“Modern Traxian doctrine stands in stark contrast to their operations less than half a decade ago. Where once, the Traxian legion was more focused on envelopment tactics and the use of large scale formations to blunt and penetrate enemy positions. Now, we see a change in stratagems as the start of this Traxo-Carro-Abenstadtian war has seen the reintroduction of specialized assault maniples to destabilize enemy positions before the main body of the legion arrives to mop up.”

- Professor Terrance Ehrlich, Arterian Academy of Strategy, “Lecture on: The Changing Dimensions of Warfare”

It had been a week since Yana had opened a classroom window and pelted Sophie on the forehead with some dirt. With great hesitance and annoyance, Sophie found an excuse to leave class briefly and met with the faerie. Her annoyance lessened upon learning that Yana had not come to just harass Sophie, but rather to deliver a warning of a potentially troublesome figure sneaking onto campus with malicious intent. At least according to what the fae perceived. That both she and Ary had suspected that this might have something to do with Eva and therefore sought to warn Sophie, just in case.

Since then, Sophie has been busier than ever. When she had free time, she would loiter outside Ary’s classes, just in case. When she wasn’t keeping Ary safe, she would be wandering around the training fields and Grats, even once strolling past the cathedral on campus to keep tabs on Eva’s whereabouts. It was tiring work, but she thought little of it beyond keeping her friends safe. More than that, she also had plenty of time to mull over the words Eva shared over a month ago. Does she really think that I’ve somehow surpassed her? That’s just impossible. She’s a saintess.

All of this was why Sophie elected to simply observe from a distance instead of approaching Eva. It was also why this weekend, instead of training with Sophia, she was spending Caeus sitting inside the Astral Cathedral. Just one amongst many who were listening to the sermon from the bishop.

The whole experience felt surreal. She had woken up early, arrived early and now sat listening to a priest essentially lecture her. Yet, she didn’t know when was the last time she properly paid respects to the Goddess Astralis and her pantheon. The last time she looked up to the Goddess of Luck and Travellers Stellesia, for guidance or blessing. Unless she had been following Eva around on errands or just with the family, she had rarely stepped foot inside such places of worship.

Reflecting on the memory, she couldn’t help but grin a little. Despite the different circumstances, here she was once more, following Eva to help her mistress out. Maybe this whole thing might be a test from the Goddess too. In which case, I must remain ever vigilant.

The priest droned on, speaking on blessings gifted by the divines to the people of this world. Of the kindness they received and the boons they had gotten from it. Sophie turned her attention to the templars and temple guards protecting the cathedral, they seemed capable enough and if what she had seen back in the barrows of Eichafen had been proof, then she trusted them to protect Eva.

So why does something still feel so wrong? She mused to herself.

Like an itch she could never quite scratch, the sense of unease ever since Yana shared her warning remained. But so far, she had found nothing.

Bored, her eyes drifted around the cathedral, taking in the various murals and statues as well as searching for Eva. Her eyes were amazed at the intricacies of some scenes, such as one depicting a valiant templar with an eagle’s crest emblazoned across his chest. Much like Gunmar from the stories she read, this templar stood tall above a hill, battle scarred but victorious. A hero.

Her eyes however, did not find Eva. Though she suspected it was likely because the girl had simply gone with the other saints and saintesses to some restricted part of the cathedral to train. Just in case though, Sophie felt a little bit better being around. She let out a quiet sigh, trying to rouse herself from sleeping mid sermon.

“By the Goddess’s light, we stand as valiant torchbearers to her starlight. It is with her will that…” The priest continued.

Pinching her nose, Sophie remained somewhat alert and continued her vigil. It’s my turn to protect you. Until you get to wherever you think you need to be, I’ll watch over you.

By the time service ended, Sophie felt antsy. She had been sitting for so long that she wanted to move, her muscles reawakening from their stupor stiffly but still seeking use. She yawned and tried not to disturb nearby students as she walked out of the cathedral. Over the past two hours, nothing had happened. She even checked in with Sophia, who reported that the others were simply enjoying tea. It made her ever so disgruntled with her own plans, allowing others to enjoy themselves whilst she took the brunt of the responsibilities. But then again, she wouldn’t have it any other way.

