Chapter Text
“The Ministry of Railways wishes to thank all passengers for their patronage. This train is bound for... Ordis, via... Raquel. The next stop is... Leeves. Leeves. We will be stopped at Leeves for one minute. When disembarking, please ensure no belongings are left behind.”
The woman’s voice through the intercom shook a girl from her small reverie. The sun’s rays glinted atop of her smooth, golden hair, cut to an inconspicuous shoulder-length bob cut. Her bright blue eyes hid behind a pair of green contact lenses. She adjusted her seat, dusting off her white leather jacket that she borrowed from her dear brother.
The girl stared at the rolling hills, the suburbs of Heimdallr really is pretty to look at. She never had much chance to actually sit and absorb its beauty like this.
Another small thing to thank her brother for.
Which reminded her of the small envelope her brother entrusted to her. She pulled it out of her small suitcase, and opened it, revealing a list of information she should remember if she were to pull this off. While reading it, a certain conversation she had before coming here rang in her head.
“I was prepared in case you asked something like this, but… are you sure?” Olivert asked, worry creased his face. “Me establishing the branch campus can already be seen as an act of rebellion in certain circles of the Empire. You joining their ranks would mean that you’ll be caught in the crossfire… eventually.”
The girl giggled. “Worry not. There is that alias you prepared for me, is it not? I’m sure I can easily upstage the great Olivier Lenheim in the pursuit of love.”
“Alfin…” Olivert crossed his arms.
She sighed, before giving her brother an earnest smile. “Truly, there is no need to worry. I am not taking this lightly. It’s just… ever since Cedric returned… his demeanors have changed a lot, haven’t it? And worse… he began idolizing… him.”
“Hm…” Olivert hummed, prompting the girl to continue.
“I am tired of sitting in the sidelines all this time. Even as the commander of the Courageous back during the Civil War, I was always the one being helped by Class VII and the others. Always the damsel in distress. Now, I want to take charge. To become the foundation of the world, as our ancestor aptly put,” she confidently declared, her eyes now brimming with determination. “And besides… I want to make sure to check on the self-sacrificial habits a mutual friend of ours has. We both know he needs all the help he can get, what with the Intelligence Division monitoring him.”
Olivert flashed one of his trademark smiles, seemingly approving of his sister’s resolve. “Heh, and here I was worrying for nothing. But… you do understand that this alias I made would only delay the inevitable, do you not? We may be one step ahead this time, but the Chancellor will eventually make his move.”
“I am prepared. I will take whatever risks it takes to bring Erebonia back into the light.”
A small smile crept into Alfin’s face as she read the contents of the envelope.
That brother of hers… his choice of names has always been unique, hasn’t it?
“Cassiopeia Schnee…” Alfin muttered, tasting the name with her tongue.
Well, there are certainly worse options for a name. Even if this one is a bit of a mouthful.
Alfin looked around the train car as it slows down to a halt. Everyone around her was busy minding their own business, none of them paying attention to the princess sitting in their midst. Maybe this disguise might work after all.
She noticed the train finally coming into full stop, and the people around her slowly filing out of the train. Some of them seem to be students just like her, looking from their younger appearance. They were not wearing the uniforms yet, as they were supposed to check in to the branch campus’ dormitories and get their belongings in order, before finally attending the entrance ceremony.
Alfin took her suitcase and another smaller case with her, one containing her orbal staff. She slugged the case on her shoulder and began walking out of the train – and eventually the station.
Alfin stepped outside into the town proper, and the town instantly caught her attention.
The lino flowers were in full bloom, since it was the beginning of spring. Petals could be seen floating around as the wind blew them away, and the square of the small town were no less mesmerizing. Somehow, Leeves felt so much like Trista. It had a strange… homely feel to it.
It was still early in the morning, as the locals were still beginning to set up shop and prepare to face the day ahead of them. She stopped at the main square, the whole town flashed out around her. It was the typical set-up for a small Erebonian town, a fountain in the middle, some small stores selling various goods, an inn, and of course, the local chapter of the Septian Church.
On the far side of the small town, Alfin could see a tower-like structure dwarfing all the buildings around it. It must be the Thors Branch Campus building, it really was as modern as they say, Alfin thought to herself.
“Oh, are you a student too?” a girl’s voice suddenly took Alfin out of her thoughts.
