Chronicles of Juventia/Story

The story of Chronicles of Eredità is set in the country of Ordeos, one of the four countries in the Einhed continent. It follows Sector XIII, a class of young individuals enrolled in the Academia, one of the four official institutes in the continent that trains Mercenaries (a class of special soldiers). The sector is an experimental projected headed by the Academia's dean, Gideon Myrrdin, to see if the students, a mix of children of people with different backgrounds and moral grounds, would follow their upbringings and emulate their parents or create a path in life for themselves. The story follows the sector's three years in the Academia and explores their growth and training as teammates amidst the events of a war conspiracy and the uprising of a bigger hostile force.
===Story===
===First Year===
====Chapter 0: Prologue====
An animated narration narrated by Gideon Myrrdin plays:
"In the world of Vetheas lies the continent of Einhed. It is composed of four main countries: Ordeos, Aurore, Lacuna, and Nagata. Each land having their own civilizations, beliefs, and style of government. The western country of Ordeos was a democratic country who led the industrial revolution. The northern country of Aurore was ruled by monarchs and is towered by extravagant palaces and regal architecture due to its rich resources. The eastern nation of Nagata is a quaint country of tradition, it was less advanced than the other countries but was still as powerful as all of them. The southern empire of Lacuna ruled the entire southern part of the continent, colonizing every state within its presence. The four countries signed a treaty centuries ago to be in unison against a common problem facing the world: nethyres, creatures of darkness and discord that wreak havoc upon the people of Einhed for as long as they've been in the world. It is unknown to this day where they came from but the four countries made sure to halt all underlying conflicts to stop this common enemy, and that they've managed to do ever since.
The four countries lived in peace for centuries until the Lacunan empire suddenly attacked the kingdom of Aurore with the demand for their resources. The latter fought back and thus started an event aptly named 'The Great War'. Ordeos sided with Aurore and supported them with weapons and armories, while the country of Nagata chose to stay far from the conflict and refused any requests for support from the other nations. The Great War lasted for decades when suddenly a fissure emanating dark matter appeared in the middle of the continent, this crack on the earth then spouted a plethora of Nethyre creatures that attacked the four countries. Due to this calamity, the countries united once again to lessen the population of Nethyres in the continent, putting an end to the Great War. Eventually, the sudden spike of Nethyres died down but the fissure was still there. Fearing that there would be another frenzy of Nethyres wreaking havoc around the continent and losing more soldiers to these creatures. The four countries came up with a solution.
The countries came up with an idea: they decided to build schools, schools that specialized in combat. These institutes would enroll young individuals who were willing to fight with the forces of Nethyre and defend their land. These warriors took on the official title of 'Mercenaries', tasked with defending the world of Einhed from chaos and to serve their respective countries. With this, four schools were built on each of the four countries. In the country of Ordeos, stands the Academia, the main combat academic institute in the country ran by Professor Gideon Myrrdin. Young people from Ordeos come to this school to prove their abilities and serve the world, slay the creatures of the night, and uphold justice..."
The screen fades to black and fades into the neon-clad district of the city of Portano, a young hooded man is walking the streets and is suddenly bumped by a running thief. 
: Thief: Out of the way!
The young man staggers back, he removes his head and it reveals to be Colin. An elderly woman tries to catch up with the thief but stops by the young man and tries to catch her breath.
: Elderly Woman: [pants] Young man... please... [she continues panting] stop him! 
The woman struggles to stand but Colin catches her before she falls. He assists her to a nearby bench as he looks at where the thief ran off to.
: Colin: Don't worry, ma'am. I'm on it!
Colin starts to run after the thief.
:: In this chapter, the player will go through a tutorial controlling Colin who is chasing the thief. The tutorial involves the basics of traveling and introduces the player to a 'ride' feature, wherein a short cutscene involves Colin borrowing a hoverboard from a passerby and promising to return it after getting chased. The player will follow a path in the map, which eventually leads Colin to a dead end, with the thief.
Colin corners the thief in a dead end.
: Colin: S-stop right there! [pants] Man, he runs fast...
: Thief: [he frantically looks around and his eyes widen at Colin] Damn it!
The thief throws a smoke bomb, throws the purse at Colin. He catches the purse and as soon as the smoke subsides, the thief is gone and the purse is in his hands.
: Colin: Yes! [he pumps his fist in celebration]
He turns back, about to return the purse to the woman but stops at the sight of an Ordeos police unit, pointing their weapons at him.
: Colin: No!
: Policeman 1: Freeze!
: Colin: W-wait a sec! I'm not the one who stole it.
: Policeman 2: Drop what your holding and put your hands in the air!
: Colin: What!?
: The three policemen: NOW!!
: Colin: (Alright, if you guys want to play that kind of game. Then I guess it can't be helped.) [He pulls out two pistols from his backpack and readies himself for battle]
: Policeman 1: [He puts his transceiver near] The suspect has resorted to force. I repeat: the suspect has resorted to force.
::This then triggers a battle and a tutorial covering the game's combat system.
Colin manages to knock out two of the policemen.
: Colin: Seriously, you guys got the wrong guy!
Suddenly, the last policeman tases Colin from behind. Colin is incapacitated and falls to the ground.
: Policeman 2: [Handcuffs Colin] I got the suspect, bringing him to the station now.
The scene fades to the police station and Colin is getting berated by his father, Wesley.
: Wesley: HOW MANY TIMES DO I HAVE TO TELL YOU TO NOT GET INTO TROUBLE! This is the third time this month, Colin!
: Colin: Dad, I was chasing that thief and helping an old lady! Believe me.
: Policeman: Sir-
: Wesley: [Turns around] What!
: Policeman: We arrested the real culprit, turns out your son here is telling the truth.
: Wesley: [Sighs in relief] Oh, thank the goddesses.
: Policeman: But we will have to fine him for fighting with the police.
: Colin: Wait, what!? They attacked me first!
: Wesley: [His anger shifts to the chief]Officer, I don't think that's necessary. It was an act of self-defense.
A middle-aged man enters the room with the station's police chief.
: Middle-Aged Man: Indeed, I don't think that's necessary.
Wesley's eyes light up in surprise at the familiar voice, he looks at the man and recognizes him as Gideon Myrrdin.
: Wesley: Dean Myrrdin? What brings you here, sir?
: Gideon Myrrdin: Well, I was having tea with an old friend of mine [He gestures at the chief] and I was lucky enough to watch this young man [He then gestures at Colin] in an heroic act to retrieve a helpless woman's purse through the district's street cameras.
: Police Chief: If it hadn't been for Dean Myrrdin watching the whole thing, you would've gotten into much more trouble.
While Dean Myrddin tells the police chief to lay off Colin's charges. Colin taps his father on the shoulder.
: Colin: [In a low voice] Dad, is that?
: Wesley: Yep, that's Gideon Myrrdin, veteran Mercenary commander and the dean of the Academia.
Colin's eyes light up. He was in the presence of a living legend. He didn't know that the mercenary school's dean would be here in the flesh.
: Colin: Wait, THE Dean Myrrdin? The guy who defeated a Lacunan battalion in the great war with just twelve men? The same guy who's running the country's premier Mercenary school!?
: Wesley: Yes, the same guy who runs the school that rejected your application letter because you just had to put 'brutally exterminating Nethyres and hanging their heads for decor' as a hobby. You haven't even fought one all your life.
: Gideon Myrrdin: Wesley, may I ask what's your son's name?
: Wesley: [stiffens up, nervous] U-ugh, his name's Colin, sir.
: Colin: (Wow, dad's usually the boss at the house but when he's in front of someone like him, he turns into a puppy. Well, I can't really blame him.)
: Gideon Myrrdin: Colin, what I've seen you do to those policemen awhile ago was impressive. You showed great combat abilities, a sense of justice and valiance, and most of all, compassion for the helpless. I think you've been raised well by the most capable parent.
Wesley sheepishly smiles and laughs nervously at the dean.
: Wesley: Hehe, I taught him everything you taught me back in the day, Dean Myrrdin.
: Gideon Myrrdin: That's true, but your son exhibited an initiative for combat. While you, Wesley, were exceptional in weapons developing and aiding your teammates rather than be in the front lines when you were a student.
: Wesley: [slouches in embarrassment] I guess that's true... But let's get back to Colin, sir.
: Gideon Myrrdin: Colin, I'm sure you're aware that your father graduated from the Academia, correct?
: Wesley: Y-yes, sir.
: Gideon Myrrdin: And have you tried applying to the Academia? You are of eligible age.
: Colin: Y-yeah, but my application letter was rejected so I didn't get to take the entrance exams. [he laughs nervously] But I'm applying again for the next term.
: Gideon Myrrdin: There will be no need for that, young man.
: Colin: Huh?
: Gideon Myrrdin: The skills you've shown were more than enough to pass the entrance exams. Thus, I'm granting you immediate admission to the Academia.
: Wesley: Wait, really!? Thank you, Dean Myrrdin! I'll be sure to contact my colleagues working at the Academia for the procedures.
: Gideon Myrrdin: Very well, then. I think it's time for us to go home. We'll see you at the Academia, Mr. Heinrich.
Dean Myrrdin exits the room. Colin is frozen in surprise, he smiles triumphantly while Wesley exuberantly talks about what just happened. The screen fades to black, ending the prologue.
====Chapter 1: Welcome to the Academia====
The 12th Day of the Seventh Month, Monday (Morning)
In the capitol city Maquines, Colin looks out at the window of his father's car, sightseeing the marvel of the capitol.
: Wesley: You know we've been here before. You don't have to act all bewildered by the capitol city.
: Colin: I know, but it was when you'd bring me here on your meetings with those weapons companies. Now I'm here because I'm about to go to school in the Academia. The Academia, dad!
: Wesley: [smirks at his son's excitement]I know that feeling, I had the same thing going when I was your age. But you gotta shake that off, being a Mercenary takes a lot of hard work. The excitement to become one's not enough to cut it.
: Colin: Hoho, is that why you opted to become a weapons scientist instead of a mercenary?
: Wesley: I graduated and got my license! Two things you haven't done.
: Colin: Emphasis on haven't. [jokingly sneers]
Wesley smiles as he continues to drive off the road to the Academia. Once they arrived, Colin's eyes light up seeing the buildings of the Academia; it's the first time he's ever stepped foot in this place. He places his face closer to the window as he takes in the view.
: Wesley: Gets you every time.
After they parked the car, Wesley and Colin are carrying numerous luggage and boxes. Wesley is talking to his wife and Colin's mother, Dawn, on video call.
: Wesley: Yes, dear. We just arrived and yes, he brought all the stuff you packed for him.
: Dawn: Please make sure that he did, sweetie. You know how forgetful Colin is. And did he... [she continues to ramble]
As Wesley hangs up, suddenly a robot approaches the two.
: Robot: Good morning! I am Alfred, one unit of the school's robotic servant system. Please identify yourself.
: Colin: Uh... Colin Heinrich.
: Alfred: Scanning for matches... [It pings] Colin Heinrich, First Year, Sector XIII! May I ask for your luggage, I am tasked to put them all in your designated dorm while you are attending the welcoming ceremonials.
: Colin: Sure! [He begins to give all the things to Alfred with Wesley] Hey can you unpack them for me?
: Alfred: I am a service robot, not the movers. Thank you! [Alfred floats away with all of Colin's luggage]
: Wesley: Well, we certainly didn't have that back in the day! [he snickers] Well, I better be off before your mom calls me to check on you again.
: Colin: Wow, it's like she still thinks I'm Aimee's age.
: Wesley: Well, between you and your little sister: she's the more responsible one. But your mother is being protective of you; we both are. I know how hard this school is gonna be for you and the risks it comes with. So, be careful... [he starts to tear up] Ah, what am I saying!? Come on, give your old man a hug before I go and bawl my eyes out.
: Colin: Dad, we're in public...
Wesley ignores Colin and locks him in a tight hug. He lets go and makes his way back to his car.
: Wesley: I'll be off! [he gets in the car but peeks his head back out] Don't run into any trouble! [he goes in and closes the cardoor.]
Colin watches his dad drive away, he exhales and turns to the Academia main building as he starts to walk, his eyes still fixated on the edifice. Suddenly, he bumps into a girl who falls on the ground.
: Colin: Whoa! [he looks down and sees a blonde girl in the school's uniform] You alright? I-I'm sorry!
: Blonde Girl: Goddesses, I just had this pressed! [she looks at Colin] Can't you watch where you're going!? Are you blind?
: Colin: Well, uh-
: Blonde Girl: [stands up]They'd really let in anyone here nowadays, huh?
A butler runs to the girl in a panicked manner.
: Butler: Miss Jenara! Are you okay?
: Jenara: Well, this idiot made me fall and ruined my uniform. I wanted to make a good impression on everyone too! [She glares at Colin] You just HAD to ruin my day didn't you?
: Colin: I said I was sorry!
: Jenara: Do you know who made this uniform? One of the premier seamstresses in Aurore, you dolt! I'm not gonna start on how much it's worth. I bet you can't count that high...
: Colin: Look, princess I don't car-
: Jenara: [she shoves a hand at Colin's face] I don't care what you have to say. Mr. Lombard, please accompany the servant robot in carrying my belongings to my dorm. I have to attend the ceremony.
: Butler: Yes, Miss Jenara. [he bows]
The girl dusts herself off and walks away from Colin.
: Colin: (Jeez, what a brat. I guess the noble families want their children to become mercenaries too, huh? And seamstresses from Aurore... So she's not from around here?) [He looks at the main building] (Anyway, my dad said the school has a small burgh with all the shops and other cool places. I still got time left before the ceremony, I should check them out... or I could just go to the school's auditorium.)
:: At this point, the player controls Colin as he traverses around the Academia. Giving the chance to see the facilities in the academy and talking to the NPCs. If the player enters the church, a cutscene will show.
: Colin: (I should pray to the goddesses to bless my time here...)
He notices a group of nuns gathered in the nave, they are talking to a girl wearing the Academia uniform.
: Sister 1: Now Hana, if you ever have trouble with your healing or just need someone to talk to. Priestess Silvia is always here at the chapel to be your guide.
: Priestess Silvia: Your healing skills are substantial, my child. But if you wish to extend your knowledge about the art of holy magic supplied by the goddesses, then I will be here to teach you.
