Tales of the First World

As one of the largest events of the school year was fast approaching, the preparations for it soon moved out of the bounds of the Academy and into the city of Aria.

Working at the command of the Headmistress, the Students Generals followed the instruction of the Student Council President who placed various responsibilities on the Committees and its members, all working in unison to ensure that the preparations were completed in a timely and presentable manner.

To fill their ranks with more volunteers, the Class Captains were also expected to assist in the preparations, working alongside their upperclassmen, with a few notable exceptions being students such as Ketsuiko, Iris Fleurette Lumeria, Vauntuss Strum, Ren Gladiolus, Patrulea Lu-Card and Nozomi Miyuu who would be working directly under the command of their respective Committee leaders.

Since Ketsuiko was following the instruction of President Elldra, the responsibilities that would have fallen on him as Class Captain were taken up by Sergei and Stephen at his request. Leaving it up to the pair to split the duties meant that Stephen, though reluctant, would do the work required of him from the Student Generals while Sergei handled Ketsu's Class Captain commitments.

Around this time, on his way to the Student Council Room, Stephen encountered a surprising face in the corridor.

"Pardon me, I should have looked where I was–eh" Stephen found himself stumbling in the corridor before taking note of the obstacle.

"Honestly, I find it hard to believe that even my stature is so dainty that you completely overlooked my presence." A familiar cheerful voice resounded from the petite golden-haired frame sitting with papers sprawled across in front of her

"Princess Charlotte. If I'm being honest, I didn't see you, you know...because you're so small." He mocked her with a surprised expression

"Seriously, what kind of animal–"

"Sigh...Princess, you should get a binder for all these, or they may just go flying off again. Now up we go." He interrupted as he helped Charlotte to her feet with an unremarkable level of ease.

"I've got work to do for our Captain, so I'll see you around."

"H...hold on for a moment."

Turning to look over his shoulder, Stephen watched her fidget about.

"Thank you, for helping me." She said softly, her mocking tone had fallen to a warm and soothing call.

"...Eh, sure, it was my fault anyway so don't worry you pretty little golden head about it, princess." He blurted out in a flustered manner

By some odd chance of fate, Stephen and Charlotte's encounters only continued to grow with each passing day. Since the events of Shynerai's duel with Vetmier, Stephen took it upon himself to assist Ketsu with his duties as a Class captain, though he had never expected to take up the duties himself even if it was.

"As if I didn't want to be in the same room as the nobles before, now I'm gonna be stuck working with them?"

"Still spouting your anti-nobility rhetoric?"

"...Princess Charlotte?"

"Hello child of Markholdz, this is the part where you bow."

"Where's the rest of your posse, and what brings you here? Wouldn't doing actual work be beneath you?" Stephen steamrolled her with little interest in formalities, much to her displeasure.

Since Herce was the Captain of her own class, they regularly met whilst handling admin. However, chance encounters were more than a hassle for him, or so he would have anyone paying attention believe.

Though what couldn't be denied was that the sight of their amicable interactions left a sour taste in the mouth of Class 1A, with Vauntuss being the loudest to voice that he saw no issue as he knew more than most that the Markholdz family holds the honor of one's duty in high regard.

"I trust that he won't act out of line. Though while I am working on the Carnival's preparations, Heimrill will be watching over Princess Charlotte." Leaving the distrusting mass as he joined the Student Generals on their way to the Student Council Room.

However, the students were given little choice as they were instructed to work together to complete said duties.

To tackle the event, they divided into groups and each handled their respective tasks, with three weeks to prepare they moved fast, but since Stephen wasn't an official part of the Class Captains, he would be assigned to anyone that might have needed his aid. Subject to the requests of any Student General in need of more hands.

This so happened to be Charlotte, and even though he was apprehensive at the thought, their quality of their results and their efficiency made it hard to ignore that they worked quite well together.

Towards the end of the Carnival's preparations,

"So this is where you've been everytime you go disappearing?" Torren stuck his head into the Student Council room.

"Sujing, why are you here? Shouldn't you be training or something?" Stephen halted his work to answer his classmate while Princess Charlotte continued.

"Just finished my workout for the day so I thought I would stop by, but you seem pretty busy." Torren answered with his usual candor, which slowly annoyed Stephen.

"Is your friend here for something, or like you is he skirting his duties?" Charlotte quipped as she caught the pair's faint whispers

"No, he was just leaving."

"I was, but I came here looking for you. I've got no one to hang out with."

