Dramaticmusic23: Yes, finally we are at the good part. The start of the story. I can wait to see how you take the story direction. I love the fie and Relon interactions. Almost like another little sister. Man he is really getting more of them as time past. Wonder how many he will get.
Hehe, yeeaaaah. Glad you're liking the interactions. Since Relon has been all over the place, his personality basically shifts to that similar of whoever he meets before he acts more like himself. As for how many, meh, haven't really thought of many others. His interactions with Fie are indeed that of an older sibling. Mainly plan to keep his count at Alfin, Norowareta, and a certain energetic Ironblood. We're excluding Musse for obvious reasons lol.
FieLover: Aww Fie averted looking at Rean's smile, and I really like Aurelia in this! Imagining her with the Class VII uniform is fun.
UWU, more Rean x Fie to come and thank you! Aurelia as a member of Class VII was something I couldn't let slip by.
SOD: Alright, let's goooooooo!
Andrew: Alright, Shinn-sama, what's the plan?
SOD: Alright, plan is to get my boy Relon out of this twisted maze.
Andrew: Alright, how do you plan to do that?
SOD: Alright, no spoilers!
Andrew: Alright, fine.
SOD: Alright, so remember how I was like 15 chapters ahead?
Andrew: Alright, yeah?
SOD: Alright, so I may be at only five now lol
Andrew: Alright, birthday week did a number on you, huh?
SOD: Alright, you have no idea.
Andrew: Alright, what if you uploaded a chapter per review.
SOD: ... Alright, no cap, I was thinking of that later down the line.
Andrew: Really?!
SOD: HA, I WIN! YOU STOPED SAYING ALRIGHT!
Andrew: WAIT, WHAT?
SOD: Story time! Enjoy the 6k chapter!
Not even a minute into their walk, the group of boys spot their first horde of monsters seeming to be cats with wings.
"Wait, Machias went this way so how are those monsters here? It's been a one way path since we started?" Relon comments. "And are those cats with bats? What? Catbats?"
"Maybe he just avoided them?" Elliot suggests.
"Regardless, get ready because their coming our way!" Gaius interrupts, the boys readying themselves.
Giving between that of a high screech and a hiss, the monsters approach. Rushing through breaking up the swarm, Relon punches and kicks one after another as Relon cuts any he can down. With the swarm divided, Gaius gives a spin of his spear thrusting at one and swinging sideways hitting a few more.
"Needle Shoot!" Elliot declares raising his staff as a small pointed boulder launches hitting a monster as it collides with a few others. "W-We did it!" He cheers, unbeknownst of a catbat coming from behind to be sliced into a puff of dark matter. "W-Whoa! T-T-Thanks, Pippin." Elliot breaths his thanks, the four boys regrouping. "Please tell me there aren't more of those..."
"Sorry buddy, but I can sense a lot more." Relon informs.
"As do I."
"Same. For now, let's stay alert."
After a little more walking and fighting, they stop.
"Hey, an orbal charging station. Didn't expect to find on down here." Relon says.
"It could be a lifesaver if we get tired up ahead." Elliot notes, the boys resuming their walk to stop before a new type of monster.
"Oh great. Slime monsters." Relon groans.
"It seems like physical attacks won't be very effective."
"How right you are Gaius. Elliot, your time to shine."
"R-Right. Attacking with my orbal staff is basically the same as casting an art without the casting time so if need, be I can just whack them."
"You have no idea how much I want to see that now." Relon laughs as the slime monsters approach.
I can't cast and I don't want to reveal my fire yet.
"Pippin." Relon calls, the sword going to him. "Since there aren't many, we don't have to worry as much. I'll draw their attention while you guys get to casting."
"You sure, Relon?"
"Yeah, I doubt they can do much but it doesn't hurt to be careful."
With that, Relon takes off into the fray. Swinging at one, Pippin cuts right through seeming to have no affect. Backing away, he flips over another monster. With their attention on Relon, they fire off blobs of liquid though he easily avoids them.
