Part 6: That (Depressing) Anime High School Lifestyle

Update 6: That (Depressing) Anime High School Lifestyle



Hey, we finally changed seasons! Now it we've only gotta do this like eleven more times! Woo!

But before we do anything, we must see the ultimately engaging storywriting that is VC2's plot!

--

Music: Everyday Life of the Class


I'd first like to take a moment to note that because of the way they use the background, Brixham spends all of his time teaching while at the back of the room staring into a wall.

: The leva-what, now?
: A tournament, Cosette. Classes face each other in mock combat. It's a good test of class performance and one of Lanseal's oldest traditions.
: That sounds pretty cool.




They could be worse. I've seen worse.


: If we win, the rest of the academy will have to respect us. Right?

They could also dislike you even more for winning. Just saying. We'll kick their tails regardless, but still.


: That'd sure be nice. Yeah! So long as we're in it, let's go for the top!
: There's no sense in competing otherwise. This once, I'll agree with you.

: Heh heh. Well, I have a little present for you in light of your optimism.
: Head down to the R&D building to collect it.
I don't understand why we couldn't have had it sooner, but regardless,




Nope! Something much better is here!

???: Oh, wow. You're the chair of Class G, kid?

: What? Oh, you're the girl who's always in here, huh?


Technically, we've already met, but whatever. It's very easy to do this out of sequence because they give you the store so early.

: What?! Hey!
: Anyway, my name's Lavinia. Lavinia Lane. I'm Class G's tank pilot.
: Tank pilot? Wait, we have a tank?!


Although I'm happy we get our tank now, I have to express for a moment that all classes get a tank. The game directly shows that the other students have been here before us, so why did you not let us use it to fight an ENEMY tank? These kids literally could have died in that encounter!

Sure, yeah, they're only kids and giving them a tank is a bit irresponsible, but you'll soon find that Lavinia is one of the most adult people around. I... just don't get it. Maybe it wasn't ready yet? I know they were holding back for gameplay's sake, but this is ridiculous plot wise.

Whatever, I'm bound to go insane if I keep trying to interpret this plot.

: I hear a lot of rumors about you Class G kids. None of 'em are good.

This line only barely excuses the above if its true, because it sounds more like she's joking. Just gonna let all this slide for now though since Lavinia is in my experience, possibly the best unit available (provided she gets the right equipment).


: Gah! Fine, all right! Well, my name is Avan Hardins. Nice to meet ya.
: Hardins? As in...
: Never mind. Anyway, best of luck and all that.

...This suggests she has some past with Leon. Luckily she won't gush over him like everyone else does.


You heard the lady, folks. Time to come up with a name for our new tank! 6 letters like usual.

: What, I get to name it?
: Hey, you're the chair. Just try not to pick anything dumb, okay?



: All right. You got any questions about the tank, you come ask me. Got it?
: Got it. Thanks, Lavinia!

I'll cover the tank when we do a mission. Needless to say, it's a strong unit.


It has it's own parts to outfit it with. I have a very specific plan of what to outfit it with when, mainly to make the game more painless. We'll see the pieces when they become necessary.




Sweet. I don't know if which ones we get are random, but I know I didn't get them in order before. All I know is that they just show up.


: I'm not a fan of messy social situations, so just leave me in peace.

Chloe is an edgy artist who wears sunglasses. She's a scout unit with some potential, working best as a sniper in my experience. Her character details will be at the end of the update.

--


Information overload. I likely won't be doing any of those VS missions because, well...who even played this game in multiplayer?

Music: Winter in Lanseal


Get ready for as it's time for events! (But not specifically for the characters you wanted. Those are coming, trust me.)

First, let's do the tutorials, I guess.

Tutorial - Evaluation:
I've pretty much explained this by now, but go fast to get a higher rank. Credits are basically random and a pain to grind.

Tutorial - Ace Soldiers:
Some enemies have fancy, even more red uniforms and a name. These ace units have better stats, better weapons and usually drop a reward when taken out.
Half of them are hiding in a corner somewhere.

Tutorial - Special Units:
Some enemies are wearing yellow helmets. Taking them down rewards crafting materials.
They are more likely to be hiding in a corner or grass somewhere on the map and are usually very passive.

Tutorial - Area Effects:
Some missions have area effects that impact all the units taking part. There's nighttime or fog or heat waves, etc.
I'll cover them when we see them, but most are easily nullified by certain tank parts or potentials.



