Chapter Text
The first thing Rean noticed the next morning was a marked change in Machias's demeanor. While he still appeared very wound up, his tension seemed due more to embarrassment than outright hostility. Which started gears turning in Rean's mind; he had a pretty good idea what had changed.
Jusis caught his eye and smirked faintly; clearly he too had noticed the shift in the proud commoner's attitude. He made no comment, however, and the group sat down to an amiable breakfast. Jusis and Machias avoided speaking to each other, of course, but Rean would honestly have been shocked if they were yet ready for normal conversation.
One thing at a time, he thought, and happily polished off his meal.
The hotel manager greeted them when they had finished. “Here is the envelop Lord Rufus entrusted to me,” he said.
“Thank you,” Rean said, inclining his head respectfully.
Manager Richelieu bowed. “If you'll excuse me, then. Should you require anything further, please do not hesitate to ask.”
Jusis twitched at that, but held his peace. Probably just reflex, Rean decided, knowing Jusis's intense dislike of being pampered. Luxury seemed to have little value to the youngest Albarea.
“Let's see what my brother has for us this time,” Jusis said.
Nodding, Rean slit the envelop open. Similar to the previous day, he noted, a monster hunt, this time on North Kreuzen Highway, and a request from Jusis's commoner uncle. Nothing too difficult, assuming they didn't have another foul-up with their combat links.
“Looks well-balanced,” Emma commented.
“Yeah,” Rean said slowly, a new thought forming in his mind. “You know, I wouldn't be surprised if Rufus predicted exactly what happened yesterday, from the very start.”
Machias frowned. “You're saying he wanted to give us a firsthand look at the problems between nobles and commoners?” He almost smiled. “If so, I'm impressed. His reputation is well-earned.”
“Sure is,” Fie agreed, the ghost of a smile on her face.
Jusis sighed. “I think that's enough about my brother,” he said, one hand on his hip. “We have only a day left until we return to Trista. We should set out—”
“Jusis Albarea,” Machias interrupted.
The noble in question lifted one blond eyebrow. “What is it, Machias Regnitz?”
“I will accept no more failures,” Machias said. “Today, we will form a combat link.”
Jusis was almost rocked back on his heels. “I beg your pardon?”
Yep, I was right. Machias was clearly unhappy at what he had to say, but was just as clearly determined to say it. If Rean wasn't mistaken, he had actually managed to mature a little since the previous night. Means fewer headaches for Instructor Sara, at least.
“However much I dislike you, I'm ashamed that we were unable to do what every other member of our class has accomplished,” Machias was saying. “Today's monster extermination request seems like a good chance to make up for yesterday's failure, wouldn't you say?”
Jusis smirked. “. . .You really are simple-minded, aren't you? I suppose you overheard our conversation last night and now feel some kind of affinity for me?”
It took a lot of effort not to burst out laughing at Machias's reaction. “I-I did no such thing!” he stammered. “I was fast asleep while you yammered on about your family and Rean. . . .” He trailed off, realizing what he'd let slip.
Rean chucked, shaking his head. “Oh, Machias.”
“Pretty conclusive,” Fie said, smirking very much like Jusis.
Jusis laughed, hands on his hips, but for once there was no scorn in his voice. “Very well, I accept. I'll be happy to show you what a proper combat link looks like.”
Machias made a strange choking noise. “Fortunately, I have more than enough generosity of spirit to endure being paired with an arrogant noble like you!”
Rean could not longer contain his laughter. Taking that hit to the shoulder was definitely worth it. On the surface it seemed like more of the usual bickering, but anyone with eyes could tell the underlying reality had undergone a dramatic change for the better.
“Maybe today's field study will go more smoothly after all,” Emma said, smiling.
The look on Machias's face was absolutely priceless. Sadly, cold reality intervened with the hotel front door opening. “Lord Jusis?”
If Rean wasn't mistaken, it was the butler he'd seen with Jusis on arriving at Thors two months before. A tall, distinguished looking man in a dark brown suit, every rege the high-class retainer one would expect to find in one of the Four Great Houses.
“Arnauld?” Jusis said, visibly surprised. “What brings you here? I expected you to be at my father's side.”
Arnauld sketched a brief half-bow. “I'm terribly sorry I wasn't on-hand to greet you yesterday,” he said. “However, I come today in the capacity of an escort.”
Jusis's eyes narrowed. “An escort?” he repeated. “To where? I'm sure you are aware I have only returned to Bareahard as part of a field study for my academic work.”
“Of course,” Arnauld said. “However, His Grace has directly requested I escort you to the mansion. So I would be most appreciative if you would accompany me without delay.”
It seemed innocent enough, but Rean couldn't shake a vague sense of unease. After the admittedly little he'd seen of Duke Albarea the previous day, for Jusis to suddenly be called to the family estate seemed out of place to say the least.
Jusis was clearly thinking along the same lines. “He showed no desire for my company when we spoke yesterday,” he said, frowning in clear discomfort.
“It is not my position to question or oppose his orders; merely to obey them,” Arnauld said. “I'm sure you understand.” He coughed. “Though it is purely speculation, I do wonder if His Grace feels some regret over his demeanor yesterday.”
Visibly torn, Jusis hesitated. “But, I. . . .”
“Go with him,” Machias said. For once, he sounded almost concerned. “We can attempt to form a combat link another time.”
Rean nodded. “We can handle this morning's tasks just fine on our own. Don't worry about us.”
“Besides, after coming all the way back to your hometown, it would be a shame not to visit with your family,” Emma added with a smile.
“What she said,” Fie put in.
Jusis looked from one to another. “Are you certain?” He took a deep breath. “Very well, I'll return this afternoon.” The smirk returned. “Though I worry about how you'll fare without me, I know you'll at least give it your best. For whatever that's worth.”
It was clearly meant as a jibe at Machias, who amazingly took it in good part. “Of course we will.”
“We'll see you around noon, then,” Rean said. “If something comes up, just leave a message at the front desk.”
“Understood,” Jusis said. He nodded to Arnauld, and the pair departed.
It was with definite mixed feelings that Rean watched them go. Jusis appeared confident enough, but there was still that nagging feeling that something wasn't quite right. Or maybe he was just reading too much into things; Rean's only real brushes with high society had been a couple of trips to Heimdallr years before.
“Let's get started,” he said at length. “No sense giving Jusis more reason to worry.”
“Certainly not,” Emma agreed. “Still. . . .” She looked at Machias.