"Ready?" Elliot asks.
"Yeah/Yes!"
"Aqua Bleed!" A large amount of water douses one slime monster destroying it.
"ARCUS activate!" Both Rean and Gaius shout.
"Flare Bolt!" Out comes a small fireball burning another slime monster.
"Wind Needle!" A mass of compressed air fires slicing the last one.
"Nice job guys." Relon congrats, Pippin hovering in the air.
"It seems Elliot's staff allows for a faster casting time compared to the rest off us."
"The perks of having a orbal staff. Still wished to have seen you whack one." Relon jokes.
"M-Maybe another time." Elliot laughs.
Continuing on, they boys eventually come to a stop looking around.
"I know we've been going straight but..." Gaius begins.
"I can't but feel we're losing our sense of direction." Elliot finishes having the same thought.
"Just gotta make sure we don't go in circles."
"Yeah. Best option is to keep moving forward."
Turning a corner, they come to a small area swarming with beetle-like monsters.
"Their shells looks pretty durable. Might be tough taking them down through physical means again."
"We should use arts and any techniques up our sleeves." Elliot suggests gaining nods.
"Guess this is where my fists shine." Relon grins punching his open palm. "You guys ready?"
"Yeah!"
Running ahead of Rean, Relon throws a punch at the fist beetle destroying it with ease before kicking another sending it to the wall. Not stopping, he backfists a third and leaps meeting the fourth in the air grabbing it and slamming the unfortunate insect to the ground vanquishing it in a puff of smoke.
"Eight Leaves One Blade: Autumn Leaf Cutter!" Rean shouts delivering a series of slashes stopping past the beetles. "Gaius!"
"Right! Gale Stinger!" Wind gathers around his spear before he thrusts forward blasting the beetles all into a pile.
"Finish it, Elliot!"
"Leave it to me! Needle Shoot!" He shouts, the boulder crashing into the pile of bugs as a dust of dark smoke erupts.
Hearing a pant, all turn and hurry to Elliot hunched over.
"Elliot, you okay?"
"I-I'm good! Just relieved that fights over. So much the strength left my body, haha... I'm amazed at how calm you guys are."
"Pippin and I are used to this."
"As am I."
"Need a hand?" Rean offers.
"N-No. I'm fine. Seeing bugs be sent all over the place had me freaking out internally." Elliot gets up as Pippin goes on alert.
"Watch out!" Relon calls, all turning as Pippin is about to intercept a bug when a gunshot sounds killing the monster.
"Huh?" All wonder looking to see none other than Machias holding a shotgun.
"Machias? Wait, how did you come from that way?" Relon demands confused.
"What are you talking about? I've just been walking straight and ended up here? How did you all get ahead of me?" He redirects.
"I'm so confused." Relon groans holding his head. "This place is full on weird."
"You're telling me. Thanks for the save Machias." Elliot mentions.
"No problem." His eyes go to Relon as he walks forward before him.
Looking expecting so remark of hostile action, Relon notices something below to see Machias extending his hand.
"I realize I shouldn't have acted the way I did before and after cooling off... a lot of what you said was right so... I'm sorry. I lost my composure and acted on impulse as well as judged you based on empty assumptions."
Taken aback, Relon grips the hand.
"Glad to hear it. Sorry for saying I'd deck ya. Let bygones be bygones?"
"Agreed. Honestly I wasn't all that interested in being on the receiving end to begin with."
"Hey Machias, can I ask you something?" Rean calls.
"Yes, go ahead. Ask away."
"This may be a personal reason but why do you dislike nobles?"
"I... Let's just say things happened that caused me to despise them." He sighs.
"I see. Thanks for answering."
"No problem. We should probably get going. I'm concerned over the girls."
"Yeah, don't worry about them. Laura and Aurelia are with them so we have nothing to worry about." Relon dismisses.
