Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

On the western side of Heimdallr, at the outskirts...

Ding, dong!

"The next stop is... Leeves. Leeves. We will be stopped for...

"...Sorry, Patrick. I should probably check on him now." I said, standing up from my seat.

"Quite alright, Schwarzer. I will meet with you again once the station comes into view." My friend, said. His name is Patrick Hyarms. "Alright, take your time."

Once I finished our conversation, I walked through the train cars. I looked around and I see many faces of joy and respect facing towards me. Once I made it to the special storage unit, an imperial officer gave me clearance. As I entered, I headed to the very back, where a large machine made of Zemurian Ore and colored in white, who I call 'Valimar'.

"Hmm? Have we nearly arrived?" He spoke. For a giant mechanical suit of armor, he's scarily human that I'm constantly reminded of.

"Sorry you had to be cooped up in Garrelia Fortress this past month... And I'm sure this isn't exactly a first-class cabin either." Offering my apologies, Valimar deflected them fast.

"Haha. Not to worry. This is something that needed to be done. While resting, the drain on my energy is insignificant. Besides, if it will reduce the burdens you shoulder, I am more than happy to comply." That sentence really nailed it once more.

"You know, I'd think there was a human in there if I didn't already know that was you talking. Thanks, Valimar." He swiftly replied, "You are welcome." Afterwards though, I noticed the sliding door open. I saw a short, blonde-haired girl accompanied by a tall, strong red-haired man.

"Is this it...? Aha! Sure is." The girl said, looking through one of the containers.

"*sigh* For cryin' out loud... Don't know what all this fuss is about. Do they really need us to supervise unloading this junk?" The red-haired man spoke, seems to be annoyed by something. Judging by their accent, though...

"Huh?" The girl turned over to Valimar. "Picture that going through a landing port." The man said, also turning over. "Wow..." "I'd heard about 'em, but seeing one up close is wild." The two then made their way over to us.

Wonder what they're doing here., I thought.

"A seven-arge-tall humanoid weapon... Panzer Soldats, or somethin', yeah?" The man said, gazing at Valimar. But the girl shook her head.

"No, I don't think so. This is the Ashen Knight, isn't it?" The girl said, turning over to me specifically. "Get outta here." The man said, looking a little shocked. "Yeah... You're exactly right. I wouldn't have expected a civilian to know that, much less someone from outside Erebonia." I said, confirming the girl's guess.

"Heehee. Let's just say I'm a little interested in things like this." The girl said, scratching the back of her head.

"A 'little'? Your whole family goes nuts for this kinda stuff. But how'd you know we're not from around here?" The man said back at the girl, while asking me how I knew they weren't from around here.

I spoke from what I noticed earlier, "You have just the tiniest sliver of an accent. I'm guessing you're from somewhere down south. Liberl, maybe?" I said, also offering up my own guess at their nationality. "Is it that easy to tell...?" The girl asked. "Heh. Bingo. So, what? That makes you the Ashen Chevalier?" The man asked, after confirming my own guess.

"Y-Yeah. I'm surprised you knew that, too." I said, as the air grew a little awkward between us, with the girl clearly a little confused and uncomfortable. Like a savior, though, a voice came in to break the silence.

"Schwarzer, are you back here?" Patrick's voice rang out, as he entered the car. "We'll be arriving in five minutes. Are you prepared... Hmm?" Patrick told me, as he took notice of the civilians. "All set. I'm good to go whenever." I told Patrick, as the civilians said they had their own duties to attend to. The man saying that they had their own business, while the girl thanked me for talking with them. Patrick then came up to me.

"Who were those two? They didn't appear to be your everyday civilians." Patrick asked, noticing how different those two were from the average civilian. "They're from Liberl. I guess they're getting off soon, too." I answered his question, while also noticing how they acted before they left. "Something tells me I'll be seeing more of them at my new job..." "Oh, is that so? I admit, I have heard the rumors..."

Third Person / Narrator View

The train screeched to a halt. "Now arriving... At Leeves Station. Leeves Station. We will be stopped for ten minutes to unload cargo." As the announcer finished their message, the special storage unit opened up, as the staff got to work alongside the man and the girl Rean talked with earlier. Civilians gathered around to look at the Ashen Knight, while Rean had finished discussing with the cargo crew about what would happen to Valimar.

