Author's Corner:
Guess what? We've finally crossed Chapter 200 before this rewrite began. Yahoo!
Only 190 or so chapters remain. I think I am making good pace. I want to be caught back up by the time Trails in the Sky SC remake drops in September!
I'm sure you've likely noticed I cut down on the romance and its current progression. Going forward nothing will really happen until most people are ages 16-18 (because you know, for obvious reasons.)
Naoto is currently 13. While he has begun dating, nothing major will take place until then. This means around the time Sky / Cold Steel begins. (S1202-S1204).
Happy Trails and Happy Reading~
*
Around the same time Naoto's group was having lunch with Patrick Hyarms at the Hyarms Estate. Back toward the capital of Erebonia, Heimdallr...
"Well this is a little awkward, even for me.", A voice of a man spoke out in what appeared to be a lively street within the capital. A tall and domineering building of the Septian Church could be seen off to the east. What was present before him was a gated building...in what seemed to be a schoolhouse?
In front of the closed gate was a tall man, currently dressed in a martial arts gi while carrying a large, sealed gourd on his back. He calmly observed the building off in the distance. Before him stood the long entrance that would eventually take one to the building itself.
"Hahaha, you and me both. Isn't that the understatement of the century?", A second boy spoke who hadn't seemed to age a day since he was last seen. He had green-colored hair, and did a motion of his hand, only to cup his chin with it, appearing amused.
"You're not just saying that because the dawn of the next century is right around the corner, are you?", The first man responded. He had just turned twenty-six this year, and has been travelling all around the continent during these last couple of years with his student in tow, teaching her the ways of the popular martial arts style, Taito. On top of that, he was teaching the girl how the world worked.
This man was last seen in the Eisengard Mountain Range beyond Ymir to the north. He let the girl he was training go through a training course throughout the entire mountain range with the local dojo situated there, which just so happened to be a dojo of the Eight Leaves One Blade School. From there, this man found himself in an intense spar against the dojo's Master. He didn't know whether he came out on top or not, since the spar was solely meant to gauge his current standing on the continent. Whatever happened left the old man pleased, allowing this person to continue his journey with the girl.
Of course, this man was Zin Vathek, Senior Bracer and was already A-Rank. The girl who was accompanying was Sherryl Sky, his one and only student. Zin had never taken on another apprentice since. Nonetheless, the words Master Ka-Fai spoke of as the two clashed, Zin took them to heart. Part of that is what brought Zin to this place. The school before him was none other than St. Astraia, the most renowned all girls' school in all of Erebonia. No matter what Noble house a girl was a part of, they would likely enroll here. It wasn't only open to Nobles either. It accepts everyone.
Zin imparted Sherryl everything he could think of, which eventually found himself at a crossroad. This time around, Zin thought it would be best to let Sherryl mingle around with other like-minded girls, and hopefully get some new friends down the line. To enjoy school life to its fullest. Sherryl was twelve years old this year, so she very well could attend both middle school and high school curriculums here. Sherryl wasn't against the idea either. She did not want to go back and reunite with Naoto just yet, or her family back in Crossbell City. It wasn't time to do so.
Because of that, Sherryl now has some free time to do what she wants to do. And here we are with Zin standing at the entrance to St. Astraia. Though fate seemed to play a little bit of a twist. Zin didn't think he would encounter one of the people who was part of the shadowy organization. And its top-brass no less. After all, the green-haired boy beside Zin was Enforcer No. 0, Campanella the Fool. One of the only Enforcers who had access to a direct line of communication with the Grandmaster.
"Oh dear me, you found me out.", Campanella replied, appearing nonchalant. He shrugged his shoulders. "But can you really blame me? I am The Fool, how could I not crack jokes?"
"You being here is the biggest joke. At least in my opinion. I thought every single one of you snakes were freaks of nature. What even brings you to this place anyway?", Zin asked. Even though he hadn't anticipated Campanella to come here the same day he did, let alone to the same destination, Zin couldn't help but be curious.
"You are right to wonder why I am here, Zin the Immovable.", Campanella grinned. "Unfortunately, we are not in the middle of an operation here, so you can rest easy. This is merely what No. XV desires. It is pure happenstance, I assure you. I am here to see Renne off.", Campanella responded, shaking his head.
"Enforcer No. XV, the Angel of Slaughter...", Zin frowned. "I am not so ignorant to know what took place back then, considering I helped Cassius in the Cult Extermination. While we took out most bases, some went under our noses. Sounds like His Royal Highness assisted you snakes, though the reason I do not know why. I take it that Renne came into the picture shortly after that."
"Pretty much.", Campanella nodded. "Unlike our other Enforcers, Renne still has the majority of her life to experience. They have the freedom to do as they please, and so the wings of fate brought us here. It hasn't been that long since those two were in those caves."
"Hmm. Such a strange twist of fate indeed. Renne might be a couple years younger than Sherryl, but I feel the two could potentially become good friends with one another.", Zin said, and crossed his arms together.
"Haha, on that, I can agree with you.", Campanella nodded.
"Still, that whole operation was pretty nuts, wasn't it? It sounded like you had your own fair share of fun destroying those lodges.", Zin said, looking at Campanella.