Rean and Fie followed her gaze. “W-What!?” Machias demanded. “If you have something to say, say it already!”
Emma giggled. “Oh, it's nothing, nothing at all!”
“She's probably thinking the worst is over, and it's all thanks to your eavesdropping,” Rean said with a grin.
“Good boy,” Fie cooed, sounding like she was talking to a faithful dog.
Machias's face reddened. “Stop that!” he snapped. “Stop looking at me like I'm some hapless babe!” He glared at Rean. “Rean! You know I still haven't forgiven you for lying, right!?”
Of all the things to bring up. “You're still hung up on that?”
Machias ignored him, turning to Emma. “And you, Emma! I hope you're ready to score second on our midterms, because I'm not about to lose to you again! But don't even think of giving less than your best; I'm going to beat you when you're in top form!”
He might as well have been talking about the weather. “Y-You will?”
Teeth clenched, Machias whirled on their youngest member. “And Fie, I've been wanting to say this for a long time: sleeping in class is an affront to our education! You need to start taking classes more seriously! Listen, take proper notes! Raise your hand once in a while!” When Fie responded by dropping to her knees and clapping her hands over her ears, Machias nearly lost it. “And don't cover your ears when I'm talking to you!”
“I can't hear you,” Fie responded in a singsong voice.
Rean laughed. “We've got a lot to do today. Let's get going.”
As they stepped out onto the North Kreuzen Highway, Machias felt a swirl of confused emotions. Shame was high on the list; after he'd make his hatred for the aristocracy brutally clear, it was no wonder Rean had dissembled about his own social class. If Machias was being honest, it was amazing Rean was willing to talk to him at all.
Relief was also prominent, relief at recovering from his own stupid mistake. And it was stupid; sure, a lot of the nobility were pompous, strutting buffoons, but by no means all fit that description. Rean himself, for one; he carried himself with a certain dignity, but arrogance was from all appearances foreign to his nature. Same for Laura, who for all her high-class upbringing was one of the friendliest people Machias had ever met.
Last, though he would never have said so aloud, was concern, concern for Jusis Albarea. Machias still didn't like the pretentious noble, but he had to admit Jusis hadn't simply been riding his father's coattails. If their brief meeting with Duke Albarea was any indication, Jusis likely had to struggle against his father's influence often as not. No wonder he seemed to prefer the somewhat utilitarian accommodations at Thors over the luxury of the Verdant City.
And now this. For reasons unknown, Jusis had been forced to return to the family estate, and that worried Machias. Jusis he grudgingly trusted, the duke not so much. Machias knew enough about politics to suspect something deeper was in the offing, something none of them would like.
And of course it had to happen when we're finally ready for a proper combat link. I'd like to smash Duke Albarea's face in just for that.
Rean held up a hand. “There it is,” he murmured.
“Looks just as strong as yesterday's,” Fie said.
Just as strong, and if anything even uglier, in Machias's opinion. It appeared to be a giant mutated plant, with three gaping, slavering mouths. Obviously carnivorous, and obviously hostile. Feeding it a mass of lead was going to be most satisfying.
“We'll have to be careful, since Jusis isn't with us today,” Emma said.
Machias grimaced, but he couldn't disagree. Only a complete idiot would deny Jusis Albarea's skill with a blade. “Rean,” he bowed his head, “I'm ashamed of what happened yesterday. I know we've had our share of differences, but . . . .”
“He's embarrassed,” Fie said with a smirk.
Which was true, but Machias did not appreciate her pointing it out. “Q-Quiet, Fie! I'm trying to—”
“I caused problems for everyone, too,” Rean interrupted. “My injuries were the result of my own carelessness. Hopefully, we can make up for it by giving this fight our all. Together. I'm counting on you, Machias.”
Machias set himself, raising his shotgun to firing position. “I won't let you down!”
There was a blur of motion to his right, Fie coming in at an angle. She drove her gun-swords into one of the “neck” vines, nearly severing it with a single attack. Rean was barely a second behind her; Machias couldn't help marveling at the sheer artistry of his noble friend's swordplay.
Save that for combat practice! he told himself firmly, and pulled the trigger. His shotgun barked, kicking back into his right shoulder. Ordinarily he preferring buckshot, but against foes such as this houseplant from hell he favored solid slugs. On fire if possible.
Fire appeared to be Emma's method of choice for this fight. Instead of orbal blasts from her staff, she concentrated for a moment, and unleashed a jet of fire. Narrowly missing Fie, it was more than enough to set their target ablaze. Machias was grateful for the distance; as it was, it felt like getting sunburned.
“I'll wrap this up,” Fie said, and dashed forward, slashing in an intricate pattern. “Sylphid Dance!” she shouted, spinning on one foot, her gun-swords spitting death. Struck by dozens of shots at point-blank range, and already near death from the flames, the plant monster settled to the ground, charred almost beyond recognition.
Machias slumped in relief. “We won!”
“We sure did,” Rean agreed, sheathing his sword. “And in doing so, I think we've redeemed ourselves for yesterday.”
“Suppose that gets a pass,” Fie said. High praise from her.
Swiping a hand over his sweat-covered forehead, Machias laughed wearily. “I'm sorry, everyone. I've dragged you all down.” He looked at their de facto leader. “Especially you, Rean. I owe you double the apology.” He closed his eyes. “Please forgive me!”
“Don't worry about it, Machias,” Rean said. “If I'd just been honest from the start, this could all have been avoided. So if anything, I should be the one apologizing for misleading you.”
That made no sense. “No, no,” Machias said. “After the way I acted, I can't blame you for being cagey about it.”
“All in the past now,” Rean said. “I'm glad to have you with us, Machias.”
At last feeling the weight lift, Machias smiled. “Same to you.”
“And I'm glad you were able to make up!” Emma said.
“Ah, youth.”
Machias glared at their youngest classmate. “Don't make fun of us! You're younger than we are!” Fie, of course, didn't even twitch.
Rean lifted an eyebrow. “So, since we're on a roll . . . why not take the chance to make up with Jusis, too?”
That was a bridge too far. “What!?”
“If you two could just talk honestly with each other,” Rean said, “I'm sure even combat links would—”
“Out of the question!” Machias said, shaking his head adamantly. “My behavior toward you was wrong, I admit it. But Jusis Albarea is a completely different story! He and I are fundamentally incompatible, and nothing any of you do can change that!”
Clearly unconvinced, Rean laughed softly. “Let's just get back to town. Jusis should be back soon, anyway.”