"What about Shynerai? Can't you bother him, wherever he is."

"Yeah, the last time we hung out was during his training with the Warsmith about a week ago, and I was aching for days after. So until the Carnival actually starts, I'm planning on taking it easy for these few days. Now do you two wanna come along or what?"

"I'm sorry Sujing, was it? But we still have quite a bit of work to take care of before we can leave today. I know your friend would rather be elsewhere than working alongside someone of royalty so I promise not to keep him for too long." Charlotte joined them by the door, prompting Torren to abruptly bow.

"If that's the case then I'll get out of your hair. Don't do anything I wouldn't do Stephen, she's the princess after all." Waving at him before heading down the corridor.

"He seems nice, you sure you wouldn't want to join him instead? I know you've already done everything that I asked you to handle."She teased him, watching as he ran his fingers through his curly blonde mane and pulling it back behind his ears.

Stephen admitted to having a fun time working together with Charlotte, appreciating her impartiality.

"Haha, I didn't think you were capable of making a joke that didn't involve mocking my social status."

But he remained firm in his words, causing her to actually blush, with plush rosy cheeks, while she tried hiding her expression with pages in her hands.

"If that was true then you wouldn't dread my presence, royalty or not."

"While it's true that I can't stand nobility...I know you're more than just your status. Your personal guard is proof of that. I can respect that you surround yourself with good people, annoying though some may be." He tried to speak off-handedly.

"Is that so? Then you wouldn't be bothered by the thought of entertaining me outside of work if you truly enjoy being around me that much?" Asking with her mischievous smile as she looked to get a reaction from him.

"Is the Princess looking for a new jester?"

"I wouldn't be wasting my time around a clown, but saying stuff like that does make you an idiot."

"Oh?"

He called her out for seemingly acting out of character, even teasing her sudden actions as being more 'princess-like.

Chastising him for his words, but still, he would ease her mind by accepting. Reassuring her that if they were to meet outside of the Academy, then he sees no reason why they couldn't run an errand together or maybe have a coffee together.

"I do hope you aren't making such a claim so lightly with a Princess of the Crossbane family?"

"I make no promise lightly, with commoners or princesses. I may tease you, but you have my word, Princess Charlotte."

"Th…then let us finish this. Who knows if we're fast enough, I may indulge your fantasy of being around me." Her voice's sudden sweetness was matched only by the softness brought on by a expression of flush that had her quickly look away before returning to her desk 

'Nobility sure is strange these days...'

The rest of the week would rush by before the start of the new week. This time, the day would end much earlier with all Guardian classes canceled and only the standard academics being taught.

Following the end of the uneventful day, the students were all told to expect a package before the next day, thanking their teachers for the class, they were each left to their own devices.

"Everyone, make sure to get a good night's sleep all right, and that all of your gear is in working condition. According to the Newsletter, all the participating classes are expected to meet by the Tuning Lake at 07h00." Ketsu sat atop a desk as he gave his announcement.

"Newsletter? I thought we'd be fighting in the Arena like before?" Torren wondered.

"You should really check your Notebook more often. They haven't specified what the event would even be so assuming it would be a battle does make much sense....though it is strange they would want us to meet in the Heart of the City." Vaceris added, showing the confused student the report in her own Notebook.

"Battle or not, we should be ready for anything. Right now, all of you might still be shell shocked about the event, but we're all going to need to stay focused. The events they put us through won't change the fact that our opponents are the other classes."

"And I think you've all come to understand just how powerful they can be."

They all held their breath as Ketsu's words rang true.

"So, if there's one thing I can ask of all of you, is that you keep this creed in mind."

"Fight to your last breath, but never another."

"If you can rely on yourself, then help another."

"And finally, you must never forget what it took to get here."

"These aren't strict doctrines, but I hope that these words can unite us if ever we feel that we may falter. Make no mistake, there isn't another group I have more faith in than that of my own."

Leaning against the closed door of their Class, a mischievous grin stretched beneath the light of Reiss's crimson eyes.

Feeling content at the sounds of the Class Captains words, he left the class, certain that wouldn't have to do much, with the thought reminding him of his chat with the good doctor.

Ketsu, having lit their fires, asked once more that they get some rest before leaving. Walking alongside him, Stephen nudged him.

"How long were you working on that?" Stephen whispered with a curious expression, only to be met by a smiling Ketsu:"

"I took it from the Student Council President." He answered playfully before they were joined by Torren, asking if they wouldn't mind if tagged along, but being Torren, they were given very little in the way of choice.

