Part 4: a: New Recruits, Mysterious Enemies (1/2)

First off, I wanted to thank everyone for all the positive responses to this LP. I'll do my best to keep everyone interested! Compared to last time, this section is huge, so it's gonna be in two posts. Let's go!

Part 4a: New Recruits, Mysterious Enemies (1/2)



: The careers that will define our lives begin now.
: And since our paths are divergent, we will not see each other as frequently.
: I must admit I'll miss our conversations about how best to secure peace for the world.
: And I shall miss watching you practice swimming your weapon a thousand times as punishment for being late to class.
: Well, who is more foolish, the one who is late to class, or the one that watches that one perform the punishment over and over?!
: I somehow think that we will soon long for these simper times. The world is rapidly changing, and it is up to us to make certain that it is for the better...
: True.


: I can only speculate as to why... ...I'm certain they know what they're doing. However, it surprised me somewhat because Lord Lyell was sentenced to die. To merely expel him was quite a generous act...
: It appears that the ranks of the Imperial Knights are rapidly thinning.
: Precisely. This looks like your golden opportunity, Wein.
: Egh... I sure am going to miss you, Max.
: It's not as if we'll never see each other again. Cheer up!


: Right. We need to exchange a memento to upload the graduation tradition. This was handed down to me by my father. I know it will serve you well.


(This amazing gem is why I restarted Mission 3 to get a ring with a slot that was 8 or higher. It lets the user attack two extra times. Even if the extra attacks are weaker, it still adds good amounts of extra damage.)
: Max, your father meant this as a trust for you! It's too valuable to give away!
: Wein, my goal is to create a world that does not rely on the power of these gems. A world without war. However, if I fail in my efforts, this gem will best serve in your capable hands. I trust that one way or another, through your efforts or mine, we shall achieve the peace we both crave.
: Maximillian, I will use this gem to become one of the Imperial Knights...I promise!
: Of that I have no doubt. I know you're supposed to choose the item to trade, but I was wondering if I could request...Well, I would like your ocarina.
: I'm sorry, Max, I can't be without this.
: Really? Is it valuable?
: It has no monetary value to speak of, but I made a promise when I was very young...
: A promise?


: We always met at a specific time and place. The last time I went, she was not there, but this ocarina was. It was strange and sad, but I promised never to part with the ocarina. In fact, the only song I can play is the one I learned from her.
: Hmm...well, I supposed I should ask for something else, then. How about just playing a song, then?
: Sure, I'd be happy to.


: (Hearing that song brings back so many memories. I can remember the first time we met, our Academy oath...everything. It seems like yesterday.)


Narrator: The tenuous peace that followed was safeguard by a select few knights of distinguished service. In order to remain prepared to safeguard that peace, Wein practiced his battle skills at every opportunity.


(After all, the only thing better than a montage is a timeskip!)


: 2nd Squadron Chief Byron reporting!
Burnstein Commander: I have selected the members to fill the vacancies in your Squadron. They are to begin their duties immediately.


(You'd think there'd be a better answer than undressing her with your eyes.)
: (Why is he looking at me like that?)
Burnstein Commander: Though she is a female, her exam scores surpassed that of many of the male cadets. And also... ...well, nevermind. I am confident she will be an asset to your Squadron. Treat her as such. And here we have...


(So he joined after all. Might as well take advantage of it and train him up well!)
Burnstein Commander: Don't let his manner fool you. His academic scores were poor, but his practical skills exam was nothing short of astonishing.
: Sir, I'll do my best in your service!
: You've definitely given me something to work with here. Again...
Burnstein Commander: Ah, yes, well then, let's process the paperwork immediately.
: Wein, you are excused. Take your new members and go.
: Yes, sir!


: Congratulations on graduating! You did just as you said you would!
: Yeah, but I never guessed we'd end up in the same Squad! I can't wait to get started!
: Uh...yeah...me neither.
: This is gonna be the greatest adventure of my life! I just know it!
: Adventure or not, you need to take the assignments seriously. I don't wish to end up cold because you were having too much fun to defend our position adequately.
: All right, that's enough. Let's go.
(Wein's trouble sensors are definitely going off right now...)