Alfin turned around to find a short, blonde girl with hair tied in a ponytail with a pink ribbon. She was wearing the school uniform… it seemed. It had the Thors Branch Campus emblem, but its place on a green sweater threw Alfin in for a loop. She wore a school skirt, though. Dress codes in the branch campus is clearly loose.
Next to the girl, was a man with an impressive build. He had bright red hair and a scar on his face. It was obvious he had seen his fair share of fights. However, Alfin felt like she had seen him before… is he one of Olivert’s acquaintances, perhaps?
Alfin nodded politely to the girl. “I am, yes. Are you here for the entrance ceremony as well?”
The girl nodded with a bright smile on her face. “Heh, me too! My name is Tita Russell, it’s so very nice to meet you!”
“And my name is… Cassiopeia Schnee. But you may call me Cass,” Alfin curtsied. Curse her etiquette lessons! She wanted to be more casual with her disguise! “It’s a pleasure to be meeting you. And is this your… guardian?”
“Sort of. The name’s Agate Crosner. I’m only here to escort the little girl to school,” the redhead said, patting Tita on the head. “Now that you got a new friend, go put your things in the dorm. I think I’m gonna take a breather in the inn over there.”
Tita blushed at the man’s affection. “Agate! I told you not to treat me like a child!”
The pair bantered for a while, and Alfin could only smile at their exchange. These two must really trust each other, it was evident in the way they speak so fondly with each other.
“Ahem. We should put our belongings in the dorm rooms soon,” Alfin interrupted, noticing it was almost time to the ceremony. “We don’t want to be late for the entrance ceremony, do we?”
“Oh! I’m sorry! We kinda ignored you there, didn’t we?” Tita gasped. “Let’s go put our stuff in the dorms, then! We’ll be heading off, okay Agate?”
Agate shrugged. “Sure, be a good girl at Thors, alright?”
With that, the two blondes walk away from the main plaza towards the branch campus’ dormitory, leaving Agate by his lonesome.
“Hm… I feel like that girl is familiar somehow…” he mused, before eventually shrugging it off and heading to the inn.
Tita and Alfin walked in tandem next to each other, and marched into the dorm’s direction. As they finally made it to its front door, Alfin took a glance at the building. The building was made of a combination of dark and white bricks, giving off a very modern look. It certainly looked out of place compared to the buildings around it.
The girls both stepped into the dormitory, and climbed the stairs towards where the students’ rooms are. It seemed that both the girls and the boys would be residing in the same floor, the girls’ rooms to the left of the staircase, while the boys’ on the right.
As she climbed the stairs, Alfin didn’t notice someone was going her way, and bumped into the person.
“Ah! Sorry! I didn’t see you there!”, the boy exclaimed.
The boy had messy brown hair, topped with Thors’ Branch Campus cap. Along with him, was another boy with reddish-brown hair and red eyes.
“It’s fine. None of us are harmed, so you don’t need to worry much about it,” Alfin shook her head politely.
“Wow! I never realized our year have such cuties like you!” the reddish-brown haired boy exclaimed. Alfin could sense the boy was ogling her somewhat. “What are your names? Wanna grab a cup of coffee after the ceremony is over?”
“I um… err…” Tita blushed, struggling to come up with something to say.
“C’mon, Sidney. Not even the first day and you’re hitting on girls?” the other boy tapped the reddish-brown haired boy – Sidney’s shoulder. “Sorry for that, guys. You should go put your belongings in your room. You don’t wanna be late to the ceremony, right?”
“Right, we’ll take our leave, then,” Alfin smiled wryly. “Sidney… was it? I’m sure we’ll have more opportunities to get to know each other better.”
Sidney’s face lit up. “R-really?! Whoa, okay, sure! See you later, then… er…”
“Cassiopeia Schnee, at your service,” Alfin bowed to the boy. “But please, call me Cass.”
“Okay, Cass! See you later!” Sidney cheered.
“Please, excuse us, Cass,” the other boy said his piece.
With the two boys leaving, Alfin turned left and caught a glance of a nameplate bearing her name – her fake name, that is.
And below it, was none other than Tita’s name.
“Huh. Wonders never cease,” Alfin mused loudly, smiling at her companion. “It seems we are to be roommates after all. What are the odds?”
