with brown hair, in a white-blue sleeveless dress split in the calf, revealing black thigh-high stockings. Her hands, covered in elbow-long black gloves point a blue fan at us.
"Vita," Celine said, stepping forward.
"Hello to you too, Celine. I assume Emma is with Rean and the others on Stargazer's Tower?"
Celine replies, "…Something like that."
"So, uh…this pretty lady is…" Juna trailed off.
Altina summons Claiomh Solais, "Vita Clotilde, The Second Anguis of Ouroboros,"
Immediately that put everyone on alert and they draw their weapon…Considering what we learned last night, I don't think she's hostile but I draw my weapon nonetheless, just to be safe.
Vita looks amused, it's clear that she thinks it's cute that we're even thinking of fighting her.
"My, my, such hostilities. Especially, you, Snow Princess…and after I saved your life and healed that nasty wound so it wouldn't mar your pretty skin."
"My apologies, you shall always have my gratitude for that one time. But one can never be too careful," I replied.
Vita smiles, "Hmm…well…that's fine, I suppose. It is good to see you again, of course. I've heard quite a bit about you recently."
She then turns to Altina, "And you, Black Rabbit."
"As for the rest of you…it is a pleasure to meet all of you, I am Vita Clotilde Former Second Anguis of Ouroboros…for the foreseeable future at least," She said emphasizing the former part.
"Aren't you…the former star of the Heimdallr Opera House?" Kurt asked scrutinizing her face.
She giggles, "Teehee, are you a fan of the Azure Diva? I suppose I can give an autograph, though I am currently…retired, so to speak,"
Celine chimes in, "That's only one of her alias. Her true identity is the one before you now, Vita Clotilde, the Azure Abyss, a rogue witch of the Hexen Clan."
Vita replies in amusement, "Why, thank you for introducing me so formally, Celine. But, let us dispense with pleasantries and get to the heart of the matter, shall we?"
"If you are not here to fight us, then are you here for the Governor General?" I asked her.
Vita replies, "Yes and no…Certainly, part of why I am here is to prevent him to reach this place before all of you at the request of my current benefactor."
Current benefactor…?
Huh, I wonder if Musse knows that the Abend Time host is—
Musse chimes in, "I know, I know. She's the 2nd Anguis of Ouroboros. But she has a really nice voice! I really like her."
"What, you're about to try recruiting the 2nd Anguis of Ouroboros to your side as well?" I ask sarcastically.
"Something like that."
Is she—?!
Musse catches my eyes and gives me a subtle wink.
…Seriously? This girl is getting more and more ridiculous with each revelation.
"Then where is the Governor General now?" Juna asked as she looked around.
"Oh, I had an associate of mine running some interference since this morning at the moment. He had been having some trouble with the Intelligence Division recently, but thankfully he was able to make it here. Of course, considering the Governor General's skills, I would need to provide backup soon enough…but, I wanted to greet you all first," Vita answered.
An associate of hers? Another Anguis…? No, Campanella said all the other Anguis disagreed with her, so an enforcer?
Vita continues, "In any case…do you know what this is?"
She gestures to the swirling vortex behind her.
Celine answers immediately, "…A Divine Knight trial ground. So that's why the spirit veins gone haywire, whatever Ouroboros is doing combined with this puts too much stress to the spirit veins, and Crossbell's have been particularly weak in the first place…You think one of them is an Awakener?"
Vita nods, "Right you are, Celine."
A Divine Knight—Oh! That's why the voice sounds a bit familiar, it reminds me of Valimar's robotic filter. Who is—Kurt? Well, my first thought was that he was going to inherit Valimar but maybe—no, Musse arranged this according to Vita, so is it her?
Celine shouted, interrupting my thoughts, "Don't joke around! They're not ready to take a Divine Knight trial, old Class VII was more prepared when they took it, and with more people!"
Vita smiles, "I'm sure they'll manage, you're here to help them, aren't you? I'm sure you can play an active role should you take your other form."
Celine just gives her a glare—as much as a cat can, anyway.
Musse chimes in, "If we didn't take this trial…what would happen?"
"As unfortunate as that is…then I would have to let Rufus Albarea take the trial, as I cannot afford to risk capture here by meeting him in a prolonged confrontation…and he would most likely succeed too." Vita answered.
She definitely asked that on purpose.
"Well, we can't let that happen!" Juna shouted.