"You sure seem confident. You also seemed to know Laura." Machias notes.
"Well yeah. We grew up together for two years before I returned to wandering Erebonia." Relon answers with a shrug. "As an orphan, I kinda just went from place to place learning what I could. One of those being the Arseid style."
"You just wandered across the continent? What, like the legendary Wandering Beast?" Machias questions.
"Yup. Exactly like him." Relon and Rean stifling their laughter as best they can. "But let's go. We shouldn't be much further now. You seem like a crackshot with that shotty Machias. Glad to have you aboard."
"R-Right. Leave any long range enemies to me."
With that, the group of six heads on.
"Seriously though, you went ahead of us so how did we somehow get ahead of you. We were going in a straight line with no other paths visible."
"Your guess is as good as mine. The only hypothesis I can come up with is this labyrinth is constantly changing."
"W-Wouldn't that mean it... h-h-haunted?" Elliot wheezes out chattering his teeth.
"Elliot, I'm sure it's not... I think." Rean mutters.
"You think?!"
"You have nothing to fear, my friend." Gaius reassures.
"Gaius is right. We have strength in numbers plus you have Pippin orbiting you so anything comes at you, you have nothing to worry about." Pippin nodding in agreement.
"Yeah... You're right."
After fighting a few more groups of monster, the group reach a divide in the path.
"Okay. Anyone know which way we should go?"
"Definitely not this way." A familiar feminine voice answers gaining all of their attention.
Out comes the girl's group coming to a stop facing the boys, Pippin floating from Elliot towards Laura only to be grabbed by Relon.
"Oh no you don't." He denies, the sword stopping its efforts to slump by bending its handle.
"Not only does it defy physics but it also acts like a child." Machias notes.
"Pippin, I get that you missed her but can you stay focused until we're out of here?" Relon sighs, the sword nodding slowly.
"Awe, it's like a child that wants its mother." Emma adds.
"After this is over, I'll pamper you as much as you want, okay Pippin?" Laura smiles, the sword suddenly shooting into the air energetic once again.
"With the way Pippin acts towards girls, I'm starting to think it's actually a boy." Relon notes.
"Maybe Pippin is just acting based off of you." Rean comments.
"You and Laura are close, no?" Aurelia comments.
"Well, I suppose..." Relon relents, he and Laura sporting slight blushes.
I know Pippin and me are linked, emotions included, but I'm not that excited to see Laura, am I?
"Hmm. Maybe that's it..." Relon mutters.
"Maybe what's it?" Relon looks up to see Laura looking curiously at him.
"Huh? Oh nothing. Just thinking is all. How did you girls come from that was though? Didn't you go far off in the right direction?" He asks changing the topic.
"Yup." Fie answers.
"It's totally odd. One minute we're going in a straight line and the next, we're somehow coming back here." Alisa informs.
"Wait, you girls came this way before?" Machias wonders.
"Indeed. Look." Aurelia states, all glancing at marks on the walls. Five in total. "We've somehow ended up here five times already and now matter which direction we chose, the end result was always the same."
"Hmm..."
"Relon, are you thinking again?" Laura wonders.
"Yeah. The way you girls just came. What was down there?"
"Just a hallway circling back here." Alisa answers.
"I wonder. Pippin, stay here for a few minutes." Relon orders.
"What are you planning to do?" Rean asks.
"I want to see for myself if that hypothesis is true or not. If this place really is moving, then when I come back, either I'll end up somewhere else or I'll meet back up with you guys."
"And if it's the former then we simply follow Pippin back to you!" Laura finishes.
"Right you are."
"But should you go by yourself, Relon?" Elliot asks with concern.
"Don't worry, I can take care of myself. Besides, if I'm by myself, I can just blitz through the place. I'm confident in my speed."
"Very well. We'll wait for three minutes." Laura says.
