Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

"Hey, time to wake up."

Byleth's eyes slowly opened up, sitting up to see his father, Jeralt, standing on the other side of the door. He was already in his full gear, his armor clinking as he walked closer to the bed, one eyebrow of curiosity raised at his son.

(Jeralt) "Were you having that dream again?"

(Byleth) "I was. It was that young girl."

Byleth nodded in response, his voice barely going above monotone as he began equipping the rest of his gear that was sitting on a nearby table.

(Jeralt) "You've described her to me before, I don't think I've ever met anyone like that."

Jeralt handed Byleth his sword and continued.

(Jeralt) "In any case, put that out of your mind for now. The battlefield is no place for idle thoughts-"

As if on cue, immediately behind Jeralt materialized a familiar face to Byleth, the young girl in question floating over to him, barely containing a yawn as his father continued the lecture.

(Young Green-haired Girl) "My, it's this early and he's already going off on you."

Byleth's eyes subtly shifted over to her, responding in his head.

(Byleth) No thanks to you, Sothis. That dream you had kept us both awake.

Sothis scoffed, hovering in front of Jeralt despite the fact he was still speaking, with no indication that he was even aware Byleth was having an entirely separate conversation.

(Sothis) "As if I can control them! I've always been bewildered by their timing as much as you, child! Now, what in the world is Jeralt going on about still?"

Both of them turned their attention back to Jeralt, who seemed to be wrapping up his lecture towards Byleth, thankfully.

(Jeralt) "Our next job is in the kingdom. I told you before. It's far from here so we'll need to leave at dawn."

Byleth momentarily searched in his mind for any recollection of Jeralt mentioning this to him, but nothing was coming to mind much to his annoyance.

(Byleth) "Oh...Right."

Immediately, Jeralt sighed in annoyance as his eyes drifted over to the window, movement catching his attention. 

(Jeralt) "Hm? Oh, good grief. Everyone is already waiting for us outside."

Byleth shot one last glare at Sothis, who was smirking at him.

(Sothis) "My, and I thought I was the one with the bad sleeping habit-"

The door suddenly swung open with one of Jeralt's mercenaries rushing into the room and slightly out of breath. Though Byleth was the only one to see, Sothis had gotten startled by his sudden appearance as the door nearly hit her. Ever since he was a child, he figured that Sothis wasn't able to interact with anything regarding the physical world, yet she acted like she did. It was something that never failed to amuse him, despite the fact his expression did not change in the slightest. And yet, Sothis knew what he was thinking, giving him a glare of her own. Tuning back into the conversation, he knew that this was going to be something serious.

(Mercenary) "Jeralt, sir! Sorry to barge in, but your presence is needed!"

Jeralt and Byleth tensed up at his words, the gathering of the mercenary company outside suddenly taking on a whole new meaning. Jeralt shot one last glance at his son to finish preparing before turning his attention back to the mercenary.

(Jeralt) "What's happened?"

...

Byleth, Jeralt, and the other mercenaries went outside the inn they had been staying at, rushing to the middle of the open village square to see three colorful teenagers standing with other members of the company. Jeralt and Byleth shoved their way through the small crowd to talk to them, with the blue one in the middle quickly bowing in greeting.

(Blue-Colored Teenager) "Please, forgive our intrusion. We wouldn't bother you were the situation not dire."

Jeralt crossed his arms as his brows furrowed, noting just how unbothered these kids appeared to be despite the boy's words. All the while, Byleth and Sothis remained quiet to observe, though...Something was bothering Byleth the more he stared at the three. Sensing the unease Byleth was feeling, Sothis floated over to her friend, her eyes narrowing as her gaze bounced between the three.

(Sothis) "Do...you feel that too?"

(Byleth) I do, but we can't focus on that right now.

Heeding the words of his father that he was partially paying attention to previously, Byleth decided the mysterious feeling could wait for now.

(Jeralt) "What do a bunch of kids like you want at this hour?"

(Blue-Colored Teenager) "We're being pursued by a group of bandits. I can only hope that you will be so kind as to lend us your support."

Jeralt and Byleth were taken aback, giving each other a quick side glance.

(Jeralt) "Bandits? Here?"

(Byleth) "We've checked the area surrounding this village three times, and we saw no signs of any bandits."

The girl in red clothing stepped forward, interjecting in a polite tone not too dissimilar from her friend.

(Red-Colored Girl) "It's true. They attacked us while we were at rest in our camp."

(Yellow-Colored Boy) "We've been separated from our companions and we're outnumbered. They're after our lives, not to mention our gold."

All three of them sounded relatively unaffected despite the severity of the situation. Their tone was more akin to being annoyed that a meal was taking longer than usual, or if someone was not moving out the way. That small detail not escaping either of the mercenaries, or the hidden floating girl.

(Jeralt) "I'm impressed you're staying so calm considering the situation. I-...Wait, that uniform...!"

Just before Jeralt could put a name to the clothes he was staring at, one of the mercenaries came rushing back to the group, the three teenagers stepping out of the way for him to report.

(Mercenary) "Bandits spotted just outside of the village! Damn...There are a lot of them!"

Jeralt turned back to the kids with a small sigh, gesturing to the other mercenaries with his head nodding. They all rushed to defensive positions while Jeralt and Byleth finished their conversation with the teenagers.

(Jeralt) "I guess they followed you all the way out here. We can't abandon this village now."

Byleth straightened his back as his hand immediately clenched his sword's hilt.

(Byleth) "Are we taking the lead?"

Jeralt smirked at his son, a sense of pride swelling within his chest to see him immediately get ready to jump into the action.

(Jeralt) "Naturally."

Both of them moved through the teenagers, only to be interrupted as he saw them step forward.

(Blue-Colored Boy) "Please, allow us to help you as well, sir!"

The two mercenaries stopped in their tracks and spun around, with Jeralt failing to hide his surprise.

(Jeralt) "You...want to help?"

(Yellow-Colored Boy) "Before, we were outnumbered and the three of us alone couldn't handle them. With your help, I'd reckon we can send them packing in no time!"

The other two nodded in agreement, furthering Jeralt's surprise. Byleth simply shrugged at Jeralt when his father turned to him for a suggestion, making him chuckle.

(Jeralt) "You got some guts, kids. What are your names?"

"Dimitri, and once again thank you!"

"Name's Claude."

"I am Edelgard. A pleasure."

(Jeralt) "Just call me Jeralt, kid over here is Byleth."

With the greetings finished, they rushed to the front of the village. The other mercenaries covered the other entrances and prepared for an attack from other directions as they ushered the other villagers inside their home. Others rushed to protect the mercenary's caravan, and the last few closed the gate leading into the village, leaving Jeralt, Byleth, Dimitri, Edelgard, and Claude to deal with the bandits.

...

Jeralt leapt onto his horse while grabbing a nearby lance, turning to his son.

(Jeralt) "I'll make sure no one gets near the entrance, then I'll be flanking around the sides. Take care of the ones in front for now so they can't overrun the village!"

Byleth nodded at Jeralt's orders before unsheathing his sword and rushing to the first three bandits emerging from the woods, the teenagers behind him following suit. Sothis hovered ahead of Byleth, floating around the trees elegantly as she looked back to him, frowning as the bandits ran and phased straight through her.

(Sothis) "No archers as of yet, finish this rabble off quickly!"

Not needing her to tell him that, Byleth stood his ground as the first one rushed him, an axe swinging up into the air and ready to plunge itself into his torso. The axe fell fast, but Byleth's hand was faster as he parried his attacker effortlessly. The stagger sending him backwards for only a second was all that Byleth needed, as the mercenary made a single slash across the bandit's chest, taking him down instantly. With his body crumpling onto the floor, Byleth immediately dodged backwards from the next attack, an axe trying to swipe him from the side as the other two rushed his flank. Before they could motion to attack again, they frantically raised their weapon to block Dimitri and Edelgard's weapons, forcing them back into a defensive stance.

For the brief few seconds Byleth watched the two match the bandits blow for blow, he was impressed. Dimitri's lance kept his opponent desperately trying to avoid his brutal thrusts while Edelgard's own axe easily overpowered the strength of the bandit. As much as he would like to see their skills in their entirety, he promptly chose his next target, that being Edelgard's attacker. Forgoing any kind of flashy move, he simply slashed at the bandit's leg, stunning him for Edelgard. She finished him off with a final blow that sent him flying into the air for a few seconds, armor, leather, and blood accompanying him.

An arrow whizzed past his head, though it came from behind as it landed in the shoulder of Dimitri's attacker, causing him to scream before it was cut abruptly, Dimitri's lance shattering upon smashing into the bandit.

(Dimitri) "Tch, these lances truly are brittle..."

(Claude) "What? You're not even gonna acknowledge how clean that shot was?"

Dimitri rolled his eyes as Jeralt ran by, tossing another lance into his hands and disappearing into the treeline.

(Edelgard) "We'll acknowledge it once the fighting has ceased, Claude."

Byleth followed after Jeralt, with the others following suit. After another brief skirmish, the group had taken out a few more bandits with ease, cutting their way further into the attackers, eventually catching sight of their leader.

(Bandit Leader) "Damn, why are there mercenaries in the village?! Guess we'll have to deal with them too...!"

The bandit leader and his group were quickly closing in on Byleth's position, though he noticed that he appeared to be hurtling towards the kids in an almost single-minded manner. Jeralt was too busy protecting their left flank, and the three were occupied handling the ones in front of them, meaning Byleth had to deal with them alone. His expression subtly growing more determined, he stepped directly into the bandit leader's path, sword at the ready, eyeing the other two bandits at their leader's side.

(Bandit Leader) "Hey, you with the blank stare! Outta my way!"

Saying nothing in response, Byleth swiftly hopped to the side as the bandit leader's axe crashed onto the ground where he was previously standing. Blocking Byleth's sword as it came swinging from the side, the mercenary was forced to back off before parrying the next attack from his lackey, promptly dispatching him with another slash. The other one nearly barreled into Byleth, barely jumping out the way in time of another axe that grazed his gauntlet.

(Sothis) "Child, he's going for the others!"

Byleth grit his teeth as his elbow slammed into the bandit's chest, shoving him away as he sprinted towards their leader. Hearing the mercenary's footsteps rapidly approaching from behind, the bandit leader spun his axe around, only to have his attack easily deflected with a slash followed up by a second that sent him and his weapon into the air. Both came crashing down with a loud thud, Byleth nodding and his attention turning back to the continued fighting behind him. Dimitri and Claude were finishing off their targets, alongside Jeralt and Edelgard. Sothis hovered over and began examining the ongoing skirmish with him, the two of them failing to acknowledge the quickly recovering bandit leader. 

Edelgard's eyes flickered over to the sudden movement near Byleth, her eyes going wide as she realized what was about to happen.

(Edelgard) "BEHIND YOU!"

Thanks to her scream the duo realized that he had gotten up again, but it was too late. The mercenary's eyes shot wide open, raising his sword arm in a vain attempt to parry the oncoming axe about to plunge into his chest, knowing that it would not save him in time. Just as he clenched his teeth and prepared to feel searing pain throughout his body, only for the world around him to come to a screeching halt.

...

In an instant, his vision was clouded in a black abyss, the only thing he was able to see now being himself in this endless void. Looking around his side, Byleth lowered his sword, puzzled by what had just occurred. It was only when he heard his companion's voice did he start to get an idea.

(Sothis) "Tch! Honestly, I cannot believe that you let your guard down like that! Are you trying to get us both killed?!" 

Sothis was now sitting upon a throne across from him, the only two things he could see in the void. Though, the sight was not exactly new to Byleth at this point, letting him sheathe his sword with somewhat peace of mind, other than the lecture that was incoming.

(Byleth) "He was stronger than I expected."

(Sothis) "Oh! And I'm sure your father will accept that excuse as your lifeless body is bleeding on the dirt! Phooey, and you call yourself a mercenary! Simply turn your back on an enemy without checking he was down properly, a splendid idea, child!"

Clicking her tongue after emphasizing the last word, she shook her head and let her chin lean against her hand, rolling her eyes.

(Sothis) "It's as if you don't know the value of your own life, including mine!"

(Byleth) "Enough already, I get it."

Exhaling deeply through his nose, Byleth remained silent for a moment before turning back to his friend.

(Byleth) "Thank you. But where are we?"

Sothis scoffed at his half-hearted gratitude, but sat upright to answer him.

(Sothis) "The same location. I have just stalled the flow of time, albeit temporarily."

She noticed his brows furrow ever so slightly, only noticing the difference due to the time spent with him since birth.

(Byleth) "...You can do that?"

WIth a sudden realization for his expression, Sothis's eyes widened at his question as her mouth hung slightly open.

(Sothis) "I...However did I manage that?"

Her finger tapped against the side of her cheek trying to find an answer, yet could find no response. 

(Sothis) "Hmph. It doesn't matter for now. However, our current predicament that you have put us in is our priority. Once time resumes, you will surely meet your end."

Ignoring her comment, Byleth crossed his arms trying to think of a solution. He wasn't sure just how long they could remain like this.

(Byleth) "...If you can stop time, can you reverse it?"

Though it took a second for Sothis to register his suggestion, her eyes suddenly lit up, alongside the tone of her voice.

(Sothis) "I can! Hmph, how troublesome you are that I must manipulate reality like this...!"

The smile on her face betrayed her relief, as a circle with magical symbols materialized in front of her, spinning in place with the world shaking around the two. Byleth clenched his sword's hilt again with his eyes remaining on his companion as she floated towards him.

(Sothis) "It does not look like we can wind time back too far, however we are aware of what's to come."

(Byleth) "Good enough for me."

Byleth rolled his neck side to side, his expression steeling itself for the jarring effect that was about to happen. All the while, Sothis crossed her arms and gave him another smug grin.

(Sothis) "You should thank me again, child. I will be the only one to know of your embarrassment today.-"

(Byleth) "Please be quiet so I can concentrate."

With his last request, the world slowly faded back into view and resumed.

...

(Bandit Leader) "Hey, you with the blank stare! Outta my way!"

Byleth blinked and he was back in position, the bandit leader and the two at his side rushing forward again. Byleth stood his ground, ready to deflect the leader and cut him down with one fell swoop.

At least, he was before the sound of glass shattering above him caused everyone to pause their engagement, turning to the source of the sound. He thought bandits somehow broke into the village but realized that was impossible, given time was only supposed to be reversed and not changed. However, that thought also came to an abrupt halt once Byleth noticed the light directly above him, alongside a literal tear in the air above him, the sound of glass breaking intensifying.

(Byleth) "Sothis...?!"

Sothis appeared next to him once more, just as confused as he was, beginning to motion Byleth to stand back.

