Under the blue sky, cool breezes occasionally blow through the tree branches, swaying the tree shadows.
It's a muggy summer. Anyone would be soaked with sweat just by jogging a few minutes under the scorching sun.
You walk under the tree, but just when you are about to take a short rest, you see a few lively girls running over to you from a distance, waving and shouting to you.
Instructor—you're here!
Jetavie has set up the venue! We can start the competition!
Hurry, Instructor! We have no time to waste!
Dressed in a brand-new swimsuit, Jetavie stands among a few girls with a radiant yet assertive smile, extending her right hand to invite you.
Seeing this, you can't help but wonder: How did this happen?
It all goes back to the morning...
Last we left off, I was talking about the mission at the school in the conservation area. Now I will explain it in detail.
The mission location is on the abandoned Aomizu Private School. There is an experimental basic education facility with about 50 teenagers from the conservation area studying in it.
As a part of the Aomizu reconstruction program, we hope someone with teaching experience can go there and train the students as an instructor.
Considering there's an uncleaned ruin right next to the facility, the mission involves a certain level of risk, so it's better to let you be the instructor.
Also, I heard that the place used to be a high school and is by the beach, so it should be beautiful!
Celica flashes a cheerful smile as she waves goodbye.
That's all. I hope you'll get along with your students. Bye!
You run into a familiar face the moment you arrive at the basic education facility of Aomizu Conservation Area.
Oh, Chosen One, why are you here?
Jetavie tilts her head, holding her uniform bag behind her as she stares at you with curiosity.
What, me? I'm here to study, of course!
She casually hooks her uniform bag with her pinky and spins it before you.
I heard there's some kind of hazard avoidance training going on here recently. Sounds so fun! How can I miss it?
Since you are the instructor, can you do me a favor? Don't tell Babylonia I'm here so that we can have some fun!
Is that okay, tea-cher?
That's great! I know [player name] would help a graduate like me!
Aw... Don't be so serious. I am an alumnus. Please?
She eagerly leans in and grabs your arm.
How about I show you around the campus and introduce you to everybody?
You have to know your students before you become their instructor, right?
For some reason, Jetavie is surprisingly familiar with the "Aomizu Private School." She takes you to the sports field and quickly disappears again.
On the field stand in neat formation about a dozen students who have signed up for the activity. Although they're not wearing uniforms like students at F.O.S., you can tell they have received a certain level of education and training.
Seeing these curious yet reserved eyes for the first time in a long while, you can't help but think about your days back at F.O.S.
Hi, Instructor, w-we are your students...
The girl looks shy and doesn't seem comfortable saying hello to a stranger.
I'm Sakiko, the class president...
Oh, sorry. Does "class president" sound strange? It's like the leader of an education facility.
She stops abruptly and starts to explain herself in great nervousness, worry if she has left a bad impression on you.
I heard that we inherited "class" and "class president" from the old "school."
Since we are studying on the former site of the Aomizu Private School, we just do it the way they did.
Another outgoing girl come up and volunteers to explain.
How do you like it? "Class" and "class president" sound pretty "high school," right?
Oh, sorry, I forgot to introduce myself. I'm Soyo. Although we are only going to spend one day together, I still look forward to it, Instructor!
Had it not been you and Jetavie, we wouldn't have had the courage to even get close to that dangerous beach, not to mention completing the training.
Soyo extends her right hand for a handshake with you.
Oh, I forgot to mention, according to the schedule, we will go through that untouched ruin and do a hazard avoidance training on the beach...
Sakiko hurries to explain but gets interrupted by a familiar voice coming from behind.
Alright! The weapons are ready. We are ready to go anytime—!
Before you realize, Jetavie has already changed to a swimsuit designed for beach activities. It seems she left just now to change clothes in the locker room.
She pops out of a corner with an exaggerated, flamboyant water gun, ready to start any second.
To cope with the possible emergencies on the beach, I specially adjusted the "Final Arbiter" to the summer mode.
It's also loaded with water bullets, except these ones are powerful enough to kill any minion in a split second—
Haha! This way we can ensure that our plan can be carried out smoothly and that everyone can have fun!
So this instructor is the one you've been telling us about?
Seeing Jetavie, the students all come over to chitchat with her.
What a coincidence! I can't believe that our instructor is actually Jetavie's teacher! Can you tell us more about her...?
Calm down. Let me explain everything from the start!
Jetavie adjusts her hat and puts her hands on her hips as if she's about to give an important speech.
Days ago, when I traveled past the Aomizu conservation area, I learned that there was going to be a hazard avoidance training.
Although I had already graduated, I couldn't resist the temptation to find out about something so interesting.
So I asked Sakiko and Soyo to allow me to join this temporary class!
This is not a large education center after all. Things are flexible here...
Plus, Jetavie is really knowledgeable. She taught us a lot of things. We need her help as well.
Yep, keep them coming. I wouldn't mind a few more compliments!
She raises her tail triumphantly.
We just found out today that the "teacher" Jetavie kept mentioning to us is you.
She said she found what she wanted to do after meeting you...