First Person / Rean View

"Heh. It would appear little has changed. The Ashen Knight is as beloved by the masses as ever." Patrick said, not avoiding the obvious crowd that gathered up on the upper platform.

"Well, I've tried to lay low this past year... I've turned down all the interview requests I've been bombarded with." I said, emphasizing the 'tried'.

"It's little wonder, then. For a young hero like yourself, such actions only serve to grant you an irresistible air of mystery. The rumors of your role in the Northern War have, by this point, far outstripped the truth." Patrick said, speaking what the masses thought... While striking a deep, mental wound within me. He noticed his slip-up though, and apologized. "My apologies. That was a regrettable slip of the tongue."

"No, it's all right. It's just something I'll have to deal with." I said, accepting how life is going to be for me. "Thank you, Patrick. For the last year--no, the last two years-- you've helped me out more times than I can count." I thanked Patrick for everything he's done for me ever since our second year began at Thors.

"Well, that was sudden." Patrick then raised a hand for me to take. "Hmph. I have simply been performing my duty as a member of the glorious Class I. Of course I could spare some consideration for a hapless classmate with barely enough attendance to graduate. One who has unreasonable tasks thrust upon him on a near-daily basis, yet somehow manages to triumph regardless." Patrick then went into a speech, which I replied with, "And you said I was sudden."

I then took his hand, and we shook. "You're serving as the deputy of the Marquis' family in Ordis, right? I'm sure that's no walk in the park, either, but I know you'll give it everything you've got."

"But of course. There's no way I can allow us to fall behind House Albarea. I recommend you do the same for whatever may come at your... Unique new workplace. And seeing as she is not so terribly far, do be sure to keep in touch with Lady Elise." Patrick spoke, giving me advice and reminding me that while my family's bond is still strong, it's still fragile considering my lifestyle. "Perhaps you might even put in a good word for me--"

"Alright, thanks for all your help, Patrick. And it's true you seem to be caring, I don't believe we're ready to talk upon that subject juuust yet." "Guh..." After that, the train bell began to ring.

"Take care! Hope to see you again soon!" We let go of each other's hand. "Indeed!" Patrick walked back to the train, and waved at me. "Oh yes, it nearly slipped my mind. About that pledge Class VII made one year ago... I hope to see it come to fruition!" Patrick said, turning around and reminding me of the promise we made when the other members of Class VII graduated... "Oh..." Patrick waved once more, and entered the train as it moved away.

"Yeah. I hope so, too."

I walk outside of the station, taking in the view of this town. "Well, here I am."

I've never been to the suburbs west of Heimdallr before. Almost reminds me of Trista... There are even lino flowers blooming here. It takes me back to my first day at Trista. When I walked out of the station on that day, I took in the sights of the beautiful trees and flowers. …At least until someone bumped into me, someone who I didn't know at the time would become my very special someone. Still, this day is pretty familiar. It's also like the time when we and Class VII...

Trista... And the Academy... I wonder how everyone who's still there is doing... And how Principal Vandyck is after he returned to active duty. I never would have dreamed something like that would happen. As soon as I finished thinking, I took notice of a building in the distance. "That must be it there. I can tell it's brand new even from here. They said they'd take Valimar to the hangar on site..." As soon as I finished talking to myself, I heard a voice. "Rean?"

"Huh?" Someone called my name. It came from my left, so I looked around there... But I didn't see who was calling my name... Until I looked down. "...Ah."

"Haha! It really is you, Rean! Wow... The magazines don't do you justice! You look so mature now! Did you get taller, too? I almost didn't recognize you!" The girl spoke to me, but I knew her name. "Uh... Towa?" Her name is Towa Herschel. She was my senior in Thors, but for a while... "Haha... I definitely haven't gotten taller, but I'm hoping my new work uniform adds some womanly charm. O-Or... Maybe shows that my figure's filled out a little bit more-"

"U-Uh... Hold on!" I spoke in a slightly-louder tone, still shocked by her presence. "Hmm?" "It's just, well, we haven't seen each other in a while, and I could never get a hold of you. Then you just show up out of nowhere, dressed for work, in the same town I'm about to start work?!"