(Sothis) "I played no part in whatever is transpiring!...I-I think!"

For the first time in his life, Byleth's stoic expression broke into something resembling genuine shock as everyone, including the bandits, backed away in fear. Before anyone could muster the courage to continue the fight or even run, the glass shattered for a final time, sending a violent shockwave across the field and everyone tumbling across the ground by the sheer force. Dimitri, Claude, and Edelgard attempted to brace themselves but found themselves flung back into the trees. Jeralt and his horse staggered backwards, struggling to keep their footing. The bandits, alongside Byleth and Sothis, flew the furthest back since they were the closest, the mercenary and his companion's backs slamming against the tree knocking the wind out of them.

As the rift in reality tore open, it sent four figures hurtling down, screaming all the while until they landed on top of each other with an audible thud. Byleth blinked the pain away, his vision starting to unblur itself as he stared at the strangers who had emerged from the rift. From what her could gather upon first glance, they were about the same age as the other three kids. The shortest one wielding a staff was wearing a red dress adorned with a cape and a comically large hat hiding her brunette hair. The tallest blonde one meanwhile appeared to be wearing some kind of yellow knight armor, a winged pauldron on her right shoulder. Lastly, a brown-haired boy with a green mantle and simple shirt stood up, jamming a finger into the chest of a blue haired girl, yelling at the top of his lungs.

(Boy) "Oh, WHAT THE HELL IS THIS?! Where did you get us stuck now?!"

The blue girl stood up startlingly fast, faster than she should have considering they fell from the sky. She looked more annoyed by the boy rather than any potential injury.

(Blue Girl) "Why are you blaming me?! You're the one who wouldn't let go of the relic, Kazuma!-"

(Kazuma) "SHUT YOUR TRAP YOU USELESS GODDESS! YOU'RE THE ONE WHO BROKE THE DAMN THING! We were going to get an entire month's rent from that, and you just HAD TO-"

As the two continued their argument, only the other two girls realized the predicament they had interrupted, making direct eye contact with Byleth. No one said anything, or even dared to move, time seemingly paused once again without the interference of Sothis. Their argument only continued for a few more seconds before the red dressed girl spotted the bandits, pointing at them as she directed her voice to Kazuma and the other girl.

(Red Girl) "KAZUMA! AQUA!"

Both of them, though greatly agitated, redirected their anger and shouted in unison at the girl.

(Kazuma/Aqua) "WHAT!?"

(Yellow Girl) "BANDITS!"

Though the tone of her voice appeared to be alarmed, her flushed face and subsequent heavy breathing indicated something far worse. Upon the girl's shout, time abruptly resumed, everyone quickly remembering that they were in a life and death battle with each other. Byleth rushed to his feet and grabbed his sword, rushing to defend the newcomers as the bandits rushed the blonde. Much to his confusion, instead of fighting the boy named Kazuma physically tackled the red girl as she tried to cast magic, the blue girl named Aqua also rushing to restrain her. As if being able to read his thoughts, Sothis appeared next to Byleth failing to contain her utter bewilderment.

(Sothis) "Why on earth are they leaving their friend alone?! She can't take on those three without-!"

The blonde swung her sword in a comically wide arc, somehow missing the bandits entirely but cleaving the trees next to her completely apart, their weight crashing into the rest of the forest with everyone diving out of the way. The bandits were completely distracted by her fumble and failed to duck out of her follow-up punch. The first bandit's face made contact with her fist, causing him to soar at impossible speeds and crash into the other bandit, directly towards Byleth and Sothis.

(Sothis) "-HELP?!"

Byleth dove for the ground while Sothis arms raised and flinched as the bandits phased through her, and flew over him. He could feel the rush of air left in their wake as they crashed into the trees, also causing another chain of trees to collapse on top of each other. Had he been any slower, Byleth had zero doubts in his mind he would've been killed yet again. Kazuma meanwhile lifted his head, looking in Sothis's direction.

(Kazuma) "H-Hang on, little girl! We're coming to he-"

(Red Girl) "MY EXPLOSION CAN WIPE OUT THE BANDITS, COME ON-"

(Kazuma) "MEGUMIN, NOT NOW! Aqua, reign Darkness in before the trees crush us!"

(Aqua) "You want me to restrain her?!"

(Kazuma) "JUST DO SOMETHING!"

Dimitri, Claude, Edelgard, and Jeralt rushed over to Byleth's side and doing their best to avoid the collapsing trees as "Darkness" kept missing her swings, somehow missing the bandit leader everytime while almost decapitating them by mistake. Jeralt grabbed his son by the arm and helped lift him off the ground. Sothis hovered behind Byleth, looking over his shoulder, the six of them watching in horror as this party of four was both somehow protecting the village and doing absolutely nothing. Though they knew the former being accomplished was also by mistake.

(Edelgard) "How can so few people be loud enough to wake everyone in the village better than the sound of combat?!"

(Jeralt) "At this rate, that girl will destroy the village herself!"

(Kazuma) "I'M SO SORRY FOR HER, SIR!"

Kazuma restrained Megumin's arms as she flailed, kicked, and screamed with Aqua raising her rod at the bandit leader.

(Aqua) "TAKE THIS! CREATE WATER-"

A stream of water burst out from the tip of her rod, jetting forward and hitting the bandit leader in the face, causing him to stagger backwards. Though it seemed to annoy him more than anything, with him continuing to dodge Darkness's attacks with surprising ease.

(Bandit Leader) "I didn't sign up for this crap! GET OUT OF MY WAY YOU BRAT!-"

He raised his fist and slammed it against the side of Darkness's face, only to recoil frantically in pain and shocking everyone who was watching, the exception being her own party.

(Bandit Leader) "GAAAAAH!"

(Darkness) "HARDER!"

(Jeralt/Byleth/Sothis) "WHAT?!"

(Claude) "Was that a clang I just heard?!"

(Dimitri) "S-So I wasn't imagining that either!"

(Edelgard) "What in the world is happening?!-"

Kazuma's face appeared that it was ready to burst several veins as he began shouting out into the sky.

(Kazuma) "Can this crap get any worse?!"

The sound of glass shattering answered his question, everyone pausing yet again as a light shone across the sky.

(Aqua) "H-Hey! That's the same light we saw!"

Upon hearing Aqua's words, Jeralt immediately turned to the kids in his care, his voice loud and clear above the chaos ensuing.

(Jeralt) "GET BEHIND THE TREES, NOW!"

Not needing further instruction, everyone rushed behind cover with the exception of Kazuma and his friends. The bandit leader was now running away at full speed as the glass shattering grew louder and louder.

(Megumin) "Can we use it to get back home?!"

(Darkness) "GET BACK HERE! I NEED YOU TO HIT ME AGAIN-"

(Kazuma) "NO, DARKNESS! STAY HERE GOD DAMN IT!-"

Suddenly, the skies above them turned into a pale sickly green, the full moon above growing even brighter than before with the tear in reality growing bigger. Kazuma and his friends now took a step back, unaware of what was to follow.

(Dimitri) "P-PLEASE! ALL OF YOU FIND COVER!"

Dimitri poked his head around the corner before promptly hitting the floor upon seeing the tear ready to burst.

Kazuma suddenly froze up, yanking Megumin by the collar and kicking Aqua directly behind Darkness as he curled up into a ball, the final tear splitting reality apart again and causing another shockwave. Darkness used her body to shield her party, with everyone doing their best to ignore the very happy noises she was making. With the trees as cover, the six were able to mitigate the worst of the damage, only poking their head out to realize instead of people falling through, black blobs were.

Byleth opened his mouth to say something, only to see a blue mask shift around the first blob staring directly at him. The rest of the blobs did the same, before shifting their attention to Kazuma's group, suddenly growing arms and clawing their way towards them.

Kazuma lifted his head and screamed in terror, quickly joined by Megumin and Aqua who all held each other in unison, tears in all of their eyes.

(Kazuma) "AAAAAAGH! I'M SORRY FOR COMING INTO THIS WORLD! SOMEONE SAVE MEEEEEE!-"

Byleth vaulted over the log he was hiding behind, unsheathing his sword and running as fast as he could with Sothis right behind him. 

(Sothis) "I don't know if we can make it!"

Even though he didn't know these kids, the last thing he wanted to see was them getting torn apart by these creatures.

(Byleth) "Can you reverse time again?!"

(Sothis) "I-I'm not sure! I-"

Several fireballs cut off the small distance between the monsters and Kazuma's group, the monsters suddenly swiveled toward the still present rift. Byleth froze in place as four humanoid figures dropped down with far more elegance than their present company, landing and instantly ready for combat. The one in front had dark blue hair with his bangs covering his right eye, sword and some strange device Byleth couldn't recognize in his hands. The uniform he was wearing was extremely similar to the other boy in their party, a black uniform with a red armband on their side, though his friend had a claymore in his hands and a foreign hat. A brown-haired pink girl wielding a bow had the same armband and jacket, the other blonde girl standing completely out with steel adorning her limbs and a pink ribbon in the center of her neck. As far as Byleth could see, she had no weapons at all.

Wiping away the tears in her eyes, Aqua smiled widely at the appearance of the newcomers.

(Aqua) "OH! WE'RE SAVED! THEY'RE-"

Everyone except the blonde pointed a device at their head as other creatures appeared behind them, all focus directed to them. Though, it appeared Kazuma was the only one who knew what they were doing.

(Kazuma) "They're PUTTING A GUN TO THEIR HEADS?!"

"PERSONA!"

Blue flames surrounded the four as they shouted in unison and pulled the trigger, massive ghastly figures emerging behind them as they quickly struck down the creatures in a flurry of spells and swings. Everyone could only watch in awe as they dispatched their enemies faster than they could process. Firing an arrow, the pink-dressed girl rushed over to the group and pointed towards everyone else.

(Pink Girl) "Get to safety, we'll handle this from here!-"

Kazuma shoved Darkness aside as he ugly cried holding her hands, snot and tears running down his face with his words barely comprehensible.

(Kazuma) "THANK YOOUUUU!"

The pink girl recoiled at Kazuma's reaction, instinctually rubbing her hand on her jacket trying to rub off Kazuma in disgust.

(Pink Girl) "Uhh...Y-Yeah. Just get-!"

(Boy with Hat) "YUKARI! BEHIND YOU!"

Immediately her expression steeled itself once again as another creature barreled its way past her comrades, quickly grabbing her "gun" and putting it against her forehead.

(Yukari) "IO!"

Byleth saw one of the ghosts in clearer detail, someone resembling a girl in the center of a giant cow-like skull, the figure summoning a violent gust of wind to blow away the creature, the dark blue-haired boy slashing his sword as it flew by, killing it instantly. He gave a single nod of thanks to Yukari before effortlessly going back to holding off the others. Shaking off his own shock, he ran over to the group and picked Kazuma up by the arm, letting the rest of his group run ahead of him before retreating, everyone watching as the group destroyed the rest of the creatures with seemingly zero effort. 

...

At last, the tear in the sky finally repaired itself as a gust of air shook the leaves of the remaining trees, the green skies reverting back to normal slowly to its original dark purple color as dawn approached. Their leader took a deep breath, as the rest of his team did the same with varying levels of expression.

(Boy with Cap) "Woo! Damn, are we good, or what?!"

(Yukari) "Give it a rest, Junpei..."

(Blonde Girl) "Leader. All threats neutralized."

(Dark Blue-Haired Boy) "Keep scanning the area for shadows, we still might not be alone."

Their leader motioned with his head to follow, all four of them making their way to Byleth and the others.

(Dark Blue-Haired Boy) "Hey, is everyone alright?"

(Jeralt) "Yeah, thanks. And you guys deserve my thanks too for he-"

Jeralt and the others turned to Kazuma, only to find him still sniffling and sucking his thumb as Aqua rubbed his hair sympathetically. Megumin and Darkness on the other hand looked completely fine if not a little surprised.

(Edelgard) "Are they...?-"

(Megumin) "Yes, they're fine, just give them a few minutes."

Darkness stepped in, any signs of her masochistic tendencies completely absent, which startled the ones who were there to witness it.

(Darkness) "It is my duty as a paladin, and our pleasure to assist, sir...?"

(Jeralt) "Jeralt. But enough of that, where the hell did you all come from?!"

Right before anyone else could answer, several knights emerged from the trees triumphantly, led by a man with a mustache in the middle.

(Knight Leader) "The Knights of Seiros are here! We'll cut you down for terrorizing our students! They're gone...? Ah, the students appear to be unharmed and...Who are those people?"

Kazuma and Aqua finally stood up as the knights approached, everyone giving each other an awkward glance, save for Jeralt, Edelgard, Dimitri, and Claude.

(Jeralt) "Ugh, why him...?"

Sothis floated over to Byleth, crossing her arms.

(Sothis) "I wonder, did my winding back of time cause this?"

Byleth glanced over to Sothis, about to speak in his head before Aqua spoke up.

(Aqua) "Wait, you can wind back time?"

Everyone turned to Aqua, though everyone except Makoto and Kazuma appeared to be confused.

(Dimitri) "I beg your pardon?"

Aqua directly faced Sothis, crossing her arms.

(Aqua) "Are you the deity of this world?"

Sothis physically recoiled when she realized that Makoto and Kazuma were also looking directly at her, Byleth's eyes becoming as wide as hers.

(Kazuma) "I mean, she looks the part...Wait, does that mean she dragged us into this?!"

(Makoto) "I'd put money on it."

(Edelgard) "I apologize, who are you speaking about?"

Sothis floated behind Byleth on instinct, only three pairs of eyes following her.

(Sothis) "You can see me?!"

(Aqua) "Duh! Why else would I be talking to you?-"

Makoto and Kazuma quickly realized the expression on everyone else, leading to Kazuma clearing his throat obnoxiously to get Aqua's attention.

(Kazuma) "Must be some side effect-ANYWAYS!...What's your name?"

Both new parties turned to Byleth, Sothis floating over to his side as they exchanged one last uneasy glance. First were those three kids, now suddenly there was eight more to handle, most of which came falling out of the sky. No mercenary training in Fódlan could have ever possibly prepared him for what he witnessed this morning. And the duo had a terrible feeling these people were here because of them.

What mess were they about to get themselves into...?

[PROLOGUE: END]

Chapter Text

Before Byleth and Sothis could ponder over their potential mistake, the knight leader approached him and Jeralt, smile growing wider the longer he looked at the mercenary's father. The two could tell with only a silent look that Jeralt on the other hand already was exhausted, and it surprisingly was not due to the chaos from the last five minutes.

(Knight Leader) "Captain Jeralt?! It is you! Goodness, it's been ages! I always knew you were still alive-!"