Tita gave a hearty giggle. “Well, I hope we can be great friends, Cass! Let’s put our stuff behind and head to the school.”
Alfin pushed the door open, putting her suitcase on her assigned bed and opening it. She stared at the blue uniform before her. It comprised of a blazer, waistcoat, and a skirt, just like the main campus uniform. The only difference was that this uniform is blue instead of the red-black combination that the main campus had.
“So, Cass… are you excited coming here?” Tita suddenly asked as she tidied her belongings.
Alfin nodded at the girl, while putting on her own uniform. “Of course! I mean, it is Thors Military Academy, after all. Thors is famed for producing Erebonia’s finest, and I can’t wait to realize my goals by coming here.”
“Erebonia’s finest… oh! Like the Ashen Chevalier?” Tita asked, which caused Alfin’s ears to perk up. “Funny story, I actually met him on my train here!”
Rean was on the same train as her? Alfin couldn’t believe she missed him when they were on the same train, heading to the same town.
“Hmm, yes, I do aspire to be like him someday,” minus the reckless self-sacrificial stunts, that is. She added in her thoughts. “But anyway, I cannot help but notice… are you perhaps Liberlian?”
Tita covered her mouth in surprise. “Huh? How did you know?”
“I can hear a bit of an accent here and there,” Alfin answered with a pinching gesture with her hand.
“Haha… yeah… I applied for an exchange program to Erebonia and heard that Thors opened up a branch campus. Apparently, Professor G. Schmidt is a special advisor in this campus,” the small girl scratched her cheek in response.
Alfin’s eyes widened. The Professor Schmidt? The same professor who helped them made Valimar’s tachi two years ago? It was already a wonder to Alfin how Olivert pulled all of this off. Establishing a brand-new campus of Thors, falsifying the identity of a princess, and bringing people like Rean and Professor Schmidt into the mix?
No wonder Osborne was so wary of her brother.
Alfin finished tying some of her hair into short twintails. Back when she still had her long hair, she began tying it into long twintails, somewhat inspired of Alisa’s high school look. Alfin wondered how she was doing, along with the rest of Class VII. It’s certainly not easy to communicate anymore with the Intelligence Division watching each of them like a hawk.
Well, that was why she was here in the first place, right? Someone needs to watch over Rean.
She stood up and secured her blazer in place. “Well, Tita? Shall we? The campus awaits.”
Tita nodded with a smile. “Mhmm! Let’s go, Cass!”
To say the campus was modern was an understatement.
It was simply cutting edge, to put it lightly.
Alfin stood in awe looking at the campus before her, admiring the gray, glass-clad building. Near the front entrance, fellow students in blue poured in, an instructor guiding them to head onto the left side of the building. The instructor wore a white jacket and a white skirt, with a brown hair tied into a loose ponytail and her short stature… wait… is that Towa Herschel?
Alfin and Tita moved closer to the school’s entrance.
“Students of the branch campus, please continue to walk to my right. Please gather at the academy field below and wait for further instructions!” Towa happily exclaimed to the bright-eyed students. She turned her attention at the approaching pair. “Hello and welcome to Thors! Please continue to walk to…” she trailed off, recognizing Alfin despite her shorter hair.
“Is something the matter?” Tita innocently asked.
Towa stared slack-jawed at Alfin for a moment, before finally regaining her composure. “No, no! Please, continue to walk to my right! P-please gather at the academy field below and wait for further instructions!”
Alfin stifled a giggle. “Thank you, Instructor. We’ll be waiting at the field,” she said, giving Towa a wink as she and Tita walked off. Meanwhile, Towa followed the disguised princess with her eyes, still wondering why she came there.
In a short while, Alfin and Tita walked the ramp heading to the asphalt-covered academy field. From afar, she began to scan over the sea of about thirty-ish people that stood in the field.
The first person she recognized was the unmistakable crown of mint hair, her old friend from her time in St. Astraia’s, Mildine Juzalith de Cayenne. She seemed to take notice of Alfin as well, as her eyes widened for a moment, before finally giving a knowing smile and a wink. Heh. She never changes.
The next was also easily discernable to Alfin’s eyes. Girl, white hair, green eyes, and very, very short. Her captor back in the civil war. The Black Rabbit, Altina Orion.