Moments later, we began walking towards our new work place, catching up a bit. "Hah. I never imagined we'd end up working at the same place." I said, still a little shocked.

"Sorry. I didn't mean to surprise you. I thought you already knew." Towa said, a little apologetic. "Well, a lot happened before graduation... And after it. I'm sure you've heard all about it." I said, hinting at events such as the Northern War.

"Of course. It was actually one of the reasons I decided to come here. But it sure was a nice surprise to hear you'd be joining me." Towa said, it seems she didn't know right away. But, I decided to let her know having someone familiar working with me is a nice thought. "Same for me."

We stopped right at the intersection. "Well, anyway... Congratulations on graduating, Rean. I'm sure there are plenty of other people who want to say that to you, but I figured I'd do it before anyone else." As Towa said that, she kept that really nice smile on her. She's always looking out for everyone, and her height certainly surprises a lot of people when you consider how much she's done... And that's not mentioning when she headed up as captain of the Courageous during the Civil War.

"Thanks, Towa. Wait. Do you want something more professional like 'Ms. Herschel', now?" I asked, considering how we're both adults.

"Haha. Don't worry about it. 'Towa' is just fine. Remember, there's no need for formalities with me. Thought it is tempting..." She hasn't changed a bit...

As we walked up to our new workplace, she did warn me it was going to be a bit more difficult than I was expecting. And as we arrived...

"Welcome, Rean. To the newly-established Thors Military Academy Branch Campus in Leeves!"

[ Take Your Time ]

Inside the Tactical Conference Room...

"Rean Schwarzer. Welcome. I am Michael Irving of the Railway Military Police. Branch campus though it may be, I will do my utmost to serve as chief instructor." His introduction was formal, but still, the RMP...?

"Well, well, lucky me. Didn't expect I'd run into such a celeb in a place like this." The man next to Major Irving, with red hair, spoke. "Name's Randolph Orlando. Got transferred here from the Imperial Army, Crossbell Unit. I've been hearing your name all over lately. Pleasure to finally meet the man himself."

"I'm... Rean Schwarzer. Just a rookie who graduated from Thors Main Campus. Pleased to meet you, Major Irving, 1st Lieutenant Orlando." I finished introducing myself. I read about Randolph Orlando from the intelligence division's files, he was a former Jaeger who worked with the former Crossbell Police Department and is currently part of the Imperial Army's Crossbell Unit. Michael Irving is a high-ranking officer in the RMP, and I believe he also works with Claire...

"Likewise. It's an honor to be able to work with the famous Ashen Chevalier. Just remember we're not looking for heroics, we're only interested in your aptitude as an instructor." I knew that from the start, so I gave my general response, "Understood."

We briefly talked, as I considered the information I found on 1st Lieutenant Orlando's backstory, and Major Irving's status in the RMP. Towa mentioned that this makes all four of us instructors, and Major Irving spoke about how Towa turned down a position with the RMP. Oh, and Lieutenant Orlando got surprised at Towa being 21 years old.

"Four instructors... That's about what I was expecting, honestly. Are we going to teach the entire curriculum, though?" I asked.

"Correct. There aren't many students, but it will still require great work on our part. Training, lectures, all manner of miscellaneous tasks. We will, however, receive assistance from the special advisor and the principal." A special advisor... But what about our principal?

"Thank you for waiting." A commanding voice came through the door, when it opened shortly afterwards. I recognized it, which belonged to...

"..." I didn't expect to see her so soon. And the man with her... "Ah, um... Thank you for coming." Towa greeted the two.

"Hmph. And whatever is that slack-jawed expression for?" The man, Professor G. Schmidt, said to me. "I believe we met during the civil war. Or have you already forgotten my face?" The Professor said. "Not that I give a whit either way."

"N-No, of course not. It's good to see you again, Professor Schmidt. Thank you once again for helping me with Valimar's tachi." During the civil war, Professor G. Schmidt, along with a friend of mine, George Nome, created a special Tachi made out of Zemurian Ore for my divine knight, Valimar, to wield. Without it, we wouldn't have won the Civil War. However, unsurprisingly, the professor deflect the compliment as usual, and mentioned his position as 'special advisor'. But the woman in front of us... It's been half a year, her name is Aurelia Le Guin.