One of Jeralt's hands reached for his forehead, trying in vain to quell an oncoming headache, the volume of the excitable knight not helping matters in the slightest. Byleth, alongside the others could only watch awkwardly as his father tried to verbally calm down the shouting, with the other Knights escorting the students presumably back to their own company. Dimitri, Claude, and Edelgard gave a quick nod to Byleth, indicating that this would not be the only time they'd speak tonight. 

(Jeralt) "You haven't changed a bit, Alois, just as loud as ever...And drop that 'captain' nonsense! I'm not even your captain anymore. These days I'm just a wandering mercenary, one who has work to do. Goodbye old friend.-"

Jeralt unsubtly nudged Byleth in the stomach, snapping him out of his observation.

(Byleth) "Right, we need to escort you all home-"

(Aqua) "No, you don't?"

All eyes landed on Aqua, who stood there puzzled as Jeralt pleaded with his eyes for her to stop talking. Alas, it was in vain.

(Aqua) "We can't get back home, we're stuck with you."

Kazuma's face contorted, no one able to tell if he was pissed off, about to cry, or seconds away from strangling Aqua as he spoke through grinding teeth.

(Kazuma) "AQUA. SHUT. IT."

(Alois) "What?! You have nowhere to go? Then I must doubly insist, captain! You must return to the Monastery with me alongside these poor children! I'm sure the students would be delighted to have someone new join their classes!"

Junpei leaned over to the group, whispering quietly enough that only the newcomers could hear.

(Junpei) "He...does see the weapons on us, right?"

(Yukari) "I mean, our school uniforms don't exactly look intimidating compared to knights in full armor."

Ignoring the conversation happening behind him, Jeralt shook his head as he turned back to his former subordinate, a loud sigh accompanying him.

(Jeralt) "Ugh, I suppose this was inevitable..."

(Alois) "And how about you, kid? Are you the captain's child?"

Byleth took a moment to register Alois was speaking to him, only responding with a nod and looking over to Jeralt for his reaction. Though exhausted, Jeralt simply shrugged, indicating that he wouldn't try to weasel his way out of this situation. Or rather, he couldn't anymore.

(Byleth) "...I am."

(Alois) "Then I'd love for you to see the Monastery as well! Captain?"

(Jeralt) "Well, even I wouldn't dare to run from the Knights of Seiros. Kid, try to figure out what the deal is with these ones, I'll be rounding up the mercs and tell 'em we're changing course."

(Byleth) "Got it."

Jeralt walked away with Alois, leaving Byleth alone with his new acquaintances. Byleth turned around to gauge the reactions of everyone, his train thought immediately interrupted when Kazuma hit Aqua on the head with his fist causing her to yelp.

(Aqua) "HEY! What was that for?!"

(Kazuma) "One, you got us here! And two: we don't know the first thing about these weirdos, now you got us roped into their mess!"

Sothis scoffed at the insult, eyes narrowing at the two in front of her.

(Sothis) "I fail to see how you are any less so!"

Kazuma pointed a finger to Sothis's face, his irritation rapidly growing by the second.

(Kazuma) "And YOU stay out of this! No, actually-What was that crap about being able to reverse time, did you call us here too?!"

Byleth saw most of the group look past him and Sothis, growing increasingly confused and somewhat worried that Kazuma was screaming at seemingly no one.

(Junpei) "Uh, Aigis, can you scan to see if this guy is talking to...anyone?"

Aigis looked to her right, staring blankly into space for a few seconds before shaking her head.

(Aigis) "Negative."

(Makoto) "Is he normally like this?"

(Megumin) "Pretty much."

(Darkness) "For as long as I've known him, yes.-"

Kazuma muttered under his breath before turning back to Byleth, crossing his arms as he did so.

(Kazuma) "Great, just great! Ugh, whatever. Guess I'll introduce us. I'm Kazuma, these three morons are Aqua, Darkness, and Megumin. We're adventurers, now can we get going?"

(Aqua) "Who are you calling a moron you shut-in NEET?!"

Immediately the two spiraled into another argument, one Darkness and Megumin quickly sidestepped, smiling at the group across from them. Thankfully, everyone was able to tune out the two's yelling almost immediately as proper introductions were underway.

(Darkness) "A pleasure to meet you all. Thank you for the assist in defeating those creatures. Please, call me Darkness."

Megumin struck a dramatic pose, striking her staff outwards, with her voice going significantly deeper. 

(Megumin) "I am the Crimson Demon, Megumin!"

Makoto shrugged stoically, though there was no hostility in his reply that Byleth and Sothis could notice.

(Makoto) "Makoto Yuki. We're part of a group called SEES."

(Junpei) "Yo, Junpei Iori at your service ladies!"

(Yukari) "Ugh, just be normal when you introduce yourself. Sorry about him, I'm Yukari Takeba."

(Aigis) "I am Aigis."

The two adventurers and members of SEES turned to Byleth as he nodded back.

(Byleth) "I'm Byleth.-"

(Edelgard's Voice) "And that means Jeralt, the Blade Breaker, is your father?"

The group turned to see the students approach them, all smiling and politely ignoring the yelling happening directly behind them. Byleth stepped forward, with Sothis hovering next to Makoto, the boy giving a silent nod of acknowledgement and giving her enough space to see the conversation proper.

(Byleth) "He is. Though I didn't know he was a Captain for these...Knights of Seiros?"

(Edelgard) "How curious. I'd wager the explanation for that is fascinating indeed."

(Sothis) "Seiros...why does that name sound familiar...?"

(Byleth) He's never mentioned the name to me, at least not that I remember.

(Claude) "Hey, you are coming with us to the monastery right? Of course you are! I'd love to bend your ear as we travel.-"

Megumin took a step back and jabbed both Kazuma and Aqua in their stomach with her elbow, cutting off the yelling and getting them to pay attention. Though the two still shot each other one last death glare before finally relenting, to the delight of everyone's peace of mind.

(Darkness) "Oh! Does that make you three the students that Alois was speaking of?"

Claude shot her a thumbs up and a wink.

(Claude) "Spot on! We were doing some training exercises when those bandits attacked. I definitely got the worst of it."

Edelgard immediately frowned, poised to comment on what actually happened before Darkness spoke again.

(Darkness) "If only we got here sooner..."

(Dimitri) "Oh, please do not fret! You arriving when you did as...strange as your methods were, did end up saving us in the end. And for that, I must properly thank you!"

Dimitri was smiling, however Claude and Edelgard were not, much to his confusion.

(Claude) "Uh, your highness? I don't think that's distress we're looking at."

Dimitri was going to ask what Claude meant, before he instead saw the expression plastered over Darkness. One that made her pupils dilate and breath quicken, making everyone visibly uncomfortable.

(Darkness) "To think we were robbed of such a horrible time~.-"

(Kazuma) "OKAY! That's enough out of you! FREEZE!"

Interrupting Darkness's fantasies, Kazuma had a single finger point at the back of her neck, a small gust of ice blowing against it as she violently recoiled, hands on the back as she screamed, startling everyone including some of the knights and mercenaries surrounding them. Edelgard sighed, redirecting the conversation back to her fellow classmates.

(Edelgard) "Her meaning was clear as day. You will prove a lacking ruler if you cannot see the truth behind a person's words."

(Dimitri) "Hmph! You will prove a lacking ruler yourself if look for deceit behind every word and fail to trust those whom you rely on."

(Claude) "Oh, joy! A royal debate between Their Highnesses-"

Junpei tilted his hat upward, blowing air upwards from his mouth as he exchanged the insults flying around in both parties.

(Junpei) "Jeez, is every single conversation gonna end up like this? What an intense crowd."

(Makoto) "Probably."

(Aigis) "I detect several signs of sarcasm and hostility between all members. The chances for a kick to the groin is rapidly increasing."

(Yukari) "Okay, okay! Everyone let's just calm down for a second!"

Much to Yukari's relief, the arguments relented and reason found its way back into the flow of conversation.

(Edelgard) "Our new friend is right. Forgive our digressions, though I have something to ask of you, Byleth."

Byleth was staring off into space, having tuned out the bickering and not knowing it had ended so quickly. Sothis elegantly floated over to him, before promptly flicking him on the side of his head, putting him back into the discussion.

(Edelgard) "The way you held your ground against the bandits was simply marvelous! Your skills are exactly what the Empire requires!"

(Dimitri) "If I may interrupt, I would also say that the Kingdom of Faerghus is in dire need of assistance from individuals such as yourself!-"

(Claude) "Woah there! You two sure are hasty, trying to recruit someone you had just met! Psh, tactless, really. Besides, you two aren't even acknowledging our other friends who have risked their hides to save us!"

Claude extended his hand towards the adventurers and SEES, though Junpei was the first to react.

(Junpei) "Jeez, I'm flattered!...W-Wait a sec.-"

Junpei's voice began to falter, realization fully setting in.

(Junpei) "Does this mean you guys are royalty? Like, princes and all that stuff?"

Claude waved a hand dismissively, though he still answered Junpei despite his casual demeanor.

(Claude) "Heir to House Riegan and the Leicester Alliance. My rather forward friends are-"

(Edelgard) "I can introduce myself, thank you very much. I am Edelgard von Hresvelg, princess of Adrestia, and soon to be future Emperor."

Edelgard had one hand confidently rest on her waist as she introduced herself, bowing ever so slightly as she did so.

(Dimitri) "Dimitri Alexandre Blaiddyd, at your service! I am the prince of the Holy Kingdom of Faerghus, and once again, you have our thanks for saving us!"

Kazuma and Aqua immediately shoved Darkness and Megumin aside.

(Kazuma & Aqua) "Will we get paid?!"

Edelgard nodded at their enthusiasm, though her tone was less warm towards them for rather obvious reasons.

(Edelgard) "Quite handsomely in fact, if you are to join with Byleth here."

Their eyes seemed to gleam, the two of them immediately turning to Byleth, begging almost like children in front of him.

(Kazuma) "PLEASE TAKE US WITH YOU!"

(Aqua) "YOU'RE A MERCENARY RIGHT?! YOU NEED THE MONEY AND OUR SKILLS TOO!"

(Sothis) "My, you two are quick to change your tone.-"

(Aqua) "Shut up! You don't know what it's like to be poor!"

(Sothis) "Excuse you! You have no idea what I've been through!"

(Byleth) She's not exactly wrong either.

(Sothis) And don't YOU start siding with her!

(Claude) "Okaaay, imaginary conversations aside, it seems that niceties are no longer required in this world. Where does your allegiance lie, capable stranger?"

Before Byleth could be forced to choose a side, Alois came in the nick of time to break up the conversation before it could become even more awkward than it was.

(Alois) "Alright, that's enough small talk! It's almost time to head back to the Monastery!"

(Byleth) "Oh thank the goddess..."

(Aqua) "You're welcome!"

(Kazuma) "He's not talking about you, idiot!"

(Claude) "And with that, we'll have to pick this up later! Catch you around, Byleth!"

The three students of Garreg Mach promptly left, leaving Byleth and Sothis alone again with the eight behind him, for better and worse.

(Makoto) "With that finally out of the way, I guess the last question to ask is, did you actually have something to do with bringing us here?"

Sothis and Byleth glanced at each other as everyone anxiously waited their response. Sothis nodded at him, allowing Byleth to speak for her as well.

(Byleth) "It's possible. My friend used a spell to reverse time in order to save me, needless to say, something did not like that, causing that tear we saw...At least, we think it did."

Kazuma and Aqua turned to Sothis, their expression becoming surprisingly serious.

(Aqua) "So, you ARE a goddess too!"

Sothis crossed her arms, eyes trailing downward as she struggled to recall what exactly she was.

(Sothis) "I'm not entirely sure, truth be told. All I knew one day is that I awoke with this child, and have been bound to him ever since his birth."

(Junpei) "I'm uh...lost here, who's the goddess?-"

Makoto nudged towards Sothis's direction, knowing fully well his friends couldn't actually see her.

(Makoto) "They're not crazy. Someone's actually there."

Kazuma and Aqua glared at Makoto.

(Kazuma and Aqua) "Hey!"

(Yukari) "Wait, seriously?!"

(Darkness) "Then why are unable to see them?"

(Aigis) "Our leader is special. He is a Persona User who is able to wield any type that he needs."

(Megumin) "Persona? Is that the super cool ghost you summoned?!"

(Junpei) "Heh, well-!"

(Yukari) "Please don't encourage Junpei, Megumin. To answer your question, yes. We all wield Personas, but Makoto can change it at will and isn't stuck with one like us."

(Makoto) "So that's why I can see her. What about you two?"

(Aqua) "I'm a goddess!"

(Byleth & Sothis) "..."

(Junpei, Yukari & Aigis) "..."

The five simply stared at Aqua, letting their silence speak for them.

(Aqua) "W-What's with that look?! I am a goddess!"

(Kazuma) "Right right, not important. What is important is if you can send us back home! Surely that must be super easy if you can reverse time at will!"

Byleth turned to his friend, shrugging.

(Byleth) "...Were it so easy."

(Sothis) "I..." yawn

Sothis suddenly yawned as her eyes began to drop, struggling to hover with every passing second.

(Byleth) "Hm. I was just thinking this is the longest I had ever seen you up."

Sothis rubbed one of her eyes, turning to Kazuma and trying her best to answer before sleep overtook her.

(Sothis) "I'm afraid I only recently remembered how to reverse time, and that is it...Though, I was also once called the Beginning and the end...who-?"

(Kazuma) "W-Wait, this means you can't send us back?!"

(Aqua) "What kind of goddess just falls asleep when she's in need! DON'T JUST LEAVE YOU LITTLE TWERP!"

Sothis closed her eyes and vanished, leaving just Byleth alone, much to his dismay.

(Byleth) "Perfect timing as always..."

(Makoto) "So this means for right now, we're stuck."

Byleth finally turned his attention to SEES, noting particularly how Makoto didn't sound too dissimilar from himself.

(Byleth) "Your group seems remarkably calm about travelling to another world."

(Junpei) "Hah...would you believe us if we said we've basically done that every day for nearly a year now?"

(Yukari) "...I mean, don't get us wrong, it's crazy! But like Junpei said, weird stuff happens to us all the time. This one actually seems kinda nice, Dark Hour aside."

(Aigis) "We have been outside of communication range with our allies for quite some time before we ended up here. Any human face is a welcome sight."

Aigis added, her voice completely devoid of life despite what she said.

(Makoto) "That being said, our best bet to get back home is follow your lead since you played a part in us getting here."

(Megumin) "And I'll lend you all the explosions you'll need, Mister Byleth!"