She turns to us, "I don't know about you guys, but after hearing about them possibly trying to do what Ouroboros is attempting, we can't let him do it!"
...Whatever Ouroboros is attempting, they require the Divine Knights, therefore, if Rufus is trying to replicate it under Chancellor Osborne…they would also need a Divine Knight. Considering Musse arranged this then…I suppose one of her plans is to take this Divine Knight from being used by the Chancellor?
"I concur, we should try to prevent that from happening," Musse said.
Do I want to give this to Musse? What even is her plan?
Ash nods, "Well, I ain't saying no to sticking it up to that obnoxious blondie, he rubs me the wrong way."
"Even so, Instructor Rean gives us the order to retreat if we judge something to be beyond our abilities," Altina replied.
True. If this is something beyond our ability then all that would achieve is we will fail and the Governor General would take it anyway, achieving nothing but risking our life. That's if the narrative plot won't trigger and gives us plot armor, anyway.
Kurt turns to me, "Jessica, what do you think we should do?"
Well…I suppose Musse, being part of the main party seems to be better to have the Divine Knight on her side of the chessboard rather than the Chancellor.
The problem is…
I turn to Celine, "Celine, Vita said earlier that you could help us fight. In your assessment, do you think we would be able to pass the trial with your help?"
Celine sighs, "That's uh…I really don't want to take my human form to help you guys fight, but…"
"…Fine! B-But only because I promised Emma that I'd help you guys, okay? And I don't want that Rufus guy to get his hands on a Divine Knight," She grumbled.
I reply, smiling, "Thank you, Celine. Do you think that would be enough to pass the trial? You are the only one here who had seen what trial is like back when old Class VII took it."
Celine frowns, "Well…I 'm not even sure if we can get to the end of the trial grounds with me helping out. Even then, the problem is the final trial at the end…Loa Erebonius, it's a powerful enemy the trial grounds will conjure for you guys to fight."
She continues, "If at least one of the old Class VII is with you, then maybe…"
Vita interrupts her, "About that…"
She then turns to her right, into the foliage of trees.
"Isn't it about time you come out? Quite rude of you to eavesdrop, wouldn't you say?"
We turn our attention to where Vita is looking.
Someone comes out of the shadows. It's a silver-haired man with a mask, wearing a black form-fitting bodysuit and a long blue coat. He carries two golden guns.
"Crow Armbrust?" I can't help but blurts out…he's not fooling anyone with that mask that doesn't even cover his whole face.
"B-But he…" Celine said.
"Rutger Claussell was supposed to be dead as well," I said, answering the unasked question.
Kurt turns to me, "C-Crow Armbrust is…the terrorist leader? The one that died to save Prince Cedric?"
The man scoffs, "Eh, who knows. I don't know about any of that, especially saving some prince or whatever. I am…Azure Siegfried."
"Azure…Siegfried?" Juna asked.
Ash mocks him, "That's a lame-ass name. You think that makes you cool or something? Yeah no, buddy. If anything you're hurtin' me from second-hand embarrassment here."
"Tch, I don't really care what you think. But that's my name. I have no idea about this Crow you are talking about nor does it matter," The man replied.
Vita interrupts us, "You have to excuse him. He's not…in a position to say anything about that. Let's leave him as Azure Siegfried for now, shall we?"
Not in…well usually that would be…
"Amnesia?" I asked.
Vita turns to me, "Something like that."
She then turns back to Crow, "Now then…I thought you were supposed to be in Stargazer's Tower? As per your employer's order?"
Crow smirks, "We have a…'drone' of sorts set up there, I'll go there if those guys fail, but otherwise…this thing here seems more interesting."
"Is that so? Then you'll help them out, yes?" Vita asked in amusement.
"Heh, I wasn't told not to interfere or not to help a bunch of kids. So…maybe. What do I get if I help them out?" Crow retorts
Vita licks her lips sensually, "Mmm…I would be…very grateful were you to lend them a hand."
Crow smirks, "Hmm…a tempting offer, I see."
"A-Are they like, flirting here?" Juna asked.
"That's certainly what it sounds like," Musse giggles.
"Well…Dayum, maybe I should try that lame getup," Ash remarked.
Kurt sighs, "Not…the time."
I turn back to Celine, "How about it, Celine? With Cro—Azure Siegfried, would we be able to clear the trial?"
Celine turns to Crow for a bit before nodding, "I think so…If that guy helped, I suppose…"
Altina adds, "If he is indeed Crow Armbrust, then his strength would be a significant addition. When we were all working together in the civil war, even McBurn acknowledged him."