Machias was definitely not looking forward to seeing that upstart again. Still, he had to admit, if only to himself, that there were far worse fates.
There was a definite spring in Rean's step on the way back to Bareahard. He was still less than happy with Instructor Sara for foisting the issue off on him, but he had to admit it was a resounding success. Even the occasional monster attack on the return trip failed to dampen his mood; they were easily dispatched. Even Fie seemed more cheerful.
Until they passed through the city gate, and were met by two men in the blue-and-white of the Kreuzen Provincial Army. What are they doing here? Are they waiting for us?
“You're the students from Thors Military Academy, correct?” one said. “The ones here on a 'field study'?”
Rean tensed, not liking where this was headed. “That's us,” he confirmed.
“Is there a problem?” Emma asked.
The soldier ignored her, instead looking at Machias. “He's a perfect match for the photo.”
“Convenient for us,” his partner said, and blew a whistle.
Rean almost went for his sword, thinking better at the last second. He could take a couple of provincials, sure, but only with very unpleasant consequences. Which only frustrated him even more; there was something very wrong happening, and he could do nothing to stop it.
“What are you doing!?” Machias demanded.
The soldiers stepped forward. “First year student Machias Regnitz, correct?”
“You're under arrest,” the other said. “Don't resist if you know what's good for you.”
Rean raised a hand. “Hold on,” he said, stepping between them. “Just what is going on here? On what grounds are you arresting him?”
The senior soldier looked at him as though he was a lower life form. “A number of charges have been filed, but the most egregious is trespassing in Aurochs Fort yesterday afternoon.”
“That silver object,” Fie murmured, half to herself. Something in those pale green eyes made Rean very glad indeed that she wasn't looking at him.
“That's preposterous!” Machias said. “Certainly I was near the fort at the time, but I wasn't exactly alone! I was with my classmates the entire time, including your own Duke Albarea's younger son! If you won't believe their testimony, why am I the only one under suspicion!?”
The soldier snorted derisively. “You'll have to do better than that,” he said as more came up from behind. He spared Rean another contemptuous look. “All you need to know is he's a person of interest, and we have the right to take him in for questioning.”
Seething, Rean could do nothing but watch as his classmate was led away. Suddenly it was all too clear why Jusis had been summoned to the family estate; had he been present, he would have objected as a matter of honor, and the soldiers would at least have hesitated.
It wasn't going to stand, though, not if he could help it. The three of them spent the next hour prowling the city, asking questions, or sometimes just listening to nearby conversations, hoping to get a feel for things. Mostly the people were at least courteous, and an old lady near the canal was very nice, but overall the results were not encouraging.
A brief, biting conversation with a provincial army officer confirmed it. “I'll bet they've had this whole thing planned out since yesterday,” Rean said bitterly. “Which means the reason Jusis was called away. . . .”
“Was to keep him from interfering,” Emma said. “They knew he might have been able to prevent the arrest. At least, I assume that's what you were going to say.”
“Makes sense,” Fie said. “He may come across as stuck up, but Jusis has a way with people when he has to.”
“Almost certainly,” Rean said, glancing at his watch. “It's past noon already, we'd better get back to the hotel. If Jusis hasn't at least left a message, we're going to have to think of . . . other ways to handle this.”
Fie, he couldn't help noticing, kept her hands near her gun-swords as they walked. Though admittedly a sensible precaution, Rean again had to wonder just how she got so skilled. Back in Celdic, Laura had accused him of holding back, but in Rean's opinion that was even more true of Fie. Aside from use of the ARCUS specifically, Thors clearly had little to teach Fie Claussell about combat.
And to be fair, now really wasn't the time to press her on it. Especially since they had additional problems; the hotel was positively crawling with provincials. For a moment they hesitated to even step through the door, lest they wind up arrested as well, but in the end Rean decided they would just look more suspicious of they didn't.
“I'm terribly sorry,” Richelieu said. “They insisted on conducting a precautionary search as part of their investigation. I believe they'll be leaving by this evening, but I'm afraid I know nothing more.”
Silently thanking Aidios he had his sword and ARCUS on him, Rean shook his head. “We're the ones who should apologize for all the trouble,” he said. “We'd better go.”
It would be best, he thought, if they put as much distance between them and the noble districts as possible without actually leaving the city. Artisans Street seemed their safest option, convenient to where they needed to go without being in the sights of the provincial army.
Fie, ever sharp-eyed, pointed out a decent-looking cafe. With no better options, they ordered some tea and sat at an isolated table to hash out their situation.
“In all likelihood, the incident at the fort was just an excuse,” Rean said. “They just wanted him because his father is the governor of Heimdallr, and a key figure in the Reformist Faction. Basically, he's a hostage to put pressure on the Reformists during negotiations.”
Emma sighed. “That does seem to be the most plausible explanation,” she conceded reluctantly. “T-They wouldn't hurt him, though, would they?”
Rean, unfortunately, was not optimistic. Nor was Fie. “I wouldn't count on it,” the silver-haired girl said, running a finger along the rim of her cup. “Tensions are high on both sides.” Her lip curled slightly in obvious distaste. “Worst case, they might threaten Machias directly to get what they wanted.” A brief, barely audible sniff. “Cowards.”
“That's awful,” Emma said, blanching.
“That's Imperial politics these days,” Rean said with disgust. “Still, this may fall under the scope of our field study. It may be risky, but how about we try to do something about it ourselves?”
Emma's eyes widened a little, but she nodded. “We can't just abandon him.”
“I'm in,” Fie agreed.
Relieved in ways he couldn't quite describe, Rean smiled. “Thanks, both of you. Now, I think our best bet is to track down Jusis. Sure, he doesn't exactly like Machias, but there's no way he'd be in favor of this mess.”
“I agree,” Emma said. She sipped her tea. “It must have been Duke Albarea himself.”
Fie snorted. “He warns Jusis not to disgrace the Albarea name, then pulls a stunt like this.” She shook her head. “Still, Jusis is locked up. Maybe his brother could help?”
It had possibilities, certainly. “Rufus was pleasant enough to Machias yesterday,” Rean said, “so he just might.” Then he shook his head. “Except he has business in the capital, and there's no telling when he'll be back. So he's probably a no go.”
Fie nodded slowly. “Then our only option is to break Machias out ourselves.”
She said it in such a matter-of-fact tone that for a moment it didn't really register. “That's a little . . . excessive,” Rean said when he'd found his voice.