(Kazuma) "Do NOT let her do that. We will all die. Or rather you will."

(Aqua) "Hmph! You'll need a competent goddess at your side anyhow, yours seems terribly lacking!"

(Byleth) "I don't know if she's actually a goddess." Plus I'd doubt-

(Makoto) "I doubt you can do much better."

(Kazuma) "Psh, preaching to the choir on that one, man-"

(Aqua) "WHAT DID YOU SAY YOU LITTLE BRAT?!"

(Aigis) "Hostility detected. Neutralizing-"

(Yukari) "WHA- Aigis, don't shoot her!"

(Junpei) "C-Cool your jets there, Aigis!"

(Darkness) "Does...does she hurt?!"

(Megumin) "Oh man..."

Byleth watched in silence as the group already descended into chaos, remaining still even as he heard his father approach him.

(Jeralt) "So uh...Get things handled, kid?"

(Byleth) "In a sense, they'll be sticking with us for a while."

The father and son watched as Aqua had to be restrained from trying to punch Makoto, meanwhile SEES's leader stood with his hands in his pocket, completely unphased. Jeralt could only sigh, turning to Byleth as he put a hand on his son's shoulder.

(Jeralt) "What have we gotten ourselves into?"

Chapter Text

Byleth stared into the cloudless skies above, or at the very least he tried to look at what he could through the forest trees. The trees were tall enough to obscure most of the sights around him, barring the well trodden dirt path that he and everyone else were strolling upon. Much to his surprise, the distance from Remire Village to the Monastery was close, so close in fact that it'd be late afternoon when they would arrive.

They perhaps would have gotten to the Monastery by now, were it not for the extra members in their travelling party.

(Aqua) "Kazumaaaa! Are we there yet?!"

Aqua whined, pouting her cheek as her legs wobbled behind her party. If it weren't for the fact she was nearly as tall as him, Byleth would have mistaken her to be younger than even Sothis. A thought he made damn sure not to vocalize out loud.

(Kazuma) "You better not be asking to go pee again! It hasn't even been two hours!"

Aqua had halted their group several times, thankfully it was never for too long despite how frequent it was. The entire journey she and Kazuma had been bickering, leaving Byleth and SEES to subtly break away from his party, letting them walk alongside Dimitri, Claude, and Edelgard. As far as Byleth knew, there were other students accompanying them as well, but he didn't have the chance to actually talk to anyone besides the main three. The only other group was Jeralt, Alois, the Knights and Mercenaries leading the other groups ahead of them.

(Kazuma) "Hey uh...Aigis right? You have the distance memorized?"

Kazuma turned towards the SEES member, in which she nodded in response, albeit in a strange stiff tone that Byleth still couldn't place how exactly she was speaking. It was almost...inhuman.

(Aigis) "Affirmative. According to information given to us by Alois, we are approximately an hour and a half away."

(Kazuma) "Oh thank god-Okay! Just go when we reach the monastery or something!"

Byleth could hear Yukari sigh, catching the attention of her friends and the others.

(Yukari) "It's only been a few hours and it feels like days with them around..."

(Junpei) "And I thought I complained a lot!"

(Makoto) "It's a close second."

As if sensing Byleth's dread, Claude mercifully intercepted the incoming bickering between SEES and joined the conversation with a chuckle.

(Claude) "Ah, reminds me of home! Well, our home away from home, anyway."

Dimitri and Edelgard joined in by stepping to Byleth and SEES's side.

(Dimitri) "That reminds me, this will be your first time seeing the Monastery. I'd be happy to show you around!"

One of Makoto's hands left his pockets to brush back some sweat from his forehead, all of SEES still wearing their combat gear and sweating more than the others because of it.

(Makoto) "You guys wouldn't happen to have baths there, would you?"

(Byleth) "That doesn't sound too bad, actually."

(Edelgard) "I believe they are originally intended for the Nobles only, however I am sure the Monastery will allow an exception due to your aid."

Darkness slowed down to join in, which no one appeared to mind terribly much. In the few hours he had gotten to know her, besides her masochistic tendencies, she appeared the most at home here in Fódlan. With a tone similar to Dimitri's, Darkness directed her question towards the three lords.

(Darkness) "Ah, so the Nobility owns the Monastery then?"

(Dimitri) "The Church of Seiros own and maintain the Monastery, but it was the Nobles from our nations who created the Officer's Academy there. Though Commoners are allowed to enroll as well."

(Edelgard) "However, a clear division remains despite the Church's attempts to enforce equality..."

Byleth saw Darkness's curious expression falter ever so slightly upon hearing Edelgard's comment.

(Darkness) "I see...It is unfortunate that rift between the commoners extends beyond my world..."

Edelgard turned to Darkness, doing a rather marvelous job of masking her shock.

(Edelgard) "You're of Noble descent as well?"

(Junpei) "Holy crap- Are you a princess or something?!"

Darkness turned to Junpei with a soft smile, her upbringing making itself abundantly clear with how elegantly she replied.

(Darkness) "Oh, nothing of the sort. I was raised as a Noble, however our family was not nearly as prestigious as some others back home. More importantly, I did not wish to treat anyone differently simply because of the nature surrounding their birthplace."

(Dimitri) "I wish more of the nobility in our world had your worldview, Darkness."

(Edelgard) "...As do I."

Byleth could have sworn that Edelgard had a flicker of anger in her eyes as she agreed, but she resumed looking forward, making him unable to catch a better view.

(Claude) "Ooh man, then do I have a list of people you do not want to talk to at the academy! Speaking of, we should be approaching the foot of the monastery now."

The moment Claude finished speaking, the lights coming through the trees intensified as they neared the edge of the forest, allowing the group to see the massive castle walls that surrounded the outskirts of their destination: Garreg Mach Monastery. The monastery stood proudly on top of the mountains, overlooking several rolling hills, gargantuan stone walls, and outlying villages leading up to the top. Now, Byleth understood why Aigis had said it'd still take them nearly two hours to even reach the Monastery. And even then, given the distance they had to cross, two hours seemed like a generous guess at best. Easily, it looked like another full day standing at the foot of the mountain.

(Yukari) "Wow...! Words really can't do the sight justice!"

(Kazuma) "Holy hell, that's still such a long ways away?! You're telling me we gotta climb up that on foot?!"

(Makoto) "Yeah, that doesn't exactly look like a fun trip."

(Claude) "You're telling us! Wait 'till you have to make the journey up there several more times this year, then we can start comparing the blisters on our feet."

(Megumin) "My feet are already killing me!"

They were loud enough that some of the knights ahead chuckled at their reaction, Alois and Jeralt chief among them. They had stopped walking to allow the students to catch up, giving Alois the chance to play tour guide to the disheartened kids in his company.

(Alois) "Come on now, it looks far worse than it actually is!"

(Jeralt) "Heh, not sure the kids share your sense of enthusiasm. I remember it being a pain everytime, and we were on horses back then!"

(Alois) "Ack! Captain, that is not very encouraging to the students here!"

Byleth walked up to stand next to his father, even though his expression had barely changed the entire journey, there was a sense of amusement that one could hear in his voice.

(Byleth) "I doubt anything you'd say to them could make them excited."

(Alois) "Oh, that's nonsense! Our first stop is at one of the towns at the foot of the mountain which provide some of the best travel snacks I've ever had! That's bound to get anyone's spirits up!"

(Junpei) "Travel snacks? Heh, now we're talking!"

(Alois) "Hah! See?"

Jeralt rolled his eyes before turning around to face Junpei.

(Jeralt) "Please, don't encourage the man."

The levity in his voice was apparent despite his words. At the very least, Alois was right in some regard as the mood of the group improved significantly, small talk being made more than any arguments that grated the ears. Before the trip could resume, Aqua raised her hand politely and spoke up.

(Aqua) "Excuse me, mister Alois?"

(Alois) "Hm? Aqua, was it? What's your question?"

Aqua leaned over in one foot, seemingly trying to look past him which caught everyone's attention.

(Aqua) "You said we're going to the village on the way to the monastery, right? Is that the one you're talking about?"

Aqua pointed into the air, with everyone in the group following to where she was pointing at. They were quickly able to find the settlement Alois had spoken about, with it being a modest size that all of its buildings could be seen in its entirety from the small hill they were standing on, the dirt trail they had been travelling crossing through it and towards Garreg Mach. Though the part that had truly caught everyone's attention, was the visible line of energy directly above the town, cracks of reality splitting apart spreading outwards from it. Unlike before, it looked like that it would take some time before reaching critical mass and letting whatever was waiting on the other side pour out, but he knew if they tried to run now, they'd be too late. Byleth's body immediately tensed as he heard the panicked voices of several knights and mercenaries around him, the voices of his new companions being the most prominent.

(Junpei) "Oh shit."

(Kazuma) "C-Can't we just run around the damn thing this time? Who knows what kind of freaks will drop from it?!"

(Jeralt) "Much as I'm inclined to agree, kid, doesn't look like we can avoid it!"

As if on cue, the entire group could hear glass shatter once again, meaning that a shockwave was due extremely soon. And unlike before, civilians were about to get caught in the crossfire of whoever was making their appearance. Although Alois was taken aback by the unnatural sight, he quickly recomposed himself before spinning around, arm stretching outward unto the village.

(Alois) "The Knights of Seiros do not abandon their people! Leave enough men to guard the students and prepare for battle!"

Jeralt began shouting orders to his mercenaries as well, though Byleth's attention focused on SEES's response.

(Aigis) "Alert. Enemies detected up ahead."

Makoto unholstered his evoker before turning to Aigis, with Junpei and Yukari doing the same.

(Makoto) "Shadows?"

Aigis's eyes momentarily flashed a different color, making the others flinch in surprise, including Byleth. Notably, the other three members of SEES didn't even blink at the sight.

(Aigis) "...Negative. Unknown origin."

Byleth felt even more on edge than before. If they had someone who could detect threats not even be able to identify what it was, then could it even be anything they could fight? Before being able to think about the matter any further, Dimitri pushed through his new friends as he unsheathed his lance, standing in front of Alois.

(Dimitri) "I cannot in good conscience stand idle when people's lives are in danger! Please, allow us to accompany the knights!-"

(Alois) "I'm afraid not, Your Highness! We cannot risk anything happening to you, or the others! Allow the Knights to handle this-"

(Darkness) "Sir Alois! Please, allow us to handle this!"

Darkness unsheathed her sword triumphantly, one hand laying on her chest as she spoke over the increasing panic and grabbing everyone's attention.

(Darkness) "We know not what kind of danger is lying behind that rift! We will take the danger head on ourselves, please escort the civilians we send your way to safety in our stead!"

Dimitri, Claude, and Edelgard were taken aback by her selflessness, as was the rest of the group, with her quickly turning around and facing her own group.

(Alois) "...Hm, understood, miss Darkness! You heard the lady! Prepare to retrieve anyone coming our way-!"

Fortunately for the denizens of Fódlan, no one but Byleth and the other off-worlders saw her expression directly after she finished making the claim.

(Darkness) "I-I hope the monsters are absurdly strong this time...!~"

(Kazuma) "SON OF A-!"

Byleth decided it'd be better to say nothing, simply shaking his head and pointedly trying to ignore SEES's disgust, though the only ones unaffected by her true feelings were Aigis, Aqua, and Megumin, much to his confusion.

(Byleth) "Jeralt. I'll be going with them."

Jeralt opened his mouth, presumably going to ask why before sighing and nodding.

(Jeralt) "Be careful. I'll make sure the students are safe."

With a final nod, Byleth turned to the others, before realizing Aqua's expression had suddenly become razor-focused, shocking even Kazuma.

(Aqua) "Wait wait wait...That's undead energy I'm sensing!"

Darkness's perverse smile instantly dissipated, replaced by the same intensity as Aqua, which honestly scared Byleth more than anything. And judging by how Makoto, Junpei, and Yukari recoiled too, he wasn't the only one.

(Darkness) "Then it is even more imperative we cleanse these monstrosities ourselves!"

Not questioning on why this group was suddenly taking things more seriously, he considered it a blessing from the Goddess and kept this streak going lest they devolve into their usual antics.

(Byleth) "Even if we sprint at full speed, we're not getting there before it explodes."

Kazuma rapidly tapped his foot against the ground, mumbling and cursing under his breath about getting so close to danger before he suddenly stopped, staring at a massive wheelbarrow cart that was left behind with scraps of rotten food underneath it. Quickly trailing the rotten food to a nearby farmhouse, he snapped his finger, his voice catching everyone's attention.

(Kazuma) "Didn't wanna do this again, but to hell with it! Might as well get this over with-HEY! Do any of you guys have any explosives?!"

(Byleth) "What? Why would we-"

(Aigis) "Affirmative."

The mercenary and adventurer turned their attention to Aigis, who promptly held out several metallic ball-like objects in her hand, making Yukari and Junpei violently jump back in fear.

(Junpei) "WOAH! A-Ai-chan! Don't just have grenades hanging out that casually in the open!"

(Yukari) "S-Seriously, that's asking for trouble!"

(Byleth) "...What's a grenade?-"

Cutting through his companion's worries, Makoto looked at Kazuma.

(Makoto) "Got a good idea?"

Kazuma scoffed before motioning over to Darkness.

(Kazuma) "Hell no. But it'll get us to the village faster! Darkness, rip off a piece of wall from that farmhouse! Remember what we did with the Turtle quest?!"

Darkness's smile came back with terrifying speed, running over to the wall with glee as Kazuma faced the rest of his party.

(Megumin) "D-Does that mean I can use my explosion magic?!"

(Kazuma) "Know what, if a 50 foot monster shows up, sure! Aqua?"

Aqua nodded with a smile, a pink translucent scarf suddenly materializing around her neck as she shot a thumbs up.

(Aqua) "Think we can ask for a good payout from this?"

(Kazuma) "They damn well better! Alright, this is the plan!-"

,,,

(Claude) "That...doesn't look safe."

(Edelgard) "Your astute observational skills never cease to amaze."

(Dimitri) "I suppose as long as it works...?"

The three lords watched as the off-worlders and Byleth all sat upon a massive wall of wood on the end of the wheelbarrow, with several metallic balls resting at the opposite side of them in some kind of haphazardly thrown together pile. Alois, Jeralt, and the other knights and mercenaries watched with the same sense of awe and dread as the three. They had just watched Darkness literally tear off an entire wooden wall with her bare hands and lift it over to the others as if it were a bag of feathers. That in of itself was incredibly alarming, but now the nine of them were huddled up and sitting on the wooden wall, Darkness practically shaking with enthusiasm as her sword hovered right above the metal balls. And everyone else but her looked less than thrilled about the arrangement.

(Darkness) "Ready!"