"You may already know my face, but let me say a few words about myself. My name is Aurelia Le Guin. During the Civil War, I was the general of the defeated Noble Alliance. I then oversaw the Northern War, resulting in the annexation of North Ambria. But you may think of me as: Aurelia Le Guin, principal of Thors Branch Campus."

[ Take Your Time ]

TMC, Branch Campus Field

Before I left the main building I put on my fake glasses. It was time for the entrance ceremony, which I was not told about. I estimated about 20 students waiting. But there was one girl that caught my eye... One of my allies after the Civil War. Major Irving began speaking.

"We will now begin the entrance ceremony for Thors Military Academy's branch campus! The opening speeches will be omitted, we will begin by announcing class assignments! First, Class VIII: Combat Tactics! The Instructor is Randolph Orlando!"

Instructor Randolph began calling out his class. "Right. Step forward when I call your name. Jessica, Wayne, Sidney, Maya, Ash, Freddy, Gustaf, and Leonara. You eight." Eight students then walked forward to Randolph. Major Irving spoke once more. "Next, Class IX: Military Finance! The instructor is Towa Herschel!"

Towa began calling out her class. "Umm... I'll call out names now. Sandy, Kairi, Tita, Louise, Tatiana, Valerie, Musse, Pablo, and Stark. There are nine of you in total." Nine more students walked forward, leaving 3 behind.

Class VIII and Class IX... Combat Tactics and Military Finance... Then the ones left over are... I looked at the three remaining.

"Silence! We will now have a word from our principal!" Major Irving spoke out, and everyone went quiet. "Principal, if you would." "Hmph." She grunted, and stepped forwards.

"I am Aurelia Le Guin, principal of the branch campus. As some of you are new to Erebonia, not all of you may be familiar with my name. That, however, is of little concern to me. A few of you may have noticed already, but I'll spell it out for the rest: this school is a trash bin." Those words shocked most of us, even Schmidt.

"Thors' main campus will be welcoming the crown prince this year. As such, it will go through heavy reform. Due to his injuries that may be permanent, this campus is a place they can toss aside those deemed too troublesome or those with problematic backgrounds. Just like that. All of you, our instructors, and even myself are here because we have been tossed aside."

Us staff members began getting uneasy. "Hey, now..." Instructor Randolph seemed to take it a little too harshly. Major Irving stepped in. "P-Principal Le Guin! That is far too--"

"However, there is a saying: 'Be ever vigilant, as though the world is a battlefield.' Such a mindset is difficult to learn in times of peace. However, the situation we find ourselves in is a perfect environment for it. Those who lack the resolve to better themselves--to reforge themselves in the fires of adversity--leave now. Or you run the risk of leaving later... in Aidios' arms."

Everyone stood their ground. A deafening silence.

"Very well. In that case, I welcome each and every one of you to Thors Military Academy's branch campus!"

Chapter Text

First Person - Rean

As Instructor Randolph and Towa leads their respective classes off the field and into the main building, that left me, Principal Le Guin, and Major Irving along with four students left behind. The fourth one, the girl with blonde hair that I saw on the train earlier, was talking with Professor Schmidt.

"Well, I'm nice and overwhelmed now, but..." The pink-haired girl said, looking at the leaving crowds.

"Just where are we supposed to go?" The blue-haired boy asked. The silver-haired girl, Altina, was silent. I'll introduce her once she does so herself.

At this point in time, I decided now was the best time to ask. "General--er, Principal. Could I get you to announce the final class?" As I said that, the two taller students seemed confused. Aurelia began to speak.

"Very well. We'll be picking up after the main campus' classes I through VI with our own classes VII through IX. The three of you make up Class VII: Special Operations. Your instructor will be him. Rean Schwarzer."

[ Take Your Time ]

Myself, Major Irving, Professor Schmidt, the Blonde Hair Girl, and the three students of Class VII walked to a large building behind the field, called Einhel Keep. The blonde-haired girl began to get excited and 'wowed' at the building. "I looked over the blueprints, but I didn't think it'd be this big!"

"Don't get so excited. This facility is nothing remarkable." Professor Schmidt said to the girl, as usual, almost nothing fazes him. "As I explained before, much of your duties will be performed here under my direction. I expect nothing short of raw talent from a Russell."

