Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

Leeves… a small town west of Heimdallr that has fresh and clear air. A contrast capered to the busy capital city, that isn’t far from this small town. A white-haired man takes a small breath before letting out a smirk. One year… one year has passed since he last met that person… He can’t wait for their reunion.

“Crow, it’s too early for your scheming you know.”

The white-haired man, Crow Armbrust, smirk twitches before he glances to the side. A certain brown-haired girl, no a woman if you ignore her height, is folding her hand while staring at him with eyes that say ‘I know that you scheming something.’

“You know Towa… Just because I’m smiling doesn’t mean that I was scheming…”

The deadpan stare he gets is saying that the woman doesn’t believe him. “You’re not smiling, you’re smirking. Should I prepare for something to happen?”

Crow then clutches the front of his clothes like something is hurting him, “I’m so hurt! Am I that untrustworthy to you?”

Another deadpan stare was all he got in return. Ouch. Since when does sweet little Towa Herschel become this brutal? Crow blames Angelica for that, totally blames her alright. He then lets out a sigh.

“I’m not planning anything… just can’t wait…”

Towa’s deadpan expression melts into a soft smile. That’s right… after all, after 1 year Crow can finally reunite with his not-so-secret-lover (for some people it’s not secret). She can understand where Crow’s enthusiasm comes from. After all, she herself longs for her loved ones even though they’ve only been separated for few months. She can’t imagine how Crow must be feeling right now.

Currently both Crow and Towa are waiting in front of Leeves Station, wearing their instructor uniform. That’s right, they will be working as instructors for the new branch school of Thors. It surprised Crow that Towa chose to accept Olivert’s invitation for an instructor position. He asked Towa why she accepted even though there were other occupations that wanted her. Towa simply said:

“I’m worried that Rean will be stressed with you as an instructor as well. So I will be another sane person for him.”

Crow… doesn’t know whether he should feel proud or not about Towa finally being sarcastic. However, that comment hurt, though he won’t do anything… much.

‘Crow’

‘What is it Ordine?’

‘Stop scheming, Valimar has arrived.’

On cue, the sound of the alarm for train arriving could be hear. Thanking Ordine through their mental link, and telling his partner that he wasn’t scheming he then glances at the clock. It might take around 10 minutes before the person he is waiting for comes out, after all the younger man needs to take care of Valimar.

Right around Crow’s calculation, 10 minutes later the person he is waiting for finally comes out. Black hair with a style that hasn’t changed, a body that is taller and leaner… Crow knows the strength behind that lean posture. The way the younger was walking like a seasonal fighter, Crow couldn’t even hear the younger’s footsteps. Yeah, the younger man has grown way stronger alright.

Then those lilac eyes… the eyes that Crow often sees in his dreams, which he also sometimes hallucinates seeing when on his journey… finally end up meeting his crimson ones.

Those lilac eyes widen slightly, before a bright smile blooms on the younger’s face. If Crow had not already fallen in love with this person, he might have fallen in love with him all over again with that smile. A black and white blur, and the next thing he knows is that the younger is already engulfing him in a hug.

“Crow!”

“Rean…” Ah… the voice that he misses so much is calling his name… Crow then burry his face into black hair, inhaling the familiar scent as he hugs the younger back, he feels really content right now.

Finally, after one full year he can hug his beloved, Rean Schwarzer, like this again. Both of them bask in each other’s warmth… until someone coughs.

Both Crow and Rean remember that they are not alone and immediately step back from each other with a slight blush painting their face. Towa chuckles slightly seeing this.

“Sorry to disturb you two, but we’re in a public place” Towa says with a teasing smile.

Both of them cough slightly to calm their blush. A few moments later, after their blush subsides, Rean smiles at Crow.

“Long time no see, Crow.”

Crow smiles back. “Long time no see as well, Rean.”

The two exchange a smile before Rean’s attention goes to Towa, “Long time no see as well Towa.”

Towa gives the younger male a smile, “Long time no see Rean! My, to think you grew this much!”

The black-haired man rubs the back of his head, feeling slightly embarrassed by his own sudden growth spurt. Just then Rean finally notices the white uniform Towa is wearing and Crow’s white coat. His lilac eyes narrow slightly.

“…I know Towa can teach just fine but…” He then glances at Crow. “I can’t help but worry about you teaching though…”

“Oi.” Crow says with a deadpan face while Towa lets out a cough, trying to hold her laugh. Though Crow and Rean know that she is laughing on the inside.

Lilac eyes then glance around like they’re absorbing the scene around them. A fond smile paints Rean’s face, “Seems like the rebuilding went well.” At this statement Crow and Towa’s attention perk up.

“Rean, you have been here before?” Asks Towa

Rean nods his head. “I went to a lot of places actually. For one week at the beginning of every month, I was always being sent out for missions. I was sent here not long after all of you graduated to check the damage, and start the beginning of reconstruction.”

Crow puts a hand on his chin while frowning. “Not that I’m glad you went to what you can say was an easy-going mission… but I thought you would be sent to some top secret mission…” It was being implied that the so-called “top secret mission” is a “high risk” one. However, Crow doesn’t want to say it, and he doesn’t want his mind spiraling down the thought of how many times Rean almost died.

Rean notices Crow’s sudden change in mood, “Well… I was, but to be honest I’m being sent to be some sort of comforter for people. It will lessen people’s worry if they see that the Ashen Chevalier is there to protect them in case something happens, “ says the younger with a tired smile.

