It was up to Van now on how he should live his life here on out, considering he's back to settling down in Edith, Calvard for the time being. He had reunited with his friends and met new ones, and it would be up to him whether he wants to include Elaine as a part of his life. Would he ask her out in the coming years? Only the Goddess Aidios has the answer to that. Until then, the two can catch up on any time that was lost. Van's now back in Calvard for good this time. He had nowhere else to be with his training now complete.
As old and new acquaintances happened to come across each other in some areas in Zemuria, the same could be said for yet another location.
Deep within the Eisengard Mountain Range, Erebonia...
"Smouldering Fist!", A girl's voice exclaimed. Following that, a loud hiss of steam pushed forth, deep within one of the mountain range's vast rifts. CRAAACK!
Despite such a treacherous area, this girl didn't seem bothered by it one bit. With a constant release of steam surrounding her body, her fist glowed an intense amber color. Ever since parting ways from the person who rescued her from the DG Cult, she has been on a training excursion, learning the way of Taito alongside her teacher, Zin. This girl was, of course, Sherryl Sky. She seemed to be around twelve years old now. In addition to her fist clad in an amber glow, she was wearing a martial arts gi just like her teacher, and her fists were wrapped in tight bandages.
Sherryl was entirely focused on the challenge that was presently being played out before her. Her lilac-colored hair was neatly wrapped into an eastern-style bun, allowing her to move unhindered. Her body was constantly releasing steam from her body thanks to a unique technique Sherryl had strived for and discovered all on her own. She walked down this path because of what she was injected with back inside in the DG Cult. Because of Gnosis, Sherryl can freely pump the blood in her body in any and all directions, and her bones were now thicker than most people's. To say the least, she can pack quite the punch, and move in ways that humans couldn't even hope to achieve!
(A/N: Imagine Luffy's Gear Second)
Right now, Sherryl appeared very fierce, and wasn't looking to back away from the fight she was engaged in. The amber glow continued wrapping around her fists. All of a sudden, Sherryl rushed forward, and did an upward motion, striking outward with a powerful blow. In front of her was a very large and dense rock-like Monster. Its shell was made up of various minerals, making it very tough to crack. But not to someone of the likes of Sherryl.
Then, a loud crack shook the spot where Sherryl struck. The rock-like Monster let out an ear-curdling shriek. Its minerals instantly cracked apart. It didn't end there. The impact from Sherryl's fist caused the Monster to soar into the air. Seeing her attack done, a second voice suddenly spoke out, creating a combo attack.
"Second Form, Gale!", A boy's voice exclaimed. Following that was a swift sound of a katana being unsheathed. From there, a black-haired boy swiftly leapt into the air, and slashed the Monster with a powerful gale. It was soon swept by a green burst of light. The boy aimed right at the same injury caused just a moment ago by Sherryl.
During this, the rock-like Monster tried to mend its body by forming even more minerals around it, but the boy didn't end there. This wasn't the games where combat was turn-based. This was real life where people could unleash a flurry of attacks and do combos like none other. And that's exactly what this boy did. He continued the motions while being in the air. The air churned around him, and his blade unleashed a fiery glow. "Third Form: Flame Impact!"
The boy then moved back behind the rock-like Monster, then fiercely slashed down. As he slashed, flames burst forth from his blade. They collided against the rock-like Monster. Thanks to the impact and with how close the boy was, the huge rock was blasted downward. BOOOOM!
Even with a powerful quake, Sherryl effortlessly stood her ground, remaining in the same spot. She pounded her two fists together. Doing that illuminated her fists in that same amber glow, before the glow dissipated. Her flushed body also receded, becoming a healthy pink hue. The steam being released from Sherryl's body also steadily vanished. She had no reason to continue pumping the blood inside her body. For victory was theirs.
But victory was spoken too soon. Even though Flame Impact left a large wound on the rock-like Monster, it didn't die. Instead, Sherryl went on the defensive. The rock-like Monster attempted to kick up several smaller rocks around it at them so it could mend the damage on its body by self-replenishing the minerals it had lost.
"Earthen Wall!", Sherryl exclaimed. An amber glow appeared once again, becoming a stalwart in front of her. Any rocks that got blasted her way just either dissipated entirely, or was reflected off the sudden barrier Sherryl erected. Sherryl remained steady. Even that didn't seem to distract her one bit. But this enough stalling allowed another third voice to reach out to the two. It looks like they weren't alone!