Sophie’s stomach growled and she wondered about what to eat. But as she was pondering, a loud cheer startled her and she turned to the park across the way. Although there were many rising issues across the continent, the war had been the one thing one most nobling’s minds. Over the past month there had been more and more rallies and protests about the war. Most about the presence of the ‘other’s’ students but also that Arteria still remained relatively neutral but backing the Abenstadtians with volunteer divisions. This was likely one such event and Sophie thought nothing much of it till a familiar figure took to the stage.

Curious, Sophie abandoned her immediate plans and wandered over to take a look. Finding a mostly Traxian audience occupying the central square of Aster Park, with a plethora of academy guardians and knights along the perimeter. Standing in front of the crowd of students were a few important looking individuals, but one of which was currently gesticulating wildly to the crowd yet remaining almost too composed at the same time.

“It is why our people are the inheritors of humanity’s mantle. The very unifiers that descended from Basilius Pimus Axion Tassius himself. That is why this war is a travesty, when other threats and enemies lay so close to our borders, raid our hinterlands, pillage our peoples, and kidnap our families; we still squabble amongst the unwitting remnants of a shattered peace. Unable to let go of past delusions to face threats more pressing than dreams.” Princess Lucinia gestured at the crowd. She sounds like she's advocating for peace, kind of, I hope.

A chorus of jeers and equal amounts of cheers echoed from the students and the Princess had an oddly self satisfied smirk on her face. Intrigued, Sophie snuck around the back of the crowd and managed to duck inside the building surrounding Aster. A few students milled about, likely the regular park occupants if not for the Traxian rally outside.

Aiming to get a better view but still eavesdrop on the rally, she headed upstairs and searched for a spot that overlooked the interior of the park. She hadn’t really explored Aster Park much, or at all. The halls were all nice and clean, the walls were decorated with colourful murals painted by students. It was a cute little space and to her, it all felt quite pleasant, which she supposed was the point of the park’s presence. Sophie allowed herself a thin smile.

Catching sight of a row of darkened rooms that resembled a little too much like classroom buildings. She suspected that it was likely a club space of sorts for the student body, considering that she had no inkling of classes being held here. Though, seeing how dark the rooms were, she could tell that most students preferred not having to climb flights of stairs on their day off. At least this means I don’t have to look like a creep to other students.

She tried the handle on one of the classrooms. To her surprise, it clicked open and she walked on through.

“Excuse me.” A stern voice stopped her.

Sophie froze and her eyes slowly registered the room in front of her. Shelves of books and a chalkboard with words circled greeted her. Looking like a shocked squirrel, she turned her head and found a dozen pairs of eyes staring back at her.

“Are you here for the literature club?” The now cold and cautious voice called out, originating from a prim and proper looking student standing in front of the other students.

“Uhh… sorry. Wrong room.” Sophie managed to murmur.

“Sophie? Is that you?” A more friendly and familiar voice called out. Huh? That’s-

“Alodie?” Sophie asked, her voice not louder than a whisper.

“Yes! Why are you here?” The girl excitedly asked.

“Err-”

“Alodie, please. The chairperson can handle it.” The more tempered and deliberate voice of Miraevie chided her friend.

Sophie’s eyes met the two and Miraevie merely gave her the tiniest of nods, whilst Alodie continued to bob her head enthusiastically.

“Lady Miraevie is quite right. Now excuse, um, Sophie? Why are you here again?” The cold chairperson inquired.

“Wrong room, sorry. Was trying to get a better look at the rally downstairs, but you know…” Sophie awkwardly stroked her own ears.

“Ah yes, that lot down below with the racket. Just try not to judge all Traxians by their example, some of us actually enjoy not rabble rousing.” The noble clicked her tongue.

Sophie was mesmerised by the Traxian noble. She seemed to be dressed elegantly and practically at the same time. Warm but tight pants, boots, and a stylish jacket that seemed to both keep the cold at bay but enhance her figure. She looks a little like-

“If that would be all though. Unless you’re here to participate in the literature club. I’m sure there are more places you can find down the hall if you wish to listen to the rabble.”