Ashen Chevalier… the title that people say with pride and happiness. However, for Rean himself… it is more of a shackle that binds him to the Chancellor. Though that title helps him with connections and other things, it still chains him down.

A loud clapping sound snaps them out of the negative mood. Their attention then goes to the sounds source. It’s Towa. She then smiles gently towards the two.

“Let’s go to the campus shall we?”

The two notice what Towa is doing, and they glance at each other before they smile and follow Towa as they walk towards where the Thors Branch Campus is. While walking some people recognize Rean. Rean notices this, and immediately nods while smiling towards the people that recognize him. That instantly makes those people nod and smile back.

Really, Crow should know this already. Charming people left and right with a smile is often what Rean does, even though the person himself doesn’t notice his so called charm. Towa giggles softly when she sees the slight pout on Crow’s face.

“I should be praying for your patience Crow, but Rean needs that as well to handle you”

“Thank you very much Towa,” Crow mutters out.

Towa giggles again. Meanwhile Rean, who just smiled back to one of town’s people, notices their interaction. However, he only tilts his head at seeing Crow and Towa’s expressions. They won’t tell him about what they just talked about either, so he only shrugs and continues on with his walk.

Finally they can see it, the gate towards Thors Branch Campus. Rean feels slightly awed and taken aback, since this is the first time he seen the campus. Both Crow and Towa smile at this as they walk forwards slightly before looking back at Rean.

“Welcome Rean…” Begins Crow

“…To Thors Branch Campus!” Towa finishes it.

Rean blinks his eyes, and then smiles as he walks forward. Crow and Towa immediately follow, as they walk beside him. The three have a talk about some small matters, and they keep talking until they finally reach the briefing room. Crow opens the door, and is greeted by two other people inside.

One red-haired male, and one blond-haired male. Towa and Crow have already met them before, when they were waiting for Rean at the station, but Rean hasn’t. Lilac eyes widen slightly, before Rean instantly composes himself and introduces himself.

Crimson eyes watch as the red haired man changes his stance slightly when Rean enters the room. Well, he can’t really blame the man. After all Randy Orlando come from Crossbell, while Crow himself is famous as the Azure Chevalier, he never stepped inside Crossbell. Rean is a different case. The black-haired man had an encounter with the leader of the SSS, and Crow is sure that Randy knows about that encounter. That would explain the red heads reflex.

Though Crow himself shifts his stance just in case Randy makes a move. He had a talk with the man earlier, though he gets along with the man. However, he still doesn’t know the man’s intentions. So if the man touches Rean and puts him in harm way… Crow won’t hesitate.

Crow snaps out of his thoughts when he hears Randy let out a whistle. “Wow, we get two chevaliers? Isn’t it overkill for a branch campus?”

Rean smiles lightly in response. “I can’t really deny that…”

Well at least the man is civil, so it’s ok for Crow. Then the blonde-haired man clears his throat, gaining everyone’s attention.

“Though you’re slightly late, but it can be forgiven since you just returned from your mission, Schwarzer.”

The Ashen Chevalier nods his head and smiles towards the blond haired man. “Thank you Major Michael.”

Crimson eyes blink at that. It seems the two have some kind of history. Well seeing that Major Michael Irving is part of the Railway Military Police, Crow is pretty sure the two have het often in missions. Michel then stares at Rean for a while.

“Schwarzer are you…”

“Major,” Rean suddenly cuts the older man off, to everyone’s surprise. The black-haired man then smiles towards the Major. Michael, knowing what it means only sighs and nods his head.

“Don’t push yourself, we don’t need liability in the field.” Though the words that are being used iare cold, some people who can read a person can tell that there was hidden worry in his voice.

Yup, those two have some kind of history… that Crow does NOT know. Maybe he will dig up some information using his connections, or just ask Rean directly. Then before they can talk again the door to the room slams open. Two people walk inside, one female and one male. They’re individuals that both Crow and Ren recognize.

“Ho. Finally you arrived Schwarzer.”

Rean nods his head, “Yes. It has been a while General Le Guin.”

Aurelia Le Guin smiles at that, “Stop with that. You can call me by my current title, ‘Principal.’”

Lilac eyes widen slightly before he nods his head. Crow gets a feeling that Rean only found out just now that Aurelia Le Guin was going to be the principal. He can’t help but face palm at that.

‘Olivert… you should at least tell Rean who will be the Principal. Thankfully Rean is not that easy to surprise or someone who holds a grudge.’

After that the black-haired man glances slightly to the the side of Aurelia, “It has been a while as well, Professor Schmidt. It’s a surprise seeing you here...” Rean says warily

The professor lets out a snort at that, “Don’t get the wrong idea. The only reason I accepted the position here was so that I could get access to the Ashen Knight. Nothing more.”

Everyone except Aurelia sweat drops at that. Crow can hear Randy mutter “Is he real…” And with Towa answering while smiling shakily “I’m afraid he is real.”

Aurelia then looks around before putting her hand on her chin. “For a trash can… this line up is not that bad.”

Everyone in the room reacts in many ways. Both Michael and Towa look to the side, Randy makes a small voice of ‘oi oi’, and Crow himself reacts with his hand twitching slightly. Crimson eyes glance at Rean, and to his surprise Rean’s expression is blank. However, it only last for a second so no one besides Crow could see it, before the younger teen smiles in understanding.

The principal then steps forward before giving Rean some papers. Aurelia then nods towards the younger, gesturing Rean to accept and read it. Rean accepts it with a nod. The black-haired man then takes out something from his inner coat before putting it on his own face. Glasses, Crow raises an eyebrow at that, even Towa looks surprised.