: Hana: Yes, Priestess. Yes, Sister Rose. [she bows] I'll be off now, I think you should go back to the chapel too, sisters. May the goddesses watch over you.
: The group of sisters and Priestess Silvia: May the goddesses watch over you.
Hana turns around and makes her to the exit. She stops as soon as she sees Colin.
: Hana: Hello, if you're here to pray to the goddesses. I'll just suggest a quick prayer because the ceremony is about to start. May the goddesses watch over you. [she bows and exits the church]
: Colin: (Hmm, what's an acolyte like her doing at the Academia? Well, the sisters and priestesses are trained in healing artis and are often brought to mercenary missions as healers. But still, they don't need to get a mercenary license to do that. WAIT! Did she say the ceremony is about to start? I gotta make this quick.)
After praying in the church, Colin arrives in the auditorium to see students, forming a crowd around a large lit up stage in the middle. He hurries to the ceremony.
: Colin: Phew! Made it just in time.
A blond boy approaches Colin.
: Blond Boy: Excuse me.
: Colin: Yeah?
: Blond Boy: I'm a bit lost around here but can I ask? Are you in Sector XIII?
: Colin: Uhhh...
: Blond Boy: You aren't, nevermind! [he starts to walk away in panic]
: Colin: Wait, I am! [he laughs nervously] Sorry, kinda forgot about my sector number for a second there. I'm Colin.
: Blond Boy: Thank the goddesses, you know I've been asking everyone I came across if they were in Sector XIII and all I got were people telling me to shut up. I'm Nico.
Nico and Colin shake hands. On the stage, a stern looking female professor stands on the podium.
: Strict-looking professor: Good morning, first years. I am Professor Tsarina Romanov, your combat instructor. On behalf of the teaching faculty, we would like to welcome you to the Academia.
The first years give a round of applause, bolstering noises can be heard. Until the teacher strikes the hilt of her weapon, instantly silencing the auditorium.
: Colin: Whoa, that professor sure seems... terrifying.
: Nico: And she's our combat instructor, nonetheless. I bet she's gonna kill me before the Nethyres do.
: Professor Romanov: Thank you for your... excitement. Now please give a PROPER round of applause to Dean Myrrdin, as he will give you all an inspiring welcome talk.
The students give a more tamed applause as Dean Myrrdin steps up to the podium.
: Dean Myrrdin: Ahem... I'll keep this short. The reason we've established this institute is to create bright and formidable warriors that swear to protect of the people and to uphold peace and justice between them. These warriors are coined the term: Mercenaries. Special soldiers employed since the end of the great war as an act of unity between the four countries against a common threat: the creatures of the void, the Nethyres. Now, the primary reason you're here is to become a mercenary. You dream of slaying Nethyres and protecting the people you love. Now, let me tell you that your dreams will not take you far in this field. Looking at your generation, all I see are lost children who favor fantasy over reality. We have laid the foundation for you to use; so I encourage you, the youth of today, to use it to its fullest potential and create a bigger one for the generation after yours. That is all. [he steps away from the podium]
The audience is silent for a moment.
: Professor Romanov: Thank you, Dean Myrrdin. The first years will now find their designated sectors and make their way to their classrooms for the orientation.
: Nico: Wow, the dean sounded a bit morbid for a second there...
: Colin: Yeah, talk about pressure... Hey, we should go find our classmates as soon as this crowd dies down.
Colin and Nico watch fellow first year students frantically running around looking for their sectors. A tall boy approaches the two.
: Tall boy: Hey, I just came here to avoid... [he looks at the panicked crowd] Whatever that is. But if you guys are in Sector XIII then that's a win for me.
: Nico: Well, you're just about right. We're both in Sector XIII. Hey, I'm Nico.
: Colin: I'm Colin. Nice to meet you... uh...
: Barrow: Barrow. So how was your first day here? I was a bit surprised by all the robots and androids running around here. But the facilities and shops here look cool, I even saw a cafe.
: Nico: Nothing much, I was dropped off here, gave my stuff to the service robot and came here. I didn't get to go around because I was running late. [he laughs] How about you, Colin?
: Colin: Well, we probably just had the same experience when we came here. But I did bumped into this crabby girl and ruined her uniform and then she was yelling at me. I tried to apologize but she was still yelling at me. Apparently, her uniform was made by some fancy schmancy seamstress and I ruined it. I mean, who cares right? She has the same uniform as all of us.
While Colin is talking, the girl he was talking about was right behind him the whole time.
: Jenara: I'm pretty sure my uniform is a league above all of you.
: Colin: AH!! [he jumps in surprise and looks back]
: Jenara: This uniform is made with special fibers embedded with AEGIS technology that prevents it from getting destroyed in battle. Which means I get extra protection apart from my AEGIS protective system.
: Colin: ... I'm pretty sure our uniforms are also with AEGIS protective technology.
: Barrow: Yeah, mine's pretty tough even if it looks delicate.
: Nico: Mine too.
: Jenara: [she stares for a moment] ... Whatever! I'm going to look for my sector now. [she walks away]
: Colin: I hope we don't end up with the same sector as her!
: Young Professor: Sector XIII! If there's still anyone who's in Sector XIII, please approach me!
The girl approaches the professor.
: Colin: I spoke too soon.
: Nico: Guess we found our sector. Come on, guys!
The three approach the young professor and joins the group of students. Colin looks around the nine students with him, all diverse and intimidating. He also noticed the girl he saw at the church awhile ago. The class walk to their classroom and settle down.
: Young Professor: Good morning, Sector XIII. I'm glad I found you all, I would've had a hard time. Anyways, my name is Yvette Grenvild. I'm a graduate of this school and I'll be your sector instructor for the rest of your time here! Now don't be intimidated, this is also my first time teaching so we can take our baby steps together.
A girl with bear ears raises her hand.
: Anthrope Girl: Hey, Professor Grenvild.
: Miss Yvette: Oh we can go easy on the formalities, just call me 'Miss Yvette'.
: Anthrope Girl: Right. Miss Yvette, what are we going to do today?
: Miss Yvette: Right, about that. First of all, I'll just be going over your curriculum for the term. Which basically covers subjects like the usual lecture classes like Nethyrology and Mana 101, Combat studies, Field studies... [she continues to discuss]
: Collin: Whoa, didn't expect there'd be this many classes.
: Nico: Oh? I'm guessing you didn't read the syllabus they gave during the enrollment. [he giggles]
: Collin: Uhhh... Of course, I did! I just forgot hehe. (Man, if they found out I got here through Dean Myrrdin. I'd probably become an outcast.)
: Miss Yvette: And that just about covers everything you need to know for the time being, your other professors will guide you on your other subjects. But now, we move on to your orientation!
: Jenara: Wait, that wasn't the orientation?
: Miss Yvette: Nope! As per tradition, first year students in the Academia will be put in a rigorous initiation activity out in the field. You will be faced with a small challenge and of course, Nethyres. This activity will be grading you as one entire sector. So if you fail, you will all be removed from the first year roll.
: The entire class: WHAT!?
: Jenara: I don't mean to be rude, Miss Yvette, but why are we being put to this? I wasn't informed during enrollment that there would be this kind of exercise on the first day.
: Anthrope Girl: Well, I'm gonna be rude. What the hell is with kicking us out if one of us messes up!?
: Miss Yvette: Alright, calm down everybody. This is just a simple activity to test your teamwork and we don't really disclose this activity before you came here. I mean, it's kind of an open secret [she giggles nervously]
: Colin: We haven't even known each other yet!
A silver-haired noble-looking boy sitting next to Colin snickers. Colin glares at him.
: Noble Boy: You do know that mercenaries are always put in teams with people they don't even know, right?
: Colin: Yeah, I know but-
: Noble Boy: If you can't handle the pressure or if you're just scared to fight some Nethyres. Either way, if you're gonna act like that then, leave. We certainly don't need people like you here.
: Colin: Hey! I'm not scared to fight. How about I prove it to you right here and right now, then?
The classroom gets noisy as the students try to reason with Miss Yvette.
: Miss Yvette: Alright, I'm going to need you to save that kind of energy for the initiation activity. [she looks at her watch and brings out her phone] Because it starts now!
Miss Yvette presses her phone and suddenly warp glyphs appear under the students.
: Blue-haired girl: What are these!?
: Jenara: Teleportation Circles!
: Barrow: I can't move!
The students suddenly disappear in the classroom.
: Miss Yvette: Finally, some peace and quiet!
Colin is teleported to a clearing in a woodland. He feels a weight on his back and turns to see his backpack suddenly attached. His phone rings and it's Miss Yvette calling.
: Miss Yvette: Am I live? Okay, good. Hey there, Sector XIII! As you can see, your initiation has officially begun. Let me brief you about it real quick: you and your classmates have been teleported to the Academia woods: the nearby woodlands that houses rich resources, clean water, and vicious Nethyres ready to eat you alive!
: Colin: Wait, how did she?
: Miss Yvette: You're probably wondering right now 'wait? how did Miss Yvette get a hold of my contact? Also why is my weapon with me?' and I do not know the answer to that because the school also didn't told me the reason! But for the second question, we made sure to teleport you with your weapons and other necessities to help you with the task. You can't fight Nethyres wit bare hands, you know. [she laughs heartily]
:Anyways, the instructions are simple: find a way out of the large woodlands and make your back to the Academia before sundown. If you all arrive before that time, you pass! If one of you isn't with you when you come back, you fail and get removed from the academic roll! Now to make things simple, I teleported you and a classmate near each other so you can get to know each other. Good luck!
The call ends.
: Colin: (I have a partner with me, huh? Gosh, I hope it's Nico or Barrow and not that girl or that snob from the classroom awhile back!)
: A Female Voice: Hello? Is somebody there? Miss Yvette told me I'd be teleported near my partner.
Colin looks around to see a hand sticking out from a bush. He goes near it.
: Colin: H-hang on a minute, I'll get you out there! [he pulls out the hand and it reveals to be the girl who yelled at him]
: Jenara: Thank the goddesse- [sees that it's Colin, she flings his hand away] Oh, it's just you. Never mind.
: Colin: That's not a proper way to thank someone.
: Jenara: I could've just got out myself, you know.
: Colin: Then why did you asked for help?
: Jenara: [jabbers, trying to rebut for a moment] ... Never mind that! Look, since our LOVELY instructor decided to pair us up. I supposed I'm stuck with you for the moment.
: Colin: We're all forced to do this in the first place so I guess I need to get along with you. [he sighs]
: Jenara: I guess I can be cordial with you, it's for the grades anyway. So you better not drag me down!
: Colin: Okay... Let's start over. I'm Colin.
: Jenara: ... Jenara, Jenara Neve de Wisteria.
Colin steps back in shock.
: Colin: Wait, did I hear that right? Wisteria? The noble bloodline of mercenaries from the country of Aurore!?
: Jenara: Huh, I didn't know my family would be known here too.
: Colin: I mean, Noel Wisteria basically helped in ending the great war. Of course, everyone would know his family!
: Jenara: My great-great grandfather did do that. Well, you're standing before his descendant right now but I don't expect you to bow before me. But you can if you want to.
: Colin: Chill out, princess. You're not exactly Aurorean royalty.
: Jenara: Enough with the chitchat, we need to find the others and get out of here. The sooner I find another classmate, the sooner I get to forget you exist. [she starts to walk]
: Colin: Well, we're gonna be in the same sector for the next three years so you're going to be seeing me often. [he follows her]
: Jenara: Whatever! Keep track of your surroundings so we don't get lost.
:: Jenara now joins the party. A quick tutorial on how to switch the player's main character is shown.
The 12th Day of the Seventh Month, Monday (Noon)
Colin and Jenara are traversing around the forest. Colin spots a monkey-shaped rock, he snickers at its odd shape.
: Colin: [picks the rock up] Hey, Jenara. Check it out. It's a rock, shaped like a monkey.
: Jenara: This isn't the time to be juvenile, Colin! Do you even know that we're timed right now. My future is in the line here have you ever realized that?
The howls of Lykkans, wolf Nethyres, are heard. Colin lights up and shushes Jenara.
: Colin: Shut up for a second... Did you hear that?
: Jenara: We don't have time to kill some Lykkans. We literally did that five minutes ago!
: Colin: We can do it again, come on! [he goes to where the howls are coming from]
The two hide behind a tree, ready to ambush the pack. But a girl stands alone before the pack. It's the same girl from the church, surprisingly calm as she holds her weapon: a staff.
: Colin: It's that acolyte girl. Her staff and magic won't do any good damage to the Lykkans. [he looks at Jenara] But yours do, we gotta help her.
: Jenara: That's basically a given, Colin. Look, I'll step out first; you shoot them from here.
Jenara is about to step out but stops as soon as the girl suddenly takes out a katana from her staff and quickly slays the pack in seconds. Colin sees this and his jaw drops in shock, he steps on a branch which alerts the girl.
: Hana: Who goes there?
: Colin: [nervously steps out] It's just me!
: Jenara: [she follows] And me.
: Hana: [she puts her katana back in the staff] Oh, hello.
: Jenara: Nice sword fighting you got there. And the surprise factor with the staff was amazing too.
: Colin: Did the sisters also teach you that?
: Hana: Oh no! They just taught me how to cast healing artis and gave me this staff scabbard.... [she pauses for a moment] I was actually a swordsman's apprentice before I entered the church.
: Jenara: Interesting! May I ask your name?
: Hana: I'm Hana.
: Jenara: Just Hana? No surname?
: Hana: Nope.
: Colin: Well, I'm Colin.
: Jenara: Jenara Neve de Wisteria.
: Colin: You really don't have to state your full name.
: Jenara: I should be proud of it!
Suddenly, Nico arrives with the same monkey-shaped rock in his hand.
: Nico: Hey, the Lykkan dropped this! Oh, Colin, hey!
: Colin: Nico! Am I glad to see you. [he walks to Nico and notices the rock] Hey, you got the same rock as we do.
: Nico: Yeah, I noticed a Lykkan chewing on it and decided to get it because I thought it was important. I actually forgot Hana was with me when I went after it, then I heard the howls of a pack and came as soon as I could. Sorry, Hana! [he nervously laughs]
: Hana: No worries, I took care of them while you were gone.
: Nico: [he notices Jenara] Oh, I think we haven't met yet. I'm Nico.
: Jenara: Jenara Ne-, Jenara. Nice to meet you. [she notices both rocks] Hey, I don't think they're just random rocks. I think they're some kind of clue to get us out of here. Obviously, no rock would look like a monkey.