(Byleth) "So...how concerned should we be?"

(Junpei) "Dude, we're sitting on a bunch of explosives that we use to kill Shadows in one shot."

(Byleth) "...So, very?"

(Yukari) "Please don't die, please don't die, please don't die-!"

Yukari was busy repeating that mantra to herself, on the verge of tears while Aigis and Makoto remained relatively neutral.

(Aigis) "There is a high probability that this will result in catastrophic failure-"

(Megumin) "Nah, we've done this before."

(Makoto) "Well, if they're still alive after doing this, then I'm not worried."

(Aqua) "Alright everyone watching, stand back! Watch how a true and elegant Goddess proves her worth and-"

(Kazuma) "HIT IT!"

(Aqua) "Hey, I wasn't finis-!"

CLANG!

Darkness swung her sword into the grenades with a force that immediately detonated upon impact, an explosion rattling the bodies of everyone watching, the resulting smokecloud causing everyone to flinch and turn away as the shockwave of several explosives going off at once temporarily stunned them. Once the ringing in their ears had faded, Dimitri, Edelgard, and Claude could see that the wall had been catapulted into the sky, with its passengers all screaming into the air before it faded out, the nine of them rapidly soaring towards the village. Before crashing onto the ground, they saw a pink balloon-like object puff out and catch everyone falling, gently guiding them into the village as the cracks around the rift worsened, but had not yet exploded. After an awkward moment of silence, Alois cleared his throat loudly and pointed toward the village as he unsheathed his sword.

(Alois) "Men, we're next! Get ready to escort the villagers!"

(Edelgard) "I'm not even going to begin questioning the logic behind that."

(Dimitri) "Frankly, the less we know how they're alive, the better."

(Claude) "I'm preeetty certain physics doesn't work like that. Unless in their worlds it doesn't really exist..."

Chapter Text

The screaming of the group was abruptly and thankfully cut off when Aqua's pink scarf had caught enough air to act as a makeshift parachute, ballooning upwards and giving a cushion for everyone to land on. Aqua floated gracefully down as everyone else bounced on top of the surprisingly durable material that showed no signs of collapsing in on itself to their surprise.

(Yukari) "W-We're alive? WE'RE ALIVE!"

Yukari laughed nervously, her legs visibly wobbling as Junpei adjusted his hat and sighed loudly.

(Junpei) "Dude, after we started freefalling I thought we were done for..."

Byleth sat upright, holding onto the hilt of his sword that was somehow miraculously still attached to his sheathe around his belt and not on the plains below them.

(Byleth) "None of you are hurt?"

Kazuma shook his head while gritting his teeth, waving a hand dismissively while one of his eyes lifted open and doing a mental headcount for his party member, seeing Darkness and Megumin behind Makoto and Aigis. All four of them seemed relatively unaffected by the sudden flight, despite the screams.

(Kazuma) "Tch! Ears are still ringing but fine, I think!"

(Aqua) "We're here! Taking back my scarf!"

(Byleth) "...Wait, what-?!"

Suddenly, their pink ground gave out beneath their bodies, causing everyone to yelp and plummet towards the ground. The ground which thankfully was only a few feet up, but no one had the reaction speed to catch themselves before slamming onto the grass. Everyone, except Aqua who snapped her fingers, making her scarf vanish as she spun around confidently.

(Aqua) "Hah! Another happy landing!"

Byleth groaned as he stood up, turning around to see SEES sprawled out on the floor, cringing at their landing. Kazuma meanwhile was currently crushed underneath Darkness and Megumin, the two comically on top of each other like a stack of leaves suffocating the air out of the poor boy as only his legs were visible to Byleth. Makoto quickly recovered from his landing and unsheathed his evoker again.

(Makoto) "Next time, say something ahead of time before you decide to pull the rug out from us."

Aqua tilted her head like a child, genuinely puzzled by the leader's words.

(Aqua) "But, I did?"

Aigis stood up first, lifting up her other two comrades effortlessly and standing rigidly once she finished. Yukari dusted the dirt off her jacket, her frustration threatening to burst into actual anger.

(Yukari) "S-She can't be serious, right?!"

Byleth walked over to Kazuma and extended an arm for him to grab once he hoisted Darkness and Megumin off him, immediately chiming in at Yukari's disbelief once he stood up.

(Kazuma) "I honestly wish she wasn't that stupid."

(Byleth) "Enough. We got a job to do."

His voice echoed his father's commanding tone when it was time to instruct the other mercenaries, and thankfully cut off the potential bickering as everyone nodded, readying their weapons and following him to the entrance of the village that laid only a few dozen meters away. Many of the residents exited their wooden homes, all staring in horror at the rift above them. With some stroke of luck, not only did that shortcut Kazuma provided work, the rift was still nowhere near close to detonating yet. Darkness and Kazuma immediately began shouting for the villagers to evacuate the area, and although they gave a strange look to the offworlders, none were going to stay and argue after the rift made an audible cracking noise, ticking down the clock. Everyone had split up momentarily while Byleth stood near the center of town, staring at the rift. It hurt his head just staring at it, though he wasn't sure if it was just a side effect of being near it, or something worse. Regardless, this wasn't the time to stand and daydream, shouting in his head as he unsheathed his sword.

(Byleth) Sothis? Sothis, are you there?

Hearing a yawn soon after put him somewhat at ease as she materialized in front of him, stretching her arms above her head, eyes droopily opening.

(Sothis) yawn "Byleth? Why are you-?"

Her eyes shot wide open the moment she noticed Byleth had his weapon drawn, spinning around and instantly noticing the rift. The adrenaline shook off her drowsiness better than any drink could.

(Sothis) "What in the world is happening!?"

Byleth's gaze trailed to the villagers running at full speed behind them, some carrying their children or their belongings. In the distance he could see the Knights of Seiros riding out to meet them halfway as Jeralt's mercenaries were further out, forming a defensive line around the students. Satisfied that things were going to plan, he nodded and continued speaking in his head.

(Byleth) A rift suddenly appeared over this village on our way to the Monastery. We're getting the civilians out of harms' way first, then fighting whatever's coming through!

(Sothis) "Then where are the others?"

(Aqua) "This way, hurry!"

(Megumin) "You'll be safer with the Knights! Go!"

Aqua, Megumin, Junpei, and Aigis had moved to the right side of the village, safely guiding the remaining villagers out of harm's way with hurried thanks. The area they were in appeared to be a small market, several food stalls surrounded by a wide fence with the plains being partially visible but obscured by the surrounding homes. It'd take forever to go door by door to ensure everyone was gone. Junpei turned to Aigis, eager to make sure no one was present when the fighting inevitably broke out. Their current position sat them directly underneath the rift, meaning whatever came, they would be going through the four of them first.

(Junpei) "Aigis, detect anyone else?!"

Aigis shook her head, hands whirring and the sound of her core whirring up to begin combat.

(Aigis) "Negative. No life signs detected."

Aqua's eyes darted around the buildings, gripping tightly onto her staff as she stepped next to Aigis.

(Aqua) "That means its only the undead I'm sensing!"

Junpei recoiled at the mention of undead, the color from his face draining once he realized they were completely serious.

(Junpei) "T-That's the second time you've mentioned that. You mean like...zombies?!"

Aqua moved to reply before being interrupted by Aigis.

(Aigis) "Life sign detected...No longer detected. Error."

(Megumin) "EEK! S-SOMETHING JUST MOVED BEHIND THAT ALLEY!"

(Junpei) "Show yourself, ya little bastard!"

Aigis immediately spun around with her hand aiming at an alley that was situated between two wooden houses, her eyes narrowing and ready to open fire at any second while Junpei unsheathed his claymore. Aqua had one hand extend outward in front of Megumin, gesturing for her to back up from the three. Even with the rift illuminating most of the buildings with a white shine, the shadows it left was even darker than usual making it hard to see. Slowly, a figure emerged from the shadows, shambling towards them with a groan.

(Aqua) "I can see them pretty clearly but...?"

Aqua noticed that her detection of undead was correct, it wasn't the one in front of them. Or rather, it was flickering between an actual reading of undead, fading in and out rapidly. Meaning that whoever was stumbling out, was about to turn into an undead. Finally revealing themselves, a purple dressed woman with pink hair stumbled out into the light, blood running down her arm as her hand weakly attempted to cover the wound. Her face was deathly pale, and barely seemed conscious. Yet, upon seeing the party, it seemed like her senses momentarily came back as she froze in fear, especially seeing their weapons.

(Megumin) "Oh my gosh- A-Are you okay, miss?!"

(Pink-Haired Woman) "I...A-Ah...!"

Realization suddenly hitting her, Aqua sprinted towards the woman and immediately grabbed her arm, startling the woman as she yelled out in fear. If she didn't do something in the next few seconds, this woman was going to turn.

(Aqua) "Heal!"

A brilliant white light flashed from Aqua's hand as it enveloped the woman's wounded arm. Though the woman grit her teeth in pain, the stinging quickly subsided as she opened her eyes, hesitation still clearly present. Aqua simply nodded at her while examining the wound closely. Although she would have performed a full exorcism, she knew it'd be safer to do so once all undead threats were taken care of to ensure the area was purified.

(Aqua) "The infection's not gone yet, so make sure you get back to me, got it?!"

(Pink-Haired Woman) "M-My students! Are they okay, have you seen them?!"

(Junpei) "Aw hell, did something fall from the rift already and attack the villagers?!"

(Aigis) "...Clothing style does not match patterns of this world. Scans indicate it is closer to ours."

(Junpei) "Huh?! Wait, ma'am, what's your name?"

Aqua gently let go of her arm as the woman's hands moved close to her chest, the terror in her voice increasing rapidly as she looked around the village.

(Pink-Haired Woman) "M-Megumi Sakura! I'm a teacher at Megurigaoka High School! Where are we?!"

Junpei felt a sense of dread wash over him upon hearing the school's name. That school was in a city not too far from the dorms he and his friends lived in. Worst of all, Aigis had detected no one else nearby, meaning that her students either didn't come with her, or even worse. Although he felt pity that she was completely out of her element, now was not the time to be chatting out in the open.

(Junpei) "Uh, it's a long story but we're not in Japan! Right now, there's only you that's in this village!"

(Megumi) "I-I don't understand! Then where-?!"

The sound of glass shattering directly above the group interrupted the group, causing everyone to resume their combat stances. Megumi's breathing got faster once she set her eyes on the rift, unable to process anything that was happening as she stepped back in fear. Megumin held onto her staff and held onto the teacher's hand, if only to ground her in some capacity.

(Megumin) "Miss Sakura, follow me! I'm getting you to safety!"

(Junpei) "Good call! Get outta here before the shockwave hits!"

Megumin shot Junpei a thumbs up and began dragging her escort out of the fight, leaving Junpei, Aigis, and Aqua to take on the first wave. Byleth rushed around the corner of the street, followed by Sothis as he gave a nod to Megumin passing by. The two joined the three as they rushed for cover from the worst of the shockwave, or to at least not get blown back by the force considering how close they were. The four had their backs against a wall, weapons in hand.

(Junpei) "Heh, just in time for the party, Byleth!"

Sothis scoffed, peeking her head around the building while Aqua scooted over for her.

(Sothis) "To think he can make jokes at a time like this!"

Now, it was Aqua's turn as she scoffed, a smug grin overtaking her formerly serious expression.

(Aqua) "Well, watch closely! I'll get rid of this little gaggle of abominations, laughing all the while!"

(Sothis) "Because that's clearly what happened when you were bawling your eyes out when those other creatures came in-!"

(Byleth) "Both of you, knock it off."

(Junpei) "S-Sorry! Game-face coming on now!"

(Byleth) "I wasn't-...Ugh, nevermind."

(Aigis) "Rupture detected. Shockwave incoming in three, two-"

Byleth and the others braced themselves, ready for a violent shockwave to rattle the earth around them...!

Only for nothing to happen, causing everyone to open their eyes and look at each other, confused that the rift didn't explode. In fact, the sound of glass shattering had completely stopped. Aqua peeked the corner first, followed by Junpei, Byleth, Aigis, and Sothis. The five of them almost leaning on top of each other in a comical manner while staring at the rift that remained open. The only thing they were met with was silence. Now, all of them stepped out of cover, puzzled by the change of the status quo so far.

(Aqua) "I'm still sensing the undead energy but...Nothing's happening."

(Sothis) "Was that observations your skills as a Goddess at work too? Or have you mastered the art of stating the obvious?!"

(Aqua) "Actually yes, its one of my Goddess skills to sense undead!"

(Sothis) "...What-?"

(Byleth) Just...let it slide for now, please.

Byleth could have sworn that another shockwave was inbound, yet here the rift was, remaining more of an eyesore than a reality-threatening calamity...Then again, Sothis had not reversed time again since this morning. Maybe that's why it remained calm? Then what was the cause of the rift breaking faster?

(Junpei) "I know we only showed up after the shockwave caused by our rift, but are you...sure it happens everytime?"

(Byleth) "That's what I had assumed."

(Aigis) "...Life sign detected, to our right."

All five turned to their right, seeing a cloaked figure emerge from a nearby building, radiating a dark aura with smoking shadows. The hood they wore completely covered their face, saying nothing and looking up towards the rift.

(Aqua) ! "The undead energy I'm sensing is coming from him! HEY, JACKASS!-"

Aqua stepped in front of the group, shaking her fist at them angrily.

(Aqua) "GET LOST! WE'RE IN THE MIDDLE OF SOMETHING HERE!"

Byleth suddenly felt the headache from earlier intensify upon looking at the cloaked figure, though he was unsure as to why. Regardless of what the cause was, he knew that this figure had to be partly responsible for whatever was happening here.

(Cloaked Figure) "Hmph! We will not have our efforts thwarted by some off-world interlopers! BEGONE!"

Their right hand glowed with a dark purple, before it quickly shined into a brilliant light as they casted a spell that went into the rift above them, saying nothing else and blinking out of existence in a flash before anyone could react. Everyone except Aqua had an uneasy feeling of what was about to happen, the four concerned members of the group slowly turning to the rift above them as it shuddered with a howling echo, causing them to slowly back away. Meanwhile, Aqua crossed her arms, muttering to herself.

(Aqua) "Well, I'm not sensing that much undead energy anymore...No wait, hang on, it's getting a little bigger than before...!"

Junpei's eyes threatened to burst from his skull as he immediately grabbed his evoker, attempting to warn Aqua.

(Junpei) "Dude!-"

Aqua waved her hand dismissively, ignoring the massive claw emerging from the rift directly behind her.

(Aqua) "Hang on, I'm trying to place my finger on where it could be hiding!"