“Rean, you use glasses now?”  Crow decides to question out.

The younger only laughs awkwardly. “Sort of…”

In that instant, thanks to his sharp eyes, Crow sees it. He sees how Michael tenses slightly and Aurelia raises her eyebrows slightly. Seems like… something is not right. Randy doesn’t notice anything since he is new to Rean, but Crow and Towa… the two exchange glances. Rean is hiding something, again.

Crow sighs inwardly… His lover really needs to stop hiding things. Though Crow wants to know what Rean is hiding now he won’t ask, at least not in front of everyone else. Suddenly Rean makes a small sound of surprise that grabs Crow’s attention. He then leans his face forwards, resting his chin on one of Rean’s shoulder so that he can read what Rean was looking at.

“Something wrong?”

Rean only tilts his head to the other side of where Crow is in response so that Crow can read clearly. Crimson eyes blink since he sees some familiar names. Heck there’s a really familiar name in class IX student list. He can’t help but smile seeing that familiar name, and Rean notices this.

“See a familiar name as well?”

Crow lets out a chuckle, “You could say that”. His smile then dims slightly when he sees the list of the class that Rean was assigned as the homeroom teacher. Four familiar names from the five listed could be seen. Two names that Crow knows will help Rean, one name is troublemaker but Rean will be fine. One name though is… not an enemy but… dangerous in some way. However, Crow is here so he can help Rean in case something happens.

His changing expression doesn’t go unnoticed by Rean. “Crow?”

“No, it’s nothing.”

Someone then clears their throat, gaining both Rean and Crow’s attention as they glance to the side. They see that it’s Michael. The man is staring at them with a deadpan face, the slight blush adoring his cheeks ruined the expression though.

“Isn’t the distance between you two a bit… too close?”

Crow and Rean look at each other, before they look back at Michael. Rean is the one that answers him, “Seems like our habit from when we were students kicked in again. Sorry if we made you uncomfortable Major.”

“No it’s fine. I’m just… a little bit surprised.”

A hand clap makes their attention snap to the door, where Aurelia is, “Alright, time to greet our chicklings.” The silver-haired woman then glances at Rean. “Schwarzer, I hope you already understand your duty.”

Rean nods his head as he puts the paper into his inner coat. He then scratches his cheek before smiling uncertainly, “Though I understand my duty, is it alright…. Making me a homeroom teacher even though I just graduated?”.

Aurelia let out a snort at that. “You won’t deceive my eyes Schwarzer. I already see how you command on the battlefield. It’s more than enough to me to know that you’re more than capable.”

Rean lets out a soft sigh at that. “I will do my best then.”

With that the seven of them walk towards the field, where all the Thors Branch school students are gathered for the welcoming assembly. Crow already predicted that the student wouldn’t stay silent after seeing their Instructor’s line up. With the Golden Rakhsasa, the Azure Chevalier and especially the Ashen Chevalier here with them all it was obvious the students would get a bit rowdy.

Crow glances at where a certain… little brother of his is standing. A god smacked expression greets him, but he only returned it with a grin of his own. Seems like he still has an effect to surprise his little brother.

Aurelia then opens the assembly with a speech… that makes everyone speechless, yes even Crow himself. Telling the entire student body here that they are trash that was sent here from the main campus in the first meeting is not normal. However, seeing the determined faces that all of the students have after that speech… Aurelia’s charisma really is something.

Then the class dividing came. Both Towa and Randy began to call the students names that would be in their homeroom classes and leave not long after. After mouthing ‘later’ towards his little brother figure, his attention goes to the remaining five students on the field. Wait, make that six but the blonde haired girl is busy talking with the Professor.

Two of five students are fidgeting slightly, the blond haired boy only makes a bored expression, while the mint-haired girl has a smile on her face, and the silver-haired girl only stares blankly forward. Seeing this many personalities, Crow thinks that Rean will have a very difficult time ahead.

Aurelia watches the students with a knowing smile, until Rean steps up beside her. “Principal, I think that’s enough teasing them. You haven’t call the last class yet.”

The woman smiles, “Indeed.” Then she turns back to the five remaining student. “The main campus starts with Class I to VI, following them we from the branch campus start from class VII to IX. Five of you will be part of Class VII: Special Operation, with Rean Schwarzer as the homeroom teacher.”

On cue to that, Rean steps forward with a smile on his face. He faces his students, “Greeting. My name is Rean Schwarzer. Alongside history, martial arts, and combat I will be acting as Class VII’s homeroom teacher. Nice to meet all of you.”

Suddenly Aurelia turns around and walks away, but before she walks away completely she looks over her shoulder and addresses Rean, “Schwarzer, what you asked me just now, I’ll allow it.” and with that she continues to walk away.

Michael widens his eyes at that. “Wait a moment, Principal!” and chases after her.

Rean lets out a mutter of “Thank you principal.” Before he looks back at the students again and smiles. “Follow me, all of you.”

.

.

.

A few moments later they’re already standing in front of some kind of building. Einhel Keep, that’s the name of this place if Crow isn’t mistaken. It’s supposed to be a unique, indoor training facility. However, in Crow’s language, it’s Professor Schmidt’s toybox. Enormous mechanisms in the building allow changing of the interior of the facility at will, making it a perfect place for students to practice their combat or give new weapons a try. Crow wonders as he watches the building, how much mira used to build this thing.

When he looks down, his eyes meet with Rean’s. Lilac and crimson meet, as if communicating without words. The students watch their silent interaction. Their eye contact stops when Rean sighs and Crow smirks. Seems like the black-haired man just accepts it, that Crow won’t leave.