So, she's a student here after all. I thought to myself. I could swear I've heard the name 'Russell' somewhere before... But more importantly... I turned my attention to my three students. That we're Class VII is clearly no coincidence. Only three students... And she's one of them.

"Combat Tactics and Military Finance are undergoing their orientations at the moment." Major Irving spoke to us, telling us the other two classes are underway. "Special Operations will be having an orienteering exercise. You must make it through this facility in one piece." I was a little surprised at that, this was starting to feel too familiar.

"'In one piece'? What does that mean?" The girl spoke. She was understandably confused.

"What is this building for?" The boy asked, a good question.

"It's called Einhel Keep. It was built in conjunction with the branch campus for testing new methods of training." Professor Schmidt explained. "The interior is fully controllable via orbal technology and features variable difficulty levels. As for your exercise: you will be combatting monsters and such unleashed within the keep." That was what got the attention of the two taller students.

"What?!" The boy let out in surprise and confusion. "M-Monsters?! That's a joke, right?!" The girl found it hard to believe this is how her first day was going. However, it seems I'm understanding the fundamentals.

"Now I understand. 'Special Operations' indeed. I guess this is a fitting enough exercise, given our class' name. And it's not just for my students, either, is it?" I said, realizing just how similar it was getting back during my first year with Class VII...

"It helps that you're quick on the uptake." Major Irving complimented me, then began telling me some more things about our class. "That said, don't assume it will be the same as the Class VII you were part of. Rather than an experimental clash between social classes, this one will act as an established task force for assignments in the field. And as its instructor, you will have your students see each assignment through."

Everything slowly made more sense. "It's all starting to come together." I said, as I glanced at Altina.

"H-Hold on just a second!" The girl spoke in loud tone, clearly frustrated. "We did what you said and came here, but what the heck is all this crap?! This is just--rrgh! I mean, no one ever told me I was being put in some shady black ops squad!"

Major Irving began to speak. "Your placement in Class VII is the result of your aptitude test, Cadet Crawford. If you are dissatisfied, you have the option to pack your bags and return to the Military Police Academy." The girl growled.

That's all the way in Crossbell. I realized myself. Guess that means she's from there.

"I've yet to accept the situation, but I understand it now, at the very least." The boy spoke, shrugging. "Can you give us more details?"

"Certainly. Instructor Schwarzer and the three of you will enter the Keep and stand by for further instructions." Major Irving spoke, then handed me four master quartz. "While on standby, they will explain their qualifications as you brief them on the use of the ARCUS II." I replied with an "Understood" afterwards.

"Bah. Finally, we can begin the trial." Schmidt, as usual, was annoyed and getting impatient. "Disciple candidate! Don't dawdle! Everything must be up and running in ten minutes!"

"Y-Yes!" The blonde-haired girl said, and we all entered the keep minus Major Irving.

[ Take Your Time ]

As the blonde girl and Schmidt went up nearby stairs, me and my three other students waited down in the main lobby. "A facility full of untested mechanisms certainly sounds like a playground for the professor. So how much do you already know?" I said, glancing at Altina.

"Nothing too specific. The aboveground portion is a cube measuring 50 arge on each side, and the belowground is still being expanded."

"Hmm?" The girl noticed our little 'conversation'. "Are the two of you already acquainted?" The boy asked.

"We are. I just had no idea she'd be one of my students. But that's neither here nor there. Let's start with introductions while everything's being prepped. I just got here earlier today, so I'm sorry I haven't had time to speak with you two yet. I'm--"

"Hmph. Why even bother introducing yourself?" The girl crossed her shoulders and turned her head after interrupting me. "We all know you're Rean Schwarzer, the Ashen Chevalier. The big hero who put an end to the Erebonian Civil War when he was just a student. Not to mention the occupation of Crossbell. I'm sure everyone in Erebonia knows who you are. Probably everyone in Crossbell, too." I huffed.

"In addition, you resolved incident after incident across the empire as part of your schoolwork. Then during the Northern War last October, you worked alongside General Le Guin and Brigadier General Bardias to annex North Ambria." The boy said, taking note of several of my other 'achievements'.

"Le Guin? Like, our principal? Wait, what?! And he helped occupy North Ambria?!" The girl noticed our Principal's name, and glared at me.

"That's erroneous. The actual circumstances were--" I decided to interrupt Altina.