Alfin knew well of the girl. She wasn’t a bad person per se, but her ties to the Intelligence Division might complicate things. Perhaps she was put here to keep an eye on the campus, or more specifically, on Rean.
Altina noticed Alfin and they made eye contact for a brief moment, before breaking it in record time.
The third person Alfin recognized was none other than her twin brother’s sworn guardian. Former sworn guardian, that is. Kurt Vander. He immediately recognized Alfin but didn’t say anything to her. She could feel his eyes boring into the back of her skull as she passed the boy.
With this many people recognizing her, Alfin could only wonder if her disguise is effective at all.
“Wow, there’s so many people here…” Tita noted her surroundings.
“Tell me about it,” Alfin responded.
The students’ chattering abruptly stopped as they turn their attention to the ramp they took moments before. Walking down towards the student body was the faculty, comprised of six people in total.
Leading them was a man dressed in a military uniform, his short blonde hair peeking from under his beret. He must be someone from the RMP, Alfin guessed. Along with him, was the former acting captain of the Courageous as Alfin remembered her, Towa Herschel. Next to her was a man with a broad body build and long red hair that was a bit familiar. Her brother’s acquaintance told her about him, Randolph Orlando, former member of the now-disbanded SSS.
Behind the pair was another man, his messy jet-black hair waving as he walked down the ramp. He wore a pair of fake glasses, hiding his pretty lilac eyes behind them.
Rean Schwarzer.
Alfin admits, those glasses made the raven-haired man a bit more gentlemanly in her eyes. Somehow, she felt like she was in the minority, though.
Finally, following behind all of them, was Professor G. Schmidt, accompanied by a tall, regal, white-haired woman. The former Noble Alliance general, Aurelia Le Guin.
The students chattered again, most of them picking up on a certain Chevalier’s not-so-subtle disguise. Well, really, what did Rean expect? His face was plastered in every kind of media the empire had to offer these past two years, a pair of fake glasses won’t hide his identity.
“Oh! Is the Ashen Chevalier gonna be our instructor?” Tita asked nobody in particular.
“I suppose that was why he was in the train with us, then,” Alfin pointed out, omitting the fact that she knew Rean’s job description way in advance.
“Atten-hut!” the blonde officer called out to the group of students, silencing them in an instant. Quickly, the students line up properly like proper soldiers do. “Good. The opening speeches will be omitted! The entrance ceremony shall proceed as planned!”
“My name is Major Michael Irving. I will be one of the four instructors here in the branch campus,” the Major introduced himself. “Along with me as part of the faculty are instructors Towa Herschel, Randolph Orlando, and Rean Schwarzer.”
As Major Irving spoke those names, Alfin could hear someone saying ‘Huh?!’ in utter disbelief. Taking a short glance at her right, she could see a pink-haired girl looking like she had been socked on the mouth.
“We will now begin class assignments,” Major Irving announced. “First, Class VIII: Combat Tactics. You will have Instructor Orlando as your homeroom teacher.”
The red-haired man, Randolph Orlando, stepped up and began reading names off the list in his hand. The students shortly lined up in front of the man.
“Next is Class IX: Military Finance. You will have Instructor Herschel as your homeroom teacher,” Major Irving continued.
Towa stepped up and called the names of her class. The students of Class IX immediately lined up before her, following her like baby ducklings. With that, most of the students were assigned at their respective classes.
Which left Alfin with the last three people whose names haven’t been called.
Kurt Vander.
Altina Orion.
And that pink-haired girl, who was brave enough to yell ‘Huh?!’ in the middle of a speech in a military academy.
Alfin had an inkling of an idea of what’s going on. She knew that the Thors Main Campus now has classes one through six, while those in the branch campus goes through seven to nine. And with that, it was obvious which class she and the other three belong in. Their instructor was obviously none other than Rean Schwarzer, because of course it is.
With the students moving into their own little groups, the four students were out in the open. Rean, who stood along with the other instructors, seemed to study them. First, his eyes flitted to the pink-haired girl, who was glaring daggers at Rean, for some reason. Then, he moved to Altina, a small hint of surprise creased in his face, before quickly moving to Kurt. Eventually, Rean’s eyes wandered far back, to where Alfin was standing.
It was always entertaining to see Rean’s expressions, especially when he’s caught off-guard. Alfin could pinpoint the exact moment when Rean realized who she was. Somehow, he looked even more shocked than Towa did earlier.
