The masked leader stepped forward again, their movements deliberate and controlled. The figures behind them slowly began to position themselves around the device, hands outstretched toward its core. A chilling sense of familiarity crept over Rean as he observed the strange ornament structure—they weren't just trying to activate it; they were trying to control it.
"This is no ordinary machine," Rean muttered under his breath. The patterns on the device pulsed rhythmically as if responding to the actions of its operators. And with each pulse, the air grew heavier.
Juna's voice came from his side, strained but resolute. "Instructor, we don't know what we're up against. Should we take them down now?"
Rean shook his head, his gaze unwavering. "Not yet. Let's gather more intel. We need to understand what they're doing here first."
But the masked leader's next words dashed any hope of simply walking away.
"You're right to be cautious, Ashen Chevalier," the leader said, their voice distorted but carrying an unsettling sense of confidence. "You have no idea what kind of power you're dealing with. With the death of the Blood and Iron Chancellor, we can finally get our revenge!"
That seemingly puzzled Rean. Revenge? And for what?
However, his pondering soon left him open to an attack from the leader, one that he didn't have time to react to.
"Instructor!" His students cried out as they rushed to get to him while it was clear they wouldn't get there in time.
"Vorpal Flare!"
Suddenly a burst of raging blue flames soon erupted between both Rean and the leader, causing the latter to step back. "Damn witch." The leader muttered.
Rean soon looked up alongside his students and saw a familiar person who had come to his rescue.
It was a young woman with a purple sleeveless coat with long tails over a pinstripe white sweater and black lace vest, with a green miniskirt and black tights. She also has white knee high boots, several golden bangles while she had plum-colored hair, which is worn is a long braid and mint blue eyes.
It was Emma Milstein, a Hexen Clan member, an Original Class VII alumni and Rean's girlfriend.
"Looks like, I made it here just in time. Is everyone ok?" Emma asked as she then turned and confronted the masked leader "And who might you be?"
The masked leader soon gave an annoyed grunt as he soon signaled a retreat "Trust me Ashen Chevalier, you haven't seen the last of us yet."
Soon the entire group retreated as the advanced machinery soon went with them.
"Emma and Celine. Thanks for the save, but what were you guys doing nearby?" Rean asked as Emma gave him a light hug.
"Blame this one." Celine said as she appeared in her cat form next to Emma "We were traveling when she suddenly sensed that you were in danger."
Soon the entire group got a call on their ARCUS to come back to the Branch Campus as they was much to discuss regarding the group they just encountered.
Soon back at the Branch Campus, both Rean and Emma stepped into the faculty lounge, greeted by the familiar hum of activity. Principal Aurelia Le Guin and Major Michael were deep in discussion near the window.
"Ah, Schwarzer," Aurelia said, her piercing gaze turning to him. "I trust you've heard about the latest report?"
Rean nodded. "Another merchant caravan attacked on the road to Raquel. Same strange insignia—skull and flames."
Michael folded his arms. "The Ghost Vanguard. Whoever they are, they've been remarkably effective at staying under the radar. And now we've got these sabotage attempts at the campus. If this keeps escalating, it could disrupt graduation entirely."
Rean frowned. "It's not just about the campus. They mentioned something about revenge and Altina did a scan, whatever orbment they were using to activate their machinery was definitely irregular."
Aurelia's expression turned serious. "A deliberate manipulation of the orbment? That aligns with the other reports that we have gotten of this group."
"Then we need to act," Rean said firmly. "I'll take Class VII and Emma to investigate. If the Ghost Vanguard is planning something bigger, we need to stop them before it's too late."
The students of the Class VII gathered around Rean in the main hall. Juna, Kurt, Altina, Ash, and Musse stood in a loose circle, their usual energy tempered by a mix of anticipation and nerves. Meanwhile, Emma stood to Rean's side with a concerned look on her face.
"Another mission, huh?" Ash said, leaning back against the wall with his arms crossed. "You sure you're not just trying to keep us busy so we don't think about graduating?"
Juna shot him a glare. "Ash, this is serious. If the Ghost Vanguard is behind what happened in Parm, we can't just sit around."
Kurt nodded, his expression calm but resolute. "Graduation can wait. Protecting Leeves and the Branch Campus takes priority."
Altina tilted her head, her voice even as always. "I detected strange energy signatures near the ruins yesterday. If they're manipulating a unique orbment, their activity could destabilize the area."
Musse smiled faintly, her usual flirtatious tone subdued. "A final mission before we step into the next chapter of our lives. How poetic."
Rean couldn't help but smile at their determination. "I know you're all juggling a lot right now—exams, graduation, figuring out what comes next. But this isn't just about us. If we don't act, the entire region could be at risk. Are you with me?"
The group exchanged determined glances, and Juna stepped forward. "Of course we're with you, Instructor. We've got this."
Rean looked grateful for all of them, they truly have became a shining example of what the Branch Campus was established for. Rean soon looked at Emma to see if she was also in.
"You don't even need to ask dear," Emma said to him. "I am with you, till the very end."
"Thank you, everyone, that truly does mean a lot to me." Rean said. "Now Class VII, let's move out!"