"Alright. After three minutes, I'll come back the way I came and if I end up somewhere else, I'll wait for you guys."
"Alright, be careful." Rean advises.
"Right." He starts spinning in place pointing. "Eenie meenie miney mo, which way is the route I wanna go?" He stops pointing the way the girls came. "Bingo." He grins. "Alright, whether this place is haunted, magical, or whatever doesn't matter one bit. We're passing- no. We're winning this game." He hunches down.
"I got the timer ready. Three. Two. One. Go!" Alisa declares.
With a blast of warm air hitting everyone, Relon is off running out of sight before anyone can take sight.
"Huh. He wasn't joking on his speed." Fie eyes seeming not bothered.
"Alright, now we wait." Aurelia says going to lean against the wall looking at where Rean left.
With Relon
Alright, let's see...
Glancing to his arm, he sees some fire though not much.
I still having regained enough fuel to transform. Damn Senate.
Up ahead is another open area with more monsters.
"Too bad for you guys I'm in a hurry!" Relon finally snarls having held in all his excitement as he rushes past all the monsters, each one bursting to puffs of smoke before they even realized what happened.
Running as fast as possible, the walls to the side of his vision are all but a blur.
Hm?
Sliding to a halt, he sees a familiar blonde in an open area.
"Jusis!" The boy turns around to step out of the way of the sliding teen.
"Relon?"
"Quick, has the labyrinth been leading you all over the place?!" Taken aback by the boy's impulsiveness, Jusis corrects himself.
"Yes, I have noticed. It's safe to assume that the same has happened to you?"
"Yeah. The girls too. I decided to scout ahead for the right way while Pippin guides them to me."
"I see. I'm guessing you two have some sort of link?"
"Yeah. It's like a mental GPS. Comes in handy for situations like this. Hey, is it alright if we stick together until the others find us?"
"Why ask me?"
"Just in case you don't want me around since you went all solo earlier. I mean, if you don't that's fine. I'll just go on ahead." Relon shrugs.
"That's not what I meant. I meant why do you care about my opinion instead of doing whatever it is you wish?"
"Because everyone's opinion matters, why else? If this has to do with social classes, let me just say this. I honestly don't care whether someone is a commoner or noble. I have friends that wish they were commoners and vice versa but that doesn't mean not everyone deserves a fair chance. That and I'm in my current condition, I'm not really at 100% should something happen." He chuckles looking back to the Albarea to see him blinking in repetition. "Jusis? You okay?" Relon snaps his figure bringing the teen back down.
"Yes, sorry. I see your point. Very well. We'll travel together until we find the exit."
"Great! Hopefully the others don't take too long."
Right as Relon and Jusis takes a single step, a loud screeching sound echoes through the hall.
"That sounded like the catbats me and the guys fought earlier. Just way more deeper!" Relon warns, Jusis readying his sword.
"Here it comes!" Both look to slowly rise their heads before the giant catbat.
"CAN I EVER GET SOME GOOD DAMN LUCK FOR ONE DAY?!" Relon exclaims, he and the blonde dodging a charge from the large monster.
Running up, Relon punches away an attempted scratch to deliver a blow to the monster's face knocking it to the ground. Following up, Jusis lunges forward slicing at its wing causing the monster to cry out in pain wrestling to its feet. Attempting to regain flight, it fails.
"Now's our chance!"
"You needn't tell me!" Both rush off to both sides of the beast.
Unable to decide, the giant catbat claws at Jusis while whipping its tail at Relon.
"Whoa!" Relon avoids timing his jump to land on the tail. "Coming your way, Jusis!" He shouts jumping and kicking the monster with enough force to send it falling over towards Jusis.
"This ends now! Rapid Thrust!" The noble declares attacking its abdomen before delivering a final thrust piercing through the beast.
Landing on one knee, he stands whipping his sword as the monster crumbles to dust.
"Nice follow-up." Relon gives a thumbs up.