Crow chimes in, "Like I said, I don't know about this Crow guy, and I don't care…but yeah, I'm pretty strong."
Kurt turns to him, "In that case, will you help us out?"
Crow looks at us, "You guys are…that guy's student, right?"
"You mean Instructor Rean? Then yes, we are," Kurt asked.
Crow nods, "The Ashen Awakener, yeah."
He then continues, "…I don't remember him at all but, I had this feeling that I owe him something. It's an annoying feeling that'll nag at me if I let it be, so…Fine. I'll lend a hand."
Celine sighs, "That decides it, I guess."
She then starts glowing and slowly morphs into a petite twin-tailed girl with dark skin and purple hair, in a black dress, along with a cat's ears and tails….In other words, a genuine cat girl.
"Aw…you should use this form more often, Celine. You look really cute," Vita cooed.
"You shut up!" Celine shouted back.
She then turns to us, "A-Anyway…in this form, I can help you guys out. With me and bandana boy over there, we should be able to help you clear the trial."
Crow scowls, "Get your facts straight, Kitty, I ain't wearing a bandana. Well, whatever…"
He then turns to us, "I said I'll help, but don't expect me to coddle you. If you guys aren't pulling your weight, then I'll drag you guys back out myself so the trial got canceled. Because that means none of you kids are ready to be an Awakener. In fact…I'll help you guys to the end, but I'm not helping you beat Loa Erebonius."
"What are you talking about?! Beating Loa Erebonius is the main issue here!" Celine protested.
"If they can't beat Loa Erebonius by their own merit, none of them have any business becoming an Awakener. Being one isn't all game and fun…consider it, a kindness from me for not letting half-baked kids be Awakener," Crow retorts.
He then turns to us, "So? What'll it be? You guys giving up?"
That's…I don't know about Loa Erebonius, but…back during the last old school house exploration, we met a giant white shadow instead—Loa Luciferian—later, I was told by the old Class VII that it seemed to be a counterpart to Loa Erebonius.
And if the two are anywhere close in strength…I honestly don't see how we could beat it as we are now, other than hoping for a miracle or plot armor to kick in. And that's…not a plan I want to risk unless there's no other option.
"Of course, we're not giving up!"
It's Juna.
She glares at Crow, "You've been talking down to us this whole time, but don't underestimate us! We've gone this far, so we're not going to back down now!"
She then turns back to the rest of us, "Right you guys? We said to Instructor Rean and the SSS that we'd helped them out, so we're going to! We're not going to just…give up without even trying!"
I look around and see that the rest is now, actually looking back at Juna with determination…main heroine indeed.
I guess we're doing this. But still…
I turn to Juna, "That is well and all, but do you have any actual plan?"
"I…uh…we'll get by with guts?" Juna replied awkwardly.
I look at her blankly. I repeat. Head empty. Breaking barriers only.
"Are you shitting me, you wild filly? The hell?!" Ash shouted.
"All that was said without a plan?" Kurt asked incredulously.
"That is very typical Juna," Altina added.
"S-Shut up! We just have to think of something, right?" Juna retorts.
I sigh, "You say that, but…"
Musse interrupts me, giggling, "Actually…I may have the solution. It's something Class IX—especially Tita—has been preparing."
She brings out her ARCUS, "Tita? It's me. Send them to this coordinate."
Tita's voice comes out from the ARCUS, "Right away! Boost Carrier Ignite!"
Pablo's voice then came in from the ARCUS, "Three, twa, ane, zero...launch!"
"Spiegel S is launched!" I heard Valerie reports.
"Drakkhen II is also launched!" Louise added.
"The soldats? We're bringing them here?" I asked.
Musse smiles, "They are now outfitted with jet engines to fly."
…She planned all of this, didn't she?! That additional funding from Principal Le Guin, that's—!
Not long after, two shadows cover us as we look up.
The Spiegel S and Drakkhen II descend and land beside us.
Juna turns to Crow, "Any complaints?!"
Crow looks at the Soldats and then smirks, "Heh. Not bad, I guess."
He then turns to Vita, "I'll help the kids to get to the final trial…after that, it's up to them. You should go help that thief friend of yours. He's doing a good job so far, but he'll probably be needing help by now."
Thief? Oh, so it's that Enforcer. Phantom Thief B. I remember him working together with Altina quite a bit.