“Everything is in order, ma’am,” Major Irving reported to Aurelia. “We may proceed with the ceremony. The floor is yours.”
The former general stepped on to the podium, and with that the student body fell silent. The woman has always exuded an air of superiority around her. Behind her, the instructors lined up facing the students.
“My name is Aurelia Le Guin, principal of the branch campus. As some of you hail from lands other than Erebonia, you may not be familiar with my name, but that is of little concern to me,” she introduced herself, taking control of the speech as a general should.
“A few of the sharper ones among you might have noticed it already, but in case you haven’t…” Aurelia continued, before pausing for dramatic effect.
“This school is a trash bin.”
A collective gasp could be heard from the students, and Major Irving was ready to reprimand the principal, to little avail. The principal is truly a formidable woman to point that out so openly. It was no secret that the government put every single thorn on its side in this here campus.
With little consideration, Aurelia continued. “Thors Main Campus will be welcoming the Crown Prince this year, and as such it will go through heavy reform. This campus is a place to toss those they deem troublesome or with problematic backgrounds. Even some instructors here have been put in the branch campus for the exact same reasons.”
Case in point, Rean and Towa. And now, Alfin was about to join their ranks.
“But there is a saying; ‘Be ever vigilant, as though the world is a battlefield.’ It is a mindset that is difficult to practice in times of peace, but it is best to put practice in times where you find yourself at a disadvantage,” Aurelia kept talking, scanning through the crowd. “To those of you who cannot struggle to rise above, to reforge themselves in the fires of adversity, I suggest to leave now. Or you run the risk of leaving later – in Aidios’ arms.”
Bold words, Alfin mused. She straight up told a bunch of children that dying is a possible outcome. The principal isn’t called the Golden Rakshasa for nothing, it seemed.
With those words, Aurelia paused and scanned the crowd. Trying to find a single sliver of doubt or indetermination among the student body. Alfin copied her, and glanced to her right and left. Not a single change in facial expression.
Satisfied with what she saw, Aurelia held her hand high. “Very well. In that case, I welcome each and every one of you to Thors Military Academy Branch Campus!” she declared proudly, before her eyes falling on Alfin, piercing right through her. “Arise, ‘o youth, and become the foundation of the world!”
With those parting words from the Lionheart Emperor, Aurelia turned her heels and nonchalantly left the premises. Immediately, everyone in Classes VIII and IX paid attention to their respective instructors and marched off to places unknown. In the corner of her eyes, Alfin could see Tita talking to Professor Schmidt. She wished her luck in her head, even she knew how difficult it was to interact with the professor.
“Well, I’m nice and overwhelmed now… but…” the pink girl trailed off as she watched the others leaving the field.
“Where… exactly are we supposed to go?” Kurt asked, his eyebrows scrunched in confusion.
“With me,” Rean answered suddenly, approaching the remaining students. “The four of you will make up Class VII: Special Operations.”
Even after knowing in advance, she felt a pang of excitement after hearing those words uttered to her. With the moniker of Class VII, and Rean of all people as an instructor, the class was guaranteed to be slung headfirst into the most absurd situations. Alfin was not worried with Altina at all, but she felt a bit of sympathy to Kurt and the pink-haired girl. They’re in for quite the time.
Alfin held back her excitement and gave Rean a polite smile of acknowledgement. Meanwhile, she noticed the expressions of her fellow Class VII members.
The pink-haired girl looked peeved at the situation, it almost looked like she was about to blow a gasket.
Kurt gave a neutral nod to Rean, although there was a calculating look in his eye, as though he’s evaluating Rean.
And Altina… is Altina. Alfin couldn’t find the proper words to describe her expression, if it can be called that. Alfin was sure that a piece of cardboard would be more expressive than the tiny girl.
“Before we begin… I’d like to do roll call,” Rean said, showing the group a piece of paper. “Respond when I say your name.”
“Juna Crawford.”
“Here,” the girl called Juna answered curtly. Did she perhaps have a run in with Rean before?
“Kurt Vander.”
“Present, instructor,” Kurt said.
“Altina Orion.”
“Yes,” Altina replied, in the most Altina fashion.
“And finally… Cassiopeia Schnee?” Rean asked. “This is quite the surprise.”