Hold on, hold on! We can leave that part out!
Jetavie seems a bit panic, switching among a flurry of expressions within just a few seconds.
I guess you don't know that although this is an education facility, it's not quite like a traditional school.
Simply put, the facility implements an "alternation system." Students here take on work within their capabilities while receiving education.
Today we are going to go through that untouched ruin and do a hazard avoidance training on the beach...
It might sound intimidating, but there's nothing but some industrial wastes washed up to the beach. Totally harmless.
I'm sure it's nothing for you, Jetavie... But for students like us, there is a certain degree of danger to it, so we need an experienced instructor.
Jetavie shakes her head and lets out a dramatic sigh.
The schedule they made for us is as boring as always, but how can I sit around and watch it turn into a dull field training...
So I'm gonna wrap up the training really fast with the instructor and use all the time left to hold a summer camp water gun party!
That's right. I'm talking about the game where you take cover behind the rocks to dodge attacks while running on the beach. And you lose if you get shot.
What Jetavie said has gotten us really excited...
So we got the waterproof clothes for beach activities and the "water guns" ready for the activity.
The students, full of trust in Jetavie, are all looking at you expectantly. It looks like you'll have to treat the "instructor" role seriously today.
Behind the Aomizu Private School is a big beach. The female students change to swimsuits in the locker room and come to the beach in excitement.
Although nothing dangerous took place throughout the training, both of you still had to keep an eye on the surroundings, which is sort of tiring.
After the dull training is the fun summer camp period. Students pick up the water guns they prepared and start running on the white sand.
Among the sound of waves and the laughters, a few outgoing girls come over to talk.
It's a shame that we are the only ones having fun at the party. Would you and Jetavie like to join us?
The training is over, but you and Jetavie still need to watch over the girls. You decide to stay where you are.
Jetavie suddenly fires while you're still trying to figure out a way to refuse the invitation properly. A bright golden light flashes through her eyes. An unidentified object is headshot the split second it surfaces from the waves.
After the tide is out, you find that it's an industrial device discarded by the sea.
No need to worry about us. As we told you, our responsibility is to ensure that you guys can have a carefree day of fun.
Besides... We are also in an intense competition, Soyo.
Jetavie puts the "Final Arbiter" away behind her back and regains her usual composure.
She silently mouths "shh" at you when Soyo is not paying attention.
We're competing to see who can shoot more unidentified objects in the water gun competition—and so far, I'm winning.
Th-then I'll leave Instructor and Jetavie alone. Have fun!
The students are convinced. They nod in thanks and then run off.
They rarely have the chance to play like this... Just leave them to it.
Jetavie whispers to you while standing by your side, looking at the changing white coastline in the distance.
You look at her profile. Her ruby eyes seem to hold a restless cyan sea.
Seeing this, you subconsciously hold back what you wanted to say.
Just like that, Jetavie didn't participate the competition herself.
But both of you served as the "instructors" to help them complete various subjects.
You kept an eye on the beach throughout, vigilant about possible danger.
Every time the students cheered, Jetavie would smile unconsciously.
This almost makes you feel as if she had been studying here since the very beginning.
She waited until the sky is dark and the students have used up their energy before announcing the successful conclusion of the competition.
Thank you so much for today.
The "temporary class president" keeps saying thank you to you on the way back to the campus.
Of course, we had fun. Our schedule was boring before you guys came...
We got to enjoy ourselves because you were watching out for us.
Sakiko's words suddenly remind you of an abandoned swimming pool you saw when Jetavie showed you around the campus.
Oh, that one! It's inside the untouched ruin, so none of us dared to go there...
We would love to play in the swimming pool, but had to drop the idea because of a few concerns.
Besides, we are already blessed to be studying here. We shouldn't bother the others for things like this...
Sakiko blushes as she lowers her head, but you have already taken her spontaneous words to heart.
After the students all returned to their dormitory, you go to Jetavie with an idea.
What? You want us two to fix that abandoned swimming pool?
Actually, it's also because Jetavie didn't get the chance to play back on the beach, but you don't want to reveal this to her.
Sure, I can help. Also...
Jetavie tilts her head thoughtfully and then smiles curiously.
Since we are already here, I also want to play in the swimming pool. I wonder how different it is from playing in the sea.
But in return, you need to grant me one wish, Chosen One!
Okay, deal!
Jetavie approaches you excitedly. She puts an index finger, which represents a contract, on your lips.
Contract effective, validity period: lifetime.
I haven't made up my mind yet! Just save it for the future!
Haha, before that, you can try your best to read my mind.
I'll give you a bonus reward if you get it right!
After signing the contract by tapping your lips, she jumps two steps away and walks toward the school buildings, looking happy.
Then I'll go get the tools we need at the pool. See you later in the backyard!
The sun is already setting after you cleaned the dried leaves in the pool and connected the pipe to the conservation area's reservoir.
It took you more time than expected to clean the old swimming pool. Although you had Jetavie's help, working in and outside the pool for the entire afternoon has still gotten you panting heavily.