Alright, well, let's go bother Chloe then. I'll just show all of these in succession, listing out where they happen on the map.

---

Music: Everyday Life of the Class


: You're the class chair...
: If you need anything, ask away, man. I remember what it's like to be new here.

I think the units might arrive in random order, because otherwise Avan seems to think being around for about a month means you're not new.

: Hmph. I need only one thing from you.
: To be left alone.


Avan, don't grab people without asking. That's rude.

*Light footsteps*


: And what are you?

: Oh, wow, it IS you! I am like your biggest fan ever!
: That piece you had in the contemporary thought in paint show was killer!
: What are you working on next? Is it another--?


*She storms off.*

: Chloe! ...And she's gone. Dang, she's prickly.


No, Avan, don't. Speaking as a person who used to have a "shell", that's incredibly aggravating. I don't know if this applies universally, but pushing usually makes them withdraw even more.

Regardless, this is the first of where we see Avan's rash side pairing with his obliviousness making him completely incapable of understanding personal space or the idea of introversion. He will continue force himself as psychiatrist to every single person he meets without asking.

Get used to it, I guess. This is one of his most annoying traits, in my opinion.




~* Plaza *~


: Yes. It's an unwanted distraction.
: Why is it that Class A doesn't have a single Darcsen, but we--
Soundbite: "How outlandish!"

If you didn't read the character bios, both Helmut and Marion have the Darcsen Hater negative potential.


: Oh, they're all the same, Noel, dear. Doomy and gloomy, inside and out.

Marion is a noble, just like Juliana and the leaders of the rebellion. The prejudice against Darcsens runs through all of them, it seems, likely due to the long standing misrepresentation. At least she isn't calling them inferior.



Helmut is from the Empire where they normally think themselves superior to Darcsens. His priorities seem a bit different, but who's to say at this point..



Alexis doesn't have the Darcsen Hater potential, but you can see public opinion of them isn't necessarily high everywhere.

: Mischlitt and Magari are both on the meek side, and not team-minded.


: But the new guy seems different to me. We'll find out soon, I guess.

Noel is a nice person.




~* Dormitory *~


: Why do we have to enter? All we're going to do is lose.
: It wasn't thirty seconds into the last scrimmage with Class C I was shot.

Ow. That's rough, man. I know how it is though.

: It's hard to get motivated to face that again.
That too.


If you didn't see the character info, Franca has the Nichol Hater potential. Nichol is her brother, by the way.


Sorry, Reiner, buddy. Today's just gonna be filled with pessimism I'm afraid. Strap in, folks.

...All the lancers I've had are cool people. Reiner's good guy who approaches situations better than Avan.

: If we keep training, we'll have a shot at winning! Let's stay positive.
: You really think so? I can't imagine us winning at anything.
: Me neither.



~* Courtyard *~


If you were wondering, this game also subscribes to the psychic side conversations like Fire Emblem. Without Avan even being there, we see what's going on. Even with the villains.

...Also, is this optimism I hear?

: Whoa, what is it, Raymond? I don't think I've ever seen you this worked up.
: E-Even if we lose the Laevatein Cup prelims, I'm not going to cry!

That's good, right?

: That's great, Raymond! I actually promised myself something as well.


...I, uh... I guess that works?


: I'll prep in advance for interviews when we break our record for worst loss!

...This line got a laugh out of me. Then again, Lotte's one of the more fun characters anyhow.

: Good thinking! That will help things go a lot more smoothly, Lotte.

: A-All right, you guys. Let's try our best to meet these new goals!


*They leave.*

They're a bunch of optimistic pessimists. It manages to be both endearing and incredibly depressing at the same time.



: I'll keep my beloved safe from harm.
: Anyone who takes aim at him gets a bullet between the eyes.


Melissa is a very dedicated stalker.




~* Courtyard (Again) *~

Music: Winter in Lanseal

This is a seasonal event, not like the one's we've been seeing which are based upon the story. These tend to be within the bounds of anime school shenanigans.




: Well, I found it...
: But, dude! It's frozen under like a foot of ice!
Soundbite: "Come ON!"


: I tried, but it's way too thick to get through.
: Ugh, guess I'll have to come back in the spri--


*A smashing noise can be heard.*

: B-B-Barehanded!
: Wow, you've got a pretty small frame, but I guess you're still hardcore!
: Heh. I'm glad to help. I'll see you later.


This is a fun little scene. This game doesn't do serious plot well, but it does it's high school thing good though, I guess. That's something.