"You're both very well-informed, though calling me a 'hero' is a bit much. I'd still like to say a little bit about myself." I began properly introducing myself. "As you know, I'm Rean Schwarzer. I'm a graduate of Thors Military Academy's main campus. I got my diploma just last month and I'm starting as instructor at the branch campus here today. I'll be overseeing martial arts and Panzer Soldat training outside the classroom. Inside the classroom, I'll be teaching history. That is, of course, in addition to being the homeroom teacher for Class VII: Special Operations."

As I finished introducing myself, the boy decided to go next. "I'll go next. My name is Kurt Vander. I'm from the capital. I've heard more than just the common stories about you."

Vander...? "You're a Vander? That would make you General Zechs' and Lieutenant Colonel Mueller's...?"

"Mueller is my older brother and Zechs is my uncle." Kurt explained. "Though I'm aware I look nothing like them-- right up to my hair." "Yeah..." The other Vanders had dark hair, and stronger builds. But Kurt was completely different.

"By the way, are those glasses fake? They don't look good on you at all. You should probably get rid of them." Straight for the heart, Kurt.

"Pfft... Hahaha!" The girl laughed. "Fashion is clearly not their intended function." Altina said. "Alright, I get it. They don't look good. No need to rub it in. Nice to meet you Kurt. You're up next." I looked over to the girl.

"Ngh... Fine. Oh, brother..." She sighed, then began. "I'm Juna Crawford. I transferred here from the Crossbell Police Academy. And honestly, I'd rather not be here... But if that's how it's gonna be, then I'll just have to make the most of it!" That confirms my suspicions.

"Ahh, Crossbell. I had my suspicions. So when you say 'police academy', you're talking about the Military Police Academy, right?" I asked.

"There was no 'military' slapped on the name before the annexation! You guys are the ones who changed it! Are you saying I can only call it by the 'official' name the great and powerful Erebonia has blessed it with?!" Juna began to get heated.

"No, that's... Not what I meant. Sorry. I was being insensitive." I apologized. It seems she really loved her homecity.

"Well... I might have overreacted." Juna apologized as well. "But I still don't accept that name."

"Yeah. That's completely understandable." I took note of how I should talk to my student.

"I'm last, then." Altina began to introduce herself. "Altina Orion. Formerly part of the Imperial Army's Intelligence Division." The other two were a little shocked at hearing that. Isn't that classified?

"My affiliation with them ended upon my enrollment here... On paper. Please, think nothing of it."

"I feel as though I've just heard something I shouldn't have." Kurt said, slightly distraught.

"The Intelligence Division is pretty hardcore, isn't it...? Hold up! What do you mean, 'on paper'?!" Juna said, then noticed what Altina said.

"Slip of the tongue. Oops." Haha... There's that snark.

"Th-Thank you for waiting!" The girl with Schmidt said over the intercom. Pretty sure it's her voice, anyways. "Preparations are now complete for the Level 0 Einhel trial. If you haven't already, please set your ARCUS IIs now!"

"Is that the girl from earlier?" Juna asked. "I was under the impression she was a student just like us." Kurt said.

"Understood. Give us just a moment!" I called back to the girl. "Each of you were given one of these, right?" I brought out my ARCUS II, with the blue Thors Military Academy cover.

"Ah, that." Kurt said, recognizing it. "I was sent one, but I haven't turned it on yet." Juna said. At that moment, my three students brought out their ARCUS IIs with similar covers. They opened theirs up.

"It's a battle orbment. Normal battle orbments are personal devices that link with their user and can produce a variety of effects. They can improve your physical abilities, and allow you to cast orbal arts, among other things. But this is the newest model--the ARCUS II. It has a few additional functions." I explained.

"Interesting." Kurt said, the word he said describing how he looked at his ARCUS II. "It's a little different from the Enigma models in Crossbell." Juna said, looking over her ARCUS II. "To be precise, they are the product of a collaboration between the Reinford Company and Epstein Foundation." Altina explained. "I assume these models are combat-ready?"

"Yeah, I'll explain how they work. Now, each of you take one of these." I handed out three master quartz to my three students-- I gave the time one to Altina, the wind one to Kurt, and the earth one to Juna. I kept the fire one for myself.