"You weren't so bad yourself." Jusis compliments running a hand through his hair for his face to change.
"What's wrong?"
"That door wasn't there before, correct?"
Looking at the end of the room, there is indeed now a door.
"No. Nor was that orbal station. What the hell...?" Relon breathes.
"It seems the exit found us."
"I guess so. Let's rest a second." Relon suggests, the blonde nodding as they touch the orbal station, an odd energy revitalizing them.
Now that I think about it, do orbal stations refuel my fire? I never used the one back in the park's entrance because of how far it was from the training area.
Opening his palm, he releases the tiniest amount of heat to see the equivalent of a tiny flame.
(Huh. You learn something new everyday.) Relon smiles to himself forming a fist. "Alright, now that I'm back at 100%, wanna wait a few minutes for the others and then try our luck? This could be the exit after all so who knows what's on the other side."
"Fine by me." Jusis walks over taking a seat against the wall as does Relon. "Any idea how far the others are from here?"
"Let me check." Relon closes his eyes.
His vision becomes black with everything in a white outline as it backtracks the way he came through the labyrinth with one turn after another, none of which Relon dealt with, until seeing Pippin and the resting following.
Opening his eyes, he gets to his feet to look down the hall.
"The labyrinth changed again."
"Your link allows you to see the layout of this... place?"
"Kinda. When I can properly focus, it allows me to see the path along with anything on it between Pippin and I. If I can't perfectly focus, then I just have to rely on the instincts from our connection. To tell the truth, this isn't even the third time I've had to do a 'Perfect Search' since I've been with Pippin."
"You two are that inseparable?"
"Yeah. Pippin may be a sword but it has a personality of its own. Besides, its the only family that I have left so we stick close together like glue."
"... I see." Jusis stands up. "How much time before the others arrive?"
"Hmm. From what I saw, they were running so taking into account the labyrinth, I'd estimate... 10 to 15 minutes?"
"You said you were back at full capacity, no?"
"Yeah. In case things get a little hectic, I'll pull out the big guns." He raises a fist.
"Why tell me something like that?"
"You seem like a perceptive guy so no point in hiding it. I mean, you saw what I did to the wall back upstairs. I'm strong but not overconfident. It helps to get others' opinions on things too. No point going all out when we can plan ahead to conserve energy instead of going all out from the start for something unexpected to happen and we're too tired to do anything."
"You make a good point... Very well. I say we go. I want out of this place as quickly as possible."
"Alright, onwards then."
Opening the door, they walk through coming to a halt.
"Hey look! Stairs leading up and that light shining through looks like the exit."
"Finally in the clear then. Good riddance. This was a complete waste of time. Busywork at best."
"You think you could have handled that giant catbat by yourself?" Relon questions with a straight face, Jusis twitching an eyebrow at the recent memory.
"You have to admit, Instructor Sara wanted us to cooperate and even though I'm the only one you fought with, I say we made a pretty good teem. So I don't think it was a complete waste of time aside from the hallways constantly changing."
"Hmpf. Let's just get out of here before anything else shows up."
At the noble's words, a crumbling sound gains their attention. Looking over at the cliff, the sole statue that's been over watching the duo suddenly gains grey coloring as it comes to life.
"You just had to say something." Relon sighs readying himself.
"Are you saying this is my fault?!"
"Now isn't the time to argue!" Relon dismisses.
"Tch. A gargoyle come to life? What sorcery is this?" It jumps from the ledge before the boys blocking the exit letting out a mighty roar. "A monster like this belongs inside of old wives' tales!" Jusis points his sword forward.
"Then let's wrap up this last chapter and get to that happy ending where we get out of here!" Both charge, Relon taking the lead as the gargoyle stampede forward.
"I'll stop it!" Relon grabs ahold of its horns sliding to a halt. "Jusis!" He shouts lowering the monster's head as he bends his back, Jusis using it as a step to jump onto the monster's back.