(Aigis) "Massive enemy threat detected!"

Aqua clicked her tongue in annoyance, shutting her eyes as she tried to focus, somehow unable to hear as the massive four-legged beast landed behind her, its grotesque form bursting out from the smoke-like shadows that emerged from its newly birthed body. The size of it was nearly two of the wooden houses, stretching out a dozen meters long as it rose from the ground.

(Aqua) "Yes, yes I know! I don't need your robot skills or whatever to tell me that-"

Finally, the beast loomed over Aqua, its mouth finally breaking apart and revealing several layers of jagged teeth, eyes nowhere to be found on its head as it snarled loudly.

(Aqua) "...Oh wow, it got pretty dark all of a sudden-"

(Byleth & Sothis) "MOVE, YOU MORON!"

(Aqua) "Ugh! Move from wha-AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAUGH?!-"

The beast slapped Aqua aside with a thunderous backhand, sending her crashing through fences, walls of buildings, and more as wood splintered, all the while she made sounds that sounded like gibberish mixed in with grunting and swearing. No one had time to question just how she was alive as Its roar quaked the very air around the group, making everyone assume a combat stance against the new threat, the light of the rift illuminating the battlefield. Aigis moved first, quickly leaping onto the beast with a speed that Byleth and Sothis could barely process. Immediately, Aigis's fingers unloaded the bullets into its neck, the gunfire making the beast flail wildly as its head shook side to side, trying to throw her off. 

(Byleth) "I'm going to get Aqua! Junpei, keep it busy!"

(Junpei) "Leave it to me! Aigis, back me up!"

(Aigis) "Understood!"

Wasting no time, Sothis quickly vanished out of harm's way while Byleth rushed around the sides. Aigis leapt backwards with the beast trying to get its bearings and landing next to Junpei.

(Junpei) "HERMES!"

(Aigis) "Palladion!"

The two members of SEES summoned their Personas, ordering without words to rush the beast head on with a flurry of physical attacks that staggered it back, making it crash into several of the homes as it withstood the onslaught. Junpei's Persona flew rapidly around its legs, slashing at it with the blades on its heels while Aigis's tanked the retaliation, claws scraping against its massive shield with no effect, roaring out in frustration. Hearing the ongoing chaos behind him, Byleth ran past the trail of destruction Aqua left. Thankfully, there was somehow no blood despite the fact she had crashed through at least six houses. As much as he wanted to ask how that was even possible, there were better things to be focusing on right now. He finally found his target, with Aqua's upper half stuck in a barrel of fruit, her legs wildly kicking as he could hear her muffled cries.

(Byleth) Kazuma was right, whatever they're going to pay us better be worth it.

(Sothis) "Nothing short of an entire gold reserve will be sufficient!"

Byleth silently agreed and again turning his attention back to Aqua, pulling her out as she spat out an apple that was caught in her mouth, tears running down her cheek as she suddenly grabbed onto Byleth's collar, the sympathy on his face rapidly draining.

(Aqua) "BYLEEEEEETH! WHY DIDN'T YOU WARN ME?! THAT REALLY HUUUURT!"

Suddenly, Byleth completely understood why Kazuma had such a short fuse around this woman.

(Byleth) "Come on, let's get some payback on that thing."

Byleth sighed as he pat the head of Aqua, instantly curing her of her tears as she nodded with a fierce look of determination, grabbing her staff and running out with Byleth towards the creature. As they made their way back into town square, Junpei and Aigis were beginning to falter as their Personas slowed down, the injuries they were causing on the beast appearing superficial at best. The beast swiped Aigis's Persona out of the sky, causing it to shatter into pieces from its claws and making Aigis stagger, eyes narrowing in pain.

(Aigis) "Sustaining damage...!"

Junpei's Persona continued to slash at its head, barely weaving through its closing jaws as it tried to bite it mid-flight.

(Junpei) "Damn, this thing's got some strong hide!"

(Aigis) "...Sensing friendly targets approaching!"

Makoto and Yukari rushed into the square with their evokers out, with Darkness following closely behind them.

(Makoto & Yukari) "ORPHEUS!" "IO!"

Their Personas flew behind the monster, attacking it with a violent combination of slicing winds and searing fire on its skin, causing it to turn to face them, only to be met with Darkness's sword colliding against its jaw, smacking it so hard that it lifted off the ground and onto its side, sliding against the dirt and crashing into the nearby buildings.

(Darkness) "FINALLY! A STRONG MONSTER!"

Darkness was on the verge of hyperventilating as drool fell down her lips, making Yukari physically recoil and roll her eyes.

(Yukari) "Eugh! Whatever, knock yourself out!"

Darkness charged towards the jaw of the beast as Yukari immediately used her Persona to begin healing Aigis, with Makoto joining her and Junpei.

(Junpei) "Whew, about damn time!"

(Makoto) "Sorry, finished evacuating our side when we heard fighting break out. How strong is this thing?-"

As if answering his question, the beast slowly rose back up, now standing on its hind legs as it roared even angrier than before. Though it did not stop Darkness who was giggling like a maniac, preparing to swing her sword again. It suddenly lunged forward, jagged teeth about to crush her before Kazuma leapt from the darkness and tackled her out of the way, making it bite into the debris and causing several spikes to go through its mouth. Roaring in pain, it flailed about as it tried to regain its bearings, giving Kazuma just enough time to lecture his friend.

(Kazuma) "CAN YOU JUST TAKE SOMETHING SERIOUSLY FOR LIKE, FIVE SECONDS?! YOU'RE MAKING US LOOK LIKE FREAKS! QUIT SCREWING AROUND AND KILL THIS GODDAMN THING ALREADY!" 

Kazuma stepped back into the shadows, unsheathing his short sword.

(Kazuma) "By the way, not ditching you guys, as much as I would like to! LURK!"

SEES watched Kazuma literally fade from their sight, merging into the darkness and remaining hidden.

(Makoto) "At least he's honest."

(Junpei) "Tch, and a dick!"

Byleth and Aqua finally arrived back to the battle, with Byleth sliding in and slicing at the parts Junpei's Persona had weakened, this time his strike hit something critical as the beast fumbled, unable to stand properly as he slid out the way. Sothis reappeared next to the beast, thankful it couldn't see her despite the fact others now could, examining the wound more closely. Nodding to herself as the others prepared to counterattack, she shouted out to the SEES leader.

(Sothis) "Makoto! Order your friends to focus on the injury on the hind right leg! It is on the verge of severing!"

Makoto gave a nod to Sothis, then Byleth.

(Makoto) "Farthest right leg, focus your attacks!"

(Yukari) "Roger!"

(Darkness) "With pleasure!"

Byleth nodded back, moving to one of the inn's to leap onto the beast from a higher level to hopefully go for its head, as risky as it was. Meanwhile, Aqua cracked her knuckles, her staff suddenly radiating a godly bright light.

(Aqua) "Think you can just make a fool out of me?! I'LL SHOW YOU, YOU UNDEAD PIECE OF CRAP! TURN UNDEAD!"

Suddenly, a pillar of light beaming down from the heavens crashed down upon the monster, making it howl in pain while Aqua cackled maniacally. Darkness rushed in, slashing upwards and striking its jaw, making it fly upward into the air and crash onto its back, giving the Persona Users an opportunity.

(Yukari) "Time for an all-out attack!"

(Makoto) "Go!"

(Junpei) "LEMME AT 'EM!"

(Aigis) "Engaging!"

With a vicious rush of attacks, striking with both their weapons and Personas at once, SEES completely hacked apart the leg from the beast, making it roll around and struggle to get upright properly. Byleth jumped down onto the creature's stomach, slashing his sword around what he presumed to be the neck, being met with a spray of black shadow spewing out, feeling the dark magic from the beast dissipate. Aigis's Persona hovered near Byleth for him to latch onto, safely floating him over and out of attack distance of the beast as it struggled to maintain its previous momentum, growing weaker by the second. Before it could make any moves, Kazuma emerged from the darkness to the side of the monster, rolling one of the grenades Aigis had promptly vanished again. Half a second later, the grenade detonated directly underneath the wound Byleth had caused, resulting in the beast's lower body exploding into black mist, making it topple onto the floor.

With everyone's breath heavy and jagged, they could all take a sigh of relief as the monster was finally defeated, though the village was almost completely destroyed as a result. Kazuma appeared back near the group, hands on his knees as sweat fell down from his head. He forced his body to stand up straight, about to say something before concern washed over his face.

(Kazuma) "...H-Hey...has anyone seen Megumin?"

(Junpei) "N-No worries dude..."

Junpei took of his hat and waved it as a makeshift fan at his face, motioning to the entrance of the village.

(Junpei) "She was escorting a lady out of the village before the fight began..."

(Byleth) "Yeah, and-"

He cut himself off, realizing that the rift was still above the village.

(Sothis) "But..the monster was defeated, how does it still stand?!"

Suddenly, the group heard the sound of glass shattering as the seams of the rift violently split apart.

(Byleth) "COVER, NOW!"

As everyone dove for the nearest thing they could hide behind, a shockwave rippled through the air, sending much of the town's debris scattering in all directions accompanied by a deafening boom, blades of grass and even the distant forest not being immune to its effects as they were blown back.

(Megumin) "C-Come on! We're almost out of the range!"

The Crimson Demon held onto the teacher's hand, trying her best to run as fast as they could as the sound of combat finally died down behind them. Looks like they had gotten out just in time, finally reaching a nearby Knight escort that was waiting for them. Alois shouted out towards the two, silently motioning nearby knights to retrieve her.

(Alois) "Miss Megumin! Is that the last of them?!"

(Megumin) "I-I think so!"

Megumi, meanwhile, was still struggling to process what in the world was happening. First she was in the school, surrounded by infected; now she was stuck in some sort of fantasy land being attacked by monsters? By all rights, she should be dead, or at least among the undead by now, yet here she was, breathing alive and well, though the pain from the infected's bite remained, albeit dully. Shaking her head, she was about to ask Megumin for more information, until the sound of glass shattering interrupted her thoughts. Both her and the mage paused, turning around to see the cause, before they felt the effects of the noise and were rocketed forward by the incoming shockwave, though this one was more violent than Megumin had seen when she entered Fódlan.

The knights rushing out to meet them were also caught in the blast, their swords sliding near them as they were flung back into the nearby crowd, the grass still shaking from the explosion. Megumi opened her eyes, seeing Megumin on the floor next to her, eyes clenched in pain.

(Megumi) "A-Are you hurt?!"

Ignoring her own aching pain, she scrambled over to the small mage, rolling her onto her back and checking for any injuries, even with the ringing in her ears. As her senses slowly came back to her, she suddenly realized a shadow was looming directly behind her, Megumi's heart stopping for a split second when she turned around. A giant bird the size of one of the nearby forest trees towered over her, ready to attack. Though, its eyes was on the unconscious Megumin, and the only thing standing between it and her, was herself. Despite the fact Megumi didn't know the child, she still rushed for the nearby sword, hands shaking violently as she grit her teeth, catching the bird's attention. She could hear the shouting of some of the knights behind her, but she was too scared to know what they were saying, the chattering of her teeth overpowering their voices.

(Megumi) "i...i WILL NOT LET YOU GET NEAR HER!"

Time seemed to slow to a crawl as the bird beast dove for Megumi, she shut her eyes as she swung the sword. Truthfully, Megumi was more scared for the child than she was for her own life. She was already on borrowed time with the infection anyway, better to die fighting than turning.

(Megumi) Yuki, Kurumi, Yuuri...Please, look out for each other.

Upon her final thoughts, she embraced herself for the final end. Though that end never came. Instead, the sound of glass breaking was the next thing she heard. Instead of nothing, Megumi found herself getting thrown off her feet once more, but no pain was accompanying her flight, making her creep her eyes open. To her confusion, she found herself in the arms of a purple-haired maid who wore a startlingly calm smile. The maid, upon seeing Megumi open her eyes, smiled even brighter, landing elegantly with both her and Megumin in her arms, setting them gently down. The bird had still lunged as it was in a different position, just as confused as she was, meaning this maid had somehow moved faster.

(Megumi) "W-Wha...!?-"

(Purple-Haired Maid) "I kindly ask that you wait here. This should only be a moment!"

The maid brandished a knife that was nearly the length of her own arm, while also twirling steel wires that rested in her hands, the glimmer of sunlight being the only way she knew it was even present. The maid leapt towards the bird while yanking the wires back, the bird also getting jerked backwards as it whistled in anger. As it flapped its wings, several gunshots hit it in the face, with a purple flash bouncing between its body and head, causing the beast to stagger back with each hit. The knights all shouted in shock as the purple flash landed next to them, revealing itself to be a woman with a red ponytail, gun in one hand and sword in the other. Alois, Jeralt, Dimitri, Claude, and Edelgard stepped back in a mixture of surprise and awe, with the red-haired woman giving them a wink in response.

(Red-Haired Woman) "Think we landed a bit far away from the action, but glad we're still on time! Kids?"

Rushing out from the trees and past the knights and mercenaries, four students in red uniforms rushed out, all wielding weapons and moving to defend everyone. A boy with black hair was leading the group, one hand on his sword's sheathe as another rested on the hilt, closing his eyes before suddenly shouting out.

(Black-Haired Boy) "Second form, GALE!-"

In an instant, he disappeared, several white lines flashing around the beast before he reappeared back in place, sheathing his sword again before multiple cuts sliced apart the beast's wings, making it crash land onto the ground with black smoke emerging from the wounds. Before it had any time to move, a blonde girl wielding a bow let loose several arrows into its wings, in which she was promptly joined by a smaller girl wearing a green uniform wielding a pistol, opening fire on the head making it stagger back.

(Blonde-Haired Girl) "Now!"

An orange haired boy with a staff stood bravely in front of the beast, lifting his staff into the sky as the green orb in the center of his weapon began glowing.

(Orange-Haired Boy) "Nocturne bell!"

With a bright light, the beast suddenly fell unconscious, its head slamming onto the ground, leaving the blue long-haired girl slamming a sword that was twice the size of herself onto its head, causing it to suddenly lift up in pain, wide awake.

(Red Haired Woman) "Wow, stubborn isn't he?"

The woman raised her weapons, a grin forming on the corner of her lips as she did so.

(Red Haired Woman) "Class VII, you know what to do!"

(Black-Haired Boy) "Right!"

The newcomers suddenly opened up a strange device, seemingly working in unison as it all shone a brilliant light at the same time.

"ARCUS, ACTIVATE!-"

They all motioned themselves to attack the beast as it was on its last leg, one decisive blow was all that was needed.

