The battle was over, but the scars it left behind were clear as the rising sun cast its light over the battered campus. Rean stood at the edge of the central plaza, gazing out at the ruins of the once-pristine grounds of Thors' Branch Campus. His thoughts were a whirlwind of relief, pride, and unease. They had stopped the Ghost Vanguard's plan, but the cost had been high—both in the damage done and the realization of the threats that still loomed.
Behind him, Class VII gathered, their expressions weary yet determined. Juna, Kurt, Altina, Ash, and Musse had repeatedly proven themselves, but now, their time together was drawing to a close. The realization hung heavy in the air.
Sometime later, the group gathered in the courtyard, where the main building remained intact but battle-worn. Towa approached with a clipboard in hand, her usually cheerful demeanor tinged with sadness.
"The repairs will take some time," she said, glancing around. "But considering what could've happened, we were lucky."
Rean nodded. "Lucky… and prepared. Thanks to all of you." He turned to his students. "You've grown so much. I couldn't be prouder."
Juna crossed her arms, her voice unsteady as she replied, "Don't get all sappy on us now, Instructor. We're not done yet."
Ash smirked, though it lacked his usual edge. "Yeah, Schwarzer. We still have a graduation ceremony to survive."
The group chuckled, but the laughter carried a bittersweet undertone as they knew they would have to part soon.
As the day progressed, the students returned to their dorms to pack and prepare for their next steps. Kurt meticulously folded his uniforms, his mind already on the training journey he planned to undertake. Altina sat quietly by her bed, her black rabbit doll in hand, contemplating her future as an individual outside of combat.
Juna, meanwhile, lingered in the hallway, staring out the window at the campus she'd come to call home. Musse approached her, her usual teasing smile softened.
"You're thinking about what's next, aren't you?" Musse asked, leaning against the window frame.
"Yeah," Juna admitted. "It's just… hard to leave this place behind, especially after I didn't want to be here due to what happened to Crossbell. But with everything we've been through, everyone we've met… it feels like the end of something huge."
Musse nodded. "It is, in a way. But endings make room for new beginnings. And you – Juna Crawford are going to go far."
Juna sighed, then smiled faintly. "You always know what to say, don't you?"
Musse winked. "It's a talent."
That evening a day before the ceremony, Rean called Class VII to the training hall for one final gathering. The room felt both nostalgic and heavy with the weight of the moment.
Rean stood before them, his arms crossed. "I wanted to talk to all of you before tomorrow. You've faced challenges that no students should have to face, and you've come through stronger than ever. But now, it's time for you to forge your own paths."
He paused, meeting each of their eyes. "No matter where you go or what you do, remember this: You're never alone. You have each other, and you'll always have a place here at Thors—and with me. That you will always be a part of Class VII."
The students exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of pride and sorrow.
Juna was the first to speak, her voice firm despite the tears brimming in her eyes. "We wouldn't have made it this far without you, Instructor Rean. Thank you—for everything."
The others echoed her sentiments, each offering their own words of gratitude.
The next day, the graduation ceremony began. It was a relatively small affair due to the low amount of students at the branch campus compared to the main campus, but seeing each of his students come up and accept their diplomas with everything they had been through… it evoked a certain level of pride within the Ashen Chevalier that he couldn't explain.
Soon Rean stood by the gates, watching as his students came to say their goodbyes.
Kurt approached first, bowing deeply. "Thank you, Instructor Schwarzer. I'll continue to train and strive to uphold the honor of the Vander name."
Rean placed a hand on Kurt's shoulder. "I have no doubt you'll succeed. Take care out there, Kurt."
Altina was next, her usual stoic demeanor softening. "I… will find my own purpose, as you advised. Thank you for guiding me."
Rean smiled. "You've already found it, Altina. Just keep following your heart."
Ash grinned as he approached, his hands in his pockets. "Don't get too sentimental, Schwarzer. I'll be back to kick some ass if you need me."
"I'll hold you to that," Rean replied with a smirk.
Musse, ever playful, leaned in close. "Farewell for now, my dear Instructor. Don't miss me too much."
Rean chuckled. "Stay safe, Musse. And stay out of trouble."
Finally, Juna stood before him, her expression conflicted. "I don't know how to say goodbye," she admitted.
"You don't have to," Rean said. "This isn't goodbye—it's just 'see you later.'"
Juna smiled, wiping her eyes. "See you later, Instructor."
As the students boarded their respective trains, Rean watched them go, a mixture of pride and sadness filling his heart. Towa and Emma soon joined him, Emma's hand resting on his arm.
"They'll be fine," she said softly.
"I know," Rean replied. "But I'll still miss them."
As the last train disappeared into the distance, Rean turned back toward the campus, the morning sun casting long shadows across the grounds. Suddenly however he felt his ARCUS' buzzing to life as it confused him.
Taking it out, he saw that it was Prince Olivert of all people calling him and making him more confused than ever.
"Your majesty, this is unexpected," Rean said to him.
"I'd imagine so, but please my dear Rean look up for a moment." Prince Olivert said to him.
Rean soon looked up and saw that the Courageous was just above the branch campus suddenly.
"Your majesty, please what is going on?" Rean asked confused.
Olivert soon chuckled a bit.
"Well funny you should mention that.. there was an incident in Crossbell happening around the same time you were dealing with the Vanguard…"