: Hana: Now that I look at it, Jenara's right. We should try and find rocks that look like that.
: Colin: And don't forget our classmates. We need to find all of them too.
: Nico: Even that Ansellmond kid you argued with earlier?
: Colin: Wait, what Ansellmond kid?
: Nico: You know, Chance Ansellmond? The guy who insulted you in the classroom.
: Colin: [his eyes light up in shock] He was an Ansellmond!?
: Jenara: I'm confused, who is this Chance Ansellmond character? Is he important?
: Nico: He's the son of Charles Ansellmond, chairman of the Ansellmond group. Their company is one of the largest business corportations in Ordeos. They just about own one of everything: restaurants, clothing brands, you name it. But they truly shine in their casino franchise, they have one branch in every province and city in the country.
: Colin: My dad used to work with them when they were developing weapons and I tell you they pay big. But, why is the son of some bigshot businessman trying to be a mercenary. Is he bored?
: A Male Voice: That's for you to find out.
The four look to see Chance Ansellmond, walking towards them.
: Colin: H-How long have you been back there?
: Chance: Long enough. Though, I'm surprised to see you here of all people. I thought you'd chickened out.
: Colin: Hey, I'm not scared of a challenge! I'm surprised you made it too, rich kids like you don't have what it takes to survive on their own.
: Chance: Oh, I actually got a partner with me. But judging from her abilities, I'll just say I'm on my own on this one.
A blue-haired girl runs into the scene, panting for air.
: Blue-Haired Girl: [panting] Chance... I got stuck from a vine... But I'm here now!
: Chance: I'll leave her with you. [he glares at Collin] Birds of a feather stick together, after all.
Chance jumps to a tree and disappears.
: Jenara: Wow, for a well-off noble, he sure seems pompous.
: Colins: [he looks at her questioningly] You think so...
: Blue-haired girl: He left me again!? Oh, now I gotta catch up again.
: Nico: There's no need to do that. I think he prefers to work alone. What's your name, by the way?
: Cadence: I'm Cadence, Cadence Vivaldi. And I really need to be with him, he's my partner after all!
: Colin: Well, he left you. I don't think that's a chivalrous thing to do.
: Cadence: ... I can always see him later, right?
: Jenara: Not if we don't find the others and these rocks before sundown. [she snaps her fingers] Come on, people! Let's move it. We literally don't have all day.
::Nico, Hana, and Cadence now join the party. The player will choose between the three to fill the two spots in the party, they cannot switch again later on. The player must find three more stones before the story can progress.
The 12th Day of the Seventh Month, Monday (Afternoon)
The five students are trying to find more rocks in a clearing. Jenara is seen ordering the other four around.
: Jenara: [she looks up at the sky] It's past noon and we haven't made any progress or whatsoever!
: Nico: I mean, we did find some on the way here.
: Jenara: We could've been a lot faster if someone [she glares at Colin] wasn't insistent for a lunch break!
: Colin: You want us to die from hunger? Be my guest. And I'm beginning to notice that the four of us are practically doing all the hard work around here, you've just been bossing us around the entire time!
: Jenara: I've been observing! If you wanted a break then you could've just asked...
: Colin: Okay, we-
: Jenara: Hana, Cadence, let's take a break! Let's just let the boys find them for the timebeing.
: Colin: Hey, I asked for the break!
: Cadence: [runs to them with a rock in hand] I found one! The Nethyre that was holding on to it was pretty weak too.
: Jenara: Great, that leaves us with... six rocks! Let's move on to another area the-
Out of nowhere, a dart lands on a tree near Jenara, cutting her off. The dart explodes a mist that creates a thick smokescreen. Hoots from bird Nethyres, Piko-Pikos, can be heard. Then, a growl of a Lykkan grows louder as if it's close.
: Colin: Sounds like Nethyres. Everyone be on guard. [he draws his two pistols]
The smoke clears and Colin sees a Lykkan infront of him. He charges into it but as he's about to attack the Lykkan dissipates in front of him.
: Colin: What!?
: Nico: It ... disappeared?
: Hana: Must be a special kind of Nethyre to do that sort of thing then. [she draws her sword]
As the group ready themselves for battle. Bolstering laughter is heard as three students approach the group.
: Short Boy: Haha! Told you they'd fall for it.
: Anthrope Girl: Did you two see the look on their faces? Classic!
: Plump Girl: I-I don't think they look happy about it... [she looks down in embarrassment]
: Jenara: [she raises an eyebrow] That was a bit rude, you know.
: Anthrope Girl: What? [she points at Colin] Locked and Loaded over here really thought it was a real-live Nethyre and his face was golden!
: Jenara: Well, considering it's Colin I supposed it's a bit humorous.
: Colin: Okay, you guys can stop laughing!
: Hana: [she giggles] Alright then, well... May we know your names?
: Anthrope Girl: I'm Lu.
: Short Boy: Theo.
: Nico: [he smiles at Theo] Hey, you seem a little too young to be a first year. You certainly don't look our age.
: Theo: I'm fifteen, to be exact. But the Academia didn't care about that as soon as they saw this! [he taps on his tablet and begins to create a Lykkan illusion] Complete recreation of Nethyres with the help of nanotechnology! They told me I was a kid genius and let me in without any arguments.
: Colin: Nanotechnology, huh? That's some pretty advanced stuff. I'm impressed!
: Hana: [notices the other girl who hasn't introduced herself yet] ...
: Lu: Oh, this one's Jia. She's a bit shy.
: Jia: [bows quickly] N-nice to meet you!
: Hana: I'm Hana.
: Cadence: The name's Cadence!
: Colin: I'm Colin. The one you decided to make fun of.
: Nico: I'm Nico.
: Jenara: Jenara.
: Lu: Nice to meet you all! Oh, and sorry about doing that thing on yo...[she looks at Colin who just furrows his eyebrows and notices the rock in Cadence's hand] Oh! You also have those rocks with you?
: Cadence: Yeah, they look pretty funny right?
: Lu: We found two of them awhile ago and found this cool site in a clearing nearby. It was a pedestal thing with some stone podiums around it, looked like a scene from a movie. Wanna check it out?
: Jenara: I suppose... Maybe it's another clue to the exit.
The students go to the clearing and see a site of ten stone podiums circling around a pedestal in the center.
: Colin: Whoa, didn't expect some kind of site to be in a dense woodland.
: Lu: Right? It's kind of amazing to think nature made this.
Jenara takes a closer look at the podiums and the pedestal.
: Jenara: I don't think these are natural. These look too man made to be called that... I think this is some kind of shrine that a native tribe built long ago. [she then notices indents on a podium] Or maybe... Okay, give me the rocks.
The others proceed to give Jenara the monkey-shaped rocks. She goes around placing the rocks on each podium, perfectly fitting the indents.
: Jenara: And here I thought those rocks were some kind of joke. [she glances at the two podiums missing their rocks] We still need to find two more, let's split up to make it quicker.
: Hana: I think I'll go with you, Jenara.
: Cadence and Lu: Me too!
Jia scurries to them without a word as the group of girls walk away from the site. Leaving Colin, Nico, and Theo.
: Colin: Guess, that leaves us then.
: Nico: [groans] It feels like we've been circling around for hours. I feel like I've seen the same corner whenever we try and find those rocks.
: Colin: Yeah, from the looks of it. It looks like we've seen all of the Academia woods at this point.
: Theo: Were you guys finding the rocks on the ground or under it?
: Colin: ... All of the rocks we found were just laying on the ground or hidden a tree. Why?
: Theo: Well, we found our first rock the same way you guys did. I decided to test a new app I developed on my tablet that analyzes biological and geological information of an ecosystem if a sample was scanned. Allowing me to find similar species through the use of biological matches.
: Nico: Uhh, come again? Those were sort of a lot of words, Theo. [he sheepishly laughs]
: Theo: Sorry! I tend to get carried away when I talk about this stuff. To put it short, I scanned the rock and found the other one was buried. I think the last two are hidden in the same way as well. Let me just... [he takes out his tablet and taps] Oh, they're nearby!
: Colin: Let's get digging then!
::Nico and Theo join the party. The player must find the two missing rocks and go back to the site to place them to have the story progress.
After finding the last two rocks, Colin places them on the vacant podiums. Suddenly, all of them glow and a large magic glyph appears in the center of the pedestal, the glyph causes an earthquake as a silhouette rises from the ground. A large, Gorilla Nethyre appears from the glyph, roaring.
: Nico: Those rocks were part of a summoning spell!
The gorilla beats its chest and smashes the ground, the three are sent flying but regain their stance.
: Colin: Somehow, I feel like we're supposed to fight it.
: Theo: Maybe this is part of the initiation activity. Why else would we spend the whole day looking for these rocks. The school placed them for a reason.
: Colin: Then, let's get this over with!
The three charge at the Nethyre, triggering a boss battle. The player must defeat the Troggler, the gorilla Nethyre. After the boss is defeated, the Troggler Nethyre is knocked down.
: Colin: [pants] We did it!
: Nico: I have to admit that was kind of easy.
Suddenly, an aura surrounds the Troggler as it roars back to a hostile stance.
: Theo: ...! It's back to normal, like nothing happened!
: Colin: At this rate, we can't fight for long if it's just the three of us.
A fire ball and a burst of ice come firing at the Troggler, freezing a part of its body. Darts follow as they explode upon hitting the Nethyre, knocking it back. Colin and his group look back from where the projectiles were coming from and see the girls.
: Lu: You were fighting a giant Nethyre? Without us!?
: Jenara: Everybody stand back! [she casts several ice bursts hitting the Troggler's arm and freezing it.]
: Colin: Thank the goddesses, but how did yo-
: Hana: We came as soon as we felt the earthquake.
The Troggler breaks free from the ice and roars, it gets knocked back again by a large wolf. The group lights up in surprise as the wolf lands near them.
: Theo: Is that a Nethyre?
: Cadence: It's walking on its hind legs! [she scurries behind Lu and Jia]
The wolf transforms into Barrow.
: Barrow: Relax, it's just me!
The Nethyre is further wore down by another round of fiery explosions. Chance suddenly jumps into the scene and throws a card to deal the finishing blow.
: Chance: And me!
: Colin: ...!
The Nethyre is now enraged as it strikes the ground, sending the students flying into the trees and bushes.
: Colin: Everybody alright?
: Chance: [he stands up] Do you think we're alright?
: Colin: Hey, I'm just looking out for yo-
: Chance: An initiative that I don't really need.
Colin is about to talk back but his mouth and Chance's are shoved quiet by Jenara.
: Jenara: I'd appreciate it if WE ALL set our differences aside and defeat this monster so we can get out of here.
: Colin: [he flicks Jenara's hand away] You got any plan for that?
: Jenara: Of course, I do. I'm a Wisteria, we won countless battles because of efficient strategy.
: Chance: Prove it then.
: Jenara: That Nethyre just blew us into the dense part of the forest, which gives us an opportunity to ambush him. I noticed it's very vulnerable to surprise attacks and has little to no reaction speed. Lu, use those smoke darts of yours to create a smoke screen to buy some time.
: Lu: Alright!
: Jenara: Anyone who knows how to cast spells can use the time the smoke screen is in effect to unleash it on the Nethyre before the smoke is gone. That means, Theo and Chance, you're with me.
: Theo: Okay!
: Chance: ... [he nods]
: Jenara: Colin, Nico, Jia, Barrow, and Cadence; attack the Nethyre but make sure you're spread out. Chance and I will trap both of its arms and Hana, you deal the finishing blow. You have anything to add to that, Colin?
: Colin: ... Well, it sounds like a plan! But we gotta remember that we need to work as a team if we're going to have to slay this Nethyre. Follow Jenara's strategy and maybe we can actually pass this.
: The rest of Sector XIII: Right!
The class proceeds to do Jenara's plan. Lu creates a smoke screen, blocking the Troggler's sight. It is soon hit by magical projectiles and Theo's Nethyre summons, another round of hits is coming from a variety of directions. Jenara and Chance trap both of the Troggler's arms in ice.
: Colin: Okay, let's finish this!
The Troggler suddenly breaks free from one of the ice traps and is about to swing its freed arm at Chance. Colin sees this and dashes, pushing Chance out of the way and shooting the Troggler in its eye as he gets swept by its arm. The Troggler is blinded and covers its eyes.
: Jenara: [creates platforms from the ground] Hana, now!
Hana unsheathes her katana and quickly jumps to the Troggler's head as she swiftly slashes and decapitates it. The Troggler's corpse crumbles into black dust. The class is panting for air as their surroundings fade. The lush forest turns into a large room, leaving the class in shock.
: Nico: Wait a minute!
Claps from a single person can be heard, it's Miss Yvette approaching them, smiling in triumph.
: Miss Yvette: Congratulations, Sector XIII! You passed the initiation with flying colors.
: Chance: Wait, this was all a simulation!?
: Miss Yvette: I;m afraid so. [she giggles in delight] This is the school's indoor training room, the technical department added a new simulation feature that emulates the real Academia woodlands.
: Lu: So all of it was fake!?
: Barrow: Even the Nethyres?
: Miss Yvette: Oh no, the Nethyres were very real. We always catch a ton of them for this activity. The Troggler, the giant gorilla Nethyre you just slayed, was fake though. Hehe, real Trogglers are actually smaller but I opted to enhance it to give you a challenge.
: Jenara: So does that mean that instant expulsion thing wasn't real as well?
: Miss Yvette: Nope. As of this moment, two sectors have been taken off from the academic roll. Their instructors told me they failed to exhibit cooperation and teamwork, important factors to this initiation that your sector showed throughout the activity.
Nico helps Colin up, who is badly dazed and hurt from the attack.
: Colin: [slurred] What did I miss?
: Nico: We passed!
: Colin: Wait, really!?
: Miss Yvette: Yep! Now that you've passed the initiation, it's safe to say that you are now mercenaries in training. But I'm going to have to warn you all that it's going to get harder from here and what you've done back there was just a sliver of the real deal. The Academia expects all of you to reach the standards that is expected of a licensed mercenary. I expect you to give it your all this term and the next two terms after.
: Barrow: It's only going to be more difficult from here on out, huh?
: Cadence: I hear the second year is the toughest.