Attempting to pierce its neck, his sword bounces off.
If a single attack won't work then I'll just attack the same spot over and over!
Before he can act, the gargoyle's tail whips up hitting the blonde in the back knocking him off.
"Jusis!" Slamming the monster's head to the ground, Relon delivers a hard punch to its head before jumping onto its back and to its rear.
Grabbing its tail, the monster quickly recovers roaring as it swishes its tail. Seeing the incoming attack, Relon doesn't hesitate in blocking it to grab it landing on the ground.
"Gotcha!" Relon shouts using all his muscle pulling on the tail as he slowly begins dragging the monster in a circle.
Gaining momentum, he continues spinning getting it airborne.
"Off you go!" Releasing its tail, it crashes into the wall.
Rushing over, he hurries to his classmate getting up.
"You alright?!"
"I'm fine. I won't go down easily after just one hit. Its skin is too study. With its tail, I couldn't focus on chipping away."
"Great. So arts are the way to go."
"Let's start casting while we have the time." Green symbols orbit Jusis for the gargoyle to get up.
"You just love jinxing things, huh?"
"Silence, you!" He barks.
"Keep casting! I'll get is attention!" Setting his eyes on the winged-creature, Relon rushes forward.
Roaring, it raises its claws.
If a normal punch isn't effective, then what about a fire imbued punch?!
Dodging the claw swipe, Relon rears back a fist. Drawing forward, it comes ablaze at the last second colliding with the monster's face reeling it back in pain.
"Relon, move!"
Complying, he jumps away.
"ARCUS activate! Air Strike!" Wind shoots hitting the beast's burned face as it cries in agony.
"That did some damage!"
Roaring a mighty roar, the monster is enveloped in a light before it fades, more coloration having been added as it takes flight.
"Did it just become more alive?!" Going unanswered, the gargoyle flaps its wings creating a gust of wind forcing the duo to anchor themselves.
Gritting in annoyance, Relon notices the pathway open.
"I have an idea." He takes off running against the wall to the stairs before jumping over to the ledge.
Sliding to a halt behind to oblivious monster, his view obstructed from Jusis.
"Eat this!" His arm comes ablaze as he dives forward hitting the back of its neck as he and the beast go tumbling to the ground. "Ha... how about that?" Relon breathes looking to Jusis from atop the creature's back.
"You didn't leave." He mentions getting to his feet.
"Why would I? I'm not about to leave you against a thing like this." Relon jokes slamming his heel into the beast in an attempt to lift its head. "You stay down."
It seems I truly can trust him. Jusis for once smiles to himself.
"That look suits you." Relon copies Rean's prior words, the blonde's smile disappearing as he looks away with crossed arms.
"Hmpf. Whatever are you referring to?"
"Oh, boy." Relon sighs. "Oh." Relon looks at the entrance for Pippin and Fie to come in followed by the others.
"Finally, we made it- oh my Aidios, what is that?!" Alisa shrieks jumping back.
"Thank you, Alisa. We totally needed more loud noises." Relon says rubbing his ringing ear. "Consider this thing the final boss that Jusis and I defeated."
"Nice." Fie says.
"You two took down something like this?" Machias questions.
"Correct. Is that difficult for you to believe?"
"On the contrary no." Machias adjusts his glasses.
Looks like they can get along. Relon smiles.
"Considering Relon must have done all the work!" Machias finishes for Relon to give a loud facepalm.
I thought too soon.
"Is that so? Are you too incompetent to see the damage Relon and I both hold as well as what that creature does?"
"What I see is you standing there while Relon stands atop the monster."
"Can. You. Two. NOT!" Relon interrupts hopping off the creature. "We have a-
"GRAAHHH!" The monster roars.
Relon releases a sigh lowering his shoulders as he slowly turns around to see the monster back up.
"Monster to deal with." He finishes.
"Looks like we get to have some fun after all! Finally, a worthy foe!" Aurelia readies her greatsword.