Fie leaned forward. “Think about it: while he's still in the guardhouse, we have a perfect chance to break him out. But if they take him to the fort, we lose that chance, and we won't get another.”
It was completely, totally, utterly, absolutely insane. Rean could think of a hundred different ways it could go wrong, most of which would get them expelled and/or arrested, and at least two scenarios could result in their deaths. Unfortunately, he also couldn't think of any better options.
“Can't argue with that,” he conceded. “Okay, we'll give it a try.”
Emma looked unhappy, but nodded anyway. “If you're sure. We'll have to be as covert as possible, though. If we get caught, it has to be after we get Machias out. If it's before that, we'll never be able to talk our way out.” She pursed her lips. “The charges are obviously false, so they'll be very limited in what they can do to retaliate.”
Rean smiled faintly. “And the provincial army won't want to risk tarnishing their precious image. We're more or less home free if we can get out of Bareahard.”
“So, no smoke grenades, then.”
Rean and Emma looked at their classmate as if she'd grown a second head. “Smoke grenades?” Rean repeated carefully.
“You . . . don't carry those around, do you?” Emma asked, looking unsure if she wanted to hear the answer.
Fie shrugged. “What fair maiden doesn't?”
It was possibly the craziest thing Rean had heard outside of Instructor Thomas's more eclectic lectures. “I . . . don't know where to begin listing what's wrong with that statement.”
“Hey, master? What are the monsters like in the underground waterway these days?”
What the? By rights they should have ignored it, if only to avoid drawing attention to themselves, but the question was so flat-out bizarre that Rean couldn't help looking. Seated at the counter was a blond man in a white coat. Looked to be somewhere in his twenties, and to Rean's eye probably a capable fighter. Regardless, it was a very strange question coming from anyone.
“Been, what, three months since you were last down there?” the owner said. “Probably crawling with them by now, but I'm sure not going down to check! Especially since the provincial army doesn't seem interested in clearing them out.”
The blond man sighed theatrically. “How can they sleep at night with nasty monsters crawling around right under their beautiful city? If someone put a request in, I'd take care of them myself.”
“If I hear anything, I'll send a message to Legram,” the owner said with a laugh.
Standing, the blond man set a handful of coins on the counter. “I'll drink to that. Be seeing you.” He casually walked off, then paused near the table Rean and his friends had commandeered. “Don't see many people dressed like that around here. Fancy red uniforms, you guys students?”
Looking as nonplussed as Rean felt, Emma nodded courteously. “That's right. We're from Thors Military Academy in Trista.”
“We were sent here on a field study as part of our curriculum,” Rean added. No reason to hide something that was naturally public knowledge.
The man raised his eyebrows. “Thors, huh? Hear it's a pretty fancy place. No idea what they've got you doing for this field study thing, but good luck. Bareahard's a nice city, but it's got its share of problems.” With that cryptic parting remark, he stepped out the door.
Well, that was weird. Why would anyone be asking about the monster population underground? I could understand about the highways, but nobody goes underground without a good reason. Shaking his head, Rean stood and ambled over to the counter, Emma and Fie trailing along behind.
“Do you know that blond-haired man who just left?” Emma asked.
The owner tilted his head slightly. “Toval? Sure, he's a bracer.”
Well. That at least explained why he was asking about monsters in an underground waterway. At the same time, it made the issue even less explicable. “I haven't seen a bracer in a long time,” Rean said, frowning. “Probably because there just aren't many around anymore.”
The owner shrugged unhappily. “Used to be a guild branch here in Bareahard, but it's been closed for a couple years now. Toval just takes a train up here from the Legram branch every so often.”
No surprise there. Rean had no doubt at all that Duke Albarea despised the Bracer Guild on general principles, if only because they were dedicated to protecting the people he clearly could not have cared less about. Especially since they would likely have made a mess of his little arrangement in Celdic.
“I didn't mean to eavesdrop,” Rean said, “but I couldn't help overhearing something about monsters in the underground waterway.”
“Oh, that? Yeah, huge network of waterways beneath the city. Been there for a long time. Chock-full of monsters, too; the bracers used to go in and clean them out.” Another unhappy shrug. “These days nobody goes near it, so it's stagnating under the provincial army's control.”
Finally, a lead. “How far does it extend?” Rean asked, keeping his voice casual.
“Supposedly, clear from one side of the city to the other,” the owner said. “Call it from the station to somewhere in the Noble District. Heard rumors that it even extends to the duke's mansion, but that's probably just an urban legend.”
Perfect.
Rean thanked the man, then gestured for the others to follow him out. Something more was up, he was sure. A bracer in a place like Bareahard was strange enough; providing exactly the clue they needed raised that strangeness by an order of magnitude.
Fie seemed to agree. “Pretty convenient timing,” she commented.
“Yeah,” Rean said. “An underground waterway from the Middle Ages that extends clear into the Noble District. It's almost too perfect, and I bet you anything it's connected to the guardhouse where they're holding Machias.”
“It makes sense, since the guardhouse was probably also built in the Middle Ages,” Emma said. “If we use the waterway, we may be able to rescue Machias without being discovered.”
Rean nodded. “All right, let's give it a shot. I saw a door on the edge of Station Street earlier; that's probably the entrance.”
“I would think so, since the bracers were able to get in,” Emma agreed.
“Roger that,” Fie said.
For the first time in his life, Rean wished he had some kind of disguise on hand. They stood out a little too much for his peace of mind, what with their bright red Class VII jackets. If anyone from the provincial army spotted them, the operation was over before it could begin.
Naturally, the door was locked.
“This has to be it,” Fie said. “I can feel a breeze through the gaps; pretty spacious in there.”
Rean nodded. “All we need is a way to unlock it.” He briefly considered a repeat of Lunaria Nature Park, but quickly discarded it. Bad idea in the middle of a city.
“May I have a try? Emma asked, pulling something from her jacket pocket.
It was almost cliché. “A hairpin?” Rean said.
“You're going to pick the lock?” Fie asked, sounding just a bit startled.
Emma laughed nervously. “I don't know if it will actually work, but it's worth a shot.” She murmured something Rean didn't quite catch, and the door swung open.
Even Fie was visibly taken aback. “Wow,” was all she could say.
Again the nervous laugh. “I just remembered a mystery novel describing how it works. Good thing it was right.”
“Impressive,” Rean said. He had the feeling there was something more going on, but it definitely wasn't the time. “Let's go.”