“R-right. My mistake. Thank you for your time.” Sophie quickly shuffled back out, her face now red with embarrassment at not checking the room properly beforehand.

“Quite right.” The noble dipped her head, though her expression never changed.

“Bye, Sophie!” Alodie squeaked out.

Miraevie just waved curtly. She’s always judging me, but I guess that’s fine. It's a comforting sense of judgement.

Gently closing the door behind her, Sophie scampered a few feet away before letting out a small sigh of relief.

“Goddess, that was awkward. I guess there are still people here.” She grumbled.

Taking a moment to compose herself, she practiced putting on a polite smile and continued on her quest. She peeked her head into the windows of some of the doors, taking great care to try and remain hidden. She finally found one overlooking the park when she froze once more. She heard a small creaking sound down the hallway and leaned back away to investigate.

She caught sight of a classroom with its door kept ever so slightly open. The creak likely came from the door swaying ever so slightly. Wondering what club was inside, she opted to take a peek and immediately stopped everything. Holding her breath, she caught the briefest glimpse of a hooded figure and pulled back, keeping her head out of sight.

Taking her chances, she sucked in a small breath and tried to take a more detailed look. Illuminated by the light from outside, the darkened figure leaned against an open window, his arms steadying a crossbow that tilted downward. Downwards? But that’s at the… the princess?!

With little choice, Sophie quickly assessed the situation in her mind. An assassin? After the princess? But then Ary and Eva? Are… just because we’ve always needed safety. We’ve fooled ourselves. So then…

In a panic, she did the two things she could. She informed her counterpart, and she acted.

Danger, assassin after Traxian princess. Was her message.

Uncertain of the assassin's time frame, she wasted no time and bashed the door open with a sickening crack as the wood buckled under her attack. Without warning, she drew every bit of air into her lungs.

“Lucy! Duck! Assassin!” Sophie cried out. Praying that those outside would hear her.

She did not know if her words carried through, only that the figure briefly turned to look at her and accidentally loosened the bolt. Shit.

With unexpected speed, the figure kicked a table at her, catching her off guard and tripping her. Picking herself up, she barely moved in time to avoid a knife thrown at where she had been seconds ago. Sophie reached for her sword only to remember she didn’t bring it with her in case she got into trouble with the guardians. Unfortunately for her, she got into a different kind of trouble.

As the figure pulled away from the window to focus on her, they strapped the crossbow to their back and pulled out another knife. Knowing that she was at a disadvantage at any range, and seeing how deeply embedded the first knife was into the ground, she guessed that this person was powerful. The stranger danger that Yana felt. It was real after all.

She charged the figure only to pivot as they thrusted the knife. But seeing the opening, she latched until thier arm and tried to snap it using her own weight. She reeled from the jet of pain as her reward was a fist to the nose. The sharp twist of agony as something seemed to break, her body forcing her to let go to attend to her wound. In the split second, the figure tackled her and smashed her against the wall with a dull thud.

Desperate to break free, she head-butted the figure and cracked the mask he wore. With her opponent temporarily stunned, she moved in for the kill and leapt back up to grapple him. He tried to shake her off and Sophie physically recoiled as he smacked her against a cabinet, some school supplies falling upon both of them. Sophie felt another sharp pain as he jabbed his knife into her shoulder. Furious, she took advantage of the closed distance and leaned into his strike, dragging him closer and giving her room to try and tear into his neck.

Biting down on the exposed flesh, her teeth made contact with both flesh and metal as she simply bit down and tore. The masked man immediately staggered away from her at the sudden ferocity, one hand clutched against his neck at the new wound. But based on how little blood poured forth, Sophie had failed to land a killing blow. Spitting out the necklace that she accidentally bit off, she stood back up and gingerly ripped the knife out of her shoulder, her left arm now shaking uncontrollable from pain and injured nerves.

The two circled each other, watching their respective movements. Then Sophie charged once more, dashing forward and lunged with the knife. In her haste, she failed to notice he had pulled out yet another knife, this time managing to land a direct hit against her abdomen and pinning her down onto the ground. Her own knife slipped out of her hands and Sophie only had one hand to hold his weight back.

