Part 32: And I shall serve as your final opponent.

-Border Patrol Isn't Easy-



Private Samuel: Civilians are currently barred from entry.
Oh, but, um, we're here about the request you posted on the guild board.
Yeah, the one about 'special training' or somethin'. Ain't you heard from your officers about that?
Private Samuel: Ah, that, yes. Command did say something about that, now that you mention it. Not even a soldier and they've roped you into helping with the training, huh? I certainly don't envy you.
Um...Well, it's part of the job.
Anyway, could you get whoever's in charge?
Private Samuel: Certainly, but...Are you sure you're ready?
Ready? What do you mean?
Private Samuel: We've been engaged in a rigorous training program for some time now. With no significant rest breaks. They're probably going to toss you into the meat grinder as soon as you go in. So if you need to change equipment or anything, you should take care of that before going in.
I see. Okay. Could we get a little bit of time, then?
Good idea. Could you wait a bit?
Private Samuel: Not a problem. Once you're ready, just say the word and I'll let you in.

Take this chance to heal any damage you took along the Ritter Roadway and Soldat Army Road, and protect your team against Faint, Freeze, and Blind as best you can. You can buy the necessary accessories and/or some good curative foods in Zeiss. If you've been poopsocking Shining Poms, you might have a Crest Charm (prevents Sleep/Faint) or a T-Anklet (prevents Freeze/Petrify) to help you out.

I'll also change up the orbments a little here.



I haven't felt the need to change Estelle or Agate's quartz in a while...



...but Kloe now has improved heals, Aerial, and Spiral Flare...



...and Olivier can unleash some screen-wide earthquakes.



Private Samuel: You folks ready? All right, then. Let me get the training comman--Well, never mind, here he is now. Sir!
Huh?









Major Cid! I haven't seen you in ages!
Hey. Been a while, Cid.



My apologies for all the trouble we caused you during the kidnapping of Professor Russell. You really deserve a much more formal apology at some point, but...
Haha, no, no, it's okay. I mean, you let us get away.
Mmm...Your gratitude does me more credit than I deserve, Miss Bright.
Anyway, we saw your posting on the board at the guild. You're doing some kind of special training, right?
Yes. I'd intended for it to be a simple, short training session...but General Morgan is due to arrive at the base shortly. I thought I'd give the men an extra-vigorous workout to make sure they're ready to show off, as it were.
Yeah, that makes sense. He's got such a booming voice, you have to be ready for it or else it'll totally throw you off.
Haha. Yes, General Morgan can be a bit frightening when angry.
Normally, General Bright would be in charge of this sort of thing...However, he's not present at the moment, so I'm in command for now.
Oh, I see.
So Dad's usually here, huh?
According to the schedule, he should actually be returning soon. If you'll be in Zeiss for a while, Miss Bright, you'll likely have a chance to meet up with him.
Yeah...I might.
Warrant Officer Belc: Colonel Cid. It's time, sir.
Ah, right. We have been talking a bit too long, haven't we?
Officer Belc, if you would please give the rundown...
COLONEL Cid, huh? Weren't you Major Cid before?
Ah, yes...I actually got the notice just a little while ago. I've been promoted to lieutenant colonel.
Oh, neat!
Well, congratulations, Lieutenant Colonel Cid!
Heh. Congrats. Nice to see a good man getting the respect he deserves.
I...thank you. To be honest, though, it's a bit embarrassing. I only did what my country and duty asked of me.
Hey, there's no need to be humble. You earned it!
Warrant Officer Belc: I agree, sir! We'll be relying on you even more in the days to come!
Officer Belc, I believe I gave you an order.
Warrant Officer Belc: Er, sorry, sir. Let me explain the subject of our request, then.
You want us to take part in training, right? What exactly do you have in mind?
Warrant Officer Belc: The idea is to have you participate in some staged battles against the soldiers. You'll be fighting two back-to-back matches, with no time in between whatsoever. You'll need to consider your pace, so you don't wear yourselves out completely.
Nonstop combat with no breaks? Um...This sounds like it's gonna be kinda hard...
Warrant Officer Belc: It'll be rough. I can't deny that. Your role is to go through both battles and not just test, but provide a model for our soldiers. So don't hold back. Fight both battles to win.
...Understood.
You don't need to tell US not to hold back, trust me.
Haha. Well, this is sounding promising. All right. Officer Belc! Lead the bracers to the training grounds.
Warrant Officer Belc: Yes, sir!
I'll see you there, everyone!



-Leiston Fortress-









Yeah. We ain't been in here since, y'know, then.
Last time, I couldn't really get a feel for it since it was so dark...
But this base is huuuuuuge! It's really cool!
This IS the headquarters for the Royal Army, remember? Its purpose is a bit different from that of the smaller forts and guard posts you find in the countryside.
Hmm...I do believe the new meat we're to grind awaits us on the counter.



Your opponents shall be a group of elite bracers! I suggest you give them your all. They are veterans, including the victors of this year's Martial Arts Competition!



It's always nice when you get shown proper respect.