"Fourth Form, Eight-Leaf Blitz!", A second girl's voice spoke, revealing to be a brown-haired girl who suddenly rushed out. She leapt over Sherryl's erected barrier, and began to rapidly strike the rock-like monster's body. The exact same spot where it had a large injury. She struck with her own blade, acting like she was slicing through leaves, splitting them into two. The rock-like Monster couldn't even manage to repair its body before it vanished into oblivion, dying mid-combat. As Naoto wasn't present here, no damage numbers could be seen. But the three had racked up enough damage to fell the Monster. Now, it was their victory!
After the Monster vanished, the boy fell down from the air, safely landing before the two girls. The brown-haired girl raised her spare hand, and did a victory sign with her fingers.
"Heh, that was a piece of cake. Good work, Rean. You too, Sherryl.", The brown-haired girl said, and smiled. She took a moment to put the blade back into her sheath. Likewise, the boy also put his sword away. The blade the boy had was much longer than what the brown-haired girl had. "And you weren't a slouch either, Sherryl. You Taito practitioners sure are a sturdy bunch. Kind of makes me jealous that Zin is your teacher. He is called Zin the Immovable, so it makes sense, doesn't it? Haha!"
"I do know our Eight Leaves One Blade dojo isn't the only dojo out there. I say that, but you two seem to be mostly traveling. I take it this place is just one of your many training sprees?", The boy asked.
"You could say that. Thanks to a certain...let's say, incident, Teacher no longer visits his personal dojo. We've been wandering Zemuria these last few years while he does his work as a Bracer. And well, our latest spot just so happens to be at your dojo. Thanks for the assist, Rean, Anelace. With your help defeating this Monster was a cinch."
That's right, the two people in front of Sherryl were none other than Rean Schwarzer, and Anelace Alfread! By another twist of fate, Sherryl has met these two, all thanks to traveling around the continent with Zin. This was yet another event that never took place in the games.
"Still, I did not think you would seek the mountain range of all places to train in, let alone observe us training. It is quite dangerous here.", Rean said. "I wasn't sure how you would hold up, but it looks like this spot has been serving you well, Sherryl. I am quite interested in that technique you deploy too. Even I can't move around the battlefield like that. Just how in Aidios's name do you do it?"
"Now, now, Rean. It is impolite to ask about someone's technique so brazenly like that.", Anelace said, arriving beside the two now that the fight was over. Hearing that, Rean felt embarrassed, and scratched his cheek.
"Haha. I guess you are right. Curiosity got the better of me.", Rean said, doing his iconic laugh.
"Heehee.", Sherryl giggled, not paying it any mind. "Even if I do end up explaining what I can do, I doubt you'll be able to replicate it. My body...is special. I can't really explain it.", Sherryl said, deciding to avoid the question. "Anyway, you called yourself Rean, right?"
"Yeah. Rean. Rean Schwarzer. My dad is the Baron who watches over Ymir. If you have the time, you should visit our family's hot springs. It is quite famous not just locally, but we get visitors all around the country. You and your teacher are just one of many.", Rean said, formally introducing himself to Sherryl.
"You definitely make a good point there, little brother!", Anelace happily said. "And you can call me Anelace. Your defense proved stronger than that rock Monster. I'm impressed. How about we have some fun in the hot springs once we make our way back?"
"Hot springs...", Sherryl uttered. "I mean, it's not like we're pressed for time. So sure, why not?"
"Really!?", Anelace responded.
"You really do enjoy taking a soak in our hot springs, don't you, Anelace?", Rean said. "And well, it is one of the best ways to recover your lost stamina after such a long training session."
"Hmph. I have to take all the chances I can get right now to take a dip. Don't forget Rean, Grandpa will be taking me to Liberl in the next year or two so I can take my Bracer Exam.", Anelace said, feeling a bit dejected. At the same time, she had anticipation for what was to come next in her life. Right now, Anelace is fifteen. Same age as Van Arkride, two years older than Naoto. She just has one year to go before she can become a Bracer.
"Liberl huh?", Sherryl responded. "I know I've been travelling around the continent with Teacher, but Liberl just so happens to be my home. You'll be in good hands, Anelace. They treat Bracers quite well compared to other countries. They rely on them heavily."