The pink haired girl sweat drops at this. “Do… any of you know what just happened?”

The light blue haired teen answers, “Believe me, I don’t.”

“Fufu, maybe they just had some kind of heart to heart talk with their eyes?” Suggests the mint-haired girl.

The blond-haired boy lets out a snort at that. “Woman, your mind goes too far.”

Meanwhile the silver haired girl only stays silent while watching the others. It wasn’t long before Professor Schmidt arrives alongside a blond-haired female student. If Crow didn’t remember wrong her name is Tita Russell, a student from Liberl. Well, it’s not every day a student from Liberl comes to Erebonia. It seems like Professor Schmidt knows her in some way as well.

“Schwarzer, hurry up and enter the area.” Says the Professor curtly, before he walks away, entering the building.

“Professor, wait!” The blonde haired girl, Tita, calls out to him. In the end she chases after him before nodding towards all of them first.

Crow let out a huff. “Really that old man. Same as ever.”

Rean only chuckles weakly at that comment, since Crow is right. The two of them then glance at where the students are. The black-haired instructor then tilts his head slightly gesturing towards the entrance of the building.

“Let’s follow them as well shall we.”

The students answer with a nod, before the seven of them walk inside. When they enter… they’re greeted by a vast place with white colors. Pillars that hold the building scatter around them in orderly manner. The blond-haired teen lets out a whistle seeing this.

“Wonder how much mira was used to build this thing.”

Before anymore comments can be said, Rean clears his throat, gaining everyone attention. When all attention is on him, he nods his head before he opens his mouth.

“Well then, since we’re already here. Please introduce yourselves before I explain more about why we’re here. Before that though…” Rean then glances at the other Instructor with a raised eyebrow. Crow answers with a wink as he turns towards the students and gives them a two-finger salute.

“Crow Armbrust at your service~. I will be in charge of Medical Aid and the Politic Class. I’m also one of the Combat instructors, nice to meet all of you.”

A snort comes from the blond-haired student, “To think they would make you an Instructor, Armbrust.”

Crow only smirks at that. “Oh please, you know I can teach just fine.”

“Teach gambling you mean?”

Both the blue and the pink-haired student give Crow an unimpressed expression. The silver haired student just stares at Crow and shakes her head. While the mint-haired student just giggles behind her hand. Rean himself… he sighs.

“I assure you… that won’t happen.” He turns towards Crow with a smile. “Right Crow?”

Crow gulps slightly and nods his head while giving Rean a salute. “Yes sir.” The white-haired instructor swears that Towa is the one that taught Rean how to use that… ‘scary’ smile, yes, very sure. He just doesn’t know when the woman had time to even teach it to Rean… Or maybe Elliot is the one that teach Rean.

With that Rean switches his attention to the blond-haired student. “Can you introduce yourself first? It seems everyone wants to know who you are.”

The student lets out a snort at that. “Fine. The name is Ash Carbide, from Raquel.”

Rean raises an eyebrow at that, before he sends a look at Crow. Crow immediately waves his hand, denying anything that passes through Rean’s mind. “No, no, no. I didn’t do anything at Raquel! It was only for some mission that I had to go there!”

In that moment Ash smirks. “Ho? So gambling was a part of the mission as well?”

Crow immediately glares at Ash, but before he can say anything Rean is already smiling towards him. So the white-haired instructor can only shut his mouth and accept his fate later, when Rean decides to lecture about his gambling habits… and maybe from Towa as well. Meanwhile the pink-haired student tugs at the blue-haired student’s sleeve.

“Yes? Can I help you?”

“Um… what place is Raquel?”

“Well… it’s near Ordis, the provincial capital of the Lamarre Province, located around west Erebonia. And that place is… famous for their nighttime entertainment.”

The pink-haired student is silent before it finally clicks in her brain what the other student means. She then stares at the white-haired instructor in slight disgust. “And to think he will be one of our instructors...”

“Damn it, Ash! It’s still orientation and you’ve already slandered my reputation!” Crow whines out.

“It’s not like you have a reputation to maintain anyway. Except as being a lazy gambler.” Rean deadpans.

“Ouch Rean, ouch!”

Ash lets out a bark of laugher at that. “What’s this? So the government’s dog can bark as well huh? I wonder if can you bite as painful as your bark.”

At the comment ‘government’s dog’ everyone tenses up. Crow can see the blue-haired boy reach towards his swords and the silver-haired students hand twitch. The pink-haired student looks uncomfortable while staring at Ash in disbelief. While the mint-haired student only smiles calmly. Crow then glances at Rean… who is still smiling… until suddenly Rean lets out a chuckle.

“Indeed… but I assure you, this dog bite is… far more painful.”

It’s being said with a smile, but there’s no killing intent or anything. However, one look at Rean’s eyes show that they’re full of strength, and that even makes Ash gulp. The blond-haired student then smirks warily.

“Seems like this class won’t be boring as I originally thought it would be.”

“Haha, glad that you think that way.”

“My, Instructor Rean is so cool.”

Everyone’s attention goes to the mint-haired student, and she only keeps smiling when the attention goes to her. She bows slightly, mouth still tilted upwards in smile.

“Nice to meet all of you, my name is Musse Egret and I’m from Ordis.”

Rean nods his head at that. “I see, it’s a pleasure to meet you, Musse.”

“Oh no Instructor. It’s my pleasure to meet you~©”

The black-haired instructor is taken aback slightly at that, while the others sweat drop at that statement. Crow stares at the girl with dead pan expression. This girl really is as dangerous as he thinks… in many ways.