"Indeed. Let us vanquish this beast once and for all!" Laura agrees taking out her greatsword as well along with all of the others.
"Pippin!" Relon raises a hand, the sword going to its owner. "Let's end this and get the hell out of this place!"
"YEAH!" Everyone shouts in agreement
An odd light surges from their ARCUS units though they pay it little mind.
Rushing forward, the greatsword-users and Relon slash at its sides and chest followed by Machias and Alisa firing at its chest further damaging the beast. Roaring in pain, it swirls its tail for all to avoid. Elliot and Emma casts arts aimed at its wings. Attempting to charge, Gaius an Jusis slash at its forelegs. Running side-by-side, Rean and Fie dodge horn swipes sliding under its wings stopping behind the creature to deliver deadly strikes at both of its hind legs.
"Now!" Rean shouts, everyone backing away.
"Laura! Aurelia!" Relon shouts jumping into the air along with both girls, Pippin coming ablaze as its shape alters to a flaming greatsword.
"Flame/Earth Cleaver!" The shout in unison, the earth rupturing to both the left and right at the beast while flame pillars shoot forward resulting in a explosion of flames and dirt.
Clearing up, they see the monster no more.
"We..." Elliot says in disbelief.
"We did it!" Alisa cheers, everyone gathering in a circle.
"I think that's the end of it."
"At the very least, that creature doesn't seem to be coming back any time soon."
"Hmm... So does anyone know what happened earlier?" Elliot wonders.
"Now that you mention it, I did feel something was over me for a sec."
"It was like we were engulfed in a faint light." Machias mentions.
"It was as though I could see all of our movements in precise detail." Laura comments.
"Facts." Fie agrees.
"Could that have to do with-"
"The almighty ARCUS? Give this man a prize!" A feminine voice interrupts, all turning to see Sara join the group.
"So Rean gets a prize but Fie and I don't?" Both teens give the instructor stoic looks.
"Heeey, nothing wrong with being runner ups, right?"
"Booooo..." The duo echoes.
"Yikes. Tough crowd. Well at least friendship and teamwork triumphed once again!"
This woman...
"Anyway, that about finishes up today's ga- I mean exercise." She coughs.
Everyone joins in giving deadpanned expression to the woman.
"Aww, what's with the long faces? I thought you'd be ecstatic to be out!"
"Instructor Sara?" Relon raises a hand.
"Yes my special student?"
"Please don't say that." He sighs. "But what is the purpose of Class VII. I get it's suppose to be a class where people of varying backgrounds are mixed together, but I feel like there's more to it than just that."
"Correctomundo you are, Mr. Top Scorer."
"Are you just going to call me nicknames the whole semester?"
"I wasn't but now that you give me the idea, I might."
"Ugggghhh!"
"But to answer your question, it has to do with you all having a high affinity for the the ARCUS unit's special feature known as Combat Linking. That is the phenomenon you all just experienced."
"The name basically explains it." Elliot says looking at his ARCUS.
"Exactly! Doesn't take a genius to imagine how much of an advantage this feature would hold on a real battlefield. An elite unit that can sense each other's movements, acting in perfect sync, even in the most chaotic conditions... Could bring something like a revolution with how wars are fought now."
"... It's idealistic." Fie murmurs.
"True. The technology has its limits. Some have a natural talent for it while others don't. And out of this batch of bright-eyed students, the eleven of you turned out to have the highest. As as aptitude trumps background in Class VII, well... here you are."
"This all seems so random though." Alisa comments.
"What, indeed? If any of you have any objects, you are more than free to withdraw from Class VII and in doing so, will be placed in the class you would have been assigned to. So speak now or forever hold your peace. Keep in mind this program isn't cheap to run, so we're not about to force anyone into it if they don't want to be here."
All is silent for the teacher to continue.