While it is true Sherryl still has family alive and well, she had come to terms with it during this passage of time. She does plan to eventually reunite with them, just like how Tio did with hers. But now, Sherryl has a new place to call home. A home located in none other than Liberl. At Naoto's place. She's committed to join the maids who service Grancel Castle, and will make her way toward Hilda some time in the near future, just like how Jayna Storm did. Except she doesn't intend to become a personal secretary. No, she wants to continue her maid duties, just as her family once did back in Remiferia's Royal Family.
"You have a home in Liberl?", Anelace responded. Her eyes lit up. "Then you should totally come with Grandpa and I when we fly out!"
"Hmm...", Sherryl uttered, not answering right away. "I mean, my training is just about finished. I've made enough progress where I can make my way back home. In fact, you may even come across Big Brother. But I heard from Teacher he's left the country again..."
"So you have a Big Brother. I thought I would be all alone while I take my Bracer Exam in Liberl, but now I'm looking forward to it even more!", Anelace happily said. "But I think that's enough of a break. We aren't down the mountain yet. Why don't we finish off the rest of the Monsters before taking a dip in the hot springs? I'll even have Grandpa give you a reservation tonight, free of charge. You can even invite Zin the Immovable!"
"Heehee.", Sherryl giggled. "We'll see. If it's on your Mira, then I'll gladly accept. And yeah, let's route the rest of these Monsters. Then, my training will be considered complete for the time being."
"Works for me. We should be able to clear the rest before sundown. Watching the sunset while in our open air bath is definitely a sight to behold. I highly recommend it before you leave Ymir.", Rean said, and smiled.
"Is that right?", Sherryl mused. For the time being, the three were in agreement to clear out the rest of the Monsters lurking around on this treacherous mountain path before heading back to Ymir. With their break now over, the three continued, and ascended and descended several pathways, making for a good excursion.
However, as the three moved at a steady pace, it looks like they weren't alone in the Eisengard Mountain Rage.
Further toward another tall jaggy crag in the distance...
Two figures could presently be seen, standing atop one respectively. One figure seemed quite old, and currently held his hands behind his back, currently observing the three from afar. This person was, of course, Yun Ka-Fai, the teacher of both Anelace Alfread and Rean Schwarzer. Next to him was none other than Zin the Immovable. Two Masters in their respective styles of martial arts. Zin's gaze also fell upon the black-haired boy in the distance.
"And here I thought you would have started your tour around Calvard again, old man. To think you would take in yet another disciple at your age. You're calling him your final disciple?", Zin asked, keeping his arms crossed.
"Hohoho, it would seem you're interested in him. That's right. He's Rean Schwarzer, likely the last disciple I will take on.", Yun Ka-Fai said. "And I am still unsure when I will begin my next tour in Calvard, considering my old age and all. For the time being, I do not have any plans to take on any more disciples for the Eight Leaves One Blade School. The rest are about to go their separate ways. I will be taking Anelace to Liberl this next year or so, and Shizuna has already departed for Calvard."
"You really are keen on letting Anelace become a Bracer?", Zin asked, mused. "I have to take Sherryl back there, so given the time, we could consolidate our travel plans. Kill two birds with one stone. Oh, and before I forget, I am truly grateful for allowing you to take Sherryl on one of your many training exercises you usually save for your disciples."
"It is no problem. It isn't often I get to converse with an A-Rank Bracer like this. Have you considered what Cassius has brought up to you?", Yun Ka-Fai asked. His lips curved upward into a smile.
"So you know about it after all. My promotion to become a S-Rank Bracer...", Zin said, and sighed. "Honestly, I do not think I'm worthy enough to be placed in such a light. I mean me, on the same standing as Liberl's Hero? To him, I am a nobody."
"Nonsense. You were just as integral in that operation to cull those cultists as Cassius was. Do not sell yourself short, Zin.", Yun Ka-Fai said, offering a rare praise. "But I will not be the one to persuade your decision. At the end of the day, it falls upon you to accept it. Considering that your own training is coming to an end, why not allow me to give yourself an extra push?"
"What are you getting at here, old man?", Zin said, becoming surprised. Zin did not expect Yun Ka-Fai to suddenly enter a battle stance. He even reached toward the sheathed blade he has on his waist.
"Fight me. Zin the Immovable, and determine yourself if you are worthy to be called a S-Rank Bracer."