“But a welcome one nonetheless, isn’t it Instructor?” Alfin couldn’t help but tease Rean. “It’s a pleasure to see you again, Rean. But please, simply call me Cass.”
Juna eyebrows went up in disbelief. “Huh? You both knew each other?”
“B-both our families are closely tied to each other, but we haven’t had the chance to speak to each other lately,” Rean vaguely said, before shaking off the topic altogether. “Anyway, students, welcome to Class VII: Special Operations. I believe all of you know me… I think, but I’ll introduce myself anyway. My name is Rean Schwarzer. I will be your instructor in the next two years.”
“You can continue the introductions later, Schwarzer,” Major Irving came up behind Rean. “We don’t have much time, so follow me to the Keep.”
“You heard the man, let’s go,” Rean ushered the students.
With Rean in the lead, Alfin and the other three students followed him through the twists and turns of the campus. They eventually find themselves in a path that branched off into another part of the campus complex entirely. It was somehow reminiscent of the main campus’ path towards the Old Schoolhouse.
In front of them, Alfin could see Tita having a conversation with the professor. Well, conversation isn’t exactly the proper term. It was mostly Tita gushing about the place called the Keep Major Irving mentioned earlier.
They finally arrived at a cube-shaped building, and Major Irving turned around to the group and began talking. “Classes VIII and IX are currently undergoing their orientation at the moment. Class VII: Special Operations, meanwhile, will have their own unique orienteering exercise.”
“Don’t you mean orientation exercise, sir?” Alfin unknowingly asked the same exact question posed two years ago.
“No, it is orienteering exercise…” he trailed off, finally recognizing who asked the question, before immediately regaining his composure. “Ahem. You are tasked in exploring the Einhel Keep. It is a completely programmable and customizable training grounds through the usage of orbal technology. Inside, you will find plenty of monsters to combat.”
This got the students’ attention.
“Are… you sure that’s wise?” a reluctant Kurt asked their instructor.
Surprisingly, Rean gave Kurt a genuine smile. “It’s a Class VII tradition. Don’t worry, I’ll be along with you guys every step of the way.”
That eased Kurt somewhat, but another person wasn’t exactly having it.
“Alright, hold the hell up!” Juna rudely interrupted. “I get that this is supposed to be a military academy and there will be live combat and all, but no one ever told me I was being put in some shady black ops squad!”
“Your placement in this class is a result of your aptitude test, Cadet Crawford,” Major Irving told her sternly. “If you have any misgivings or dissatisfied with the result, you have the option to pack your bags and return to the Military Police Academy.”
“Urk…” Juna shriveled.
“If that’s all, I believe Instructor Schwarzer can handle the rest,” the Major said, ready to leave the premises before adding, “Oh, and Cadet… Schnee, was it? I would like a word with you in private, if you’d please.”
Alfin sweatdropped at the mention of her pseudonym. It seemed that among the faculty, the cat’s out of the bag.
Alfin sighed. “Yes, Instructor.”
The confusion was apparent on Juna’s face. “Huh? Why are you singling her out?”
“It’s none of your concern, Cadet Crawford,” Major Irving said, before turning to Rean. “Proceed with the exercise, we will not take long.”
With a nod, Rean motioned the rest of the students sans Alfin to continue inside Einhel Keep. The Major cleared his throat and bowed to Alfin properly.
“It’s an honor to meet you, Your Highness. I am Major Michael Irving of the Railway Military Police,” he introduced himself politely. “His Highness Prince Olivert mentioned that there was a last-minute addition to the student roster, but we were rather surprised that this addition turned out to be you.”
Alfin smiled wryly. “Yes, I’d wager it caused you a bit of a headache when you realized the princess suddenly attends the branch campus. But, you needn’t worry about me. My presence here is in part my own decision as well. I will give my utmost as a member of Class VII to further my goals, just like my Class VII predecessors before me.”
“With all due respect, Your Highness, there is no need for you to attend this orienteering exercise. It is far too big of a risk for someone as revered as you,” the Major warned Alfin, a worried look on his face.
Alfin softly shook her head. “I don’t want any special treatment during my time here, Major. I am here first and foremost as a student in Thors Military Academy Branch Campus, before I am the princess of Erebonia. This is simply my selfish wish to… take the reins of my life for once. You do understand, don’t you?”