As his knife plunged deeper into her, Sophie nearly passed out from the pain, holding on through sheer grit.

“Wrong fight, girlie.” The masked man growled.

She could spy a sadistic smile underneath his mask. Fuck.

Tell Yana, sever the connection. Sophie managed to send.

What’s going- Sophia tried to ask, but Sophie had no brain power to spare, her every effort searching for a solution.

She gasped for breath as she felt the knife penetrate something within her, the immediate effect making her recoil in agony. She tried to stop him but couldn’t do much with only one active arm. Dammit. Hells.

“Sophie? What the?!” A squeak came from the doorway. No!

The man brutally ripped the knife out of her and chucked it at Alodie’s voice.

“Eep!” The girl cried out.

Sophie pulled her leg back and kicked at his groin, the assassin jumped off of her and gave her the chance to weakly grab at the knife she had lost. With calculated fury, she swung wildly at him, only now allowing her brain to slowly ease her into the rhythm of combat, however painful she was. The man tried to land a few punches, but she jumped back into defensive footing, knowing that if any strike landed then she had the chances of crumpling in one blow. Avoiding his strikes, she lunged here and there but found little purchase.

As the two combatants eyed each other once more, Sophie worried that she would be the first to give in due to her wounds. She needed to end this fight quickly.

A stray book flopped down next to her, briefly causing her attention to diverge. In her moment of distraction, the man shoulder charged her. Though she recovered in time to scrape her knife against his face, cracking the rest of his mask. She was pushed aside as he dashed towards the doorway. Brown hair, moustache, beady eyes, scar on left cheek, and-argh!

“S-sto-urgh!” Alodie grunted. Alodie!

Hastily, the man made his way towards the stairs, sprinting too fast for Sophie to catch up with in her current state. Shit, shit! Alodie! Shit!

Winded, she scrambled up to her feet, disorientated but still in battle ready mode. A soft cry echoed from outside the room and Sophie hurried over to where her friend lay balled up in pain, crumpled beside the doorway. A small smattering of blood dotted the wall where Alodie lay next to.

“Alodie? Alodie!” Sophie rasped in panic.

“Guhh… Sophie… hurts.” Alodie whimpered, her face wracked with pain and tears at the edges of her eyes.

Sophie briefly considered chasing after the man, but with her current state, she could only sigh and shake her head. Too fast, and Alodie needs help. Dammit! Gently kneeling over her friend, she carefully moved Alodie’s hands to take a look at the wound. Alodie resisted at first, but slowly allowed Sophie to approach. There was a large gash across the girl’s torso which thankfully seemed pretty shallow. But based on her laboured breathing, the girl still needed help.

“Easy, easy. Careful.” Sophie consoled her friend.

“Heh… was… I helpful?” Alodie groaned.

“Yes, very.” Sophie whispered, “Hey! Anyone still there?” She turned to shout down the hallway.

There was a quiet before a nervous flury of activity came from down the hall. Cautious heads started poking out of the literature club room, but they were being too slow

“Over here! Someone grab a healer from the church. Now!” Sophie roared.

Alarmed and perhaps curious, the chairperson was the first through the doorway, taking a moment to assess the situation before her eyes widened. Miraevie was the next through, perhaps knowing that Alodie had left the room earlier. Seeing the two, the elf’s face went through a multitude of expressions as she cautiously, then rapidly approached.

“Sophie? Alodie?! By the Goddess!” Miraevie gasped.

The elf seemed completely overwhelmed, looking just as appalled as she was confused. She looked to Sophie for guidance and the half elf just raised her hand in surrender to try and calm her down.

“Miraevie. Are you there?”

“Y-yes?” The elf seemed to regain her composure somewhat, “Yes. What umm… what should I do?”

“Alodie’s hurt, but the pain is worse than what it looks like. I need you to make sure she doesn’t get worse.” Sophie instructed.

“Of course. Of course.”

Sophie then turned to the chairperson, the noble lady looking on the verge of panic.

“Sorry. But can you get a healer from the church?” Sophie tried to speak.

The girl nodded, hesitating for a few moments before gesturing into the room and getting a reluctant student to follow her. With the two headed for the church, Sophie was uncertain if the park would be getting locked down and cursed under her breath. If they do, the two won’t be able to get out. We need to bring Alodie downstairs at least, so the guardians can tell we have casualties.