Vita nods, "Looks like it. I'll leave them with you and Celine then. I'll go play with the Governor for a bit."
Her eyes then glint dangerously, "Maybe…I'll get some payback for Grianos."
Vita then teleports away.
Grianos…right, her familiar like Celine is Emma's. I heard the bird was killed by Rufus in the civil war.
Celine turns to us, "Well…this is it. We should go too."
"Heh. Get ready, kids. It'll be a wild ride," Crow added.
We look at each other, nod, and then step into the vortex.
Early that morning. Septian Calendar 1206, 21st of May. Moments before agitation of spirit veins occurred.
BOOTING UP DEUS-EXCELLION SYSTEM
AWAKENING OF DIVINE KNIGHTS DETECTED.
WARNING: RIVALRY IMMINENT. DIVINE KNIGHT: EL PRADO HAS NO DESIGNATED AWAKENER
ACTIVATING AWAKENER SELECTION LOGIC SYSTEM
ACCESSING DATABASE OF DETECTED POTENTIAL AWAKENERS
MATCH (1) FOUND: ALBAREA, RUFUS
CHECKING IF AWAKENER CANDIDATE MATCHES AWAKENER CRITERIA FOR DIVINE KNIGHT: EL PRADO
ACTIVATING SPIRIT VEIN DIVINATION
STARTING ANALYSIS FOR CANDIDATE: ALBAREA, RUFUS
CHECKING FOR CRITERIA 1: POSSESSOR OF TRUE NOBLE SPIRIT
RESULT: MISMATCH
CHECKING FOR CRITERIA 2: DRIVEN BY A CLEAR, SINGULAR, AND PURPOSEFUL CONVICTION
"The Four Great Houses has no future…From here on, I shall consider you my true father…and one day, surpass you. Therefore, I am an Ironblood, the first child of the Blood and Iron."
RESULT: MATCH
ANALYSIS FOR CANDIDATE: ALBAREA, RUFUS COMPLETE
NO UPDATE FROM EXISTING DATA
PARTIAL MATCH FOR CRITERIA
CANDIDATE WILL BE STORED IN DATABASE AS POTENTIAL AWAKENER
NO PERFECT MATCH FOUND IN DATABASE
ESTIMATING TIME LIMIT UNTIL START OF RIVALRY
ESTIMATED TIME LIMIT UNTIL START OF RIVALRY: 70 DAYS, 13 HOURS, 43 MINUTES, 27 SECONDS
ESTIMATED TIME LIMIT UNTIL START OF RIVALRY STILL WITHIN ACCEPTABLE TIME FRAME
REJECTING THE USE OF PARTIAL MATCH
STARTING SCAN FOR POTENTIAL AWAKENERS IN VICINITY
MATCH (13) FOUND: ARMBRUST, CROW; ARNOR, CEDRIC; ARNOR, OLIVERT; CARBIDE, ASH; CAYENNE, MILDINE; CRAWFORD, JUNA; MILLSTEIN, EMMA; ORION, ALTINA; REGNITZ, MACHIAS; REINFORD, ALISA; SCHLEIDEN, JESSICA; SCHWARZER, REAN; VANDER, KURT
RUNNING EXCLUSION CRITERIA FILTER
ARMBRUST, CROW DETECTED AS THE AZURE AWAKENER