Major Irving kept silent for a while, mulling the Alfin’s words, before finally relenting. “I suppose I understand… Princess Alfin. Please take care of yourself while attending this academy. I don’t need to tell you how catastrophic it would be for the Empire if you were hurt.”
“Understood, Major. Please pardon me, I have an exercise to attend,” Alfin curtsied to the Major, and followed along inside the Keep.
Walking through the large double doors, a flurry of silver and gray assaulted Alfin’s eyes. The Einhel Keep looks exactly as it is outside. Floors that looked like walls, and flashing lights everywhere the eye could see. As she entered, Alfin could see her now-classmates gathering around Rean.
“Ah, perfect timing. We were just finished introducing of the new ARCUS II units,” Rean greeted her.
“Great, are we going to have to go through all of that again for her?” Juna asked, rolling her eyes a bit rudely for Alfin’s taste.
Alfin gave the other girl a friendly smile. “Worry not. I have my fair share of experience with the ARCUS units, I even brought my own Master Quartz to use,” she said, pulling her ARCUS and said Master Quartz.
“Is that… Erda?” Rean observed in awe. “That’s a pretty impressive quartz. I was supposed to give you this Pandora right here… but, I guess you got yourself covered.”
Rean then crossed his arms and looked at each of the class members. “Anyway, if you haven’t already, you guys should introduce yourselves.”
“Let me go first, Instructor,” Kurt said, almost immediately. “My name is Kurt Vander, from Heimdallr. I’m sure you’re acquainted with my brother, Mueller. And yes, I am aware that we look nothing alike.”
“I see. It’s good to finally put a name to the face, Kurt. Mueller speak highly of you,” Rean nodded to the boy.
Kurt nodded back in response. “Thank you, Instructor.”
“I’ll go next, then,” Juna spoke up. “I’m Juna Crawford. I transferred here from the Crossbell Police Academy. Honestly, I’d rather not be here, but I’m going to try my best anyway.”
Ah, so that’s why she kept giving Rean the stink-eye.
“I’m only here so that I can show up a certain Asshole Chevalier on what a phony of a hero he is,” the girl callously continued.
And with that, Alfin couldn’t take it anymore. “Snrk… Pfft… HAHAHAHAHAHAHAH! Asshole Chevalier? Ooooh, that’s a good one!” she laughed out loud, holding onto her stomach.
“Haha, laugh it up, Cass. You’re next,” Rean sarcastically responded with a miffed face. Juna and Alfin took notice at this, and both girls smirked at their instructor.
“Heh, well, allow me,” Alfin calmed down. She faced her fellow students and gave them a polite curtsy. “I am Cassiopeia Schnee. I am a part of a minor noble family situated in Heimdallr. You may call me Cass, if you’d so please.”
“Hm…” Kurt responded.
“I see…” Altina stared at the blonde girl.
“So that’s how it is…” Rean silently added.
Juna looked at each of her companions in confusion. “Huh? Why are you all staring at her like that?”
“It is nothing. If I may, Instructor?” Altina, the little angel, saved Alfin from the awkward silence. With this small gesture, Alfin has truly forgiven this small girl for kidnapping her way back when. “I am Altina Orion, formerly part of the Imperial Army’s Intelligence Division.”
Both Juna and Kurt looked at Altina, mouth agape, in which Juna asked, “That Intelligence Division? They accept kids into the military?!”
“That is correct. Although, my affiliation with them ended upon my enrollment here… on paper, that is,” Altina continued, mouthing off confidential information without a care in the world. Just like her sister, Millium.
Kurt stared in disbelief. “I… feel like I just heard something I shouldn’t have.”
Altina simply stared right at Kurt’s eyes, and uttered with no semblance of emotion, “Slip of the tongue. Oops.”
For someone like Altina, she sure packs quite the snark on her, Alfin mused.
Suddenly, a voice from the intercom interrupted their banter. “Schwarzer, how long do you intend to keep me waiting? Are you prepared or not?”
Rean looked up to the intercom. “Yeah. Drop us whenever, Professor.”
Juna looked confused. “Huh? What do you mean, ‘drop’?”
Rean turned to face Alfin and the others, and gave them the biggest grin he could muster.
“Welcome to Class VII.”
With those words, Alfin could feel herself loosing footing. The ground shook, and the floor opened, making the students fall into the darkness below.