“Miraevie, can you get the others in the club to help? We need to move Alodie downstairs just in case.” Sophie groaned.

“Of course.” The elf moved to help lift Alodie only for Sophie to stop her.

“No, no. We need a long table, like a stretcher. So we don’t agitate the wound too much.”

“M-my mistake.”

“It’s okay. Breathe, Miraevie, breathe.”

“Right. Guys! Help! Now!” The elf commanded.

As the other students filtered out and let out startled gasps at the bloody scene. Sophie gave them instructions on what to do and the group dispatched the legs off a table and used it to lift Alodie. The girl whimpered some more but accepted the help, her writhing making the process that much harder. As they carefully extracted her downstairs, they witnessed a scene of pandemonium.

After Sophie had shouted the warning, the crowds ran for cover as guardians moved to shield them. Dozens of students huddled in the hallways inside Aster, a half dozen guardians watching over them before a few turned their eyes on the newcomers.

“Out of the way! Out of the way!” Miraevie shouted, her voice still shaky as she helped the group push past the students.

“Halt! All activity in and out of Aster is currently restricted. What the hells happened to her?” One of the guardians demanded.

“She’s been cut across the stomach. We need a healer, now.” Sophie snarled.

An eruption of whispers burst from all around them, the student body now made aware that not every bystander had escaped unscathed.

“Movement is completely restricted. Please remain calm and we can assist you however we can. There is a medic on hand.” The guardian remained unmoving.

“Fuck, then hurry up.” Sophie cursed.

“Miss, please remain calm.”

“Calm? There were at least a dozen of you outside just now. Did any of you even stop the assassin? Any of you even notice anything? Just get her treated.” She snapped.

“The guardians are here to serve and protect.” The guardian nodded stoically, “Where’s the healer?” He asked his compatriot.

“Down the hall, with the princess.” His colleague replied.

“With the… did she get hit?” Sophie asked.

“I’m sorry, we are not at liberty to disclose the current situation-”

“By the hells, just let us go to church. A healer can stabilise everything until you’re all sorted out here.”

“No can do, miss. I’m sorry.”

Alodie whimpered a little more and reached a hand out to tug on Miraevie’s sleeve, the elf just casting concerned glances at her friend and then back to Sophie.

“Sorry my ass, she’s in pain and needs healing. What more is there to this?” Sophie demanded.

“The area is not yet secure and we cannot risk anyone in the face of such danger. We can adequately treat her, please don’t worry.”

“Fuck. Fine.”

The guardian seemed less than pleased but made no move to berate or scold her, and Sophie supposed that was all she could ask for. Yet she felt as if in the heat of the argument, she had forgotten something.

“Lady Sophie…” A literature club student whispered.

Sophie followed the girl’s glance to the blood pooling underneath herself. Fuck.

As if all her adrenaline suddenly left, Sophie staggered a little and collapsed, all the pain returning in an instant as whatever staved it off was finally gone. A few students screamed and the guardians seemed more surprised than anything, their hands tensing around their staves. Sophie mustered enough consciousness and energy to crawl towards a pillar and lean her back against it. She beckoned the chairperson and used her quickly weakening hand to motion for the girl to help remove her clothes. Confused but too shocked to protest, she did as was told and quickly jumped back a little.

Sophie looked down to find a massive gash where the assassin had clawed into her with his knife. She could tell more than a few things were not right, and she managed a pained chuckle.

“Can I see a healer yet? Huh?” She taunted.

Her vindication was short-lived as then came the screams of pain when her mind caught up with her body. She let out loud cries as the guardians now looked truly panicked, and her new acquaintances now had eyes filled with fear. As a general panic filled the hall at the sight of the two bloodied students, Sophie just hoped Alodie would be alright.

Disgusted at how the assassin had so readily injured her comrade and other students, Sophie had a flicker of a plan start to form in her mind. The guards will have their hand full. We need help. Pushing past the agony, she had managed to send one last message to her countepart before she surrendered to the pain.

Aster. Second Floor. Now.