Waving away at Shynerai as they took off, while he made his way to the South Residency.

Finding the shop closed, the young man tried opening up with the key that Reven lent him but found this attempt fruitless as the ever-changing lock stopped the key.

'If he's not here...I guess I'll just have to go without it.' The young Daumier was left disgruntled as he went to his room. Being met with the package at the foot of his door, he hoisted the delivery up and entered the room.

Wanting to heed his Captain's advice, he threw himself onto his bed.

Being worn down by all of his training and the Quests he did before that, Shynerai was quick to fall asleep.

Having the entire night to himself, neither the sound of his chiming Notebook or the horrors that plagued his dreams ever so often would draw himself out of his deep sleep, and deep it was as the Daumier only awoke to the sensation of the peering rays of the morning sun.

Getting out of bed, the boy suddenly tripped over something in the middle of the room.

Now wide awake, though not the way he wanted, the sight of the obstruction became clear as he turned on the lights. Seeing the very same package, and checking the time on his Notebook, he felt he could afford a moment to open it up.

While all across the Cross Gardens Estate, the students were getting ready. Exchanging their regular Summertime uniform for the far more durable Combat uniform. 

Only an hour after waking Erai was already out of his room and ready to go.

By the time he arrived in the cafeteria, Torren was already raring to go, calling him over to the seat he saved for them. 

Greeting him, Erai was shocked to find just how much Torren was having for breakfast:

"It's called stress eating, all right. What, you aren't nervous?" Taking a moment to swallow before he asked.

Erai's gaze fell on his trembling arms, before clenching his fists,

"Sure...but still, I can't help but feel excited."

Though Torren questioned how much more excitement he had beneath his anxiety as Erai's entirety was shaking, somewhat unknown to him, but seeing his friend head into the queue, Torren continued his frantic feast.

While they were leaving the cafeteria, the question of how they would get to the Tuning Lake came to mind. Eventually wanting to pick Torren's brain on the matter, the same look of confusion had Erai resolving to simply walk there, before their exchange was caught by the estate's very same guardsman.

Calling to Erai, the boy greeted the man before continuing on his way.

And just like before the guard would ask if he was headed to the Lake for the Carnival, the boys agreed to which he pointed out that the tram could take them there instead of them having to walk.

"I thought the tram was only connected to the campus?" They asked the guard.

"Ordinarily, however, an extra stop was added during the preparations. Now hurry up or you're both going to be late." The guard ushered them back into the grounds and towards the station.

Heading inside, they really did find a new station for the tram to stop at, and with the arrival of the vehicle, the boys alongside more of their fellow students poured into the cab before it took off.

Several minutes pass...

And the students arrived at the station, appearing no different from the one they usually arrive at, they all got off and made their way up the stairs.

Coming out of the station, they were greeted by the sparkling mass of the Tuning Lake filling the distance, while the banks of the lake bore a growing number of spectators.

Looking around the station, they found that the whole structure was somehow in the middle of the lake.

"Welcome dear viewers and all the participants of the Trinity Cross Academy: Carnival, so please take a seat by the nearby stands as we wait for the rest of the competitors to arrive. In just a few short minutes the event will start." An exuberant voice echoed aloud with vigor, seemingly bearing no source but somehow clearly heard from every direction.

As the number of students emerging from the station steadily grew, the structure stood on quickly with Erai noting how strange the entire crowd appeared with their new uniforms.

"I didn't expect them to be made to fit, it's kinda weird how much they know about us." Torren commented.

"I wonder how long it took them to make all of these considering how soon we got them?"

The uniforms in question were the result of Dr. Arturion's request for the standard combat uniforms to receive an upgrade.

With a similar appearance to their standard uniform, the white slacks and black shirt of the male student uniform were made more form-fitting and removing the tie and adding a set of matching shin, knee, arm and elbow guards.

The dress shoes were replaced with darkened combat boots and the blazer was replaced with the white and gold coat with shortened sleeves carrying the school's insignia emblazoned on the back.

With the female student uniform, the dress shoes were also replaced with combat issue boots to accompany their white skirt and black blouse. Having a similar design for their short jacket having the same golden markings.

"Wow, the two of you actually look reliable for a change." Vaceris said as she approached the pair with the rest of the class.

"You sound surprised?" Erai and Torren responded with vaunted expressions as they stood side by side. 

"I think the word you're looking for is handsome." Torren added.