...Before Megumin suddenly stood upright, a cataclysmic aura surrounding her staff as she aimed it at the monster. The teacher was horrified by how quickly she had recovered, and the psychotic look in her eyes caused even this new 'Class VII' to falter as the skies blackened around them. Several rings of magic surrounded the beast, as a line from the very heavens beamed down directly onto the monster's head, which it only stared up in confusion.

(Megumin) "WELP! KAZUMA SAID IF THERE WAS A 50 FOOT MONSTER, I COULD USE MY SPELL! I THINK THIS COUNTS!"

(Green Uniformed Girl) "Change of plans, Instructor Sara?!"

(Red Haired Woman) "Y-YUP! GET THE OTHERS TO SAFETY!"

Even though Megumi moved to ask, every part of her body was screaming that she did not want to know. And she had a feeling that wasn't the infection that was taking over her body saying that either.

(Megumi) "U-Um...what spell would that be...?!"

(Megumin) "WELL, I'M SO GLAD YOU ASKED, MISS SAKURA! MY SPELL WOULD BE:

EEEEEXXXXPLOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOSIIIIIOOOOOOOOOOOOON!"

An earth shattering thunderous boom was the last thing Megumi heard before she was once again rescued, this time by the Red-Haired woman who grabbed her and blinked into the trees with startling speed. An absolute inferno scorched the very grounds the beast had been previously standing in, pillars of fire and cloud shot up into the clouds, much of the nearby forest and not only destroyed, but completely atomized to the point nothing was left of them. The fires that raged could be seen from the highest points in Fódlan, perhaps the very gods themselves could have felt the shattering on the ground below. Dirt and bedrock were launched into the atmosphere, as the explosion after effects finally petered out, leaving nothing but a trail of destruction where the monster previously lie, its existence utterly erased from time and space by Megumin's explosion.

(Megumin) "HAHAHAHA! TREMBLE, BEFORE THE MIGHT OF THE CRIMSON DE-"

thud!

Megumin fell completely flat on her face as the smoke finally cleared from the explosion, startlingly fast as well as the skies returned to normal, the only sign of the explosion being a meteor-sized crater where the monster had been. No one was sure what to do in that moment, having witnessed a divine-level cataclysmic explosion being casted by a little girl who was now face-first into the dirt. The Purple-Haired Maid calmly walked over to her, smile still present on her face before picking her up with one arm again and carrying her like luggage back towards the others.

(Alois) "BY...BY THE GODDESS!"

(Jeralt) "What in the f...?!-"

This time, the three lords had nothing to say, all of them completely dumbfounded by what they had just witnessed. The only thing done by them was to exchange very uneasy glances, knowing that this little girl was to be attending the same academy as them. The same little girl who could level the entirety of Garreg Mach so casually.

It took a few minutes for Byleth to regroup the rest of the team with the newcomers, alongside the Knights of Seiros and his father's mercenaries. Sothis floated alongside him for the duration, both of them unable to tear their eyes away from the crater Megumin had left. However, upon their triumphant return, the knights and mercenaries began cheering, alongside the villagers they had rescued. Byleth would have smiled, if he actually knew how to, instead compromising to give them a nod of acknowledgement. If anything, he was just happy to somehow still be alive after that fight.

Though exhaustion completely wracked the party, including himself and Sothis, they still kept themselves awake enough to introduce themselves to this 'Class VII'.

As the winds blew a gentle breeze against them, the members of Class VII stepped forward, alongside Megumi Sakura who was talking with them before Byleth, SEES, and Kazuma's group approached.

(Red Haired Woman) "You the leader of this group, I take it?"

Byleth shrugged, not really knowing himself.

(Byleth) "I suppose so. My name is Byleth."

(Red Haired Woman) "Call me Sara! Over here is Sharon-"

The purple-haired maid stepped forward, giving a polite bow.

(Sharon) "Sharon Kreuger, at your service."

Sara motioned over to the students in red and the one in green, a smile growing on her face.

(Sara) "Rean! Get your team over here and introduce yourselves!"

The black haired boy gave a nod and a smile, the blonde, orange haired boy, dark blue haired girl, and girl in green following suit respectively.

"I'm Rean Schwarzer, Class VII. Nice to meet you, Byleth."

"Alisa Reinford, a pleasure."

"I'm Elliot Craig! Hope we can get along!"

"Laura S. Arseid. Pleased to be your acquaintance."

"Towa Herschel, Thor's Military Academy Student Council President!"

With SEES and Kazuma's group quickly introducing themselves to Class VII, Byleth gave a half-bow to them.

(Byleth) "Thank you for saving our students from that monster. We were trying to recover from the blast when that rift finally closed in on itself."

Rean shook his head as he interjected, smile growing more gentle by the second.

(Rean) "It was nothing, sir! We couldn't just leave you all to your fate."

(Kazuma) "Oh yeah, you also saved Megumin, didn't you? I'm really sorry about her-"

(Alisa) "Actually, that was miss Sakura over there."

The entire group turned towards her, causing her to fidget under the attention.

(Megumi) "U-Um...!"

(Megumin) "Yeah, she was super cool! She picked up a sword and was ready to go toe-to-toe with it to save me!"

(Sothis) "...Was she always standing there? It almost feels like she has no presence!-"

Byleth shot a glare at Sothis before bowing towards Megumi as well, followed by Kazuma.

(Kazuma) "Thanks...By the way, Junpei told me on the way that you're from Japan, right?"

Megumi hesitated for a moment before nodding, looking specifically at Kazuma and SEES.

(Megumi) "I am. Were my students not with me when I transported?"

Byleth couldn't find the words to comfort her. So far, every single experience had been unique, and considering she had shown up without a shockwave, who knows what could have happened?

(Byleth) "I'm...afraid that everyones' circumstances on arriving here is different. We can't say for certain, but you were the only other one at the village before the fight began."

Megumi's glance moved downward, the sadness in her voice apparent.

(Megumi) "...I see."

Aqua rudely pushed Byleth aside, grabbing onto Megumi's arm without hesitation and startling her out of her reverie.

(Aqua) "Which reminds me! I need to purify your body, it's infected with undead energy still!"

Elliot shivered nervously with how casually she addressed it, still not entirely sure if what he heard was correct.

(Elliot) "U-Undead?"

(Laura) "I would have said that is absurd, had the last few hours not happened..."

(Yukari) "Tell me about it..."

(Sara) "Well, worry not, miss Sakura!"

Sara put an arm around the teacher's shoulder, giving her a mixture of a smug grin, and genuine smile.

(Sara) "You're not gonna be alone as long as we're here. That goes for all of you guys too! I think it's safe to say we're in this together if we wanna go home."

(Darkness) "I'd be honored if you all could join us!"

(Aigis) "This will increase our odds of making it back home alive."

(Junpei) "Don't think that's gonna bring up the mood, Ai-chan..."

(Makoto) "More the merrier, I think."

(Kazuma) "Psh, as if this group couldn't get even weirder...E-Er, not you, Miss Sakura."

(Megumi) "Um...thank you?"

Aqua yanked on Megumi's arm as she turned to Kazuma.

(Aqua) "You just met Class VII, they seem fine enough!"

Immediately, the two began bickering, which was a cue for Byleth to leave the newcomers to deal with them and join his father and Alois.

Jeralt simply sighed at the sight of even more people joining them on the journey back to Garreg Mach.

(Jeralt) "I knew it was a bad omen the moment we were headed back to the Monastery. Now we got even more crazies to deal with..."

(Alois) "Honestly? They're already growing on me! Hahaha!"

Byleth had the urge to chuckle, but couldn't express it. Instead he just crossed his arms and looked at the group, though a little more fondly than before the day started. Then again, when he woke up today, he wasn't expecting to be recruiting people from other dimensions, let alone know they existed.

(Byleth) "They're not bad so far, at least."

(Jeralt) "Heh, let's see how long we keep that mentality kid. For now, let's get to the Monastery before sunset. I think we all need the rest. Besides, faster we drop off these students, the better."

Edelgard watched silently as everyone began to move again, hopefully this time without any interruptions. As her eyes silently trailed the off-worlders, her aide, Hubert, approached her side from the student bodies travelling farther back. The two of them spoke quietly, only loud enough for each other to hear.

(Hubert) "This does not bode well, my lady. This group throws our plans in complete disarray."

Edelgard crossed her arms, her eyes now specifically on Byleth.

(Edelgard) "Our original plans, yes. But, with their arrival comes a new opportunity, Hubert. And I know exactly how to take advantage of this."

Chapter Text

Evening had fallen upon the Monastery by the time Byleth and the others arrived. In the aftermath of the battle, the group had agreed to stay behind and help escort the villagers to a safer location as the Knights escorted the students ahead of them. Jeralt had hoped to use this as an opportunity to delay his return to Garreg Mach, but once again Aqua had interfered. Though in this case, her presence was actually a boon to the shock of everyone, barring Class VII and Megumi. Despite the catastrophic damage caused to the village and from the explosion spell, Aqua was able to repair all of it in a matter of hours.

Apparently, on top of being a 'Goddess' and a sometimes useful priest, she was also an amazing construction worker since she had repaired a massive wall that was under siege by Megumin's magic. After a heartfelt thanks from the villagers, alongside a nice sizeable amount of coin for everyone, Alois led Jeralt and the others to the Monastery. Most of the students were now asleep, and for the moment an entire inn had been rented out for the off-worlders, leaving the situation of their housing to be decided sometime later. But for now, Byleth and Jeralt were specifically requested by the Archbishop Rhea. 

The name meant nothing to Byleth, but he saw the frown that immediately arose from his father's face. As he silently followed his father as they made their way through the moonlit walkways of Garreg Mach, Sothis had somehow managed to stay awake to follow them. Though Byleth very much doubted that she could have, given the entire time Aqua was repairing the homes, she was bickering with Sothis on how much better she was as a goddess.

Byleth wanted to ask Kazuma if she was actually one or simply making it up, but figured he should do so when not within earshot of either Sothis or Aqua, at the very least to avoid the yelling that would quickly ensue. Jeralt's voice returned Byleth's mind to the present, though he was mostly talking to himself.

(Jeralt) "It's been years since I've last set eyes on this place, and yet it looks like it hasn't changed a bit...To be forced to see her now..."

(Byleth) "I didn't have the chance to ask earlier considering all that happened but, you never told me you were a Knight of Seiros...Or what they even are, as a matter of fact."

The father and son stopped walking for a moment, Jeralt turning around to answer him fully. Sothis floated over to Byleth's side, which he kindly stepped to the side to make space for her, not that anyone would have noticed but him.

(Jeralt) "They're a ridiculously large religious organization that are devout followers to the teachings of Seiros. They report to the Archbishop, Lady Rhea...And for a time, so did I."

(Sothis) "And he has only now mentioned them to us? Why is that?"

Byleth was aware to some extent that there was a religion around this "Seiros", but he didn't acknowledge it since Jeralt never did. Now, he couldn't help but wonder if everytime someone brought it up, his father deliberately refused to say anything in front of him.

(Byleth) "How come you never told me that you were a part of the Knights, Jeralt? If you were a Captain, surely you'd have been proud of that."

Jeralt stared at his son, an expression that Byleth couldn't quite make out. After a brief moment of silence, Jeralt sighed and put a hand on Byleth's shoulder.

(Jeralt) "That's a story best told when we're not in a Monastery full of people following the religion. Come on, let's just go see her already and get some rest. It's been a long day."

Considering this day had started out with reversing the flow of time and causing four dimensional rifts, a long day was a gross understatement.

(Byleth) "Is there anything I should be aware of her before I meet her?"

Jeralt turned back to his son one last time, a frown quickly forming as his voice suddenly grew serious.

(Jeralt) "Watch out for Lady Rhea."

Jeralt, Byleth, and Sothis stepped into the Audience Chamber, massive arches stood at their sides while chandeliers hung from the ceiling, one that Byleth struggled to see the top of as they continued in. Letting his sight trail back down to the floor, he could see two people standing at the end of the room, a colorful glass pane behind a man and woman with green hair, dressed in the finest clothing he had ever seen on a person. The man on the right had a headband, short green hair and appeared to be the same age as Jeralt, if not somehow older. His clothes, while befitting a religious figure, was not nearly as eye-catching as the woman next to him. Her long green hair ran to her back, decorated with an ornate golden headpiece on top as her robes reached the floor.

(Byleth) That must be Rhea...

(Sothis) "Hm, she certainly looks like an Arch-Bishop."

Byleth saw his father's back subtly shift straighter, a stance he only usually saw when it came time for combat. Sothis raised an eyebrow at Jeralt's subtle movement before floating over towards Rhea and the other man, looking closely at their faces with a curious expression. Thankfully, it appeared that no one else from Fódlan could see her, and he would much rather keep it that way. The last thing he needed was mysterious friend to piss off the Arch-Bishop. Though the moment Byleth stood in front of them, his head felt heavy with that same uncomfortable pressure that Dimitri, Edelgard, and Claude gave him. Sothis freely began rubbing her head while Byleth had to resist the urge, his eyes instead shutting intensely as he tried to shake it off without drawing attention.

(Sothis) "Ack! Again?"

(Byleth) Why...does it feel like we know her?

Byleth opened his eyes, seeing both the man and woman directing their attention to Jeralt, giving him the chance to recompose himself and began paying attention once more. The man on the right introduced himself first.

(Seteth) "Greetings, Jeralt. My name is Seteth, an advisor to the Archbishop."

(Jeralt) "Right, hello."

His introduction was hurried as he turned to Rhea, though Seteth didn't seem to be bothered by it. Byleth tried to read Rhea's face, and found that he could decipher nothing at all. It was not entirely friendly or hostile, it simply was. A look of pure neutrality as she spoke to his father, a gentle yet commanding voice reaching his ears while Sothis reappeared next to Byleth.

(Rhea) "It has been a long time, Jeralt. I wonder...was it the will of the goddess that we have another chance meeting like this?"

As if the day wanted to constantly blindside Byleth, for the first time in his life he saw his father properly bow and his voice remaining formal. Even when he was growing up, Jeralt always spoke with a casual demeanor and didn't particularly care about etiquette beforehand.

(Jeralt) "Forgive my silence all these years. Much has happened since we last spoke."

Rhea now turned her attention to Byleth, causing his back to straighten.. Even though Sothis could not be seen, even she did the same as Rhea's gaze fell upon her friend. This time, he could see a hint of warmth in her eyes as she smiled, replying to Jeralt.

(Rhea) "So I see. The miracle of fatherhood has blessed you. That is your child, is it not?"

(Jeralt) "Yes. Born after many years after I left Garreg Mach. I wish I could introduce you to the mother of my child, but I'm afraid we lost her to illness."