EXCLUDING ARMBRUST, CROW ACCORDING TO EXCLUSION CRITERIA 1
ARNOR, CEDRIC DETECTED AS THE VERMILION AWAKENER
EXCLUDING ARNOR, CEDRIC ACCORDING TO EXCLUSION CRITERIA 1
SCHWARZER, REAN DETECTED AS THE ASHEN AWAKENER
EXCLUDING SCHWARZER, REAN ACCORDING TO EXCLUSION CRITERIA 1
MILLSTEIN, EMMA DETECTED AS A DESCENDANT OF THE KIN OF FLAME
EXCLUDING EMMA, MILLSTEIN ACCORDING TO EXCLUSION CRITERIA 2
ORION, ALTINA DETECTED AS A CREATION OF THE KIN OF EARTH
EXCLUDING ORION, ALTINA ACCORDING TO EXCLUSION CRITERIA 3
ARNOR, OLIVERT DETECTED AS PART OF THE ARNOR BLOODLINE
EXCLUDING ARNOR, OLIVERT ACCORDING TO EXCLUSION CRITERIA 6C
EXCEPTION DETECTED. DIVINE KNIGHT: TESTA-ROSSA HAS DESIGNATED AWAKENER
RECONTEXTUALIZING LOGIC
ERROR. ABNORMALITY DETECTED
VERMILION AWAKENER NOT CHOSEN PROPERLY THROUGH TRIAL GROUND
DETECTING CORRUPTION IN LOGIC SYSTEM AND PERSONALITY MODULE FOR DIVINE KNIGHT: TESTA-ROSSA
CALCULATING BEST COURSE OF ACTION
EXCEPTION FOR EXCLUSION CRITERIA 6 WILL BE REJECTED
EXCLUDING ARNOR, OLIVERT ACCORDING TO EXCLUSION CRITERIA 6C
EXCLUSION CRITERIA FILTER APPLIED
MATCH (7) FOUND: CARBIDE, ASH; CAYENNE, MILDINE; CRAWFORD, JUNA; REGNITZ, MACHIAS; REINFORD, ALISA; SCHLEIDEN, JESSICA; VANDER, KURT
ACTIVATING SPIRIT VEIN DIVINATION
STARTING ANALYSIS FOR CANDIDATE: CARBIDE, ASH
CHECKING FOR CRITERIA 1: POSSESSOR OF TRUE NOBLE SPIRIT
RESULT: MISMATCH
CHECKING FOR CRITERIA 2: DRIVEN BY A CLEAR, SINGULAR, AND PURPOSEFUL CONVICTION
k̵̗͖̙̎̆̐̎̈́̇̉̈́͑̚̕͝I̴̼̣͕͓͖̳̲̤͇̭̞̺̻̒͐͐̈̋͊͂̂̑̎̓̀̕͝ĺ̷̡̢̟̫̭͇̮́͆L̷̛̹̩̼̼͂̀̃̏̉̀̿̌͑͐̉ͅ ̶̥̭̒͌t̵̙͕̪́̒̌͋̎̉͠͝H̴̨̛̳̗̬̦͓̒̏͋͊͗̊͛̑̀͊̏̀͠Ȩ̵͓̪̗͙͈̮̹̺͖̹̖̄̋͌̔̽͐̆̄̾͒̎̈͝͠ ̴̣̬͍͈̞͒̔͌̓v̶̮̥̟̙͚̞͎̠̐Ĩ̸͍̟̣͈͇́̔̂͋͂̋L̴̢̰̪̪͉̰̅̈́͛͊ͅȩ̷̡̻̭̦̠̜̘̩͇͖̝̓̄̔͊̋̿͒͋̈̀͊̎̉͊̚ͅ ̸̭̙̣̻̍͜͜ǫ̴̩̫͍̱̘̹͈͛̒͛̄̓͛̾̀̓̋́̀̽̌͘͜N̷̡̧̢̛͚̖͓̬̞͈͈̰̯̓̉͌͗̄͊͂̈́́̚͝Ḙ̸̠̰̭̩͇̬̥͙̙͊̔͒̉͆́̓͂̐͝
RESULT: ERROR. ABNORMALITY FOUND
ANALYSIS FOR CANDIDATE: CARBIDE, ASH COMPLETED
EXCLUDING CARBIDE, ASH ACCORDING TO EXCLUSION CRITERIA 4
STARTING ANALYSIS FOR CANDIDATE: CAYENNE, MILDINE
CHECKING FOR CRITERIA 1: POSSESSOR OF TRUE NOBLE SPIRIT
RESULT: MISMATCH
CHECKING FOR CRITERIA 2: DRIVEN BY A CLEAR, SINGULAR, AND PURPOSEFUL CONVICTION
"Operation Mille Mirage. That is how we will stop the Blood and Iron Chancellor. No matter the cost."