: Miss Yvette: Let me give you guys a tip, the key is just simple teamwork. Stick with your sector and rely on each other. You and your classmates in this sector will be stuck with each other for a long time. So I suggest all of you to get along if you want to graduate!
Colin and Chance glare at each other for a moment then look away in spite.
: Miss Yvette: Now, to congratulate you all for a job well done! [she snaps her fingers and a table full of food appears] I wanted to treat you all! You are my first class, after all.
The sector gathers around the table with delight.
: Nico: [he's about to bite on a turkey leg] Wait a minute, how do we know this isn't a simulation.
: Miss Yvette: Try it! I have the school chefs as my witnesses.
: Nico: [he bites the leg and it is real] Wow!
The sector and Miss Yvette proceed to eat the hearty meal with laughter and camaraderie. In the training room's control room just above, Dean Myrrdin and a husky looking mercenary, lighting a cigarette, is seen observing the sector.
: Mercenary: I gotta say, Dean Myrrdin. They do show promise, even the ones who I didn't expect to have the gall to be in combat.
: Dean Myrrdin: Give them time, they will all grow into formidable graduates of this academy. I handpicked this class for a reason.
: Mercenary: Heh, you sure do have a unique lot. A couple of heirs to bigshot corporations, the child of a notorious crime lord, even a Wisteria. Though, that one really caught my eye too [he gestures to Colin] Really surprised me with those guns. Let me guess, he's Wesley's son?
: Dean Myrrdin: You're correct. I believe his classmates and he will contribute a great deal of achievement to the school one day. And I'm going to need you to help them.
: Mercenary: Is that why you brought me here?
: Dean Myrrdin: ... [he nods] A class of students like them in the Academia is a rare sight, and as far I remember, your sector was the last one who had similar potential and look at all of you now.
: Mercenary: ... [he puffs the last of his cigarette] I'll consider it.
The scene goes back to the sector celebrating as it fades black. Ending the chapter.
====Chapter 2: Baby Steps====
The 13th day of the Seventh Month, Wednesday (Morning)
Colin is up and early, unpacking the last of his things on his dorm. He sighs in relief as he finally finished unpacking the heaps of preparations his mother had packed for him.
: Colin: I guess that's the last of it. [he closes the cabinet drawer full of necessities] Mom really went haywire on packing, it's like I'm moving away or something.
Barrow enters with two cups of coffee in his hands.
: Barrow: Knock knock, got your coffee. Three sugars with milk, just like you asked. [he gives it to Colin as he sips on his own] You finally done unpacking?
: Colin: Yep! Took me only thirty minutes this morning. Though, it could've went quicker if that thing with the other guys didn't happened last night.
The scene flashes back to the night before. Colin and Chance are quarreling in front of a rattle Miss Yvette over room assignments.
: Miss Yvette: C-can we please calm down?
: Chance: Miss Yvette, I highly think that putting me in the same room as this heathen [he points at Colin] would really hinder my performance at this institute! Don't you care about your students?
: Colin: Who the hell are you calling a heathen? Unless you forget, this heathen just saved your life. Miss Yvette, can you do something about this?
: Miss Yvette: I'm really sorry, Chance and Colin. But unless an extra room is available in the dormitory, you can transfer to it. For now, how about you two try to get along.
: Colin: No, uh-uh! I'd rather sleep in the woods than share a room with him.
: Chance: I'd agree with that arrangement.
: Miss Yvette: Like I said, there's nothing I can do. Now can we nip this in the bud? I'm sure we're all tired from the activity today.
: Barrow: Excuse me, Miss Yvette?
: Miss Yvette: Oh! Sorry to wake you guys up.
: Nico: [drowsily] Yawn... I think they should be apologizing.
: Theo: I never thought how loud you two can go at it...
: Barrow: Um... I think I can help with their problem. Would it be okay if I could switch with Chance so he can stay in our dorm?
: Nico: What!? I can room with Colin, we're both okay with that.
: Barrow: Is there something wrong with me switching, Nico?
: Nico: [suddenly gets flustered] Huh!? N-no, I don't see any problem with it. [he nervously laughs] Chance would do just fine with Theo and I... I guess...
: Chance: I'd prefer rooming with them, please Miss Yvette.
: Miss Yvette: Well... There's no rule stating switching roommates is allowed. Of course, the paperwork is a given... If it means that you'll finally calm down then I'm fine with it!
: Colin: [he sighs in relief]
: Barrow: Great, then I'll go get my things. [he enters their dorm]
: Colin: I-I'll help you! [he hurries to follow him]
The scene goes back to the present.
: Colin: Hehe, I'm really sorry we had to put you through all of this.
: Barrow: No worries! I'm not used to sharing a room with anyone, and three in one dorm seems too much of a crowd for me. [he finishes his coffee and looks at his watch] Uh, you might have to chug that down because we're running late.
: Colin: Huh!? Okay okay [he chugs down his coffee and gets his backpack] I really don't want to be late for the first day.
Colin and Barrow exit their dorm and hurry off to their class.
::Barrow joins the party. The player now controls Colin and Barrow to go from the Sector XIII dormitory to the designated area which is the Academia's auditorium. They can converse with their classmates and other students on the way.
The two arrive and sit with their classmates in their designated seats. They see Nico waving at them, they sit beside him. Next to Colin sat Jenara, who looked at them with a glaring eye.
: Jenara: Where were you, guys? Do you know they give demerits to the entire sector if one of us is tardy?
: Colin: Sorry, had to unpack the last of my things.
: Jenara: Whatever! Just be quiet, the assembly is starting.
Dean Myrrdin walks up to the stage. Colin notices that the auditorium's layout looked very different from yesterday. The stage is now in the end of the room and they are now sitting in theater seats.
: Colin: [whispers] Hey, was the auditorium like this yesterday?
: Nico: Nope, Miss Yvette said the auditorium had like three layouts they could change anytime.
: Dean Myrddin: Good morning, first years. I am elated to see most of you still sitting here in this auditorium, we regret to bid farewell to the sectors who failed the initiation yesterday. Though it is quite woeful, we must see them as an example as what not to do if you wish to become a top mercenary of this continent. [he clears his throat] Now, based from the reports from your instructors on yesterday's activity; we have evaluated your individual performances and as per tradition, we have assigned the two students with the highest scores during the initiation as your class reps.
: Lu: Well... congrats, Jenara!
: Cadence: Yeah, I think she's got this one in the bag.
: Jenara: [she lightly laughs] Oh my goddesses, a little too soon for that. But thank you!
: Dean Myrrdin: These class reps will serve as the sector leaders and examples their classmates should follow. Without further ado, let's start with Sector I's class reps...
Dean Myrrdin announces the class reps for the sectors until he reaches Sector XIII.
: Dean Myrrdin: Now for the last sector: Sector XIII. Your class reps for the rest of your time here in the Academia will be... [he reads the paper] Jenara Neve de Wisteria,
: Jenara: [she flicks a lock of her hair] Naturally.
: Nico: Okay, now we can officially say congratulations!
: Hana: You deserve it, Jenara!
: Chance: No one's really surprised at that announcement...
: Lu: But the other one would be a real shocker.
: Dean Myrrdin: ... And Colin Heinrich.
Colin's eyes light up in surprise. His classmates, with the exception of Chance, claps in celebration.
: Colin: Wait, what?
: Chance: Wait, what!?
: Cadence: Congrats, Colin!
: Barrow: I kind of had the feeling you'd be one, congratulations!
: Jenara: I have to admit, I'm quite surprised... But I see their reasons. Good job, Heinrich.
: Colin: Wow, didn't really expected this. Thanks, I'll make sure to give it my all!
The ceremony ends and it cuts to Sector XIII's classroom. Miss Yvette is giving a lecture to the class.
: Miss Yvette: Now, mana and prana are very important assets to ensure a mercenary's survival. Apart from the AEGIS equipped by them, the forces I just mentioned are far more vital because...?
Jenara raises her hand to answer that question, along with Theo and Cadence.
: Miss Yvette: Colin, how about you answer my question, Mr. Class Rep.
: Chance: Tch.
: Colin: Um... Mana is the power source for mercenaries which enables them to utilize enhanced skills and magical spells known asartis. While prana is a person's life source that protects our bodies from getting injured, you know, in case the AEGIS equipment gets broken after a series of damage has been done.
: Miss Yvette: Correct! Now, 'less you forgot; the AEGIS system is a protective system of invisible armor developed by mercenary scientist Klaus Herdwell during the Great War, as a solution to the depleting supply of real armor during that time. Herdwell extracted data from armor and turned them into programmable data that can be installed into the small accessories that you're wearing right now. Now, because of this technological discovery; the technology Ordeos is enjoying today is partly because of a mercenary's resourcefulness.
: Cadence: [she admires her AEGIS equipment in the form of a ring on her finger] They really look pretty and dainty today too!
: Colin: Yeah, I read that the early AEGIS armors used in the Great War came in something like a pair of shoes or gloves.
: Miss Yvette: That's right. I'm impressed with how knowledgeable you are about this, Colin.
: Colin: [he laughs sheepishly] It's nothing, really. My dad specializes in both AEGIS technology and weapon engineering so I kinda got it from him.
: Chance: You really don't have to suck up, you know. You're already class rep.
The entire class looks at Chance.
: Chance: What?
: Miss Yvette: Chance, I've noticed that you've been quite mopey since the assembly. Mind telling the class about it? Maybe we can help.
: Chance: I just don't agree with the school's decision on assigning our sector's class reps. I think one of them isn't really fit to be one.
: Colin: ...
: Chance: I'm not talking about Jenara, no one would question her position. She is an insufferable know-it-all.
: Jenara: Hey!
: Miss Yvette: I see. So you're implying Colin shouldn't be given such a role?
Chance just nods.
: Jenara: I don't really see a problem with Colin being a class rep. How about the others, do you see a problem with it?
: Lu: Nope.
: Nico: I think Colin's a good fit!
The others nod in agreement.
: Jenara: See? You're the only one who has a problem with it.
: Miss Yvette: Chance, I hear your concern. But this is your first day of classes, let Colin and Jenara prove themselves. Not only that, you all should be proving to the school that you deserve to be here. Passing the initiation's not enough.
: Chance: I guess we'll see if they can be good class reps then...
::A tutorial for lecture classes will be played. Once the player completes the tutorial, the story progresses.
The 13th day of the Seventh Month, Wednesday (Noon)
Colin, Nico, Theo, and the girls of Sector XIII are eating in one table during lunch.
: Colin: I'm stuffed! [he eyes Nico who is playing with his food] If you want mine, you can help yourself if you want to.
: Nico: Oh, sorry. I don't really want to look at anything brown and edible right now...
: Cadence: It wasn't my fault, Nico!
: Nico: You didn't read the label!
: Colin: Hey hey, calm down. What happened?
Nico sighs as the scene cuts back to the Home Economics classroom. Nico, Cadence, Jia, and Lu are preparing a dish.
: Lu: Are you sure with this ingredient, Cadence? We could just stick with the recipe Professor Bellfien gave us.
: Cadence: Trust me, three tablespoons worth of fine vellur spice would be perfect for this casserole. My mom taught me, mothers know best after all!
: Jia: Um... We ran out of vellur.
: Lu: That's because the other group took all of it.
: Cadence: Then we'll just add cinnamon then! I think it's a great alternative. [she then proceeds to take the spice container near Nico and pour it on the pot]
: Nico: Wait, Cadence that's- [he sees that Cadence has already poured it] ... Boar yeast...
: Cadence: What?
The ingredients in the food start to rise and a mushy brown goop is created, overflowing 
: Cadence: Oh no...
The scene goes back to the cafeteria.
: Theo: I didn't think something as simple as a casserole would turn out that bad...
: Nico: I can't believe we failed on the first day of an elective class [he slouches]
: Jenara: Wait, who failed? You do know you'll be off the roll if you fail three classes by the end of the term, right?
: Colin: Relax, it was just an elective! [he pats Nico in the back] Why did you sign up for it, anyway?
: Nico: I thought having the skill to cook would help a mercenary! You know, for survival stuff?
: Colin: I don't think a five-star dish is gonna save you from impending doom, Nico.
Colin and Nico share a laugh but Nico stops at the sight of a couple of boys from Sector V who stop by their table.
: Sector V Student 2: Is that him? [he looks at Nico]
: Sector V Student 1: Yep. Didn't expect him to be in another sector...
: Colin: Hey. Do you need to talk to somebody in this table?
: Sector V Student 1: Well, we were going to talk to somebody important but as soon as we saw him sitting with a bunch of commoners... I guess he isn't important anymore.
: Nico: Could you guys go?
: Sector V Student 1: Jeez, Nico. What happened?
The students of Sector XIII exchange glances for a second.
: Sector V Student 1: You used to be practically sticking to us. What, just because you're not in our sector you're not talking to us?
: Sector V Student 2: Maybe his family went broke. [snickering]
The two bullies laugh when a hand grips both their shoulders, behind them stands Chance.
: Chance: Alec Sundeisz and Rowan Leowell, your families run weapons development corporations right?
: Rowan: Yeah, who's asking? [he turns around and is stunned to see Chance] Oh, ugh.... Chance, didn't see you there!
: Chance: If you're so proud of the money your family's made without a sliver of your help, I hope you know that Ansellmond Corp. owns parts of your companies. Without us, you're nothing but a couple of sidewalk blacksmiths.
: Alec: We were just talking to-
: Chance: The son of Van Reinherd Inc.'s vice-chairman? The same AEGIS and weapons developing company that made the biggest sales just last year?
: Alec and Rowan: ...
: Chance: If you two have anything else to say to Nico, I suggest you say it right now so we can all hear it. But mind you, I'm in a sour mood today so don't expect me to not meddle with your affairs.
: Alec: Let's go...
: Rowan: R-right!
The two hurriedly walk away.
: Cadence: Oh my gosh, Chance, you were awesome!
: Nico: ... Thanks for defending me, Chance.
: Chance: No one should be treated like that, not on my watch.
: Colin: I have to admit, that was pretty solid.
: Chance: Tch, don't patronize me. [he walks away]
: Colin: ... H-hey!
: Jenara: [sighs] You really have to do something about him if you want this class to be a good sector.
: Colin: W-what am I supposed to do?
: Jenara: I don't know, earn his trust? Do something, anything? That's your problem not mine.