“Woman... you really are a piece of work.”

“My! Thank you for the compliment, Ash!”

“…Is it normal for Erebonian girls to act like this?”

“I assure you, it’s not.”

Rean then clears his throat and glances at the blue-haired student. “Hope you don’t mind continuing the introductions”

The teen coughs slightly before he nods. “I don’t mind instructor. My name is Kurt Vander from Heimdallr. Nice to meet all of you.”

Ash lets out a whistle at that. “So we have a young master here.” At that comment Kurt glances at Ash slightly but doesn’t comment anything.

Musse lets out a chuckle. “My, to think we would have someone from Vander School here. It’s an honor.”

The pink-haired girl tilts her head in confusion. The silver-haired girl beside her answers the others silent question. “the Vander school is a swordmanship style developed, practiced, and taught in Erebonia. The technique is passed down in the celebrated military Vander family. It's one of the two most famous martial styles in the Empire, the other being the Arseid school.”

Emerald eyes widen as she glances at Kurt. Said person lets out a sigh and mutters out. “Please don’t exaggerate, my ability is still not that good… I’m still learning after all.”

At that comment Rean gives Kurt a knowing smile, and the younger male lets out a small cough before he blushes slightly. Out of all the people currently here, Rean is the one that knows Kurt’s ability the best. Rean then glances at the pink-haired student and smiles. The student huffs with a slight blush, and then introduces herself.

“My name is Juna Crawford. I transferred here from Crossbell’s Police Academy.”

The student, Juna, tenses up slightly after telling them where she came from. It was like she is waiting for some kind of reaction. Even though she tenses up, determination still painted her emerald eyes, and doesn’t disappear. Then emerald eyes blink when the other reacts in an unexpected way.

Musse claps her hands. “Oh my, you’re from Crossbell! I hear that place is a place where cultural changes between the east and west can happen. I hope you don’t mind me asking about it often Juna.”

“Ah… sure?” Juna nods her head numbly.

Kurt then mutters something alongside the word of east… Rean’s style… Eight Leaves One Bladed school… and new material. Both Crow and Rean sweat drop when they hear Kurt mutter that.

“Seems like his interest towards information about sword style’s hasn’t changed huh…” Crow mutters out. Rean only laughs weakly at that, since he himself is the same as Kurt.

Eventually, they only have one last student to introduce themselves. All eyes are on the smallest person there. Crow and Rean know that even though this person is small, that doesn’t mean she can’t fight. The civil war is evidence enough that this girl can fight.

The girl then puts both of her hands behind her back. “Altina Orion. Previously apart of the intelligence division. Officially I’m already dismissed and attending the Branch Campus.” Then the girl seems just notice she should not have added ‘officially’ and let out a soft “Oops.” With an expressionless face.

“…Is this girl for real…” Ash mutters out with a twitching eye.

“I think I just heard something that I should not know…” Juna whispers out while sweat drop

Musse only lets out a chuckle while Kurt doesn’t even know how to react. Crow lets out a burst of laugher, while Rean only massages his temples. The black-haired instructor can feel the incoming headache already. He then claps his hands, gaining everyone’s attention

“Alright, since we’re done with the introduction, I will start with the briefing.” Rean looks around, as he sees that everyone is paying attention to him. He continues on.

“The other two classes have an orientation exercise, while the all of you exercise will be here. All of us must make it through this facility in one piece. This place is called Einhel Keep, and it was built in conjunction with the branch campus for testing new methods. For the exercise, all of you will be combatting monsters and such that are unleashed within this place. Any questions?”

Musse raises her hand, Rean then gives her a nod and allows her to speak up. “Instructor, isn’t this… too much for an orientation?”

Rean gives her a wry smile. “Indeed it is, but it’s needed” Not really completely answering her question. He then looks around. “Any other questions?”

When no one else asks anything, Rean gives out a smile and tells them all to take out the ARCUS II they received. While Rean continues on with his explanation, Crow watches not far from them with a fond smile. He thinks that somehow the role of instructor fits Rean more… than the role of a soldier.

A few minutes later a sound can be heard from above, and it’s telling them to just hurry up and that he will open the path now. And that… raises an alarm in Rean and Crow’s mind. However, before they can say anything the floor below where the student’s stand opens up, and makes them all fall down.

In that instant both Kurt and Ash reach to their side, grabbing the other two girls around their waist, protecting them as they fall. While Altina calls Claimh=Solais, and saves herself as she slowly descents down.

Rean face palms at this, while Crow laughs “Really, that professor never changes.” He then gives the other male a side-glance. “Careful down there. Don’t be a martyr for the students alright?” Crow says as he winks towards Rean.

The younger gives him a smile. “Yes, I understand.” Before he jumps down, following his students. Rean manages to land safely, and as he looks up he sees both Kurt and Ash laying on their backs, while the two girls that they were protect are laying above them. Altina is standing not far from them, watching with a blank face as always.

“Kurt, Ash. Are you two alright?”

Ash let out a grunt. “Oi, stand up already. You’re not even wounded.” At the same time Kurt lets out a soft, “Em, Juna? Are you alright?”

Both girls immediately lean away from the two. Juna with a blushing face, while Musse is just giggling. The mint-haired student is the first one that stands up while patting her skirt down.

“Thank you Ash.” Her face then morphs to a teasing one. “Even though you act like a delinquent, Ash is kind deep inside huh. You protected me even though we just met. Aren’t you a gentleman?” Musse teased, as she winks towards him. Ash only lets out a disgusted expression.