"We get master quartz?" Kurt asked. "The Enigmas did have these." Juna pointed out.

"The basics should be the same. Go ahead and set your master quartz in the central slot." I explained. "Understood." Kurt said. "Uh, here?" Juna said, as she worked on hers.

I should set mine while they're at it...

As soon as we all set our Master Quartz, a ball of blue light enveloped us briefly. Juna reacted with a 'woah', and Kurt said "I can feel it working."

"Now that you've set your master quartz, you're synched with your ARCUS units. You should be able to notice a significant difference in combat." I explained to Kurt and Juna, who were not familiar with this at all. Kurt just took it as is, but Juna said something about this being new.

Afterwards, the voice of the Professor came over the intercom. "How long do you intend to keep me waiting?"

I called out. "Sorry, Professor. We're ready."

"Then let's not waste any more time. Level 0 begins on floor B1. The trial will be considered completed once you return to ground level." As soon as the professor finished speaking, the girls voice came over the intercom.

"Professor... isn't that red lev-- S-Sir! You shouldn't use that!"

"Oh, don't act like you have a lick of common sense. You're Albert's granddaughter! It's time we saw what Class VII: Special Operations is made of. I'm curious to see if you can survive with a passing score!"

This reminded me of the day in the Old Schoolhouse when I first went to Thors. And judging by the circumstances... "Hey! Watch the floor!" I called out to my students.

As if on cue, the floor opened up beneath us. Juna could only process a 'huh', while Kurt was far more shocked. The two slid down, as I held myself in position to keep me from sliding down.

"Right yourself, and brace for the landing!" I called out to the two students already sliding down. "Altina, you--"

"Claiomh Solais." As Altina said that, her black puppet manifested.

"Nevermind." I then slid down into the dark pit with Altina floating down behind me.

[ Take Your Time ]

First Person - Juna View

"Mnn..." I groaned. "Wh-What... happened?" I turned my head up. "I remember that professor talking, then the floor opened up..." As I recollected my thoughts, I heard a muffled voice... underneath me?"

"Umm... It was Juna, correct?" A familiar, male voice asked.

"Huh?" I then looked down. Oh.

"My apologies, but if you could move... It's not that you're heavy, but I'm having trouble breathing." I was right on top of Kurt. His face was right in my-

First Person - Rean View

I slid down all the way to the bottom, Altina behind me. What I saw was... A sad, familiar sight I was once in. I landed on my feet on the mattress at the bottom. "Well, then..." History repeats itself. Like teacher like student, as they say.

Claiomh Solais vanished, and Altina dropped down. "The floor appears to be padded, so bruising should not be an issue." Altina made note of, then spoke to me. "How strangely like the obscene positions you often find yourself in, Instructor Rean."

"Please don't say things that'll give people the wrong impression." Then I noticed how Altina referred to me. "Oh, wow. I'm surprised you're already calling me an instructor."

"That is your current designation." As soon as Altina said that, the two students got up. Yeah, I already know how this is going to end. As I thought to myself, I noticed Juna getting more and more frustrated with intense blushing on her face, clenching her firsts hard.

"I assure you, I didn't intend for this to happen. Then again, I suppose intent is irrelevant." Kurt said. He was surprisingly calm and mature about this. Now if only I were more like him back then. "I won't make any further excuses. You may hit me if it'll make you feel better."

"Ha... Haha... How VERY admirable of you." Juna stepped closer, with deep breaths. "You being so calm about it just pisses me off even more... SO I THINK I'LL TAKE YOU UP ON THAT!" She raised her hand, and a loud 'clap' sound went through the room. Called it. History does repeat itself.

First Person - Kurt View

Ouch. That's all I could say to describe the pain my left cheek felt. Talk about intense strength... Still, I couldn't let something like that bother me.

"Hmph! Erebonian boys are just so... UGH!" Juna said. Now that's just being discriminatory.

"I do not believe his nationality was a factor." Altina said. Her tone has been flat and emotionless for the short time we've known her.

"You were just a little unlucky." Instructor Rean said.

"Not unlucky. I lack the expertise to make a proper landing." At the very least, there is something I'll have to train on. "That resulted in embarrassment for one of my classmates. I admit my fault."