: Colin: [grunts] (She's right, though. As much as I don't like Chance, we're gonna have to at least keep it civil if we want to make it through the year.)
The 13th day of the Seventh Month, Wednesday (Afternoon)
The scene cuts to the school arena, the first years are having their combat classes. Barrow and another first year are sparring in the arena while the other students and Professor Romanov watch in one of the grandstands. Barrow manages to defeat his opponent as his classmates cheer him on. But their excitement is stopped at the sight of Professor Romanov's icy glance. Shortly, the two are warped back to the grandstand.
: Prof. Romanov: Impressive combat skills, Mr. Lykkos. Your footwork needs severe improvement and your form is still rugged. Nonetheless, not bad for your first sparring session.
: Barrow: Thank you. [he stores his weapons]
: Prof. Romanov: [she then glares at Barrow's opponent] You on the other hand! Your aiming is embarrassing, your reaction time is worse than a Nethyre's, and your speed? Tch. You better work hard if you want to pass this class, young man.
: Student: Y-yes, ma'am!
: Prof. Romanov: Now who's next? [she looks around the students, glancing at her tablet, and looking back at them] Colin Heinrich and ... [she scans the crowd again] Chance Ansellmond.
: Colin: [gulps]
: Nico: [whispers] This is your chance to set things right with him, Colin. Knowing Chance, he's the type of guy who enjoys winning. You should give this to him.
: Colin: What? No! I'm not giving the match to him. My grades are on the line here too.
: Nico: It's the first da-
: Prof. Romanov: I think I've called your name, Mr. Heinrich. Why haven't you come up here?
Colin glances to see Chance and Professor Romanov waiting for him.
: Colin: S-sorry, professor [he hurries to them]
Colin and Chance are teleported to the arena. Chance readies himself, eager to fight Colin.
: Prof. Romanov: Now as you know, the first class' sparring match is graded. Though I am grading you based on your performance, it does not matter whether you win or lose. The one who comes out victorious obviously gets a better grade...
Colin and Chance glare at each other.
: Cadence: Can you guys feel the tension?
: Jenara: Like a giant string waiting to be cut.
: Prof. Romanov: Begin!
Chance begins to throw his cards at Colin, creating explosions around him. Blinded by the smoke, Colin is suddenly tackled by Chance.
: Chance: Are you gonna fight me or what, Heinrich?
Colin gets irritated as he stands up and fires his pistols, making Chance jump back to dodge them.
::A tutorial for the combat class will play. The player is required to defeat Chance to make the story progress.
Chance staggers and falls back, he glares at Colin as he falls to the ground.
: Prof. Romanov: Okay, that's enough! [she snaps her fingers and warps the two boys back into the grandstand]
Colin takes a look at Chance, who's healed up, still glaring at him with a frustrated eye.
: Prof. Romanov: Now that class, is an example of a good battle between mercenaries. Did you see the passion in their eyes, did you see their drive to win? Good work, both of you. Now, I'm afraid that's the final match for today's class; we will continue on our next meetings. Class dismissed!
: Colin: Thank you, professor.
Chance begrudgingly scoffs and walks away from the grandstand. Colin is surprised and follows him to the arena's hallways.
: Colin: Chance, wait!
: Chance: What!
: Colin: Why are you being like this? What's wrong with you?
: Chance: What's wrong with me? I think you should ask that question to yourself, Heinrich.
: Colin: Wha-? What did I ever do to you? If I defeated you on that match, I'm sorry! I was planning to give it to you but I got mad so-
: Chance: That's the problem, you think you're better than me. And you keep trying to prove it.
: Colin: What the hell are you talking about? I've done nothing to do that sort of thing.
: Chance: The initiation? The lecture classes? Sucking up to me just to make me feel better? That sparring match! Do you know how mortifying it is to have some .... lowly commoner like you just showing me off?
: Colin: Psh, all I did was help. I'm a class rep, after all.
: Chance: That's the thing, why are you even class rep? I don't see anything you've done so far to earn that position. I've worked too hard to get here and be under the command from the likes of you. [he turns back] Dean Myrrdin had it wrong letting you in.
Chance walks away, leaving Colin distraught. Nico and Cadence catch up to him.
: Nico: What happened?
: Cadence: Where's Chance?
: Colin: He just went, called me a mistake or something... [he points to where Chance went and looks down]
: Cadence: What? Let me talk to him. [she scurries to where Colin is pointing]
: Nico: Look, he's just jealous.
: Colin: No, I think he's right.
The scene fades to black.
The 13th day of the Seventh Month, Wednesday (Dusk)
Sector XIII have just finished their classes for the day, they walk out of their classroom along with the other sectors.
: Jenara: That was a satisfactory first day. Though I'm quite excited for our Field class tomorrow, I hear we get to go outside school premises.
: Nico: If this is another simulation again...
Colin walks with the two of them, he eyes Chance, who is standing by himself.
: Colin: (I really can't shake off what Chance said to me... I mean it's kind of true, I'm sure he had to go through the entrance exams while all I did was get caught in the right place at the right time. Really makes me think I don't actually deserve this chance. Maybe I should ask Dean Myrrdin...) ... You guys go on ahead, I've got something I need to do.
::The player must go to Dean Myrrdin's office to progress the story.
Colin knocks on Dean Myrrdin's door.
: Dean Myrrdin: Yes, come in. Ah, Mr. Henrich, a pleasure to see you this evening.
: Colin: Good evening, Dean Myrrdin.
: Dean Myrrdin: So what brings you to my office, young man?
: Colin: Actually, there's something I've been meaning to ask you...
: Dean Myrrdin: What is it?
: Colin: Why did you admit me here? My application didn't got accepted so I never got to take the entrance exams and seeing my classmates... Well... I feel like I don't deserve to here.
: Dean Myrrdin: And why is that?
: Colin: I got into an argument with a classmate and he told me you made a mistake in making me a class rep and... letting me in...
: Dean Myrrdin: I see... Did you tell him about your admittance to this school?
: Colin: Huh! Well, actually... I've never said anything about that to my classmates.
: Dean Myrrdin: When are you going to?
: Colin: Now that you've mentioned it, I guess soon... -ish?
: Dean Myrrdin: Seems like that classmate of yours isn't ready to trust you, you're being dishonest with them and yourself... I appointed you as a class rep for your sector because I thought you showed potential to be an excellent leader, the type of leader who motivates his followers, delegating them rather than just strictly commanding them.
: Colin: Really?
: Dean Myrrdin: Besides the point, it's only been one day. I have yet to be proven wrong of my decisions, I trust that you would prove to me that the right one by the end of the term, correct?
: Colin: I-I'll do my best with that!
: Dean Myrrdin: That position the faculty and I gave you is a daunting task, but you need to cooperate with all of your classmates to make things easier. How about you start with that classmate you quarreled with; think about the situation and understand where he's coming from. Understood?
: Colin: Yes, sir! Thank you! [he takes his leave]
Meanwhile, in the Academia Main Building's rooftop. Chance is reading a textbook, looking distracted. He sighs in frustration, slamming his book close. His stomach grumbles in hunger as he rubs in effort to comfort his hunger.
: Chance: (Looks like it's time for dinner. Though, I'd rather not face all of them in the dorm's mess hall... Guess I'll be eating at one of the cafes then.)
::The player controls Chance, they must go to the Academia town and enter the street where the Epiphany cafe (one of the Academia's facilities) is located to make the story progress.
Chance walks in the town's sidewalks, he notices Professor Romanov sitting all by herself in a table outside the Epiphany cafe. She is reading a book while sipping on some tea.
: Chance: Good evening, professor Romanov.
: Prof. Romanov: Mr. Ansellmond, good evening. To what do I owe the pleasure? [she gestures Chance to sit] Come sit, I'm just about to finish my supper.
: Chance: ... Your lecture awhile ago was interesting.
: Prof. Romanov: Combat classes in the Academia always have sparring matches in the first day. Sucking up to me won't get you good grades in my class, Mr. Ansellmond.
: Chance: Oh no, I-I'm not here for that! Really! Now that I'm talking to you there's something I need to air out to the faculty...
: Prof. Romanov: And what is that? [she raises an eyebrow]
: Chance: I... Is it possible for me to transfer to another sector?
: Prof. Romanov: And what on the world of Vetheas made you think of that thought?
: Chance: To be frank, I don't think I can work with the students in my sector. I don't see the reason why the Dean appointed a commoner and a foreigner as the leaders of the class.
: Prof. Romanov: I see... Do you think you should be your sector's class rep?
: Chance: What? No! What I meant to say was I do not wish to work with common folk. Sector V is full of people with the same upbringing as me, I wish to be transferred there as maybe I can have a better output.
: Prof. Romanov: Well, Sector V is a special sector for the nobles sponsored by big businesses and politicians. Unfortunately, despite how well off your family is; they're not included in the sponsors. [she sips on her cup] Tell me honestly, Mr. Ansellmond, what's wrong with a commoner like Mr. Heinrich being a leader?
: Chance: Well, it's not about that. It's just that I worked hard to be in this school, I didn't ask for any help, I did this all by myself. Frankly, I deserve the same praise that Colin is getting.
: Prof. Romanov: Mr. Ansellmond, you shouldn't discredit your classmate's efforts in getting here. While I commend you for not resorting to nepotism in trying to get into the Academia. Noble or not, you're all scrawny rookies once you step foot into this institute. Looking at you right now, I see a young man who's used to receiving praise and approval from everybody around him.
: Chance: That's not true! [he pauses] ... Part of that is true, I guess...
: Prof. Romanov: Going back to your request, we cannot transfer you into another sector. It does not work that way. And you cannot pay us.
: Chance: (Damn it! I was about to bribe her too.)
: Prof. Romanov: The least you can do is to learn that the world does not revolve around you, you need to start understanding your classmates no matter where they come from. Praises from me and the other professors will not get you far into this path, Mr. Ansellmond. It's the grit and the willingness to help the people in need, the same people who are in your sector. We don't expect you to be the best student with the best grades, we expect you to be the best mercenary with the best heart. Understand?
: Chance: ... [nods]
: Prof. Romanov: [she looks at her pocket watch and at the sky] Well, look at the time, the sun's already gone. I must retreat to my living quarters. [she stands up] Do enjoy your evening, Mr. Ansellmond; and please remember what I just said.
Professor Romanov bids farewell and walks away. Chance is left there alone, contemplating.
The 14th day of the Seventh Month, Thursday (Morning)
Sectors V and XIII form an assembly in the school's parking lot. It's their first day of Field classes, which means that they were going to venture to another place outside the school. Standing in front of them was Professor Kovinski, their instructor, who was announcing the precautions and instructions.
: Prof. Kovinski: Now, if you ever get lost or outnumbered by Nethyres. Just tap your Academia identification card [he shows a card] thrice and I will be alerted of your location. Any questions?
: Jenara: [she raises her hand] What happens if we're attacked by Nethyres and we alerted you and you don't come right away?
: Prof. Kovinski: That's simple, Miss Wisteria... You die! [he heartily laughs]
The students have an opposite reaction to that of Professor Kovinski, looking at each other wearily.
: Nico: That's...
: Hana: ... Reassuring.
: Colin: (These professors are intense... And that's already an understatement...)
: Prof. Kovinski: Now, jokes aside. What kind of man would I be if I left you alone to fend for yourself? Of course I would be grouping you up into small teams in your sectors. You have to stick together if you want to survive!
: Chance: May we know the teams, Professor?
: Prof. Kovinski: That, my dear boy, would be a surprise for later! Now, the bus is waiting and more importantly, the Nethyres are waiting for you!
The students and professor enter the bus. As Colin enters, he notices empty seats beside his classmates.
: Colin: (It should be a long ride if we're going out of the city, guess I should find company on the way there.) [he glances at Chance, who was looking at him but instantly glaring away as soon as they make eye contact] (Though, I wouldn't want to sit with Chance at the moment...)
::The player has the choice to have Colin sit beside his eight classmates (except Chance) in Sector XIII, relationship points will be added between Colin and that classmate. Each character has unique conversations and dialogue choices to offer.
The bus carrying Sectors XIII and V travel to the outskirts of Maquines Capitol City, it passes through the city's border and into the countryside. There canyons and dense forests can be seen as the bus travels along the road. It stops at a ruined building in the middle of a canyon. The students and Professor Kovinski exit out of the vehicle.
: Prof. Kovinski: Now class, this will be your first Field class as you may know. And this very place would serve as our area of study. Now, a little background of these ruins: this was a former mausoleum built for the fallen soldiers during the Great War. But due to families complaining of having to travel from long distances and facing Nethyres on the way here, the soldiers' remains were transferred to the city mausoleum. Leaving this place empty for decades...
: Jenara: Interesting... Though, that would mean animals or Nethyres would take territory unto this place.
: Colin: I'd have to say the latter.
: Jenara: Well, duh! That's why we're here in the first place.
: Colin: (Wow, she really doesn't want to be wrong!)
: Prof. Kavinski: Although, there are still unclaimed remains in the mausoleum; and these quite often turn into Nethyres if left unblessed for awhile...
: Cadence: What?
: Hana: [nods] It's true... Back in the chapel, families used to bring the remains of their relatives to be blessed once a year. Remains that weren't blessed turned into Nethyres that especially target their loved ones. And here's thinking that they were mindless creatures...
: Prof. Kavinski: Apart from these corpse-type Nethyres, there are also wild Nethyres situating on these ruins. Your assignment for this class is to retrieve fifteen of these items that the Nethyres here would particularly drop once they turn to dust. Return to the bus after you've retrieved them and we will wait for the others to come back.
: Barrow: So that means we have to wait for everyone to return until we go back to the Academia.
: Prof. Kavinsky: Correct! Though, you will all be excused for your next classes but I encourage you to finish before our class ends.
: Nico: Sweet! No class.
: Jenara: WHAT!? I can't be late for the Artis lecture this afternoon!
: Prof. Kavinsky: And now for the teams... I teamed you up with your own sector to make you feel comfortable.
: Sector V Student: That's fine, professor. We wouldn't want to be teamed up with a bunch of poor people anyway.
: Chance: And we wouldn't want a bunch of incompetent rich kids bringing us down anyway.
The students of Sector V are taken aback by Chance's comments.
: Prof. Kovinski: Ahem...
Professor Kovinski proceeds to announce the groups for Sector V, and then Sector XIII.