As explained, you'll be fighting a two-round combat match. Keep that in mind, and pace yourselves accordingly.
We're ready!
I'll go as many rounds as I'm needed. Let's get this started.
No time like the present, then...Both sides! Arms at the ready!



-Challenger Invited-



The soldiers have bayonets, Paint Rounds that inflict Blind, Shock Rounds that cause Faint, and Freeze Rounds that...guess.















-Leiston Fortress-



We win!
Didn't even break a sweat.
I'm...glad, I guess.
Here begins the princess's transition from tender-hearted aristocrat to bloodthirsty barbarian.
Soldier: Ow-ow-ow-ow...
What are you men waiting for? Withdraw from the field!
Soldier: S-Sir!
Next--Officer Belc!
Warrant Officer Belc: Sir!



Heh, oh, dear. I wish they would at least permit me to straighten my hair.
Warrant Officer Belc: Hmm. No less than I would have expected from champions of the arena. Trying to lower my guard by giving me an opening, are you?
Er...No...? I think you're getting a little too into it, Mr. Belc.
We're still in training. Please abstain from personal conversations. Now then, round two. Both sides, arms at the ready!
BEGIN!

-Challenger Invited-



Belc is tougher than his battle buddies, but doesn't get a rifle.

























-Leiston Fortress-



Another victory for us, eh?
Yeah, somehow.
Warrant Officer Belc: Nnnngh...We've lost...
...Officer Belc. Can you still fight?
Warrant Officer Belc: Sir...? Yes...yes, sir!
Good. Then get ready.
Warrant Officer Belc: Yessir!



Hmmmm, whatever could you mean? Perhaps you intend to throw us a party in celebration of our outstanding finesse?
Party...?
You've ruined the surprise, Olivier.
Just...ignore him.
Very well...
No, I asked him to prepare for another round, of course.
Wh-Whaaaaaaaa? You said we'd only be fighting two battles!
I did. However...In response, you distinctly proclaimed that you were okay with any number of rounds.
Tch. Didn't think you'd take that seriously...
A-Agate! Look what your big mouth has gotten us into!
Ahh, don't worry about it. I just got caught up in the moment.
I'd like to take you up on that offer and request one more round. And I shall serve as your final opponent.
Wait, YOU, Colonel?!
Ah, so at long last, your true intentions are revealed! You cannot bear to watch and wait without testing your own skill as well. There is no need to hide such feelings, sir!
Haha. Guess I've been seen right through.
Heh. All right. I get it. Bring it, then, Cid!
Warrant Officer Belc: Sorry to keep you waiting, sir.
It's no problem.



Are you prepared?
Bring it on.
On your guard!

-The Fate of the Fairies-





Extra battles aren't the nastiest surprise Cid has for you.



As part of the Royal Army's top brass, people have to take notice when he says things like 'Two is three now.' Or, as the case may be, 'I need all the quartz.'























So don't ever let Cid finish casting if you can help it. You've still got four impedes, and Draguna Edge works from any distance.



Heh. You feeling...lucky?



Don't bother with Mute, because the L.C. is immune. Most of the really dangerous art-casters are.



Just keep on impeding him. Don't be afraid to 'waste' turns moving past Cid's subordinates to get in range for melee impedes.









Cid can also call in long-range bombardment for this friendly training bout.





GO!!























-Leiston Fortress-



Thank goodness...
That...was rough. He was knocking us around like twigs.
Incredible...Total defeat.
I'm impressed you did so well, even after back-to-back fights. You're the perfect model for our soldiers.
I think you were the model here. Hate to admit it, but we learned a fair bit ourselves.
Yeah, I don't think we've ever gotten pounded by arts like that before.
Today's lesson: don't get pounded by arts, because it sucks. Better commit that to the Bracer Notebook.
Maybe we should give our orbment setup another look.
If you too learned something from this, that makes it all worthwhile. True power doesn't stem from the technique, after all, but from how you use it. This goes for arts and crafts alike.
Excellent advice!
Members of the Royal Army train to improve ourselves no less than bracers. And we fully intend to continue doing so, for the sake of lasting peace in this kingdom.
Yeah, we're going to keep training as well.
If the chance comes up, I'd love another shot.
I'd be okay with that too.
You have my word that you will have that chance. After all, I don't intend to leave things as they are. I'd like a rematch myself!
This concludes our training, then. Good work, men.

-Border Patrol Isn't Easy-



I'm sure we'll have more to ask of you in the future. I hope we can expect similar results when that time comes!
You bet, Colonel Cid.
We were planning on helping you army guys out as much as possible anyway. You need anything, just contact the guild, any time.
I will, thank you. As a parting gift, let me offer you this. Officer Belc?
Warrant Officer Belc: Sir!

+5 STR/-5 DEF, and a small boost to CP gains whenever the wearer deals or takes damage.
It may not be much, but it should come in handy at some point. I hope you'll accept it as thanks for your assistance.
Thanks, Colonel Cid.
Hey, you didn't need to do that. But thanks.
Now, if you'll pardon me. I hope we meet again soon.







So long, Cid. On to Wolf Fort.