Meanwhile Juna and Kurt are still sitting on the ground, feeling slightly awkward. Juna is the first one that breaks the silence. “Em… are you alright?”

Kurt smiles slightly at that, he then stands up as he reaches out his hand towards Juna. “Can you stand?”

The pink-haired girl nods her head and accepts the hand, as she stands up. After that Juna take a small breath and narrows her eyes slightly. “You know… I could have protected myself just fine from that fall…”

Kurt scratches his cheek at that. “Well… I know that you’re far more than capable, since you just said that you transferred here from the police academy. However, I can’t really stop my reflexes. Sorry if it looks like I disrespected you or anything”

Emerald eyes widen slightly, before she lets out a chuckle. “You’re too stiff. Though… Thank you.”

Rean watches, and his lilac eyes soften as he witnesses their interaction. He is very glad that a certain dark history of his doesn’t repeat it’s self here by Kurt or Ash. At the edge of his vision, he sees Altina glance at him slightly.

“Something wrong Altina?” He asks with a smile

“…Aren’t you glad that the dark history didn’t repeat itself again?”

His smile twitches slightly at that. How can this person know… wait, Intelligent Division, Rean almost forgot about that. Even though Altina’s face is blank, Rean is so sure that he sees the younger girl lips twitch slightly.

It says a lot about how much Altina has changed ever since their first meeting. The Altina that Rean met for the first time wouldn’t have even attempted to make this kind of teasing. He feels proud somehow, but Rean prays that he won’t be always be on the other end of Altina’s teasing.

He lets out a soft sigh before he looks around, seeing all of them already standing up, and he nods before smiling “Well then, prepare your weapons students.”

-oOo-

The white-haired instructor lets out a soft sigh as he watches Rean jump down before he walks towards the control room. When he arrives at control room, he sees that the student, Tita, already sit on one of the chairs. While the professor stands not far behind her.

Tita glances slightly in his direction, and Crow give her a smile and a wave. The blonde girl jumps slightly, but she nods and smiles back before focusing her attention on the monitor in front of her. Crow does the same, and he stands not far from Schmidt’s side as he watches the monitor with a folded hand on his chest.

Rean and the students are already beginning their orientation exercise. The black-haired instructor teaches them more about the ARCUS II and gives them some pointers as they advance. Though in battle Rean doesn’t fight alongside them, he simply watches at the backline and supports them in case something happens.

Something does happen, since the students let their guard down at one of the battles, forgetting to check whether the monster really is dead or not. Thankfully Rean is fast enough to kill the monster with one strike. Crow lets out a whistle at that. Seems like his guess is right, Rean has grown far stronger than the last time they saw each other.

After that they continue forwards until they finally arrive at some large area that Crow is pretty sure the last battle at that floor will commence. Then suddenly the space in that area shifts, alarming everyone there. And… a Magic knight appears before the students.

Crow immediately snaps his head at Schmidt in disbelief, is this person for real?! However, before any words can come out from Crow’s mouth, someone else cuts him off.

“What is the meaning of this Professor Schmidt?”

That voice makes even Crow tense up, and he sees a flicker of surprise in the professor’s eyes. However, it disappears as quickly as it appeared. He looks at the monitor again, and sees that Rean is looking straight at the camera.

-oOo-

The students stare at the black-haired instructor that is standing not far behind them in shock, especially the three that know Rean personally. On their way here they knew that their instructor was a kind and gentle person. To hear that this person can use that kind of tone is… kind of shocking. Before anything else happens, Rean sighs and stares at them. Lilac eye full of determination and protectiveness… towards them.

His hand then rests on his tachi before he takes it out of its sheath. He then proceeds to walk forwards. He stands in front of them, and points his tachi forward. A soft yet firm voice comes out. “Brave order: Raging fire formation.”

The students suddenly feel something, like somehow their physical power are getting stronger? Their eyes end up landing on the instructor again, then Rean smiles at them.

“Originally I was going to call Valimar. But I think all of you and I are more than enough to fight this knight.”

That statement… tells a lot about how much this person believes in their power. They just meet (for some students), and yet, this person has given them his trust just like that. Somehow… they feel like they don’t want to disappoint that trust. Five pairs of eyes full of determination greet Rean.

Ash shouldering his switch axe with a smug grin. Musse giggling, but her orbal carbine is ready ar her hold, Juna who is beside her readying her gun breaker, a smile painting her face. Altina stands alert with the black doll ready to fight behind her. Kurt take a small breath, before he goes into his ready stance. With that Rean looks forward again, readying himself to fight the magic knight.

“Kurt, Ash, vanguard. Give the knight as much damage as you can. Juna rear guard, I want you to switch between using striker and gunner mode whenever you deem fit, distract the enemy from our attacker in case it targets them. Musse, support us with your arts, attack using arts and your long range craft when you think there’s no need to support us. Altina, guard while supporting us using your arts and your long range attack.”

Rean then bends down slightly. “I will be the main decoy.” And he dashes forward, with a high speed.

The sound of the tachi’s blade meeting the legs of the knight can be heard, resounding around the area. Rean flips back a few times to dodge as the knight attacks him. When the sword of the knight attacks the place where he was just standing at earlier, Rean shifts his stance and rushes forwards again. Making the knight focus on him.

Seeing this, the students begin to make their move. Ash jumps and attacks the backside of the knight, releasing a series of slashes as much as he can before he jumps back and lands. Kurt dashes forwards at the same time as Ash jumps. He releases a barrage of slash attacks at the knight back legs.