RESULT: MATCH
ANALYSIS FOR CANDIDATE: CAYENNE, MILDINE COMPLETE
PARTIAL MATCH FOR CRITERIA
CANDIDATE WILL BE STORED IN DATABASE AS POTENTIAL AWAKENER
STARTING ANALYSIS FOR CANDIDATE: CRAWFORD, JUNA
CHECKING FOR CRITERIA 1: POSSESSOR OF TRUE NOBLE SPIRIT
RESULT: MISMATCH
CHECKING FOR CRITERIA 2: DRIVEN BY A CLEAR, SINGULAR, AND PURPOSEFUL CONVICTION
RESULT: MISMATCH
ANALYSIS FOR CANDIDATE: CRAWFORD, JUNA COMPLETE
NO MATCH FOR CRITERIA
CANDIDATE: CRAWFORD, JUNA REJECTED
STARTING ANALYSIS FOR CANDIDATE: REGNITZ, MACHIAS
CHECKING FOR CRITERIA 1: POSSESSOR OF TRUE NOBLE SPIRIT
RESULT: MISMATCH
CHECKING FOR CRITERIA 2: DRIVEN BY A CLEAR, SINGULAR, AND PURPOSEFUL CONVICTION
"Erebonia's political situation has been in a state of flux since the war ended, and it shows no signs of solidifying. I don't know what this means for my father in his role as Imperial governor, either. So instead of idly waiting for the country to sort itself out, I think my best option is to study up on politics and guide it myself…"
RESULT: MATCH
ANALYSIS FOR CANDIDATE: REGNITZ, MACHIAS COMPLETE
PARTIAL MATCH FOR CRITERIA
CANDIDATE WILL BE STORED IN DATABASE AS POTENTIAL AWAKENER
STARTING ANALYSIS FOR CANDIDATE: REINFORD, ALISA
CHECKING FOR CRITERIA 1: POSSESSOR OF TRUE NOBLE SPIRIT
RESULT: MISMATCH
CHECKING FOR CRITERIA 2: DRIVEN BY A CLEAR, SINGULAR, AND PURPOSEFUL CONVICTION
"Mother, you're running this company the wrong way! I promise you, though, that by the time I graduate from the academy, I'll show you how this company SHOULD be run."
RESULT: MATCH
ANALYSIS FOR CANDIDATE: REINFORD, ALISA COMPLETE
PARTIAL MATCH FOR CRITERIA
CANDIDATE WILL BE STORED IN DATABASE AS POTENTIAL AWAKENER
STARTING ANALYSIS FOR CANDIDATE: SCHLEIDEN, JESSICA
CHECKING FOR CRITERIA 1: POSSESSOR OF TRUE NOBLE SPIRIT
"We are nobles, so we are expected to govern. The things you mentioned are very critical components of good governance, so of course, we have to familiarize ourselves with them. Especially for those who are first in line to inherit like myself. That is the very basis of why we are afforded our status, after all, because we are the designated person in society to make that sacrifice."
RESULT: MATCH
CHECKING FOR CRITERIA 2: DRIVEN BY A CLEAR, SINGULAR, AND PURPOSEFUL CONVICTION
RESULT: MISMATCH
ANALYSIS FOR CANDIDATE: SCHLEIDEN, JESSICA COMPLETE
PARTIAL MATCH FOR CRITERIA
CANDIDATE WILL BE STORED IN DATABASE AS POTENTIAL AWAKENER
STARTING ANALYSIS FOR CANDIDATE: VANDER, KURT
CHECKING FOR CRITERIA 1: POSSESSOR OF TRUE NOBLE SPIRIT
"Of course, there are many things I wanted to spend my time on as well rather than learning about statecraft, but ultimately as nobles, it is our duty to make that sacrifice. To pursue what is good for the people and land we govern rather than what we want."
RESULT: MATCH
CHECKING FOR CRITERIA 2: DRIVEN BY A CLEAR, SINGULAR, AND PURPOSEFUL CONVICTION
"…But I realize now, that my purpose need not be contingent on assigned duty. I was blinded, too preoccupied with what directly lies in front of me, ignoring the festering abscess plaguing this nation. There are many things in Erebonia that the sword of the Vanders must cut in righteousness, and so I shall!"
RESULT: MATCH
ANALYSIS FOR CANDIDATE: VANDER, KURT COMPLETE
PERFECT MATCH FOR CRITERIA
CANDIDATE WILL BE TESTED IN THE TRIAL
TRIAL PREPARATION IN PROGRESS
PREPARING TRIAL GROUND
MANIFESTING SHADOW OF THE GREAT POWER: LOA EREBONIUS
ACTIVATING PERSONALITY MODULE FOR DIVINE KNIGHT: EL PRADO
TRIAL GROUND CONSTRUCTION 1% COMPLETE
A.N. So yes, this is one of-well probably the largest-divergence thus far. As Rufus is the awakener in the game. But...this sort of has been what I sort of plan from the start, kinda. To play off the self-fulfilling prophecy part of Jessica's action. As for Rufus well...there is something I have planned for how he'll fit in, but it's all the way in CS4. So not for quite a bit.