The first thing he noticed about the underground waterway is that it wasn't what he had anticipated. Monster infestations aside, it was almost clean, lacking the dank smell one might have expected from such a place. Dull green predominated, and in general it was dim, but there was no sense of neglect.
“I was expecting a place called the 'Verdant City' to be beautiful,” Emma commented, “but I never thought that would extend to the underground.”
“Plenty of tricky monsters, though,” Fie said.
Monsters they could handle. “We head west, to the guardhouse,” Rean said. “Weapons at the ready.”
At Fie's suggestion, Rean linked with Emma, allowing Fie to act as a scout, often weakening monsters before they could get into range. Emma's skill with arts and Rean's sword were then more than enough to finish the job. Rean took a couple of hits, but they were minor; Fie, unsurprisingly, was unscathed.
They'd been walking for perhaps twenty minutes when they heard a voice. “I never expected to encounter you three down here.”
Rean froze. Striding toward them, calm as could be, was none other than Jusis Albarea. He looked a bit worn, probably from frustration, but otherwise was the same cool, self-possessed noble they'd come to know over the last couple of months. The question was, how had he gotten down there?
“I'm so glad you're safe!” Emma gushed.
Jusis sniffed, but his eyes told a different story. “Of course I am. Though I can't say I expected to be placed under house arrest the moment I returned to the mansion.”
“I wish I could say I was surprised,” Rean said, grimacing.
“So you know what's going on?” Fie asked.
It was Jusis's turn to grimace. “Unfortunately. Arresting the Imperial governor's son on false charges in order to keep the Reformist Faction under control. I find it hard to believe my father would actually attempt something so brazen.” He sighed. “I didn't even have a chance to object. Father never had even the slightest intention of talking to me. This was all planned from the start.” He shook his head. “Enough about me. I'm familiar with the layout of this waterway, thanks to my brother. I'll lead us to the guardhouse.”
For a moment, Rean just stared at the other noble. He'd expected Jusis to balk at his father's plot, of course, but that he would have broken out just to rescue Machias was completely out of nowhere. Didn't think he'd be quite that . . . audacious.
“You were planning to rescue him on your own?” Emma gasped, eyes going wide.
Fie smirked. “Nothing like last month.”
Jusis snorted, though again his eyes told a different tale. “Don't get the wrong idea. I just can't condone my father's actions. Besides, he's no doubt huddled in a corner about now, crying and lonely. Rescuing him will be worth it just for that.”
Rean firmly suppressed a smile. “All right. Let's get going.”
With Jusis's help, they made much better progress. He made a surprisingly good link partner with Fie, the two of them tearing through the more resilient monsters they encountered. Rean couldn't help marveling at his friend's swordplay; he had some skill at court fencing, of course, since the family style was derived from it, but that didn't begin to approach Jusis's skill.
Unfortunately, swordsmanship wasn't going to get them past the next obstacle they faced. If they'd had Laura along, maybe they could have gotten through, but Rean and Jusis weren't going to be able to slice through a solid iron door. Especially since it only opened from the other side.
“Is this the path that leads to the guardhouse?” Rean wondered, glaring at the barrier.
Jusis's lip twisted. “It is indeed. This path connects the waterway to the building's lower levels. However, I had no idea it could only be opened from the other side.”
Rean clenched a fist. Dammit, we're so close! Machias can't be more than a few arge away, and we can't get past one door! It was infuriating, but it looked like the provincial army had outsmarted them after all.
In the corner of his eye, he saw Fie step past Jusis. “This can be overcome. Stand back.”
“Fie?”
She didn't answer, instead concentrating on the door. Rean couldn't see exactly what she did, but there was an oddly—and disturbingly—familiar smell. Fie soon stepped back, revealing five dull gray hemispheres of . . . something on the door, one in the center, the others strategically placed on the outer frame.
“What exactly are you doing?” Jusis asked.
Fie ignored him. “Ignition,” she said quietly.
There was an echoing bang, and the double doors slowly fell out of the frame, landing with a clang at Fie's feet. Rean almost jumped out of his skin. What . . . what just happened?
“Was that . . . a bomb?” Jusis breathed, staring at the girl.
Fie shrugged fractionally. “Portable high-powered explosive,” she said. “Plasticity makes it handy for this kind of work.”
This was getting just a little too disturbing. Not that Rean distrusted Fie, but the mysteries were starting to pile up when they could least afford them. Though somewhat behind the rest of them academically, she was clearly no neophyte when it came to combat.
“Where could you possibly have gotten something like that!?” Jusis demanded.
He's right. “Fie, at this point I think we have a right to know.” Rean kept his voice even. “What exactly is your background? I remember the day of the entrance ceremony, you dodged the trapdoor the rest of us fell into. You're two years younger than the rest of us, yet you're not physically weaker at all. If anything, I'd say you're holding back in combat.”
Jusis shot him a sharp look. “Impossible.”
Fie, by contrast, was unreadable. “Guess you got me,” she said with a shrug. “Before I enrolled at Thors, I was a jaeger. That's where I learned to handle explosives and use my gun-swords. That's all.”
That was an answer none of them had anticipated. “A jaeger?” Rean repeated. “Sure wasn't expecting that.”
Emma frowned. “I've heard that term before. The very best mercenary units are known as jaeger corps.”
“They're considered synonymous with the Grim Reaper,” Jusis said, shaking his head. “To think I've been going to school with a jaeger.”
Apparently puzzled, Fie tilted her head to one side. “Me, a reaper?”
If the situation wasn't so dire, Rean would have laughed at Jusis's reaction. “N-No, I didn't mean. . . .” He swiftly composed himself. “I spoke out of turn. I mustn't allow prejudices to get the better of me.”
Emma smiled. “That's right. Knowing her background doesn't change who she is now.”
Rean slowly nodded. “Thanks for telling us, Fie. I'm sorry for prying.”
“Not bothered,” Fie said. “But we'd better hurry if we want to save Machias.”
Trust a former jaeger to keep things practical. “You're right,” Rean said, smiling faintly. “Let's move.”
The guardhouse was almost as dank as the waterway they'd just traversed. A faint musty odor lingered in the air, making Rean's nose itch. Their footsteps echoed no matter how softly they tried to walk; hopefully there weren't many guards. Two or three they could probably neutralize.
“Who's there!?”
Rean smiled. Too easy. “It's us, Machias,” he whispered. “You okay?”