"Who is to say?", Campanella grinned. "Renne was already found by His Royal Highness by the time we raided that place. You didn't hear this from me, but he found another alongside No. XV, though the latter didn't express interest in joining our organization. He has already been picked up and is now living in Calvard."
"Seriously? A second person was found!?", Zin exclaimed, showing genuine shock.
"Yep. Quatre Salision.", Campanella explained. "He's already parted ways with us, like I have said. If you want to ask about him, you can always ask His Royal Highness. Though I hear he's in Erebonia now~"
"...You really got a loose tongue, don't you, Fool?", Zin responded.
"It's just the passing wind. Treat them as empty words, should you not wish to follow-up on it.", Campanella grinned again. "Though I do suggest you should."
"We'll see about that. Thanks for the info.", Zin said. "We're really in the same boat, aren't we?"
"For this moment? Yes.", Campanella responded with a nod. The two were standing beside each other, calmly observing what was happening in the near distance. During that, Zin decided to talk about the DG Cult Extermination since it was a topic of discussion. Ouroboros participated in the event after all.
Seeing both of them turn quiet, Zin's eyes shifted back to the path in front of him. He saw two girls, one younger than the other. One had violet-hair, and the other lilac-colored hair. Both of them now sported the same appearance, the very same black school uniform that every single student wears when they attend St. Astraia. They even completed the look with a black beret on their heads.
"To think this is how we would reunite, Renne. It sure has been a while, hasn't it?", Sherryl happily said with a smile.
"It sure has been. It is ever so lovely to see you again, Sherryl. It sounds like these couple of years have treated you well. You know, it isn't every day getting an opportunity to train under an A-Rank Bracer. You know you're his only disciple, right?"
"I am very well aware of that, Renne. It's all thanks to that special physique I received from you-know-what. Apart from stating the obvious, it helps me stay cute and slender~", Sherryl teased. "I don't need to use any external chemicals or anything."
"Teehee, how that is an ability all women would kill for. And they call me the Angel of Slaughter~", Renne retorted with a giggle. "At least you didn't turn into a muscle head like that big bear over there. Still, is this truly the place you want to be?"
"It is, for now. I feel like life is slowing down again, even if it is just for a year or two. Plus this will let me see what it's like to be inside a school, considering I didn't get a chance to do so with everything that has happened.", Sherryl said.
"Fair enough. I could say the same thing.", Renne nodded in agreement. You haven't met Naoto a single time since you left the Glorious with Mr. Zin, have you?", Renne asked.
"Nope. And I have no intention to reunite yet. This was my own resolution. But it is reaching the point where we will meet again.", Sherryl answered. "And I hear you've crossed paths with Naoto once again."
"Yep.", Renne replied. "I've been staying at Grancel Castle until I decided to come here. Since you're here, it's a good time to tell you about the new plan that has been forming as of late. Perhaps your path will cross with Naoto's sooner than later.", Renne continued. Hearing that, Sherryl's eyes lit up.
"Are you saying Naoto's back in Erebonia?", Sherryl asked.
"He sure is. He has several places to stop by. Just like how you underwent your training, he has begun the next stretch of his own training, so he can prepare for the Vermillion Trials. He started with Legram. He should be on his way to Saint-Arkh next.", Renne explained.
"Legram, huh? Perhaps our paths may cross then...", Sherryl said, turning quiet for a moment. The two then continued walking, heading toward the gate that led into the building. Considering Zin and Campanella's placement, it's not like they could exactly walk right in. There were many schoolgirls watching on with looks of interest.
It did not take long before one particular individual amongst these schoolgirls lit up with the two's arrival. She even clapped her hands together.
"Well well, aren't you two just cute?", The schoolgirl said with a playful smile. She had olive-green hair. A second schoolgirl remained beside her, and sighed once she heard this.
"Now now, Musse. Don't go scaring our new transfers before they even have a chance to see what our school has to offer. I do apologize on her behalf.", The second girl said, feeling apologetic. She welcomed Renne and Sherryl, and the group of two soon became a group of four.
"Oh, it is no problem at all. You must be part of the Student Council.", Renne guessed, observing the second girl who had long, indigo-black hair.
"Indeed I am. On behalf of St. Astraia's Student Council, I, Elise Schwarzer welcome you two to our school.", The girl said, formally introducing herself as Elise Schwarzer. A smile remained on her face as she made her introduction.
That's right, this girl was none other than Rean's little sister, Elise Schwarzer! While it was in the middle of their current curriculum of the school year, both Renne and Sherryl received exceptions to enroll, thanks to the hand-crafted special exams the two passed with flying colors. Renne even jumped a couple grades all so she can be in the same class Sherryl is now attending.
Because of Renne's exemplary test results, Elise couldn't help but hold Renne in high regard as she began to show the two around the school. As that happened, the gate soon closed, leaving Zin and Campanella to their own devices.
"Welp, that was fun, even if it was just for a short moment at most. I think it is time I should go. I'll give you some parting words, Zin the Immovable. His Royal Highness is heading to Heimdallr as we speak. I shouldn't have a need to explain what that means.", Campanella said, before choosing an obscure spot to make his vanishing act. Zin's eyes became serious, as he was the one who requested to partake in the upcoming Vermillion Trials.
"So you are heading your way here...", Zin mused, wondering how things will go from here on.
Naoto was now Level 92. He has 8 Levels remaining before he will the last requirement to start the Vermillion Trials!