The magic knight groans before it turns around, trying to attack the two vanguards. However, Juna won’t allow it, and she immediately shoots a barrage of bullets towards the knight’s arm. The knight’s attention goes to Juna. And again, its intention to attack is disrupted by another. Rean is attacking the knight again, making him be on the receiving end of the knight’s attack. Yet, he dodges the attack without much effort, and continues on with his task.

While the four frontline bust, the backline is the same. Musse and Altina switch around as they cast arts after arts. When Musse casts, Altina is on standby, the same can be said when Altina is the one that is casting arts. Sometime both of them will use their long range craft, while making sure their attack won’t hit their frontline.

The pattern keeps on being repeated, until the magic knight feels frustrated and lets out a loud roar, surprising everyone there. Rean flinches slightly, though he manages to stagger back before attacking again. However, the students are a different case.

They feel staggered by the sudden roar, and Rean immediately notices this before he shouts out. “Musse! Recuria!”

Musse immediately shakes her head to shake the ringing in her head and quickly casts the arts [Recuria]. Thanks to his own shout though, Rean lowers his guard slightly. The knight immediately strikes. Rean manages to raise up his tachi to defend. However, the size difference is too much. So he is slammed into the wall as a result.

“Instructor!” Juna shouts out.

The knight immediately sends its attack towards Juna, with the speed that it suddenly has since the roar. Juna who can’t dodge immediately crosses her weapons above her as the attack descends. She tries to brace for the incoming attack, and to her surprise… a switch axe and twin swords appears in her line of view. Helping her brace the sword attack of the knight.

Even with the three of them, the weight of the attack is too much. Ash, Kurt, and Juna can feel their hands already shaking so much. If this keep up, it will be dangerous. Thought… it doesn’t last long.

“Brave order: Iron will!”

Suddenly their hands stop trembling, like a sudden strength appears. They glance to the side and they see Rean standing not far with his hand raised up towards them. The black-haired instructor then shouts,

“To the left!”

Without asking what that means, the three of them tilt their weapon to the left at the same time. Directing the knight’s sword to the left. When they manage to redirect it, they immediately run to the right side with boosted speed. Not far, Altina already has her hands raised up with [Chrono Drive] arts activated towards the three of them.

Musse readying her orbal carbine, directs it towards the knight that is still trying to take its sword from where it was stabbed into the ground. A blue energy bullet in the shape of a bird comes out from the barrel, [Oiseau Bleu], Musse’s craft flies towards the knight and hits it.

As soon the attack hits, Rean dashes forward, sword inside its sheath, and hand ready on the grip. When the distance is close enough, he takes it out of its sheath with a high speed, releasing [Crimson Slash]. The knight groans out loud, before the space shifts and it disappears without a trace.

A few seconds later, and all of the students crumple down on the ground with panting breath. Rean himself lets out a soft sigh before he sheaths back his tachi and walks towards the students. He looks around, examining the students before he nods, noticing that no one had gotten injured badly. Only feeling exhausted.

“Ignoring the tiredness, seems like everyone is fine.”

“…Don’t you feel tired instructor?” Altina asks.

Rean only smiles in answer, and the others groan. While they feel so exhausted, their instructor seems just fine. Seems like they need more stamina training. Kurt then remembers something.

“Instructor, are you alright? Earlier you were slammed into the wall pretty hard.”

“I’m fine.”

“…Right…” It can be heard from Kurt’s tone that he doesn’t believe him at all, even Altina gives Rean a deadpan expression. The other three notice this, and stare in confusion. It seems like two of their classmates know something they don’t.

Rean lets out a sigh. “I’m fine. I will check up with Crow later if it makes you two feel better.”

Both Kurt and Altina nods at that, believing that Crow will make sure that Rean will be fine. The older boy won’t allow the black-haired young man to walk away with an injury. Ash raises an eyebrow at the other two students.

“Aren’t you two exaggerating?”

Both Kurt and Altina stare at Ash, before sighing at the same time. “You will understand it soon Ash. In a matter of months, or maybe weeks.” Kurt answers with deadpan expression, Altina nods in agreement. Rean… somehow feels happy yet insulted at the same time.

Few moments later, when the students manage to finally recover some of their stamina, they stand up in front of their instructor. Ash is the first one to speak.

“So? Tell us Schwarzer, will Class VII exist or not?”

That statement gains everyone’s attention. Rean smiles at that.

“You sure are sharp.”

Ash clicks his tongue, then when he sees the others confusion, except Musse since the girl has this knowing smile. He lets out a sigh.

“Really you all, ever since the beginning he never said that we are class VII, he only called us students. And he said he is Class VII’s homeroom teacher, not ours. Isn’t that suspicious?”

The other three begin to remember their confrontation since beginning, and yes indeed, Rean has never said that he’s their homeroom instructor. He said that he is the Class VII instructor. Never once did he say that they are Class VII. All of their attention goes towards the black-haired instructor that is still smiling.

“Instructor Rean… what…” Begins Altina, but Rean cuts her.

“I want all of you to choose.”

And that… surprises them.

“Class VII: Special Section. As you guys experienced earlier, that was only training. Class VII purpose is to act as an established taskforce for assignments in the field. You can say that we are the first line of defense. That’s why the orientation is so different and harder from the other class.”

Silence, no one dares to utter any words.

“I, myself, am still green as an instructor. That’s why I ask all of you, will you still choose Class VII or will you choose one of the other classes? Under the principal’s confirmation, I’m allowed to do that.”