"That about sums it up. You should be aware that Class VII's curriculum will be tougher than any other class' workload. Fair warning."
She certainly loves giving heads up when it really matters.
"So now you know. Which leaves you with a decision to make: will you remain in Class VII or not?"
Looking around to one another, everyone remains silent. Seeing two in particular step forward, all eyes goes to Rean and Relon.
"I'm in." Both state.
"Any reason why?"
"If Pippin an I are going to protect those we care about, I need to grow stronger. We came here because of that and I lack experience so if Class VII is the hardest difficulty here at Thors, then we accept. Right, partner?" The sword nods.
"And you, Rean?"
"I simply feel obligated to do my parents proud for asking them to send me here. So any opportunity I can gain from my time here, I'll take."
Following the two, Laura, Aurelia, and Gaius steps forward.
"I too wish to remain. The greater the challenge, the better I can push myself to excel." Laura states.
"As do I. One cannot hone a blade without some grit, after all." Aurelia explains.
"Considering how far from home I came to attend, it'd be silly to back down now."
"Well, well. looks like we have our sword-wielding martial artist, the Divine Son, two of our strongest freshmen, and our foreign exchange student on board. Anymore takers?"
At this, Emma, Elliot, and Alisa step forward.
"I too wish to remain. I was only able to come because of the school's generosity, so so I feel it's my duty to help in any way I can."
"S-Sign me up too. It kina feels like destiny that we all met and you all seem easy to get along with."
"Your weapons are still in the prototype stage so I'll be expecting reports from the two of you."
"Of course!"
"Maybe I spoke too soon." Elliot groans,
"And you?" Sara wonders to Alisa. "I was wondering if you'd break that rebellious streak or not."
"I am bothered about these ARCUS units in development but if I nitpick over every little thing, I'd never amount to much."
"Alright, that's a good shape for a octad. And you, Fie?"
"Hm. Doesn't matter to me."
"Actually it does. This is your call to make for yourself."
"Darn..." She looks lazily to the teacher before out the corner o her eye, she glances to the two male protagonists. More so Rean than Relon before she closes her eyes. "Meh, fine. I'm in." She shrugs stepping forward.
"Phew. That's nine now... Which leaves just you two." Both remain looking to the woman with stoic expressions. "Now, I know you both have some issues with the other, but that doesn't mean you can try to work things out."
"I'll say this. The exploitation of the common people by aristocracy is a blight on every facet of Erebonian life. If something isn't done, this country has no future!"
"Machias, just say you'll join." Relon groans. "We're so close to leaving. Don't give a lecture now, please."
"Hmpf. Because of which, I will be joining. Come hell or high water!" He ends walking forward.
"As will I, Jusis Albarea claim my place among Class VII."
"May I ask why?" Machias asks though it's easy to see he's holding his tongue from another outburst.
"As far as the house of Albarea is concerned, there's little difference between nobles and commoners. Besides, this should ensure no fools flit about trying to win my favor."
"... Is that so?"
"Indeed. Nor do I have any interest in getting drawn into petty arguments on a daily basis."
"What was that?! I DON'T NEED SOME POMPOUS ASS WHO COASTS THROUGH LIFE ON HIS FATHER'S COATTAILS TELLING ME SOMETHING I ALREADY KNOW!"
(So much for getting along.) Elliot sweatdrops.
(They're going to be like this all year, aren't they?)
(Sure seems so. I wouldn't bet on them seeing eye to eye.) Alisa responds for both to realize their short exchange as the blonde looks away with a hmpf.
(Oof. Keep trying, buddy.)
"Well then, a perfect 12 out of 12 counting our special friend." Sara concludes, Pippin flying around happily. "With that, I'd like to congratulate all of you on being the first-ever Class VII!"
"Hmm?" Sensing new heat signatures past Sara up, Relon widens seeing Prince Olivert along with the Principal giving a wink to the boy before leaving.
What on Earth is Prince Olivert doing here?