A brief scuffing sound, as their classmate came up to his cell door. “For now, yeah,” Machias said. “They were a little rough, but it was no worse than some of Instructor Sara's more outlandish classes.” His eyes shifted to his left. “You. . . .”
Jusis's lip twitched in a brief smirk. “You're holding up better than I had expected. I have to say, I'm impressed.”
“I don't need your—”
Rean held up a hand. “Quiet!” he hissed. “We're not alone here.”
He saw Fie press herself against the wall just as running footsteps neared their position. Sure enough, two young men in provincial army uniforms rounded the corner, rifles already half-raised. The pair stopped dead on seeing Rean and his classmates. Especially Jusis.
“L-Lord Jusis!” one gasped. “W-What are you doing here?”
Jusis drew his sword. “Much as I would like to praise you for a job well done, I'm afraid you'll have to take a short rest.”
“W-What are you—”
“Too late.” Fie nimbly stepped behind one of the men and tripped him up, driving a carefully-metered blow to the side of his neck as he fell. At almost the same moment, Rean lashed out, catching the other with a palm strike to the chin. The soldier's head snapped back, and he fell without a sound.
Jusis bent to retrieve the guards' weapons, while Fie busied herself with the cell door. “Impressive,” he said.
Keeping a wary eye out for more soldiers, Rean allowed himself a faint smile. “That was the Eight Leaves' eighth form,” he said. “Meant for use if we're caught without a weapon. It's primarily intended to capture an opponent's blade, but,” he nodded at the prone guards, “it has other uses, as you can see.”
The sharp bang of one of Fie's little bombs forestalled a reply. Machias half-staggered out of the cell, gawking at Fie as if he'd never seen her before. For her part, the ex-jaeger just looked innocent, though Rean had the sudden impression she was trolling Machias.
Amusing though it was, they were short on time. “Come on,” he said, passing over Machias's shotgun. “If we can just get out of the city, we should be safe.”
Holding the weapon like a lifeline, Machias nodded. “Right behind you. And Rean . . . thanks.”
As they ran, Rean silently thanked Aidios for both his own intensive training under Master Ka-fai and the standard Thors regimen. Despite fighting a bunch of monsters along the way, plus the brief scuffle in the cell block, none of them were so much as winded.
Which was fortunate, as it soon became clear they were being pursued. And not by humans; the footsteps were far too heavy. What the hell, he wondered irritably, could the provincial army have that made so much noise when it ran? Judging by the panting and growling, they had some very large and not entirely tame monsters.
“Worst day ever,” Machias grumbled as they reached an open area.
Now there was an understatement. With a deafening roar, their pursuers leaped into view. Quadrupedal, armored, and double the size of full-grown lions, they prowled around Rean's group, snarling past wicked-looking fangs. The only saving grace was that there were just two of them.
“Are they giant cats?” Emma wondered uneasily. “No, more like dogs.”
Machias clutched his shotgun in white-knuckled hands. “Is the provincial army taming monsters now!?”
“No one told me about it,” Jusis said irritably.
“Doesn't matter,” Fie said. “They're in the way, so we'll have to fight through them.”
Jusis smirked. “Fine with me. Bad dogs require stern discipline.” He brandished his sword for emphasis, and glanced at Machias. “Regnitz, I believe this is the perfect opportunity.”
The bespectacled commoner smiled tightly. “For once, I agree with you. Ready when you are.”
Finally. Rean caught Fie's eye and grinned. She nodded back. “Okay, Emma, you support Jusis and Machias. Fie and I can handle the other one.”
“Right,” Emma acknowledged.
“Ja,” Fie agreed.
Rean set himself. “All right. Class VII, Group A, let's end this field study with a bang!”
Fittingly, the first thing he heard was a loud bang, in the form of Machias blasting one of the beasts in the face at point-blank range. Either it had a thicker skull than it looked, or the armor was extra tough, because while it roared with pain, it didn't hesitate to strike back. Or try to; Jusis aimed a slash at its foreleg, forcing it back.
Rean had little attention to spare for that, however. He jumped backward, pivoted on one foot, and slashed his target across the nose. A couple of arge away, he was aware of Fie leaping behind it, her gun-swords opening deep wounds in the canine's flank.
“Rean, go!” she yelled.
He held his sword point down. “Flames, gather on my blade!” he shouted, and charged, the flaming tachi scorching through the beast's armor and flesh alike. Combined with a fusillade from Fie, and it soon crumpled.
“Break Shot!” Machias held his shotgun at arm's length. In front of him, the other beast's head armor had finally shattered.
Giving Jusis an opening. Blue light erupted from his sword, encasing the monster in a dome of crystal. “Your end is sure! Crystal Saber!” He slashed in an X pattern, releasing an energy burst that practically shattered the remaining canine abomination.
The battle had been short, but intense, intense enough that Rean almost fell to his knees. Emma and Machias were even worse off, and Jusis was looking more than a little undignified. Fie, of course, wasn't even breathing hard; it was probably little more than a light workout for her.
“We . . . we won,” Machias gasped. His hair was plastered to his skull with sweat, but he was grinning triumphantly.
Jusis had for once lost some of his usual poise. “I suppose we can call that . . . a success,” he said, eying Machias. “You're grinning like an idiot.”
“Look who's talking!” Machias shot back.
Emma laughed, more out of simple relief than anything else. “We solved the combat link problem, and saved Machias, too.”
“Couldn't have ended better,” Rean said, sheathing his sword. “Can't wait to tell the others.”
A shrill whistle split the air, instantly souring their jubilant mood. Half a dozen provincial army soldiers swept around them, forming a ring Rean remembered all too well from Celdic. His hand immediately went to his sword, though there wasn't really much he could do. He could take them, certainly, but the repercussions would be very bad.
An officer approached them, the same man who headed the arrest party. “You've pushed your luck too far this time,” he said icily. “Are you that anxious to be thrown in a cell with Regnitz!?”
“If you want to arrest us, be my guest,” Jusis said, stepping forward.
The officer actually took a step back. “L-Lord Jusis!? What are you doing here!? I thought you were locked in the mansion!”
Rean was very glad the look in Jusis's eyes wasn't directed at him. “I chose to return to my studies,” he said coldly, folding his arms. “Accusing my classmates will implicate me as well. Are you really prepared to take that step?”
One of the soldiers gulped. “W-We couldn't possibly aim our rifles at Lord Jusis!”