“… It’s not only about that right?” Musse mutters out.

Rean smiles gently. “The previous Class VII… my class… they left a legacy behind. We left our mark in the civil war. Some might compare the old Class VII and the new Class VII. Are you guys ready to leave a mark yourselves?”

Silence still greets him. Rean closes his eyes slowly, waiting for them to think. He doesn’t have to wait long. Since someone says out loud something he doesn’t except.

“Then we only need to pass that expectation and leave our own mark in history.”

All eyes go to the pink-haired girl as she says that. She then smiles with determination, one hand clenched into a fist. “I will stay. I owe someone something… and I want to show that person my own choice and determination without any fear.”

Juna says that while looking straight at Rean’s eyes. In that moment everyone there knows who the someone that Juna meant is… Rean. The black-haired man smiles and nods his head. Kurt goes next.

“I want to stay in this class as well.” He stares at his palm before clenching it. “One of the reasons is that someone I look up too is here. However, the main reason… is that I’m seeking an answer, and I get the feeling that I will find it here. So stay I shall.”

Lilac eyes widen before they are filled with understanding. Then Ash lets out a chuckle.

“Aren’t you two too stiff?” He then stares at the instructor with a smug smile. “I will stay. It seems interesting here, and won’t it be fun? Surpassing the Ashen Chevalier himself?”

Rean let out a chuckle at that. “I can’t wait for that day to happen then.”

Musse then giggles, “I will stay as well.” She then rests her cheek on her palm. “Like Ash said, I think staying here will be interesting.” Then she gives Rean a look and wink. “It’s not every day you’re given an opportunity to learn under the Ashen Chevalier himself ©.”

Ash, Juna, and Kurt give Musse a disbelieving look, even Rean steps back slightly. Seeing the other reaction, Musse only giggles. Rean lets out sigh before his gaze lands on Altina. He tilts his head in a questioning manner. Altina opens her mouth but stops in the middle of opening it. She gets a feeling Rean won’t accept her reason if she says that it’s her mission to stay. She closes her eyes for a while before she opens it and gives her answer.

“Class VII… ever since my first mission, that name has been ringing in my head. It… interests me and makes me… feel something unfamiliar. So I want to learn more about Class VII.” She then looks up at Rean while biting her lower lip. “Is that answer enough?”

“It’s more than enough Altina.” He then pats her head. “I’m proud of you.” Altina somehow feels warm and she smiles a little bit, unseen by all except Rean.

Rean then steps back and raises one of his hands to the side. “Now then, I welcome all of you to the Thors Branch Campus Class VII: Special Section. I look forward to working with all of you.”

“Yes sir!”

Not long after the students walk back towards their dorm. Leaving Rean there, the man then sighs before he turns around and looks up. Seeing the other instructor is there, he then walks up the hidden stairs and finally arrives at where the other instructors have gathered.

“Good work Schwarzer.”

“Thank you principal.”

Randy lets out a whistle. “I was afraid earlier, but it seems like I was worried for nothing.”

Towa then steps forward, “Rean, are you really alright? The sound of that slam is pretty hard earlier.”

“I’m fine real—urgh.” Rean’s words are cut off when he feels someone poking his back, where his wound is. Rean turns his head slightly, and see it’s Crow. The older male clicks his tongue.

“Fine my ass. We better treat it now idiot.”

“But the meeting…”

“The meeting is being postponed to tomorrow morning Schwarzer, since it’s near night already. You better treat your wound first.” Michael interjects before Rean can say anything more.

“Fine…”

Crow then clasps his hand around Rean’s wrist and drags him. “We will go first then~”

A few minutes later the two of them end up in the infirmary. With Rean’s naked back towards Crow, and both of Crow’s hands hovering on Rean’s back, healing arts activated. Rean lets out a relieved sigh when Crow is done. He no longer feels the pain, only some lingering aches remain, but it will disappear soon.

Rean puts his shirt back on and turns around to thank Crow. However, before he can do that, warmth suddenly engulfs him.

Crow is hugging Rean gently like Rean is the most precious being in the world. The black-haired male melts into the hug and he hugs Crow back. They stay in that position for few minutes, no words needed to paint how much they missed each other, and they both can feel it from the hug. Rean then looks up as Crow looks down, and slowly their mouths lock with each other, meeting for a chaste kiss.

That night, Rean ends up sleeping in Crow’s room, and they share some small kisses and cuddles before sleeping. Crimson eyes watch as Rean’s chest moves up and down as the younger breathes. He then smiles before he kisses Rean’s forehead and goes to sleep as well

.

.

.

Crow feels a movement, as he slowly opens his eyes and blink. It’s still dark, and he barely can see Rean’s form that is slowly standing up from the bed.

“Rean?”

Rean pat Crow’s head. “It’s still early Crow, you can go back to sleep. I’m going to have my morning training.”

Morning training… that means that it’s now around 5 AM. Crow then lets out a yawn and falls back into the bed. “Ok… take care Rean…” And he goes back into dream land.

The black-haired man stays silent before he walks to the door without any sound. He opens it and walks towards his own room. He enters the room and locks it behind his back. Then he walks towards his desk, and takes his ARCUS II out before he walks towards the window.

Rean open up his ARCUS II. At the screen of his ARCUS II, the words ‘3.00 AM’ stares back at him. He immediately taps some numbers before he puts the ARCUS on his ear. It’s not long before his call finally connects to the person at the other end. Eyes staring forward…

“Ashen Chevalier reporting in… Father.”

… And blank lilac eyes are reflected on the glass surface of the window.