: Prof. Kovinski: Sector XIII: first group would be Cadence Vivaldi, Barrow Lykkos, and Nicolette van Reinherd.
: Barrow: Hey, look at that! We're in the same team.
: Nico: Yay! I mean! Cool... [he laughs awkwardly]
: Cadence: I won't let you guys down!
: Prof. Kovinski: Second group: Jiayi Huang, Lucina Osuna, Jenara Neve de Wisteria, and Theodore Hawthorne. My my, what a powerhouse!
: Jenara: [she turns to them] Alright, I want this to be quick because we CANNOT miss our next class!
: Lu: You do know the period after this is the one hour lunch break, right?
: Jia: I-I agree with Jenara, I have to do some readings at the library when we get back...
: Theo: Me too, I need to upload the Nethyre data I'm gonna get here.
: Jenara: See, Lu? We all have other things to do after this?
: Lu: [she groans] Alright, fine. I guess I wouldn't like to be stuck in this place all day.
: Colin: (Wait, that counts for seven so the last group would be-)
: Prof. Kovinski: Third group: Hana... There's no last name...
: Hana: [flustered] Just Hana!
: Prof. Kavinski: Oh, okay then.... Colin Heinrich, and Chance Ansellmond!
: Hana: [sighs] I guess we better give it our best, then...
: Colin: ... [he faces Chance awkwardly]
: Chance: [sighs in frustration] As if this day couldn't get any worse. Come on, let's just get this over with.
The three enter the ruins along with the other students. Colin is scanning the map on his phone.
: Colin: These ruins seem to be bigger than I thought, there's even three levels underground! I think we should scout the area first and slay any Nethyres that come our way. What do you guys say?
: Hana: I think I'm okay with that.
Chance is silent, glaring at a blank space.
: Hana: Chance?
: Chance: [he turns his sight at Colin] I think we should just target the ones that have the items that we're looking for. It would be a waste of time to go and fight everything in sight.
: Colin: But then how do we know the Nethyres who'd drop the necklaces? We slay them all and see which type does.
: Chance: [gritting his teeth] Fine then, if you want to waste our time then by all means. You are the self-proclaimed leader of this group the moment you blabbered that mouth of yours. [he goes forward, away from the two]
: Hana: [she faces Colin] At least try to get along or just not go into an argument with him. [she follows Chance]
: Colin: I was just trying to help... [he follows them]
:: The player now has Colin, Chance, and Hana in their party. They must find fifteen Dusk necklaces from Fantomb Nethyres, that have the chance of dropping the items when defeating them. Some treasure chests in this area also yield the items. The player must find them to progress with the story.
After finding the last Dusk Necklace. Hana catches it once it drops and shows it to the two.
: Hana: ... I think this is the last one. [she puts the item in a pouch with the other necklaces]
: Colin: [pants] Phew, glad that's over. Come on, let's get out of here. This place is giving me the creeps!
: Chance: I think we should find one more just in case.
: Colin: [cocks an eyebrow questioningly] Just in case of what?
: Chance: We've traveled quite far from the entrance and considering the amount of Nethyres popping up, we can accumulate more necklaces in case we lose one of them.
: Colin: Huh? We've already got the required amount of these things. Stop being so paranoid!
: Chance: [sighs in frustration] I'm not being paranoid, I'm simply suggesting a plan for the worst case scenario.
: Colin: Well, what you're suggesting is unnecessary!
: Chance: So what we're just going to blindly follow you? An inexperienced, rugged, little-
Hana is just watching them argue from afar when suddenly something knocks her down as she yelps in surprise. Colin and Chance face toward her, tied up in a body cuff contraption. They look around and see Alec and Rowan, the Sector V Students, behind Hana. Rowan takes the pouch away from her.
: Alec: [he bounces the same contraption that is trapping Hana on his palm] The Sundeisz Corp.'s restraining cuff. Designed to trap the target and immobilize them until it's turned off. Works like a charm, I'd say. [he throws the trap unto Colin]
Colin manages to shoot it in mid-air, destroying it.
: Colin: Not much invested on the safety parts of it, I see.
: Chance: What the hell, Alec? You can't just steal them from us.
: Colin: Aren't you supposed to find them on your own?
: Rowan: Uh yeah, you see we tried that for a couple of minutes but we thought it was a better solution to just steal it from your sector and call it a day.
: Hana: Y-you can't do that!
: Alec: Of course we can. Kovinski didn't say we couldn't steal. And is he here to see it? Nope.
Chance taps on his Academia card thrice but the Sector V students share a giggle.
: Rowan: Tch good luck bringing Kovinski here and waiting for him. That fat pig's going to need to lose some weight if he wants to find you fast!
: Chance: [he draws his cards, ready for battle] You're not getting away with this. Heinrich, as much as I hate saying this, but I need you to fight them with me.
: Colin: Hana's literally in chains, Chance! We can't just let her be.
: Chance: If they get away, the necklaces would be gone!
: Colin: We can get them again, we still have time. The best thing to do now is to-
: Chance: The best thing to do now is to get that damn hard-earned pouch back! [he charges at Alec and Rowan]
::This triggers a boss battle with Alec and Rowan. The player can only control Chance on this battle with Colin only standing in one place that is near Hana, he will only attack if the enemies are close to him. The battle ends when both enemies' HP's are halved.
Chance staggers back from the attacks. He glares at Colin with an angry eye.
: Chance: What the hell are you doing just standing there?
: Colin: [he aims his gun at Alec and Rowan] I'm trying to guard Hana here.
: Chance: Great. Meanwhile, I'm dealing with two dolts trying to kill me while the dolt I'm talking to now is doing nothing to help!
A large beam suddenly hits Chance, sending him crashing into a wall, hidden by the fallen debris. Colin looks to see Rowan holding a laser launcher.
: Alec: Nice shot! Where did you get that from?
: Rowan: Eh, mother bought it for me. She said it would come in handy.
: Colin: [groans] You want me to fight fine!
::A second boss battle is triggered with Colin being the only one in the party. Alec and Rowan will have different weapons that could one shot Colin, but they will turn sluggish and have off aim. The player must defeat them to progress.
Alec and Rowan stagger back from Colin's attacks, panting for air.
: Rowan: For a lowly commoner, he seems pretty strong...
: Alec: Tch, not as strong as this! [he pulls out a small shuriken, which transforms into a larger projectile]
: Rowan: Whoa, don't tell me that's-
: Alec: Yep, the Windtalker 300. Parts imported from Nagata. With state of the art technology that could follow the target anywhere. Hasn't been released yet, either!
: Colin: [This is bad, I'm running out of mana and bullets. And from the looks of that weapon, I'm gonna be toast!]
Alec swiftly throws the projectile at Colin, who braces for the impact, closing his eyes. Suddenly, the shuriken is hit by a magical projectile and it swerves back to Rowan and Alec in a swift speed, exploding upon impact.
: Colin: [he opens his eyes to see that he's safe] What?
: Chance: [pants and shows his deck of cards] Now we're even.
Professor Kovinski arrives to the scene, huffing.
: Prof. Kovinski: Someone notified me and [he sees the state the students and the area are in] Oh dear...
The 14th day of the Seventh Month, Thursday (Afternoon)
Colin's team, Alec, Rowan, and Professor Kovinski are at Dean Myrrdin's office; discussing about the events that conspired during Field class.
: Dean Myrrdin: [sighs] So you used multiple prototype weapons that are now deemed illegal due to their destructive capabilities... And here I thought your parents would just buy you a fancy sword or too...
: Alec: W-we didn't know they were now illegal!
: Rowan: My parents bought them for me, I swear!
: Dean Myrrdin: They were since about three years ago, judging from your backgrounds, your parents would fully know that they are dangerous since both of your families run weapons developing companies. In fact, they were quite shocked to know that you were in possession of such dangerous paraphernalia... So I wonder why and how you got your hands on those weapons.
Alec and Rowan are silent.
: Dean Myrrdin: No matter, I've spoke with your families and we've agreed to pull you from this school.
: Alec: What!?
: Rowan: Dean Myrrdin, you can't do this! My family paid good money to keep this school running.
: Dean Myrrdin: Yes, they've invested on us to teach young individuals to become selfless defenders of this continent. Which you are not, if I am to be frank. Now may I request you to exit my office, your bags have already been packed. Good luck, gentlemen.
Alec and Rowan leave the room, mumbling angrily.
: Prof. Kovinski: Dean Myrrdin, I am deeply sorry for having to put the students into such dangerous situations. If I had known I would have taught those boys a lesson about-
: Dean Myrrdin: There's no need for that, Arthur. All three of them are safe thanks to you.
: Hana: Thank you for breaking me off those chains, Professor. [she bows] May the Goddesses watch over you fondly.
: Colin: Still, we would've been toast without Chance taking the initiative.
: Chance: What?
: Dean Myrrdin: Indeed. [he nods] Mr. Ansellmond, you've more than exceeded expectations today. I made the right decision of putting you all in the same sector.
: Chance: T-thank you, Dean Myrrdin!
: Dean Myrrdin: Now, I hope you all don't mind. But we still have classes and meetings to attend to.
The students say their farewells and exit the room.
: Hana: I need to go, Jenara would most likely go ballistic if I don't make it in time for the Artis lecture. I think you both should too.
: Chance: Thanks, but I think I'm going to unwind and shake what happened in the ruins off of my system. Do you want to accompany me to the cafeteria, Heinrich?
: Colin: W-what? Me?
: Chance: I'm presuming I'm not talking to a ghost.
: Hana: Well, I'll leave you two to it.
Hana walks away from the two, leaving them alone. An awkward silence fills the air.
: Colin: Do you... need something?
: Chance: As a matter of fact, we need to have a conversation that's a bit over due...
: Colin: (Gah, wonder what kind of pompous insult he's gonna come at me with this time...)
The scene cuts to the cafeteria, Colin is sitting alone, waiting for Chance to come back with drinks.
: Colin: (Argh the anxiety is eating me alive at this point!)
Chance comes back with two mugs, he hands one to Colin. Who is a bit flabbergasted by the drink he received.
: Colin: Three sugars with milk? How do you know this is how I take my coffee?
: Chance: I just so happened to hear you and Barrow's clamorous voices yesterday... [he sips on his mug] I'm not one to judge one's coffee choices but with that type of order, you're better off just drinking hot chocolate. [he sets his mug down the table]
: Colin: [he peers over Chance's drink and raises an eyebrow] Isn't that what you're drinking now?
: Chance: ...! That's besides the point.
: Colin: [he downs the mug in one gulp and exhales] Alright, can we cut the small talk? Why do you wanna talk to me?
: Chance: [he folds his arms] I've been doing a bit of reflecting about my actions towards you the past few days. I hate to admit it, but I'm the type of person who lets first impressions get the better of me...
: Colin: Hey, no sweat. I've been doing some thinking of my own too.
: Chance: I've realized it's only been three days since I started here. Three days since we've been acquainted.
: Colin: Eh, 'acquainted' really isn't the right term for it but okay.
: Chance: [blinks blankly] ... Anyway, I've realized and I admit that you are as formidable as you say you are. I may not like your annoying goody-two-shoes antics, your impulsive tactics on the field, and to be frank, the way you exaggeratedly put yourself at risk to save a life is infuriating at times...
Colin grimaces for a second.
: Chance: And for that, I'd like to apologize for my actions. For calling you undeserving of the merits you've gotten so far. You're someone who deserves to be in this academy, no doubt about that.
: Colin: Gee, thanks Chance... But... [he grips his hands, anxious] maybe the 'deserving to be in this academy part' seems a bit exaggerated.
: Chance: What do you mean?
: Colin: ... I never took the entrance exams, my application letter was denied. I'm only here because I was lucky enough to be in the right place and in the right time with Dean Myrrdin after doing some heroic act which I'm sure you'll hate when you hear about it...
Chance's eyes go wide.
: Colin: ... I understand if you're mad at me for that. You really can hate me all you want because of that, but I'm still going to stay here. An opportunity like this is too hard to pass by.
: Chance: ... I'm not.
: Colin: Wait, what?
: Chance: The actions you've shown in the Field class and the events before that prove to me that you belong here. Regardless of the way you were admitted here. I don't see a problem with that when half of Sector V paid their way to get enrolled here...
: Colin: Haha, well that was easy! You're actually the first one I've told about this. So thanks for understanding! [he sheepishly laughs]
: Chance: [nods] However, it's been three days. We still have a lot to learn and to prove. Don't think I'm going to be completely friendly to you from here on out, we may be comrades but I am not going to lose to you in terms of strength.
: Colin: [he smirks] I wouldn't count on that! May the best man win!
The two share a light laugh. The screen fades black, ending the chapter.
====Chapter 3: Immersion====
The 5th Day of the Eighth Month, Friday (Afternoon)
: Colin: [narrating] It's been about three weeks since I've started at the Academia, and we're all in the second month of the term. I wouldn't lie though, the past few weeks have been grueling for me and my classmates of Sector XIII. We've faced various challenges that have tested us in all aspects, and I admit it's only going to get harder and harder as Miss Yvette has told us. And what comes next would probably be the ultimate hit on the nail's head...
Miss Yvette is meeting with Sector XIII in their classroom after the day's worth of classes. She is seated at her desk, going through paperwork; while the students are busy chatting.
: Nico: [groans] If I ever have to take another math test next week, I think my brain is gonna melt from that point on.
: Cadence: Nico's right. And that long test on Nethyre biology is coming up... [squees] And I haven't memorized anything yet!
: Jenara: Did you not read the notes I just sent you on that?
: Theo: Um judging from the way you do your notes, Jenara. No one wants to read notes that look like a part of the textbook [he snickers and shows Jenara a picture of her notes on his phone, walls of handwritten text highlighted in different colors]
: Jenara: Ugh! I have you know that I highlight the important details accordingly. [she folds her arms] Seriously, why did you all ask for them in the first place if you weren't going to read them!
: Chance: [he joins in, but his gaze is fixated on a textbook] I read them.
Jenara's eyes light up in delight.
: Jenara: Really?
: Chance: Only the parts where you even wrote about Professor Kovinski's trip to Lacuna.
The class shares a laugh. Miss Yvette taps the pile of papers on her desk, creating a loud sound that silences the class.
: Miss Yvette: Oh! Sorry for disturbing you in your conversation, class. [she giggles sheepishly]
: Jenara: ...! We apologize for being boisterous, Miss Yvette.