Music: Everyday Life of the Class

~* Old Campus *~



: Tch... Can it, Randy.
: I'm not gonna sit through a stupid music class.

*He walks off*

: Erik! Come ba--

Why do you have a music class at a military school? I mean, Anthem Corps, I guess, but he's a shocktrooper. The only person here who can be one is Sofia. I'd defend the benefits of a music class, but this just makes Lanseal look more like it wants to be a high school than a military school.


: I so don't have the patience for her jealousy. So I'm cutting! Buh-bye.
: Sofia, wait!

I mean, you're not supposed to be talking in class anyways...



: Mischlitt?! Why you, of all people?

: What meaning is there in a class where students stand around and sing?
: Studying in the library is much more productive. Now, if you'll excuse me.

I'd argue, but this is a military school. The library will likely end up being the most productive long term if you're training soldiers.

: Hey, wait! Mischlitt!



: Er, AHEM!
: I'll have to hope the new class chair whips them into shape... Fat chance.

This sounds a whole lot like ulterior motives, Randy.




~* Classroom *~

*The bells ring*


The who now?

: Coleen? Care to take a stab?


Hey, we haven't seen you in a while!

: Be sure to do all the assigned reading before class, hm? ...Anisette?


: Anisette! What is that you're writing? Let's have a look.
: !
: "Dear Sister, Last night's concert was packed to bursting..."
: If you have the time to hold imaginary concerts, you can do the reading.
: Y-Yes, sir...

I used to work with some kids that was an accomplishment if you could get them to write. She's not sleeping in class, at least.

: Joachim? Can you help them out?
: Totally, man! I was hoping you'd ask. It's simple...



...This really is just a high school simulator isn't it? They just try to trick you into thinking it isn't by patching in a strategy game, right?

: Ugh, seriously?!
*He practically falls out of his desk saying this*


Like watching a train wreck in slow motion? Feeling that right now, actually.



--



We're free! Well, almost. There's some more main story beats to see, but I'll skip that for this update. Let's go check out the store, then finish up the missions from last month.


The store sells bonus missions and various extra reading.


This is the only mission we've got to buy right now, and we're dirt poor.


On the terms of papers, Gallia Times is a news report typically based on goings on around Gallia currently. The Lotte Insider is Lotte's handmade newsletter and it's the absolute best (and cheapest). Lastly, the encyclopedia just has that world background informaton we were all just dying to know.

I'll buy all of them as they're mostly a pittance, and I'll put them at the end of each update.

Anyways, off to do some other stuff before heading our on a mission.


Continuing to level up frontliner units...


This is the only thing we can afford because we're poor...


And here's the mission! This one's really easy- it's just shoot all enemies and the rewards are pretty poor money wise. Gives Mch Gun Stock A and Arms credits.


We get two units we can drop behind the lines a bit. I put Marion and Avan in there in case I need to pull out some assist attacks.


As for the home base, I said to hell with it and put in all the scouts plus Mischlitt just to hold the base. All this prep is really unnecessary, but it's whatever.

Also, I can't deploy the tank on this map. Maps with vehicle allowance have an extra slot called the Vehicle Slot which is the only ones you can start tanks at.


Music: Practice Battle



I send in Lotte first to scout the situation.


: "Gallian girl attacks!"



...And by scout I mean shoot the first dude I see in the face. Point blank, preferably.


I leave her in sight of quite a few enemies.


Next action takes Melissa onto the other side of the guy for an assist attack he has no chance of surviving.


: "I'm on it Melissa!"

I did this mostly to show that characters that are friends with each other have specific lines relating to one another for assists/unconscious recovery.


: Goodbye.

There was a low chance to survive.


: "Taking action now!"

Melissa didn't have any AP left, so I left her where she was at. Time to scout out this side.


Fun. Looks like they've got a shocktrooper up in that sniper tower. I'll take out the scout for now, though.


I wasn't even aiming for the head, but sure, you go Marion!


AP runs out at the base of the tower, but that's alright.


With a bit of an adjustment, I get this hail mary shot here. I expect most of these will whiff--



: "Thank goodness!"

Thank goodness indeed! Marion's on a roll today.


This map starts the trend of hiding enemies in the grass. Luckily, I've caught onto their little scheme already.


Back to the scouts. I'm going to risk seeing if Lotte and Melissa can take this shocktrooper at this distance.


: "Let me help, Lotte."


Almost! He doesn't get a counterattack either because I'm just out of his interception range.