“Silence!” the officer barked. “Not even Lord Jusis has the right to trespass in a military facility! Much less release a suspect in our custody, directly opposing the orders of His Grace the Duke!”
Jusis's expression turned cold, cold as a Ymir winter. “Enough,” he said. “We may not be the best of friends,” he gave Machias an almost respectful nod, “but I am Jusis Albarea, and I will not stand by as one of my classmates is arrested on false charges, to be used as a tool in some political game!” He bared his teeth. “Not even my father the Duke is above the law!”
Most of the soldiers were visibly cowed. The officer, unfortunately, was not. “We have our orders, and nothing you say will change that. Arrest them, Lord Jusis included.”
“That won't be necessary.”
Rean had only met the owner of that voice once before, but there was no mistake. Standing as if he'd been there the whole time was Lord Rufus Albarea, the ace of the Noble Faction. He seemed amiable enough, but the way his hand lingered near the sword at his hip was telling.
The way the officer suddenly went pale was very satisfying indeed. “L-Lord Rufus!?” he yelped.
“Impossible,” Jusis breathed. “How did you. . .?”
“I received a message at noon today, and returned from the capital by airship as quickly as I was able.” Rufus smiled faintly. “With your instructor.”
A familiar laugh wafted over. “And it looks like you've done a fine job!” Sara Valestein said, grinning.
Okay, I knew she was good, but how did she pull this off!? Rean supposed he shouldn't have been surprised, but even for someone like Instructor Sara, suddenly appearing with Rufus Albarea was more than a little uncanny. There had to be something more at work.
“I'll take care of matters here,” Rufus said. “Return to your posts.”
The officer paled further, but didn't seem quite ready to back down. “B-But Lord Rufus, with all due respect. . . .”
Rufus was suddenly no longer amiable. “I've already informed my father,” he said coldly. “Or do you intend to embarrass me, beyond your other transgressions?”
Note to self: do not cross this guy.
“O-Of course not!” the officer stammered. “Second company, withdraw!”
Sara watched them go with a look of faint amusement. “They're well trained, I'll give them that.”
“Naturally,” Rufus said. “The provincial army takes its training very seriously. I only wish it wasn't used for such crude aims.”
Machias could no longer contain himself. “H-How did you get here, anyway!? Not that I'm complaining, mind.”
“Your timing is just a little too convenient,” Fie said.
You got that right.
“Did you hear it from the provincial army?” Emma wondered.
Sara smiled airily. “Nope, I got word from an old friend of mine. Soon as it reached my ears, I was on my feet and getting in contact with the director here.” She nodded at Rufus. “And he was kind enough to give me a ride in his airship.”
Rean shook his head. “You have me at a loss for words.”
“How you manage to be so prepared, I will never understand,” Jusis said, bemused. Then his head shot up, eyes fixing on his brother. “Wait, you're. . . .”
Their instructor laughed. “You don't know yet?”
Clearly enjoying himself, Rufus nodded. “I happen to serve as a permanent member of the academy's board of directors. Perhaps we'll have the opportunity to meet again in that capacity.”
Okay, that I never would have expected. Rean frowned. Though it does explain a lot. How he knew we were coming, why he of all people assigned out field study tasks.
“And why am I only now hearing about this!?” Jusis demanded.
Rufus laughed. “I wanted to see the look on your face when you found out. Of course, I'm not the only member of the board. I'm simply one of three permanent members.”
“I wondered how you knew so much about Class VII,” Rean said. “It's not something that's been widely publicized, after all.”
“Indeed,” Rufus said, and sighed. “Still, to think my father would do something so brazen while I was away. He's always been an obstinate man, but he's simply gone too far this time. As a member of the board, and of House Albarea, I simply cannot condone the unlawful arrest of a student.” He looked at Machias. “I must apologize to you in particular, for what you went through today.”
Apparently moved more than he cared to admit, Machias offered a shaky smile. “Thank you for your concern.”
There was, of course, some bureaucratic nonsense to work through before they could actually leave. Duke Albarea didn't show his face, but that wasn't really surprising. Having his little scheme blow up in his face—derailed by his own son no less—had to be humiliating.
Still, watching the scenery whip by as the train brought them home, Rean couldn't help worrying. Tension between factions was to be expected, but for Duke Albarea to try something so brazen, not to mention illegal, suggested it was worse than even Jusis had suggested. And that had him concerned for his own family.
The others, he noticed, looked as tired as he felt. Granted that was hardly unusual for Fie, but even Jusis looked at most half awake. To be fair, the last couple of days had been trying even by Thors standards, both physically and emotionally.
Not everyone saw it that way, of course. “And you call yourselves teenagers!” Sara said with a theatrical sigh. “You actually get to sleep at night, unlike me. You should be full of energy this time of day!”
Rean groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Give me a break.”
“After everything that happened in Bareahard,” Emma put in, “I think we can be excused for being more tired than usual.”
“Point taken,” Sara conceded. “Group B had their share of problems, but not this bad. Similar kind, though.”
Jusis narrowed his eyes. “What do you mean by that?”
“I think it means the others had their own run-in with the clash between factions,” Machias said, wincing just a little.
Sara nodded. “Pretty much. Saint-Arkh is held by another of the Four Great Houses, after all. So they got themselves caught up in a bit of trouble. Got through it in the end, though.”
Privately, Rean pitied any Sutherland Provincial Army people who went up against Laura or Gaius. Or even Elliot, for that matter; musician or no, he was downright terrifying with arts when he wanted to be.
“Aurochs Fortress is nothing to worry about, is it?” Fie said, frowning. “I mean, it's beyond a joke, even with those Achtzehns.”
Sara shrugged. “So I've heard. They're not the only ones beefing up their armaments; so is the Imperial Army.” Her lip twisted. “With the Blood and Iron Chancellor and his twenty armored divisions right at the center of it all.”
She really doesn't like Chancellor Osborne. I wonder what's up with that.
“Instructor,” Emma said hesitantly, “how should the academy—no, how should we act in a situation like this? Thors graduates join both Imperial and provincial militaries, right?”
Sara smiled and shook her head. “There's nothing for you to be worrying about, not right now at least. You're at the academy to learn, that's what you should be focusing on. It's true, you may be forced to acknowledge some of the more . . . unpleasant realities of Erebonia, but I believe there's something special to be gained from that, something you can only gain now, at this moment in time. So long as you're together with your friends and classmates, people for whom there is no substitute.” She leaned back in her seat. “Maybe when you graduate and head out into the world, what you learn at Thors will have little meaning. But I still truly believe that sometime, somehow, what you experience as part of Class VII will be an invaluable treasure to you.”