"If you idiots embarrass us before the Carnival even starts then Ketsu is gonna be the least of your problems..."

"That's quite all right. It's probably for the best that they are in such high spirits." The Class Captain quelled Vaceris's annoyance.

"There's nothing wrong with being a little nervous either, Ms Ieollavard." Noting her increased ferocity.

When just as the group was reunited, a low bellowing tune of an organ descended on the surrounding, causing all the students to shudder as their collective gaze was drawn towards the source.

Finding the streaming waters that rained from above and into the lake to the origin of the sound. This musical mystery sounded for a few more seconds before disappearing as quickly as it had appeared.

"The First Song has been heard, it is now time for us to begin. Today will mark the first day of the first week of the Carnival."

"And as such, the competitors will be the First-year students of our beloved school." Appearing as an angelic figure clad in robes of light, a specter in the form of the Headmistress appeared above the Tuning Lake.

"Moving forward, those that have chosen to compete will have to overcome the challenges of each round. Succeed and you will make it to the finals where you'll battle against your fellow classes for victory."

"Before I announce the first round's challenge, there is something you should all keep in mind. At any point in the Carnival that you cannot continue, you will have to surrender or concede. We will have Ms. Yuria, Mr. Reiss and Mr. Ulrich on standby to ensure that you are taken away from the danger and delivered to our doctors."

"Second, at no point in the battle will any outside assistance be permitted. This also excludes the involvement of any staff during any life-threatening events. Students will only receive assistance when they have requested it."

"Lastly, for the class that manages to reach the finals, a special reward will be prepared, as well as special privileges granting them access to some of the most reserved resources of the school. If there are still those among you that would forfeit, do so now" The specter waited, and to her surprise, the students remained steadfast.

"Excellent. We will soon begin."

With those words, Mr. Colt appeared in a similar flash of light before landing on the stage-like structure.

Reaching towards the platform as the waters of the Lake began to swell and grow uneasy as the falls above rained with greater intensity. Falling victim to the raging waters, the structure began to shake while the onlookers watched behind the safety of several staff members.

A Multi-layered Ward sat between them and the participants,

"Listen up. The ground below is about to give way which doesn't leave you with plenty of time to act. If you look above you'll see the Resonant falls pouring directly into the Tuning Lake. The falls are linked to the rivers and streams of High City and bleed into our own lake down here."

"Within those waters, we have let loose treasures. All differing in weight and size but all are still valuable. The number of treasures is vast but as you will quickly see, some are more delicate than others so you will want to act fast as they fall into the Tuning Lake, lest they are quickly reduced to wreckage."

"For the first round, your job is simple. Three students in each class need to capture three treasures and make their way west, through the Sword Oak Forest and meet at the foot of the Bloodsong Mountains. You will have until the next song of the Tuning Lake to reach it."

"While fighting amongst yourself is permitted, cheating, receiving external aid or using unregistered gear will lead to an automatic disqualification followed by a two-week suspension."

"What! Suspension, but it's just a competition" various voices protested.

"Right now all of you are competing in front of the entire city. Standing as potential Guardians means you're all reflections of the protectors of this world. Disrespecting yourself by acting in a displeasing manner stains not just your own name, but those of your protectors as well."

"You all represent the next generation of Mortalkind. You are Trinity Cross Academy's future, never forget that." Mr. Colt answered sternly, easily quieting the dissenters.

"Now, if you're not protesting, you should all get started before you are all entirely underwater."

"All right."

"Yeah! Let's win this for Class 1A."

"No way, you guys don't even have a plan for how to get the treasures?"

"Idiots, none of that matters right now. " Stephen mumbled at the sound of the other classes boasting.

"What's wrong?" Ketsu asked.

"This is bad, we need to go now. Right now, we have to get off the platform...it's COMING." Stephen's eyes shrink as he stared off at the watery horizon. knowing not to fall for the deceiving calm.

He rushed to his classmates and before they could respond, knocked them off the platform in the lake-water below.

Though surprisingly, he was not the only one that seems possessed by some measure of madness as Class 1A and Class 1B could be seen leaping to the depth, with Class 1C's Dusk urging the rest of her to join her and Iris Fleurette Lumeria while they still have a chance.

Seeing the chaos, Stephen reached out towards the water and tried to summon its might as fast as he could.

'COME ON COME ON COME ON. IT'S ALMOST HERE.' A growing sensation to heed his raging instincts knocked loudly within his mind as he tried to focus on summoning his magic, knowing full well how close the danger was drawing near.