War correspondent Irene Ellet comes to interview Squad Seven for her radio show. Alicia worries over what Welkin might say and dogs him everywhere in an effort to prevent him from soiling the militia's reputation, While Ellet does all she can to get Welkin alone.
In the militia, Welkin gets assigned command of his own squad, number 7, and his request for the Edelweiss and Isara to join him is approved. To her surprise, Alicia is placed under his command as a non-commissioned officer, and the two run into Faldio, one of Welkin’s university friends.
When Imperial forces attack the small border town of Bruhl, Welkin Gunther, son of late General Belgen Gunther, is forced to fight for his life alongside Town Watch captain Alicia Melchiott. Along with Welkin's adopted sister Isara, the three escape to Gallia's capitol and subsequently join the country's militia forces. As members of the newly-formed Squad 7, they must work to repel the invading Imperial forces and discover the true purpose of the invasion itself.