There was a long silence, during which she looked at her students expectantly. When they did finally react, it clearly wasn't what she was aiming for; almost as one, Group A burst out laughing. They simply couldn't help themselves; hearing that kind of speech from Sara Valestein was just too much.
“You . . . almost had me there,” Machias said, wiping his eyes.
Jusis smirked. “That was the last thing I expected to hear from you of all people.”
Sara's mouth worked. “What with all the laughing!?”
“I'm really sorry,” Emma said, still chuckling. “It's just that your words were. . . .”
“Painfully droll,” Fie said.
Not something I expected from you, Fie.
Jusis folded his arms. “Something we can only gain now, as long as we're with our friends and classmates, for whom there is no substitute.”
“Stop it!” Machias protested. “Are you trying to kill me?”
“I was being serious, you know!” Sara protested hotly.
And she certainly had a point. Still, Rean couldn't entirely agree with her. Given his own position, he couldn't afford to ignore the clash between the factions, and the same held true, he knew, for Laura and especially Jusis. And Machias, for that matter, since his father was governor of Heimdallr.
Speaking of Machias, he was looking oddly pensive. “Something on your mind, Machias?” Rean asked.
The other hesitated. “I'm sorry to ask this, but after what we went through I need to know. Is your father part of the Noble Faction?”
Rean shook his head, smiling. “I don't blame you, and no, he isn't, at least not last I heard. He's no fan of Marquis Rogner, that's for sure.”
Satisfied, Machias visibly relaxed. “Thanks for understanding.” He paused. “You know, I think I'd like to meet Baron Schwarzer someday.”
“As would I,” Jusis said quietly. “I could learn from a man like him.”
No mystery where that came from. “I'm sure the chance will come sooner or later,” Rean said. “Really, I'd love to show you all around Ymir.”
It would, he suspected, make for an interesting visit. His mother would undoubtedly fuss over Class VII (especially Fie), and make sure they got plenty of hot food. It would of course fall to Rean himself to acquaint his classmates with the town and its environs.
He was looking forward to it.
The rainy season had come early. Or so it seemed, at least; the moment Group B had stepped out of Trista Station, they were greeted by a ferocious downpour. Luckily the station was within easy walking distance of Class VII's dorm, but they still got thoroughly soaked along the way.
And it still, in Elliot's opinion at least, beat what they'd had to deal with in Saint-Arkh. Not that all of his teammates agreed; Alisa, on seeing Group A was already back, immediately scurried upstairs, sternly warning Rean to not follow her. For once, Elliot didn't blame her; the soaked uniform clung just a little too well.
Regardless, after a quick shower and some hot food, Elliot was feeling human again. “I hear things went a bit crazy in Bareahard,” he said, settling on one of the couches in the common room.
Groaning, Rean closed his eyes. “Don't remind me,” he said. “At least none of your group were arrested.” He smiled a bit wanly. “On the plus side, Jusis and Machias can finally form a combat link, even if they're still not exactly friends, and Fie's starting to come out of her shell.”
Elliot nodded absently, his gaze drifting over to the silver-haired girl. Though still on the reserved side, Fie had dropped the apathetic mask she'd worn since enrolling. Seeing her chatting with Alisa and Emma, she actually looked and sounded like a normal person now. Or as normal as anyone in Class VII ever got.
A former jaeger. Never saw that one coming. Elliot recalled his father saying very unkind things about jaeger corps, but Fie was nice enough. Strange (Elliot had difficulty wrapping his mind around a former mercenary joining the Gardening Club of all things), but nice.
Not wanting to be caught staring, he let his eyes wander to the nearest window. The rain, he thought, lent Trista an almost ethereal quality, a sense of being adrift in time. The perfect backdrop for a sedate violin piece, though he might have been romanticizing a bit too much.
He felt a brief pang, recalling the Music Academy in Heimdallr, but it wasn't as intense as it had been just a month before. For all his disagreements with his father, for all that his eventual choice had been a compromise, Elliot found he liked Thors. Sure, the coursework was hard, but it was also very rewarding, and far more comprehensive than he would have gotten just studying music. And, he had to admit, learning to fight was something of a confidence-builder, even if he was still sure he would choke in a real war.
“Ah, the gang's all here. Good, I need to talk to you for a few minutes.” Sara grinned at the apprehensive looks she got from Alisa and Machias. “Oh, don't worry, nobody's in trouble. I just want to get you up to speed on an important detail on the ARCUS.”
Rean, Elliot noted, looked both suspicious and resigned. “Is this about link compatibility?”
Sara smirked. “Got in one. As you can see, everyone, Rean already knows, 'cause I talked it over with him last month, just after your first field study. What it boils down to is, some combat link combinations work better than others, and while we haven't tried all the combinations in your class yet, we've got enough for a baseline.”
“That sounds interesting,” Gaius said, his eyebrows lifting slightly. “I know it feels different depending on who I link with.”
Sara nodded. “The ranking is on a scale from one to one hundred. All of the combinations you've tried so far have a high enough score to at least be useful in a fight, but I've seen a couple that really stand out. Jusis and Machias, for example, when they finally managed to form a link, got a rating of eighty-seven.”
Which made sense, from what Elliot had heard about that fight in the Bareahard waterway. He wondered about Rean, though; the noble swordsman wore an expression of almost comical dread.
Sara's next words explained it. “At the very top, though, we have Rean and Laura, with a compatibility rating of ninety-eight.”
Dead silence, as the rest of the class stared at the two swordsmen. It made sense in theory, sure. Elliot had seen them in action both in Celdic and the old schoolhouse, and the way they fought together almost seemed like they were sharing thoughts. But a ninety-eight? Was that even possible?
Laura looked at once embarrassed and intrigued by the news. “Interesting,” she murmured. “Perhaps it's our shared passion for the blade that allows us to work together so well.”
As good an explanation as any, though Sara clearly thought there was more at work. For his part, Elliot wasn't going anywhere near it; Rean and Laura were among the most dangerous people at Thors, first-years though they were, and he wasn't about to test the limits. Especially with Rean's habit of setting his sword on fire.
“Anyway, once all the combinations have been tested, you'll be able to see the raw numbers for yourselves,” Sara was saying. “Keep them in mind when you're setting up combat formations.”
Well. The next few months were going to be very interesting.