Helmut, my man, let's finish this off. I'm trying to trigger is Rear Guard potential, but it doesn't unfortunately.


: "I'm afraid I cannot allow you to live."

Well, I got a potential. I'll take it!


: "Target destroyed."

The sound of three scout rifles at the same time is almost terrifying.




This guy nearly died walking around the corner.


Lotte didn't wait to correct that.



On the other side of the training grounds we've got this goofy encounter going on.


What did you expect?


The enemy is being really passive.



: "I see one, sir!"

...I don't. But I know he's there anyways- there's just another scout around this hill.


: "I'm bursting with verve!"

What an old-fashioned word. I'll admit I'd never seen the thing before this game and I've read a lot of classics in my time.



: "A clean hit!"

First two shots are headshots. Marion's calling all the shots today!


She's pretty low on AP leftover, but I figured I might as well grenade this scout.


...And was a little too close to the blast radius. Sorry about that, Marion!


Let's do a bit more of explosions. Melissa's up.


: "Die."

Melissa's being all sorts of terrifying today.



Too far away to really do anything to this guy, so let's just leave it here for now.


Helmut's up next. He loves triggering Sighting today it seems.


: "I don't miss."

Did somebody say: explosions?


I swear, if the other classes aren't dreading having to deal with Class G, I don't know what else to say. Maybe we'll earn a reputation for this.



Helmut's out of AP, but this is an elimination mission, not a capture one. The flag really doesn't matter.


...But, uh... Where's the last guy?


A turn later I find the last dude hiding in the grass. It's good thinking, actually, but it really annoys me.


Don't do that.






Hey, look, we won. The money reward is garbage, but crafting materials are cool, I guess?


A new day! We'll be done with this update in a minute.


You'll see that message almost every time you're in homeroom. It means there's events to see, which there's always at least one.



Today's special though, because we get our first Marion event!

Let's check out this daily one first, and we'll end on Marion's storyline.

--

Music - Briefing


Soundbite: Oh, really!?

: I'm knee-deep in snow, and they want me to run a full marathon? It's insane!


: This is not a trip, dear!


: Ooh! How about we be marathon buddies, dude?
: Having company for the run would make it feel a lot shorter!

That worked for me back in the day.

: I'm so dreadfully slow, though. I wouldn't want to hold you back, darling.

You've still got possibly the best offense out of all the shocktroopers, so that's something.

: Aww, who cares? We're friends, arent' we?
: Let's head for that finish line together!


: Listen up, maggots! I don't want to see any sandbagging out here!
: The last ten to finish get twenty laps around the drill ground back home!
: Uhh...
: On your mark, get set, move your rears!







...I think that line in the background is an emulation issue. Oh well. Let's go do Marion's now to finish off the update.


Music: Everyday Life of the Class

~* Home Ec Room *~



: This is just some simple lace work. I'm knitting a gift for my mother.

Hand done lacework is pretty neat. I've seen some folks do it before, but I'm terrible at any sort of knitting so I can't do it.

: Wow, I didn't know you had such girly hobbies. I'm really impressed!


: You always make the most unexpected observations, Avan. It's sweet.

Avan is incredibly oblivious and states the obvious more often than not.


: I only know what I learned from my mother. I fear my work is a poor example.

I'm sure she'll still appreciate the gift. Seeing kids take after you is a reward in its own respect.


: Shall I reattach it for you?
: Wow, you don't mind? Yeah that'd be grea--

Buttons are pretty easy fixes, though some can be tricky. I don't know why Avan needs the buttons on his jacket because he never uses them, but whatever-


Gah! Joachim?! What gives, man?

He's here to ruin what was a perfectly nice little cutscene.


: No fair hogging her all to yourself, Avan!



: Hee hee hee. Watching you two is more fun than a day at the theater.
: Hey Marion, you look a little under the weather. ARe you feeling okay?


Ew, please don't. You're just coming off as a creep, dude.


For once, Avan is perceptive.


: Hello? Beautiful heiress to historied house, pure and fragile as a lily!
: She wouldn't kill a fly! And you expect her to be fine out in the field?!

She handles herself fine, dude.

: It...It really isn't all that bad, actually...

: So, did you get scouted before coming here, Marion?


: Aaaah! Listen to you! You're too perfect, which is exactly what I expect!



: Well, if you DO have any trouble, let me know. We'll figure it out.

: A-All right, I will... Thank you.
: If you'll excuse me, I should probably be going. Good day, gentlemen.