: Wein! It's good to see you again! It's been some time. Who are your associates?
: Hans Bearnt, Wein's right-hand man of action!
: Ha, ha, ha! Aren't you the we met on the ruins mission? I guess you really did join the army, as you said you would! Impressive.
: Thanks! When are you joining us? We're heading out right now!
: I won't be joining you. I left the military once Wein and I completed our training.
: What? Why?
: My work lies in the world of politics and diplomacy.


: Yes, I am.
: Your reputation precedes you. I have heard that you are an exceptionally gifted politician! It's a pleasure to meet you!
: Heh! Don't say such things, for you put me in danger of a swelled head! Ah! I do apologize, but I must be going. I was on the way to tend to other business when we crossed paths here.
: Of course. Well, good seeing you again, Max. Take care.


: They struggle to run the kingdom and resolve disputes before wars break out. It's difficult work, but I'm certain Max is up to the task.


(Must be some peaceful times to use all these timeskips.)
: Wein! Is Wein here?
: Yes, sir!
: Hans, you too!
: What is it, sir?
: Minister Schneider has summoned you.
: Summoned?
: Yes, he has an urgent task for you. Huh...He requests two or three members from our Squadron. Minister Schneider makes a request of us, we are to comply at once, so hurry to his office!
: I understand, sir. We'll go at once.
: Good. ...but, your party's not complete yet! Apprentice Knight Charlone Claudius...
: Did you call, sir?
: You are to go with Wein, as an attendant.
: Me?
: What? Are you hard of hearing, now? Yes, you! This request came directly from Minister Schneider, we can't refuse it!
: ...
: Uh, hah...What are you waiting for?! Go!



: (They're nothing but pustules on my posterior...if they are accidentally lost in the line of duty, it will only make my job easier.)
( )


: Minister Schneider, the members of the 2nd Squadron you requested have come.
: Ah! Show them in at once.
: Very well, sir...Please, right this way...
: Wein Cruz, Hans Bearnt, and Charlone Claudius, reporting as requested, sir.
: Thank you all for coming. You needn't be so formal, Wein, this is actually a meeting between friends.
: Yes, but you are a Minister now, and I'm merely a Commissioned Officer.
: Your dedication to the rites of duty is unflinching... ...but just for today, humor me and let's have an informal meeting. I desperately need a break, I'm drowning in formality in this position.
: Okay...but, only because you requested it. I must admit that I miss the philosophical discussions we had in the Academy.


: I had asked that at least two of three Squads be sent. That's at least ten soldiers.
: Hmmm...that's not what Commander Byron told us.
: Nonetheless, he knew that I was asking for at least 10 soldiers. I made that clear.
: But, why would he only send three?
: Isn't it obvious, sir?


( What a bastard.)
: What? But, why? W...we...we didn't do anything wrong! Uh...did we?
: Well, I know he's tired of your incessant idiotic questions, and I think he's jealous of Wein and me.
: This is not the first time he's done such a thing. I just don't know what to do with that selfish man. However, this may actually be an opportunity of sorts for you three. If you can accomplish the task of ten men with only three, people would surely speak well of you. It could help your careers.
: Ahh, I see what you're saying. I'd be on my way to becoming an Imperial Knight, proving my worth.
: Achieving such a feat certainly can't hurt your chances...if you survive. In any case, let me explain what's involved.


: Bandits?
: All we know is that they are heavily armed and armored, and have been attacking and pillaging villages.
: Perhaps they're mercenaries gone bad?
: That seems the most plausible explanation. It is not uncommon for mercenaries released from service after a war to indulge their criminal impulses. In fact, the villages near Rottenbaum have hired guards for protection. It is a serious situation.
: Yes...if a citizen's kingdom cannot protect them, allegiance is lost. Nothing good could com of that.
: Though it is isolated, we cannot ignore this situation. I would therefore like you to investigate it at once.
: Understood. We leave for Rottenbaum immediately.


: What is it?
: If the investigation concludes quickly, I would like you to stop by the Magic Academy.
: Magic Academy?
: Yes, I have requested books from their collection for my studies. I would appreciate it if you would bring them back.
: I see. Consider it done.
: If there are any further developments here, I shall send my messenger.
: I shall see you soon, I'm certain.
: I leave these tasks to you now. Good luck!


: However, before you depart, please make use of the kingdom archives to conduct research that can aid you. Our archive isn't as extensive as the Magic Academy's, but it should still contain useful information. We wish you success. Good luck!