The water is finally coming out of the water pipe. You take the time to sit by the swimming pool in the shadow of the umbrella to shelter from the scorching sunlight.
Found you!
Airdrop supplies, fire—!
In your daze, a cold feeling suddenly comes from the right side of your face. You look up and see Jetavie's radiant smile.
Thank you for your efforts. As a reward, this is a summer drink I made with the students.
She shakes the two strawberry bubble milkshakes in her hands. Looks like the "cold strike" you took is from one of them.
Is it good? Haha, tell me about it. Is it so good that it makes you wanna give me a thumbs-up?
Jetavie raises her tail triumphantly.
Hmph! Being picky again, Chosen One? Don't tell me you're gonna waste my handmade food like that—!
Seeing that Jetavie is looking at you angrily, you reluctantly lower your head and take a drink of the sugar bomb packed with calories.
The familiar sweet strawberry flavor abruptly fills your mouth once again, overwhelming your taste buds—
Tell me, is my handmade milkshake the best?
Seeing you have finished more than half of the milkshake, Jetavie sits down next to you with a satisfied smile, holding her cup of milkshake.
I had a chat with the girls when I was making the milkshake...
Are the students here in the conservation area all like this?
After swallowing the last mouthful of tapioca pearls, you are finally able to speak clearly.
Everyone looks like they're chasing their dreams and often talks about the future...
Things like "I'm gonna be a teacher when I grow up!"...
I'm a bit confused. Did the average high school students in the old days think about "the future" all the time?
From some of the videos I watched in the database, I thought campus life was supposed to be carefree.
But, after hearing Soyo and Sakiko's troubles... I realize that the reality is more complicated than what's documented in the materials.
She turns her head, giving you a disappointed smile.
They are already exhausted from all kinds of work and training. They don't even have the time to enjoy the golden school days.
Jetavie hugs her right knee to her chest with her left foot resting on the surface of the water, kicking up splashes casually.
I used to think that... the future was just so distant from the present.
After all, "students" who have only lived in Gestrig have no idea of what will happen tomorrow.
Anticipation, expectation, disappointment—conflicting emotions flicker through the girl's crystal eyes.
Those "ifs" are too far off, so we can only focus on what's in front of us.
So... what's a "normal" high school life really like?
Eh, really?
A hint of anticipation immediately emerges in her eyes.
What kind of place is it?
Wait, let me guess.
There must be tons of interesting clubs at your school! Like the swimming club, the light music club, and the SOS brigade?
You must also have all sorts of cultural festivals during holidays, right? Plus summer festivals and fireworks?
Huh—? Really?
Jetavie stretches out the syllable but doesn't sound disappointed.
She leans toward you a bit with her cup.
However, with a student like you, F.O.S. doesn't sound like a normal military school at all. At least, it probably isn't as boring as Gestrig.
So, what kind of place is F.O.S.? Tell me more about it.
No problem. Tell me everything.
I'll stick to the end no matter how long it is.
She gets closer to you with a smile and adjusts her position, ready for a long story.
So, you tell Jetavie about your life at F.O.S. right from the day you got enrolled.
You keep going on. The story finally comes to a pause when the water in the pool goes over your toes and the setting sun turns orange-red.
Jetavie has been sitting quietly next to you the whole time. She sometimes splashes water or paddles, but she has been attentive throughout.
Looks like the "school days" you described are something really attractive to her.
I see...
Jetavie listens to the end of the story and smiles quietly with satisfaction.
I'm a bit confused though. Between this conservation area facility and F.O.S., which one is more like a "normal high school"...?
I've learned at least one thing from what you said.
The fitful chirping of cicadas come in the sunset as she speaks.
Then you must have had a very fulfilling time there.
In the dazzling twilight, Jetavie leans toward you with her crystal-clear eyes gazing at you.
She is so close to you that you can almost see the reflection of the twilight in her eyes and on her lashes.
And her white hair shines so bright as if it were about to melt in the glistening honey-colored ripples.
Well... I'm happy that you shared something so important with me, Chosen One.
Now we both know about each other's "student days."
Then, have I become someone special in your heart?
Jetavie closes her eyes gently.
Since this is such a special moment...
Could you give me something to remember it by, Chosen One?
She reaches out to hold your face. The blinding twilight blocks your view.
In the warm summer breeze, you smell the humid air from the swimming pool, the herbal aroma of the woods, and the fragrance on Jetavie.
Jetavie moves away just when you are about to lean in, leaving a gentle warm breath by your ear.
—?!
A familiar "cool shot" hits the right side of your face just when you are about to take action.
A familiar "cool shot" hits the right side of your face just when you are about to say something.
—?!
She gives you a knowing smile, as if she has long figured out everything. You understand it the minute you see that smile. No more explanation is needed for her.
Mh-hm, what were you thinking about?
Got you! ☆
Hahaha, the swimming pool is ready. I'll go tell them!
Jetavie has already stood up before you could react. She runs a few steps away, cups her hands to her mouth, and shouts—
Right. They wanted me to tell you...
Thank you for everything, Instructor—!