: Miss Yvette: No need to apologize! [she laughs] But I do need your attention on this because what I'm about to announce is important.
: Colin: What is it?
: Miss Yvette: [clears throat] I'm sure you're all aware about a certain subject in the curriculum that will be introduced this month since last month was an adjustment period for all of us. But anyways, this subject will start next week...
: Jia: Is she talking about?
: Barrow: I think I know what that is...
: Miss Yvette: Starting next week, you will all go on your first Immersion assignments! [she claps in excitement]
: Colin: What's that?
: Jenara: Uh, it's a subject where we go to the various towns and cities in Ordeos and help with the townspeople's mercenary requests? Did you not read the paper they gave you during- Oh wait, you're a special snowflake, sorry about it!
: Colin: ...! Can you quit calling me that!? (Gah, ever since I've told everyone about how I got here, she keeps on teasing me about it.)
: Miss Yvette: As I was saying, you will all be deployed to an area in Ordeos. It could be a small town or a city, and sometimes you would just stay here in the Capitol City. Typically, we hold off classes for one week to give time for all the students to return to the Academia. And if you finish your assignment quickly, you have the rest of the week off.
: Nico: [gasps in excitement] Does that mean...
: Lu: Woohoo! No class! [she pumps her fist]
: Jenara: [sarcastically] Yay...
: Miss Yvette: Now, usually we'd have the entire sector as one group. BUT! Because of the growing demands for mercenaries in various places in the country lately, we have to divide you guys into small groups to meet the demands. This is probably due to the growing appearances of stronger Nethyres lately...
: Colin: Yeah, I heard about that. What's up with that, Miss Yvette?
: Miss Yvette: Currently, we don't know the underlying cause about that. The least we could do is to alleviate the situation by exterminating them of course. [she picks up a paper from the pile] But anyway, I have here the teams. I split you all up into three groups, by the way.
She scans the paper before announcing it.
: Miss Yvette: Group A would be Colin, Barrow, Jenara, and Lu. You will be assigned to the town of Krasmere in the Stilas province.
Colin and Barrow bump fists in delight.
: Barrow: Jackpot, the Stilas province!
: Colin: I heard a lot of good things about the Sauvall Canyons there!
: Lu: Stilas is the only province that's been preserving Ordeos' traditional culture, and I'm quite tired of the city myself. What's say you, Jenara?
: Jenara: How far is it? Do we get to travel through airfare?
: Miss Yvette: No, the town is only accessible through train. Better luck next time, Jenara! [she looks at her paper again] Moving on, Group B: Chance, Theo, and Jia; you'll be going to the city of Portano in the province of Portano!
: Colin: (Hm, I wonder how my family's doing back at home. I should tell Group B to give them my regards if they ever come across with them...)
: Miss Yvette: That leaves Nico, Cadence, and Hana as Group C; you'll be assigned in the town of Alpthein, it's just outside the capitol city, but very far from the Academia so you'll have to stay there.
: Cadence: Sweet! I get to go home. I can't wait to sleep back in my bedroom.
: Miss Yvette: Oh and we've already arranged your living arrangements with the local inns and hotels. So no, Cadence, you need to stay with your teammates.
Cadence frowns.
: Miss Yvette: Now, we haven't received all of the prior assignments yet so we'll probably post them tomorrow. The least you could do for now is to meet with your group, stock up on healing supplies, and of course, train! The training rooms are open all weekend. Now that that's settled. Class dismissed!
The scene fades to black and cuts to Colin and Barrow's room. Barrow is reading a book while Colin is playing a video game on his phone.
: Colin: I wonder what we're gonna do in Krasmere... I bet we're going to fight a giant Nethyre causing trouble with the townspeople.
: Barrow: I don't know about that, I spoke with some of the second-years in the Basketball club and they just said the typical things to do during Immersion assignments were to assist the locals with things like helping with construction, delivering items, and of course, slaying Nethyres. I don't think there's going to be anything epic...
: Colin: [he lies down on his bed] Yeah, but a guy can dream, you know? Plus, with the sudden onslaught of new powerful Nethyres appearing, we gotta fight some of them someday, right?
: Barrow: We'll just see about that tomorrow. [he closes his book and transfers to his bed] Good night.
: Colin: 'Night!
The scene fades and fades back to morning.
The 6th Day of the Eighth Month, Saturday (Morning)
Colin wakes up to the sound of his phone beeping. He checks to see a text from Miss Yvette, announcing that the Immersion assignments were now posted in the sector dormitory boards. He gets up and wakes up Barrow, they both come outside to see their other classmates waiting for the announcement board to update.
: Theo: [groans] I can't believe this is the top mercenary school in Ordeos and they're taking too long to update their announcement boards!
: Jia: M-maybe they were busy with the other sectors...
: Colin: [he taps someone's shoulder, he is shocked to see it's Jenara, her hair messy and unkept, her undereyes dark and drooping] Uh...
: Jenara: I've been up since three... [she yawns]
The board pings and the assignments are now uploaded. The sector huddles around to see their assignments.
: Nico: Hey, not bad! These tasks seem pretty simple.
: Chance: Why... do they need to have us milk a goat?
: Jenara: Move! [she shoves them out of her way and reads Group A's assignment] Group A: The governor of Stilas province requests mercenaries to assist the Stilas provincial army in... WHAT!?
: Colin: Huh? Wait, let me see... [he reads]
::The Governor Bernard Lapiz, the current governor of Stilas, requests one group of mercenaries to assist the Stilas provincial army in executing inmate Yakob Lezaroux, convicted of three counts of murder.
: Colin: Wait, what!?
Barrow and Lu proceed to read it too, their faces also in shock.
: Lu: This is some next-level crap they're throwing us in.
: Barrow: [he looks over to scan the other group's assignments] How come you guys don't have the same intensity of assignments as we do? All I see are deliveries and simple Nethyre slaying requests.
: Jenara: We need to talk it up with Miss Yvette, this has got to be a mistake.
: Colin: Right. [his stomach grumbles] Actually, can we have breakfast first?
Jenara sighs and Colin leads the way to the dormitory rest hall. The scene fades to black and fades back to the Academia faculty room, Miss Yvette and Prof. Kovinski are chatting while working on paperwork.
: Miss Yvette: [sighs] I'm never going to get used to working on Saturdays... [she is writing on forms and checking testpapers]
: Prof. Kovinski: Trust me, young Yvette. You'll get used to it!
A loud series of knocks is heard from the door, both teachers quickly turn to face the door. Jenara barges in along with her teammates in Group A.
: Prof. Kovinski: Ah the lovely students of Sector XIII! What brings you here today?
: Jenara: We'd like to talk to Miss Yvette!
: Miss Yvette: Oh boy, I knew this would happen...
: Barrow: Miss Yvette, we'd like to ask about our Immersion assignments.
: Colin: There's gotta be a mistake you made with it!
: Lu: Yeah and why are we suddenly going to escort a murderer to get well... murdered!
Dean Myrrdin enters the faculty room from a door on the side.
: Dean Myrrdin: Hm nothing like the mention of murder to start the morning.
: Jenara: Dean Myrrdin!? H-how?
: Dean Myrrdin: [he sips on his coffee mug] You should know that my office is directly connected to the faculty... Now what's this about wrong assignments? I'm sure I was accurate with assigning all of them to each group.
: Barrow, Colin, Jenara, and Lu: Wait, what!?
: Miss Yvette: It's true, Dean Myrrdin handpicked all of the first year's first Immersion assignments himself.
: Dean Myrrdin: And the escorting of Yakob Lezaroux was one of the requests sent in to us.
: Colin: But why would you entrust a task as heavy as that to a bunch of first years? Don't you think the higher years or better yet, licensed mercenaries are a better fit for a job like this?
: Dean Myrrdin: No, I think you are perfectly fit for a job like that. It's better to be exposed to assignments of such heavy weight during your first year of training. Start them young, as they say.
: Miss Yvette: Plus, that task isn't the only thing you need to do, have you read the other tasks given to you?
Jenara is about to say something but stops, admitting that she didn't read anything else besides the assignment in question.
: Prof. Kovinski: To ease your worries, you are only going to provide extra security for the provincial army. And of course, a professional mercenary will be there to instruct you and grade your performance!
: Barrow: So you're coming with us then, Miss Yvette?
: Miss Yvette: Me? O-oh, no! I was assigned to accompany Group C.
The students face Professor Kovinski.
: Prof. Kovinski: I will be overseeing the immersion classes situated here in the Capitol City.
: Jenara: So who is it then?
: Miss Yvette: It's confidential, sorry guys. But you'll know by tomorrow when you depart for Krasmere!
: Colin: Wait, tomorrow!?
: Dean Myrrdin: The province of Stilas is rather far from Maquines, so leaving on Sunday would give you enough time to unpack and adjust for the tasks on the days after that.
: Miss Yvette: I suggest you guys start packing for the assignment and squeeze in some time for training.
The four students are silent.
: Dean Myrrdin: I know this task is daunting, I assure you that you will reap plenty benefits from this task. Now, have we come to an agreement?
: Lu: It's not like we have a choice...
Jenara stomps on Lu's foot.
: Lu: O-ow! Hey, what gives!?
: Colin: We understand completely. Come on, guys! Let's start prepping for tomorrow.
The four exit the faculty room. Miss Yvette's face turns weary.
: Miss Yvette: Are you sure they're up for this? [she asks Dean Myrrdin] I know how traumatizing these missions can be...
: Dean Myrrdin: Do not worry a thing about it, Miss Grenvild. I'm certain that the mercenary we recruited is more than fit to guide your students.
::The player can go and freely do anything in the academy. They can bond and increase their relationship with their classmates, train and level up in the training room or the explorable areas outside the Academia, or prepare for the next part of the story. The day ends when the player returns to the dormitory, progressing the story.
The 7th Day of the Eighth Month, Sunday (Morning)
Colin descends from his dorm to the dormitory hallway, he sees Jenara and Lu conversing.
: Colin: Oh hey, good morning!
: Lu: [she yawns] Good morning... Can you believe Jenara just barged into my room at four in the morning?
: Colin: Hehe, yep! Seems like a classic Jenara move to me.
: Jenara: Well, our train leaves by seven! We can't be late. You can really just sleep on the train ride there, you know.
: Lu: [she looks at her watch] It's a quarter to six. Seems like I've still got some minutes to spare. [she plops down on the lounge sofa]
: Colin: I think we're better off spending the time we have left to buy some last minute supplies. [he helps Lu up from her lying position] Plus, we need to meet with Miss Yvette and our instructor for the assignment in the school's quad.
: Jenara: Well, we need to go! [she looks around] Wait, where's Barrow!?
: Colin: Oh yeah, he went on ahead. Said he needed to jog for a bit, I guess he'll see us at the quad?
: Lu: [she stands up and stretches] Okay, since you guys disturbed my plans to take a nap on this soft comfortable couch... [she caresses the sofa] We should at least depart now.
: Jenara: Right! We should also stop by the campus town shops like Colin suggested, I hear they open early on Sundays.
The three exit the dormitory building. The player can stroll around the campus and buy some supplies and AEGIS programs. Going to the quadrangle will progress the story.
Miss Yvette and an Anthrope mercenary are waiting for the students at one of the quadrangle's benches. Miss Yvette is reading something on her phone but is immediately disturbed by the scent of cigarette smoke coming from the mercenary.
: Miss Yvette: You know you're not supposed to smoke in here. It's a school zone.
: Mercenary: [he puffs on the cigarette stick] Well, I don't see Myrrdin or any guard bots nearby so I guess it's okay... Geez, these kids are taking way too long. The train won't wait for them you know.
: Miss Yvette: We've only been waiting for ten minutes, Valentine. I'm sure they were doing some last minute preparations. You did read the tasks assigned to them, right?
: Mercenary: [he finishes the cigarette and stomps it on the ground] Back in my day, we were put on assignments like these on the first week. I don't see why a bunch of kids are afraid of a little guillotine.
: Miss Yvette: [she sighs] Just promise me you're going to keep an eye on them. It's their first immersion assignment. I don't what would become of me if I learn they ever...
: Mercenary: Relax! Myrrdin chose me to handle them and he's mostly right with his decisions.
Colin, Jenara, and Lu can be seen from Miss Yvette's sight.
: Colin: Miss Yvette, good morning! [he waves from afar as they come closer] Sorry to keep you waiting. [he stops at the sight of the mercenary]
: Miss Yvette: No worries! [she smiles and looks at the three] Where's Barrow?
As if on cue, Barrow comes jogging to them, panting for air.
: Barrow: Ha... So what did I miss?
: Miss Yvette: Great, now that we're all here. I'd like to introduce you all to your instructor for this assignment, Mister-
: Colin: Valentine Lauvlin.
: Miss Yvette: Oh! I didn't know you were acquainted.
: Colin: What? He's a legend! I mean, I can't believe I'm standing in front of the same mercenary that slayed a hundred Bazilisk Nethyres all by himself!
: Valentine: ... I didn't know I was still famous with the kids these days.
: Colin: Well, partly because you and my dad graduated from the Academia the same year.
: Valentine: [he takes a closer look] Oh you're Wesley's son! The hair looked familiar.
: Colin: My dad used to tell me all about how you aced the promotion exams and graduated with-
: Valentine: [his tones turns stern] Alright, that's enough. We're not going anywhere if you continue babbling. Now come on, the taxi for the station is waiting for us. [he starts walking]
: Jenara: [she snickers] Wow, I'm surprised your special snowflake powers didn't work on him.
: Colin: [he scoffs] Shut up!
: Miss Yvette: Well, I'll be off then. Take care, you guys!
: Barrow, Colin, Jenara, and Lu: Bye, Miss Yvette!
: Miss Yvette: [as she's walking away] Don't cause any trouble! I'm talking to you, Lu!
: Lu: Why does she feel the need to say that?
The four follow Valentine and the scene cuts to the group boarding on the train. Valentine sits on a separate booth while the students gather in one. Jenara peeks over Valentine in the booth he's staying in and sees that he's dozing off.
: Jenara: [she turns to them] Okay, did anyone smell the stench of cigarettes from him?
: Barrow: I think I saw a flask on his belt...
: Jenara: [she looks at Colin] Is this really the great and powerful mercenary you tried sucking up to? Because if so, you need to check on your standards.
