A Gamer Into Trails

Crossbell City.

Outside of Station Street.

Tuesday. Jan 2nd.

6:45PM.

Three figures soon emerged from a scattered crowd of people. A train honk echoed in the near distance, following the striking of metal against its tracks. A swift blur left the other side of the Train Station. A train departed Crossbell City, heading east to the Republic of Calvard.

With that, the coming of passengers disembarked and enjoyed the ongoing sunset, going about their next destinations, wherever that may be. The trio that emerged from Central Square ignored these people and continued walking. Before long, they exited Station Street altogether, and saw some more people lined up to take the next bus at the corner of this open area. The trio's interest was to the northwest, which housed the Crossbell Airport.

A tired look could be seen in their eyes. It was truly a long day for these three people. Despite being tired, the scarlet-haired man had a hint of worry in his eyes. They had come all the way from the Harbor District, after meeting Heiyue.

"Was it really such a good idea to conduct business with Heiyue like that, Young Master? I know it's bound by a contract now, but I wouldn't trust 'em for a second for them to switch sides right after it's complete.", Lechter questioned with a worried look.

"That's what I'm expecting by walking into that place. They've good connections, and I can connect to the east through them without relying on my background. As long as they can profit in some way, they're good business partners. They might not assist in life-or-death battles like Jaegers do, but they have a good information network. And besides. I don't think they'd want to drown with what's coming up. We don't know what's going to happen next month.", I replied with a playful grin.

"Heh. That's a fair game. It is true we don't know the world will react with that "show" you got planned, Young Master. Man, it's a shame I got my studies. I'd love to come witness it. I might request a leave of absence for that day. I'm if I request it properly, it'll happen.", Lechter responded, grinning.

"I'd probably believe that if you didn't have a mountain of books waiting in your room, haha! Just knowing how much Lucy snided at you, I'm assuming that pile is quite high~", I teased.

"Ugh, don't remind me. Plus my senior year will be coming up next near the time you enroll. It's going to be a river of books...", Lechter responded, sighing.

"Welcome to my world. But I know how to properly study, deadbeat.", Tio retorted, keeping her eyes halfway down her eyelids.

"Sheesh. You always know how to strike it where it hurts, kiddo. I almost forgot you're a genius back at the Foundation. You probably are studying several grades above me.", Lechter replied, scratching his head.

"I am curious as to what you exactly study, Tio. We'll have some down time after tonight. Today was such a long day. I'm just looking forward to sleeping in a bed now.", I said.

"Mmm. Tio will teach you some time. Though I don't know if you are as knowledgeable as someone like Kitty is. She is a monster.", Tio replied, nodding her head.

"Fair. Networking and hacking aren't exactly my fortes, haha!", I answered with a laugh.

"Same here. I'm still trying to wrap my head around using Combat Orbments. I'd rather move around with what I know.", Lechter retorted.

Sharing some laughs, I checked the time.

It was now 6:50PM on Tuesday. We left Heimdallr Airport super early, and met up with Tio and Professor Schmidt, and his entourage. From there, we had a little adventure, testing out my Gamer System and how it functioned with a Party. I am now very excited as to how it will behave during the Vermillion Trials. I also got to review my current Status one more time, and sort out all my Quartz. That will be a boatload of fun.

My Gamer System can now sort out Generation IV to Generation VI Quartz and beyond. Just having it do that alone is enough to where my Enigma II won't break from it. The one thing I want to figure out is if my Enigma II can equip Tier 3 Quartz of an earlier generation. It only has two slots, so that'll be something to test.

Perhaps I can do that once we're back in Heimdallr. I figure with these last five days coming up, I'll be spending a lot of time with Princess Alfin. She is on winter vacation, and I'm sure she'll want to give me the full tour of Heimdallr, and perhaps take a few rests at their imperial villa. It was quite luxurious, if I recall. Plus, Princess Alfin isn't alone. Emma's familiar, as well as Tamamo, is with her. I know what went down earlier, and we'll have a surprise waiting for us once we return.

And after that adventure, I had a rather engaging conversation with Heiyue. I see them very similarly to Ouroboros. Heiyue just operates on a lesser scale, and they work with whoever brings them what they need. Our interests currently intersect, and I feel cooperating with them will bring out some good for both of us. Lechter is right, though. I do not know how next month onward will play out.

Will we get any backlash from our surrounding countries? Who knows. We are planning things out to where it shouldn't but things could happen.

Something I won't stress over right now. I want to enjoy as much relaxation as I can. These next two weeks are going to be brutal. I am going to be training under the world's strongest swordsman. The Thunder God. He personally trained Mueller and Kurt respectively, and I expect similar treatment. I don't want him to belittle me, because of my Crown Prince status.

But still, today sure was a long day, huh? I couldn't help but glance my eyes from Tio to Lechter. This will be my last time seeing Lechter. Perhaps even until I enroll. I am not sure if he'll be able to venture back into Heimdallr, unless he skips class again. I could totally see that happening, which is the bad part. Haha!

Oh, and I mustn't forget that I reunited with Elie, one of my childhood friends. I wish I could stay here longer in Crossbell City, especially since we just started up with a relationship with each other. I'll definitely need to write to her often. She'll likely remain in Crossbell City for some time. I am not sure if she'll wander to Heimdallr to assist me, so we'll see.

And it is just going to be us three returning. Sherryl will not be coming back with us. I am not sure if Heiyue will try anything with them.

As the three of us started walking into Crossbell Airport, I turned to look at Lechter again.

"Say Lechter, once you pass on your role in safeguarding me, could you stick around Crossbell City for a couple days? I don't want anything to happen to Sherryl. I can't stay here, but you don't have to immediately return to Jenis, do you?", I asked Lechter.

"Nah. All of us have until the weekend to head back into the dorsm. I sure can stick around. I can totally see Heiyue try to attempt something with the other kiddos, so you can rest assured, Young Master. Lucy also said she'll be staying at St. Ursula for the time being, so I'm totally up for a mini-vacation.", Lechter happily replied.

"Thanks. I'll be at ease knowing that. Let's go check into our flight. We only have a few more moments until it is time to board. Thankfully high-speed cruisers are a thing. It will only take us a couple hours at most to return to Heimdallr. I'm sure Alfin will be interested in meeting you too, Tio.", I said. Tio nodded.

"Mmm. Her Highness is quite pretty. Almost like a doll. I hear she has a splendid personality too. Are you really staying at that gigantic palace?", Tio questioned me.

"Sure am. I haven't even toured the entire thing. It's ginormous. We'll have lots of fun when we're back.", I happily responded. Tio tried to smile. I resisted the urge to pat her head.

Also, the couple of guards from Heiyue only escorted us to the beginning of this area. Crossbell Airport was a direct connection to this place, and was easy to find. Once those guards stepped away, a cold gaze swept my body. I didn't bother trying to locate where this gaze came from. I could use Vermillion Eyes, but I had no need to. This gaze was likely from Yin. Somewhere in the shadows, they'll be observing me for the time being, thanks to the contract formed with Heiyue. While it is a bit unsettling, it is actually reassuring, knowing my backside is safe.

I could walk into Crossbell Airport without leaving any worries behind. Especially since Lechter responded he'll hang around here for a couple days. I could head back to Heimdallr with Tio, and look forward to what was to come with the remainder of my "vacation"!

Checking in, the three of us got our boarding passes, and we entered the line, waiting to board the airship along with other passengers. I didn't make any scenes. We did receive some curious glances, but it was uneventful. I could have used Teleport and teleport directly all the way to Heimdallr, but I didn't need to. Taking an airship is always fun to go around!

*****

As always, Giliath demands your power stones!