"I-I see..." Rean responded. "Well, minus one stinging cheek, the three of you look fine to me. So it's time to begin storming the Keep. But first, I'll need each of you to show me your weapons."

"This whole thing is a joke, right? Do we really have to play along?" Juna asked, turning over to our instructor. She actually thought that.

"I know the professor, and he isn't the type to joke around." Instructor Rean said, responding to Juna. "He's serious about measuring each of our abilities. I want to learn everyone's combat styles so we can work together and get out of here safely." Juna groaned in response. I, however, was ready.

"Understood. These are my weapons." I pulled out my two swords that I kept with myself. Short swords decorated with beautiful white blades.

"Two swords?" Juna asked. She seemed dumbfounded.

"That takes skill." Altina pointed out.

"You're using the Vander school's dual-blade style, then. I knew of it, but I've never met a practitioner." Instructor Rean said.

"I admit, our greatsword style has far more notoriety. But that style also requires one to be born with a broader physique." I explained. "These blades are better suited for the likes of me."

"I didn't realize. Well, Juna, how about you?" Instructor Rean turned to Juna after looking over my swords and listening to me.

"I'm still not down for all this. But I get it. This is a military academy, so here you go." She then brought out two pink tonfas, seemingly modified.

"Another dual-wielder." I pointed out. What a coincidence.

"You use side-handle batons?" Altina asked.

"They look a little more complicated than that." Instructor Rean said, I'm guessing he's looking at the modifications of them. "What are they, exactly?"

Juna began to explain. "These are gunbreakers--special tonfa with guns installed. Developed by the one and only CGF. They can switch between melee and mid-range firing."

"An intriguing weapon." Altina said.

"The Crossbell Guardian Force, right?" Instructor Rean took a moment to think. "Good to know. We'll see how well they work in action today. You do seem to know your way around them."

"O-Of course I do! I trained with them at the police academy!" It seems Juna was far more skilled than I gave her credit for, perhaps-- "And they'll be way more useful than a couple of weapons as old as the Great Collapse!" Hmm... I glared at Juna. "H-Hmph."

"We'll see where everyone stands once we've engaged in actual combat. You're up next, Altina." Instructor Rean told us, then looked at Altina. Hold on.

"Hold up. There's something I've been wondering for a while now." Juna said. "Who let a kid enroll at a military academy?" She then asked. Hm.

"I've been curious about that myself. She claimed to be with the Intelligence Division, but surely she won't be joining us in battle?" I asked. I highly doubt a kid such as her--

"Well, personally, I agree, but..." Instructor Rean said.

"There is no need for concern. My physical age is approximately 14 years old. I am no small child." Altina explained. What.

"'Ph-Physical age'? No, you're definitely small." Juna said.

"I also have my weapon--the basis for my admittance into the Intelligence Division." She raised her hand, then something popped out of thin air... It was a black puppet. I muttered some gibberish.

"What the hell!?" Juna cried out. Oh, now I recognize it.

"This explains that black shadow I thought I saw earlier..." I said, remembering when I 'got back up'.

"Claiomh Solais--a combat shell. The latest version of a line of special weaponry. Further details are classified. Suffice to say, it will contribute to our overall fighting strength." Altina explained, then 'Claiomh Solais' vanished.

"Umm... Are things like that normal in the empire?" Juna asked me.

"Of course not. It's my first time seeing something like that, too." I said. The Golden Rakshasa, the Ashen Chevalier, and even a girl like her... What manner of place is this branch campus?

"I don't blame either of you for having questions, but we can save them for another time. By the way, this is my weapon." Instructor Rean then brought out his weapon-- a tachi, used by practitioners of the Eight Leaves One Blade style.

"Of course. The tachi is used by students of the Eight Leaves One Blade school." I said. Juna muttered something I didn't catch.

"Er! I mean, it's just like the sword Arios used." Juna said.

"Right. It's not an imperial-style sword. It comes from the East. Haha. I guess the Divine Blade of Wind is pretty famous in Crossbell, huh?" Rean explained, then asked.

"A lot happened, but he still has plenty of fans." Juna said, with a serious tone. "Even when a certain empire has made him a wanted man."

"Yeah... I suppose so." Rean responded. I hope she doesn't treat us all like this for the rest of the school year. "That covers everyone, then. Let's be on our way."