...I don't like Joachim very much. And seeing this scene never helps my opinion of him at all.


Well, at least it's over. Avan managed to not be awful, and we saw many words. Time to end the update.



---

Next time on Valkyria Chronicles: Six Classes we do more supports. And probably a mission too.
Vote for a tank name, if you want!

New Characters!

Tank Commander

Lavinia Lane
:"Heh, cute. I can take you all!" - On triggering Bloodthirsty
Age: 21
Class G tank pilot and mechanic. Plain-spoken but caring, she likes to help those in need.

Potentials:

Big Sister: Looks out for comrades on the battlefield, raising firing accuracy and attack power against infantry targets.
(Very good potential that I can't complain about having whatsoever.)

Bloodthirsty: Natural aggression lets them attack again before a counterattack.
(Amazing ...when it decides to trigger. Nothing beats a tank firing twice in the same action!)

Wounded Heart: Past regrets cast a shadow on their heart, lowering firing accuracy.
(Not fun, but it doesn't trigger very often.)

Scouts

Chloe Blixen
:"Needs more red!" - On attacking an enemy
Age: 21
Class G scout. Up-and-coming artist who bases her work on the themes of night and darkness.

Potentials:

Moody: Fickle to the core, they even refuse to follow direct orders sometimes.
(Awful potential considering it never goes away, but it is a price to pay for her very high accuracy.)

Night Vision: Sight is unimpeded by the darkness of night, raising firing accuracy.
(Great for nighttime missions. Useless otherwise.)

Slump: The feeling that nothing is going their way lowers firing accuracy.
(Bad, but it at least gets replaced.)

Defensive Boost: Raises defense.
(Good potential.)

Nocturnal: Visibility at night equal as if in the middle of the day.
(More night vision, can't complain. It's great if you make her a sniper.)

Other People

Shop Clerk (Welvar Glenn)
:"Hey there, Avan, how goes it today?" - Literally every time you enter the shop
Age: 36
Storekeeper at Lanseal. He handles the store alone, and is well-liked by students.



Papers:

Gallia Times: Lanseal Admits 35 New Cadets
Lanseal Academy announced on the 1st they had admitted 35 new cadets, bring into effect the enrollment system introduced last September. It is rare for them to admit over 30 new cadets at once, and some say this is a response to the rebel situation.

The army, depleted in the 1935 war, has delegated peacekeeping duties for part of southern Gallia to Lanseal, and academ forces clash with rebels frequently. With activation of the militia forbidden, Lanseal will continue to play a key role.

Still dumb if you ask me.

Lotte Insider: Unraveling the Pointer Mystery
Do you know why Class G's Professor Brixham always carries his pointer? Some say it's a weapon, or a conductor's baton. I decided to get to the bottom of the matter in a daring, tell-all interview. Here is what the professor had to say:

"I only carry it with me in case I need to give an emergency briefing. By the way, waiting in ambush under my desk is not very professional." What can I say? There's no mountain high enough or desk low enough to stop me from getting my story!



Encyclopedia: The Principality of Gallia
Full of nature and rich in ragnite, Gallia borders the Empire to the east and the Federation on its western edge. This small, central Europan nation is a constitutional monarchy ruled by House Randgriz, the hereditary sovereigns of Gallia.

The house founder, a legendary hero of the War of the Valkyrur, built a castle on the site where the capital is today, establishing his rule. Area: 38,567 sq km - Pop: 432,00 - Currency: Ducat - Policies: Armed neutrality, universal conscription

Encyclopedia: Lanseal Royal Military Academy
Gallia's only military academy was founded 217 years ago when Gallia was a monarchy, thus the "Royal" in its name. It was constructed around an old citadel, adding residential and training facilities. Cadets all live in the academy dormitory.

Under the credit system, the average cadet finishes the program in three years. Lanseal often recruits skilled individuals rom other schools and the militia. Ages range from teens to those i their thirties. Graduates are commissioned as officers.

With the entire credit system being basically a dice roll, I could see it easily taking you 3 years to get that last damn MarchIIX credit.

Encyclopedia: The City of Mellvere
A trade city situated on the River Mais in southern Gallia, it has long prospered as a link between Randgriz and the southern grain-producing region. Sometimes referred to as the south gate of Randgriz due to its position on the main thoroughfare.

As southern Gallia escaped the war with the Empire unscathed, its cities have developed rapidly, and Mellvere now serves as a major supplier to northern cities still recovering from war. Many casual laborers from neighboring towns have moved there.