: Colin: Well I'm sorry for trying to be nice to him? I never imagined him to be like that. My dad said he's been retired for five years, laying low. So it was quite a surprise to see him in the flesh.
: Barrow: Huh, good for him for taking another shot at the mercenary business.
: Jenara: Hearing about that makes me wonder why the Dean and the faculty would put someone like him in charge of us. I mean come on, he just came out of retirement and now he's administering a group of first years on the way to help kill a man convicted of murder.
: Colin: Maybe he's the only right mercenary fit for a job like this.
: Lu: [she wakes up from her nap and yawns] I heard Jenara yammering and it disturbed my slumber.
: Jenara: Ugh, Lu!
The three students laugh at Jenara, cutting to the train's exterior and fading to the scene of its arrival. The group vacate the train.
: Lu: [stretches] Ah, that was a great nap!
Suddenly, a man with a fox tail approaches Valentine and the students.
: Anthrope Man: Excuse me, are you from the Academia institute?
: Valentine: Yes. You must be mercenary who'll be guiding us around town.
: Eziel: Why, yes! I'm Eziel, member of the Stilas Mercenary Association. Welcome to Krasmere! I'll accompany you to the place you will be staying.
The group exit the train station and are instantly met with a crowd of locals holding picket fences and protesting in the town plaza.
: Villager: Justice for Yakob!
: Anthrope Woman: Anthropes are not criminals!
: Villager 2: [on a megaphone] We the people of Krasmere, stand with Yakob Lezaroux and demand for his freedom! He is innocent and was simply framed for a crime he does not have the gall to commit!
: Colin: What's happening?
: Eziel: Oh, ever since Mr. Yakob's arrest, some of the locals have been protesting for his freedom.
: Jenara: I thought he was guilty.
: Eziel: You see, the manner of Yakob's arrest was rather... unpleasant. He was arrested in his own house and had no trial to prove his innocence.
: Colin: What!? That's crazy. You can't just do that to someone.
: Eziel: Well, the evidence that were found during the Provincial Army's investigation simply connected to Yakob. The murder weapons were even found in his house.
Provincial Army officers arrive to calm the scene.
: Prov. Army Chief: [on a megaphone] Alright, that's enough. The governor has ordered you to stop this instant.
: Anthrope Villager: Well, according to the law your governor agreed to: we're allowed to demand what is right for us and right now, it's justice!
Group A and Eziel are just watching the protest from afar.
: Jenara: If those were the turn of events that led to his arrest, then why are they still protesting?
: Eziel: Good question, young lady. As you can see, this is more than just an unfair arrest. Ever since the current governor took seat, the hillside town of Krasmere has been divided. The people living on the higher levels of the town are nobles, all humans. The people living in these parts? Humans AND anthropes.
: Lu: So you're implying that...
: Valentine: Humans in this town are above anthropes.
: Eziel: Yep. And judging from the way the officials have been treating the case of Yakob Lezaroux, an Anthrope. People believe it's connected to the class divide of this town...
They watch as the army officers silence the protesters by spraying water at them and even going as far as arresting them. Lu gasps at the sight, noticing that they were only arresting Anthropes.
: Colin: Look what they're doing to the Anthropes! Can't we do something about this!?
: Valentine: ...
: Eziel: Don't worry, they'll only be detained for the day. They'll get released by afternoon!
The protest dissipates and the plaza goes calm, civilians flocking around as if nothing ever happened.
: Barrow: Wow, that was fast.
: Eziel: Well, this happens everyday and the townspeople are starting to get used to it.
: Colin: So they just ignore the fact that people were getting arrested on the spot?
: Jenara: Without a warrant?
: Lu: Wow, you guys should really go check yourselves...
: Eziel: Now now, let's not dwell on those! Come, let me lead you to your living quarters.
Eziel guides the group to the higher levels of the town. Lu begins to notice that the locals around them were staring at the group, particularly at her and Valentine.
: Lu: Wow, you really weren't kidding about the human part... So no Anthropes are living in the higher quarters?
: Eziel: Oh that was just an exaggeration, of course there are Anthropes living here. I mean, I live here.
: Lu: Yeah, but all I see around here are humans.
They stop at the town inn.
: Eziel: Well, here is where you'll be staying. The governor rented out three rooms for you. I suppose you can take it from here, Mr. Lauvlin?
: Valentine: Great. Thanks for showing us around.
: Eziel: [he bows] I'll be taking my leave now, I have mercenary duties to attend to. [he excuses himself and walks away from the group]
: Jenara: [she whispers to Colin] Is it just me or did you also found something off about him?
: Colin: Yeah, it's like he wasn't bothered when his fellow Anthropes were arrested.
: Valentine: Hey, you two! Stop canoodling, this isn't a honeymoon. Let's go.
: Colin: U-uh [he struggles to say something] we weren't-
: Jenara: [she gets flustered] Ugh! Bold of you to assume I'd even accept this heathen!
They enter the inn and are met with a grand lobby and a dining area where guests were eating lunch and conversing with another.
: Barrow: This place doesn't look too bad.
: Lu: When he said 'inn', I thought it was some shabby building with creaky beds but this almost passes as a hotel or something!
: Valentine: I suppose you should rest for a bit while I handle our rooms.
: Valentine: [he approaches the counter and he displays his mercenary card] We were sent here from the Academia in the Capitol, the Governor rented us some of your rooms I believe?
: Innkeeper: I-I'm sorry, I believe you have the wrong establishment, sir.
: Valentine: What do you mean? We were booked by the Governor.
: Innkeeper: Yes, but I wouldn't want to be in his bad graces if I let your group in. Terribly sorry.
: Valentine: [he tenses up and grips the edges of the counter] Listen, buddy. Do I need to repeat myself?
: Innkeeper: Sir, I suggest you calm down and read the sign if you haven't read it yet. [he points to the sign above the counter.]
::NO ANTHROPES
Valentine is flabbergasted and turns furious, he swiftly turns around and walks back to the students.
: Jenara: What's wrong, Mr. Lauvlin?
: Valentine: We're finding another place to stay, this place is garbage...
The students all wonder for a moment, Lu looks to see the sign and she sighs in disappointment. She eyes a set of silverware on a vacant table and mischievously snatches them, hiding them in her blazer pocket.
The scene cuts to the group in the lower quarters, walking in the streets as they look for another inn to stay.
: Colin: Wait, that's a load of bull! Why would the governor set us up at an inn that didn't allow Anthropes to stay in their rooms?
: Valentine: Simple, he didn't know that there were going to be Anthropes in the group of mercenaries coming in to one of his towns.
: Jenara: Ugh, I can't believe this predicament is setting us back on our time here.
: Lu: Jenara, do you care more about your grade on this or do you care about us getting ostracized by an entire community because I have the ears of an animal?
: Jenara: Well, that too. If you think that was bad, wait until you get to where I'm from!
Valentine stops the students and looks at the inn standing across them. It looked less grandiose than the inn in the lower quarter.
: Lu: When I said shabby this is what I meant.
The group enters the in, which was less spacious than the previous inn and only a few people were seen dining.
: Valentine: [he approaches the counter] Do you have any vacant rooms? We're from the Academia in the Capitol.
: Innkeeper: Yes, two to be exact! Though, I only have a room for one person and a deluxe room available.
: Valentine: I'll take the small room and those kids over there [he points at the students] will share the other one.
They hear Valentine and are shocked.
: Jenara: Um what!?
: Colin: You gotta be kidding me.
: Valentine: [he glares at them] ...
The group go silent and just nod in complacency. The scene cuts to the students' room as they prepare their things. Jenara draws a line with chalk on the floorboards, dividing the room in half.
: Jenara: Now, since we're rooming together for a week maximum. I expect you to observe proper etiquette and no funny business around us. And of course, if you cross this line there will be consequences.
: Lu: Also, do any of you snore? Because I can't deal with that.
: Barrow: Yes, ma'am.
: Colin: I'm sure snoring is the least of my problems.
Valentine enters the room, phone in hand. They all look at him.
: Valentine: I sent in the tasks you need to finish for today, check your phones. Report to me once you've done them all and we'll call it a day. I'll be at the inn's bar. [he playfully salutes goodbye and walks away from them]
: Colin: That was a bit soon...
: Barrow: [he's reading the tasks] Hey, the escorting task isn't here.
: Jenara: [she also reads] Hmm... I guess the most logical answer to that is it's not today. Nonetheless, we need to get these tasks done for today. And I mean ALL of them.
: Lu: [she plops down her bed] You guys go on ahead, I'll be taking a nap first. I'll catch up.
: Jenara: [scoffs] Lu, you've taken enough naps already! We need to get these done.
: Colin: Jenara's right, Lu. We can rest all we want the sooner we finish these tasks.
Lu gets up and shrugs reluctantly.
: Lu: [she groans] Ugh, alright.
: Barrow: It says here we need to report to Mr. Lauvlin after we've done them all.
: Colin: Alright! Let's do this then.
::The player needs to finish the three quests to progress with the story.
The 7th Day of the Eighth Month, Sunday (Dusk)
Group A arrive at the front of the inn, coming from a day's worth of requests and assignments.
: Lu: Phew, glad that's done.
: Jenara: I have to admit, I was rather reluctant with the fact that these tasks primarily involve helping the locals. But I do enjoy the sense of fulfillment knowing you made a person happy for assisting them with their troubles.
: Colin: [he raises an eyebrow] You mean you've never helped out anyone before?
: Jenara: W-well of course I do! I just mean it's great to help the townspeople with their troubles, especially those from the lower quarters of the town. They don't really have the same experience as us or the same privileges as the nobles in the higher quarters.
: Barrow: Really makes you think that there are really a lot of people who don't have the same world as you do.
: Colin: Yeah... It's sad to see these people struggle. Especially knowing that a lot of them are Anthropes.
: Lu: Okay enough of the pity chitchat. Let's go report to the old geezer to get this day done and grab dinner!
: Colin: R-right! Sorry, I got caught up with my thoughts. [he laughs sheepishly]
The group enter the inn and search for Valentine. They spot him at the bar, sitting in a slobbish manner and drunkenly moving his body in a side to side motion.
: Colin: Hey, Mr. Lauvlin?
: Valentine: [he turns around and talks in slurs] What do you want? You want money? I don't have a goddamn crescent to give you, you little sh-
: Jenara: Okay, he is clearly intoxicated. Are we sure he's even in the right state to talk to us?
: Barrow: Mr. Lauvlin, it's us: Sector XIII. We're here to report to you that we've finished our tasks today. [he hands over the task sheet] You just need to sig-
: Valentine: Psh, Sector XIII. You're not even the real Sector XIII, getting scared over watching somebody getting offed. Back in my day, you know what they made us do? They made us kill a bunch of criminals, how about that? Gimme that! [he snatches the paper and searches for a pen in his pocket]
: Lu: Remind me again why he got hired for this?
Valentine is about to sign the paper but a loud crash is heard from the outside as the locals there scream in fear. A man barges in the inn, frantic.
: Anthrope Man: NETHYRES! They're attacking the town!
: Innkeeper: [groans] Again?
: Colin: Wait, what do you mean 'again'?
: Innkeeper: Ever since the bastard, Yakob, got arrested, a bunch of Nethyres have been pestering this part of town. The mercenaries around here are only a few and they're all out of town on missions.
: Colin: Guys, we need to help them. [he pulls out his guns]
: Lu: Obviously... [she readies her weapon]
Group A run out of the inn and see a group of bear Nethyres attacking the stalls and growling at the townspeople. From afar, another horde is about just passed through the town gates.
: Jenara: There's a group attacking here and another group about to cause more havoc.
: Colin: Barrow, Jenara, you handle the Nethyres here and protect the townspeople. Lu and I will shoot off the ones at the gate.
Colin and Lu run first, making their way to the gates.
: Jenara: Hey, I'm supposed to be the one who's- Ugh, nevermind.
: Barrow: Let's go, Jenara! [he charges at the Nethyres]
::The player has the option to choose to play between two parties: Colin and Lu or Barrow and Jenara. They must defeat all the Nethyres present in their chosen party's battle to progress.
Colin shoots off the last Nethyre in the gates but is shocked to see one more group charging their way toward him. Suddenly, a shadow jumps in front of him, it's Valentine, who looks more sober. He draws his sword from the sheath in his back and slashes, sending a force unto the Nethyres and wiping them all out.
: Valentine: Are there any more in the town? Look at it.
: Colin: [he turns and scans to see Jenara fighting two Nethyres, behind her are a group of townspeople caught in a dead end. He turns and sees Barrrow in his wolf form, slashing another Nethyre with his claws] A bit more!
: Valentine: Well, what are you kids standing here for? Go and kill the mutts!
Jenara is about to cast a spell at the Nethyres but fails.
: Jenara: (Drat, I'm out of mana!)
The Nethyre slashes, Jenara jumps out of the way which has the Nethyre to attack the townspeople behind her. They screamed but are suddenly saved by Valentine, who stops the Nethyre's claws with his sword.
: Valentine: What the hell are you doing!? You don't leave civilians on their own with a Nethyre!
: Jenara: I'm sorry I didn't want to get hurt!
: Valentine: [he groans, struggling to hold the Nethyre from attacking] Cut the apologies and kill it!
Jenara charges and thrusts her rapier unto the Nethyre's stomach, killing it. Valentine glares daggers at her but notices Lu and Barrow being incapacitated by another Nethyre. He dashes to them and kills it in one strike. The village is now ridden of the Nethyres and the townspeople rejoice.
: Valentine: [he turns to the students] All of you come here!
They approach him warily.
: Valentine: Did they ever teach you on how to deal with Nethyre attacks in class?
: Jenara: Yes, we should-
: Valentine: Then why didn't you apply it here, huh!? This crap isn't just in the books. It's real life! You all were sloppy with your actions, lacked any basic initiative, and seemed to focus on killing these Nethyres rather than evacuate the villagers who were in danger to safety! [he points at a villager who is tended by a group of his fellow villagers, the villager is grabbing his wounded knee] Is there anything good you did today?
: Colin: Well, we finished our tasks and-
: Valentine: To hell with the tasks! You chose to act sloppily while defenseless lives were on the line. [he pulls out a sheet of paper, it's the evaluation sheet] That's the same reason, I'm failing you today. Pull that crap again and you'll be out of this school. [he turns around and stomps to the inn]
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Category:Storylines
Category:Chronicles of Eredità