Byleth once again resisted the impulse to turn to his father, but the tone of his voice speaking about his mother made him internally raise an eyebrow. Jeralt always spoke of his mother quite fondly, and was one of the things he would never fail to give information about, with the only exception being the cause of her death. And even then when Byleth asked, he received a much warmer, if closed off answer. Here, Byleth heard none of his joy present as he spoke to Rhea about her.

(Rhea) "I see. My condolences. As for you, I heard of your valiant efforts from Alois. What is your name?"

Byleth gave a proper bow towards Rhea as well, though admittedly he was only mimicking what his father had done moments ago, knowing that it was more than likely wrong. However, if it was, neither Rhea or Seteth were caring enough to point it out.

(Byleth) "My name is Byleth, Lady Rhea."

(Rhea) "A fine name indeed. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you for saving those students of the Officer's Academy, and the people of the village."

Byleth and the others pointedly ignored the unimpressed grunt of Jeralt, Byleth quickly speaking up to make sure the awkwardness from it did not linger too long.

(Byleth) "Were it not for the others that joined us, I do not think we could have done so alone."

Sothis only gave a smirk to Byleth, mercifully keeping her mouth shut instead of bragging that she had to save him.

(Rhea) "Yes, Alois told me of them as well. He called them...off-worlders?"

(Jeralt) "Truthfully, we have no idea where they came from. Quite literally they dropped from the sky and did not hesitate to help us save the students and village."

(Seteth) "We would like to give our thanks to them as well. From Alois's words, their bravery matched your son's."

(Sothis) "Something tells me that he did not mention how loud and annoying they were either..."

(Byleth) Last thing we need is Aqua getting into a fight with a religious figurehead about their goddess.

Jeralt's formality appeared to have hit a breaking point, as his audible sigh cut through the niceties and he spoke bluntly towards Rhea.

(Jeralt) "So, I'll go ahead and get this out of the way. You want me to rejoin the Knights of Seiros, don't you?"

(Rhea) "Your apprehension stings, Jeralt. However, that is not what I intended to ask."

Byleth, Jeralt, and Sothis were taken aback by Rhea's words, the father and son giving each other a glance for the first time this meeting. If they didn't want Jeralt back in the Knights of Seiros, then what?

(Rhea) "The Officer's Academy already has three professors and three houses. Alois told me that the children you have brought in have nowhere to stay, and are stuck in an unfamiliar world. And so, this request goes out to you and your son, Jeralt. If your charges would join us, then we would like you to become the professors of a new fourth house."

(Sothis) "What?!"

(Byleth) "You...want us to teach?"

Jeralt remained quiet, but turned to his son instead of choosing to say anything.

(Rhea) "You need not answer right away, Byleth. It has been quite the day for you two, and I'm sure sufficient rest will help you in making a decision. I must step away, but until tomorrow...Farewell."

Rhea and Seteth bowed towards the two and walked out of the Audience Chamber, with Byleth, Sothis, and Jeralt following suit. The unease on their faces told each other all they needed to know on how they felt about the arrangement.

Once they were out of Garreg Mach and walking back towards the stairs into the town that rested at the foot of the monastery, Jeralt finally spoke up as his hand rubbed the side of his head.

(Jeralt) "I can't believe it, forced back into the Knights of Seiros..."

(Byleth) "But, I thought Rhea said she wanted you to teach."

Jeralt scoffed, a hand waving dismissively as they began making their way through the brightly torchlit streets, passing by several guards and other civilians on their way to the Inn they had rented out.

(Jeralt) "The Knights of Seiros accompany the students as well, she essentially went a roundabout way of asking it...Well, not really asking it. It'd be crazy to refuse the most powerful woman in all of Fódlan."

Shaking his head, his father turned back to him, the two stepping to the side as a carriage passed them by, now seeing the inn between several other buildings. Though, the signs were too dark in order for Byleth to tell what they were.

(Jeralt) "I'm sorry to have dragged you into this too. Looks like all of us are stuck here for a while."

(Byleth) "So, what's going to happen to the other guys? I can't imagine they'll be too happy being forced to remain at a Monastery the entire time."

Jeralt's frown finally lightened up, no doubt immediately thinking on the trouble the mercenaries under his command would get up to since they would essentially remain in place until sent out for a mission. A thought that entertained Byleth, and made Sothis smile.

(Sothis) "Do we have enough alcohol in this town for them?"

(Byleth) "I doubt whatever they drink, their tab will be nearly as bad as Jeralt's."

Although he was speaking to Sothis, Byleth made sure his father could hear the light jab made.

(Jeralt) "And here I thought you didn't have a sense of humor behind that brick wall of a face, kid."

Jeralt playfully shoved Byleth's shoulder, the two of them opening the door to the inn and unsurprisingly finding no one in the main room besides the innkeeper. She gave a nod of acknowledgement towards the two, letting them go up the stairs uninterrupted. The only two doors that were open showed them their rooms, the others remaining closed. Though they could hear faint traces of conversations from their new friends, they decided it'd be best to let them know of Rhea's proposition in the morning. Rest was sorely needed.

(Jeralt) "Alright, try to get some sleep. It's gonna be an even longer day tomorrow."

(Byleth) "More than fighting monsters from another world?"

Jeralt gave a smirk to his son.

(Jeralt) "I think the two of us know we'd rather take that than paperwork. Night."

(Byleth) "Night, Jeralt."

Byleth and Sothis entered the door to their right, promptly closing it behind him as they entered. The room was rather simple, a bed, table and chair, and dresser being inside. Given that this was more than likely to be a rest stop before entering Garreg Mach, he couldn't complain about the lack of decor, not that he even cared about that kind of thing to begin with. Without a word, Sothis began to nod off and vanished into the air, with Byleth flopping down onto the bed and resting on his back, not taking long to fall asleep as his world faded into black.

Byleth suddenly awoke to find himself standing upright inside an ancient stone room, making him reach for his sword instinctually, instead finding nothing there. Taking a few more moments to take in his new surroundings, he quickly found Sothis floating next to him and reawakening herself.

(Sothis) "Hm...Child? What are you doing in my chambers of rest?"

(Byleth) "Isn't it usually just a black void with your throne?"

Her yawn was cut off when she realized what Byleth said, quickly spinning around and finding that her throne had now been encased by stone floors and walls. Though for some reason, it had a blue tint to it.

(Sothis) "My throne is here but...-"

(Woman's voice) "Ah, welcome, dear guests!"

The two turned to the source of the voice, finding a woman standing in front of an empty circular table with a deep blue cloth over it. The woman was dressed in an outfit they had never seen before, with a tiny hat resting on her head, both of which were the same color of the cloth. Although she appeared human with her fair skin and blonde hair, her presence, along with her deep orange and unnatural eyes, told them otherwise.

(Sothis) "W-Who are you?! What in the world are you doing in my head?/!"

Byleth resisted the urge to correct her in saying that this was his head, but to their confusion, the intruder seemed to agree.

(Blue-Dressed Woman) "Ah, I deeply apologize about the intrusion! One moment, I was resting in my own abode, and the next I suddenly found myself here in this mysterious place. And considering that I am able to speak with you, you must have a fate connected to one of my own guests, thus the Velvet Room manifested here!"

(Byleth) "Guests...?"

She could be talking about literally any of them right now, and he would not have the faintest idea of who it could be.

(Blue-Dressed Woman) "But where are my manners? My name is Elizabeth! I am an attendee of the Velvet Room. And you are?"

Byleth and Sothis eased up a little, though they remained uneasy at her introduction.

(Byleth) "Byleth. And that's Sothis."

(Sothis) "And what on earth is the Velvet Room?!"

(Elizabeth) "This place exists between dream and reality, mind and matter. Though my master is currently absent, I can fill the role required in his stead!"

(Sothis) "That...tells me absolutely nothing! Why must you speak in riddles?!"

(Byleth) "Sothis, hang on-"

Byleth gently pushed Sothis back, to which she pouted at the gesture.

(Byleth) "Elizabeth, was it? You said our fate is connected to your guest, meaning that you must have some idea of how the others got into our world, right?"

To both his surprise and lack thereof, she nodded.

(Elizabeth) "The faintest notion, yes. All that I know for certain, however, is that the meeting of a Persona User is not mere coincidence. It is fate."

Well, that at least cleared up a few things, if not opening a whole new load of questions for Byleth. Though, it'd explain why Makoto could see Sothis as well.

(Byleth) "...Then this was meant to happen?"

(Elizabeth) "To an extent. I do not believe it was mere chance alone that has brought us together, but I digress. Only those who have signed the contract can enter the Velvet Room, but this is an extraordinary circumstance! Please, take this for now."

Elizabeth handed Byleth a blue shining key, which he put in his pocket for the time being.

(Elizabeth) "The next time we speak, will be alongside my guest of honor as well."

She looked up into the air, before reassuming her smile and gave a polite bow.

(Elizabeth) "It seems that my time here has come to a close for now. We shall speak again very soon!"

Before Byleth and Sothis even had a chance to speak, their vision had already begun to blur, before their world once again faded to black.

Chapter Text

Byleth awoke from his strange dream, sitting upright the instant his eyes opened with Sothis materializing next to him. The sunlight beamed through the windows making his eyes squint, but it seemed that he was back in the inn room instead of that "Velvet Room". Or rather, his head that someone else had taken residence in. Looking around for a few seconds and realizing nothing was amiss, Byleth took a deep breath in relief. Sothis did as well, though the sounds of a rather loud conversation taking place did a good job of getting Byleth to shake his drowsiness off. Although he couldn't hear exactly what was being said, he sure could tell who was yelling already.

(Byleth) "I swear, Kazuma and Aqua do nothing but fight..."

(Sothis) "And these are the children she wants us to care for? Psh! Rhea should do this job herself if she thinks wrangling these people is so easy! We already struggle to contain Kazuma's group, and it's only been a day!"

Byleth finished putting on the rest of his gear before moving to the door, Sothis following him as she rolled her eyes.

(Sothis) "We should never have come here..."

(Byleth) Well, it's too late now. Whatever your magic did, now it's our responsibility to get them home, regardless of how we feel. We owe them that much at least.

Byleth reminded his friend without speaking, noting that all the doors were open, including Jeralt's. And by the commotion downstairs, he assumed everyone was waiting on him. Walking down the stairs and getting slightly blinded by the lights within the inn, he saw everyone sitting with their respective groups, with Kazuma and Aqua near the bar, arguing loudly. Before he paid the contents of their bickering any mind, he took a second to observe how everyone was doing, with Sothis doing the same as she hovered by his shoulder.

Jeralt was sitting on one of the stools in front of the innkeeper, which unfortunately meant that Aqua and Kazuma were directly on his left, occupying the stools next to him. Darkness and Megumin sat nearby, though they were rightfully not minding their companions either, instead speaking with the members of SEES who sat at the table behind them. Yukari and Junpei were doing most of the talking while Aigis and Makoto remained silent, that part not surprising him with how little they've actually said. Meanwhile, Class VII were at the table next to SEES, sitting closer to Jeralt and the stairs and mostly whispering to each other as Rean, Laura, Elliot, Alisa, and Towa awkwardly glanced at the two loudest people in the room. Megumi, Sara and Sharon were to the right of Jeralt and speaking with the innkeeper, until Sharon noticed Byleth's presence first and smiled...Then again, her smile hadn't disappeared at all since yesterday, at least not that Byleth noticed.

(Sharon) "Good morning, Byleth!"

Somehow, the maid's cheery and polite voice managed to cut through the argument, causing everyone to turn to the mercenary. Byleth responded with a nod of his head towards the maid, making his way towards his father and standing near him. Before he could speak, Aqua cut him off.

(Aqua) "Byleth! There you are! What's this talk about us 'children' becoming students?!"

Byleth glanced over to his father, who only shrugged in response.

(Jeralt) "She wouldn't stop asking, had to say something."

Jeralt's son sighed, his easy segue into this topic now lost due to Aqua's persistence. Not that he should have been surprised to be quite honest, but here he was.

(Byleth) "The Archbishop has asked Jeralt and I to become professors of a new House of students at the Officer's Academy. Not only that, she specifically requested our students be specifically you all."

(Junpei) "Well I mean, it can't be too bad! We're already Second-Year students back in our world!"

(Alisa) "And Class VII is part of Thor's Military Academy. Frankly, this world isn't all too different from ours from the little we've seen."

(Kazuma) "Ugh! I hop from one fantasy dimension to another just to go to school?!"

The others shared a quick exchange about the absurdity of the situation, everyone except Megumi, who was staring down into the floor with an unreadable expression. Until Sara nudged her in the shoulder.

(Sara) "Hey, you okay?"

(Megumi) "H-Huh? Oh, yes, I'm fine. It's just that...Well, I'm a teacher."

Her eyes glanced over to her previously wounded arm, rubbing it with her hand hesitantly. Before she could have any more time to hesitate, Sara grabbed her shoulder, albeit gently and playfully shaking her.

(Sara) "Well, you're in good company! Just so happens that I'm the homeroom teacher for Class VII!"

(Towa) "Hah, I'm not sure Miss Sakura can keep up with your energy, Instructor Sara..."

(Rean) "I'd be shocked if even Byleth and Jeralt could."

(Laura) "Or any man for that matter...-"

(Sara) "HEY!"

(Yukari) "Ouch, that's a bit scathing..."

(Makoto) "Well, she's already better than our teachers back at Gekkoukan..."

(Kazuma) "And hotter.-"

(Elliot) "W-Wha...?!"

Darkness cleared her throat loudly as Aqua and Megumin shot a disapproving glare at Kazuma, letting their blonde paladin lead the conversation to a better direction.

(Darkness) "In any case, I am grateful that we will not be fending for ourselves. However, why is it that she asked you and your father specifically to lead us?"

Jeralt sat upright in his chair, nodding at the innkeeper to give them some privacy as she went into the room behind them.

(Jeralt) "...Truth be told, I'm not sure. She's got something up her sleeve, and I'd be damned if I knew what it was. I don't know what brought you here, whether it was fate or some freak accident, but you kids need to watch yourselves around anyone from the church."

Kazuma, Aqua, and Makoto's glances turned towards Sothis, who flinched ever so slightly, still unused to the sight of others besides Byleth acknowledging her.

(Byleth) "But, this is your call. We understand if you want to try and make it on your own from here, given that Jeralt and I will barely have the time to directly assist you."

An uneasy silence filled the room, the groups awaiting their respective leaders answers. Jeralt moved to say something else until Rean stood up in his chair.

(Rean) "Whatever the reason is for us being here, Class VII will join you, Byleth and Jeralt."

The two mercenaries were taken aback by how confident he had sounded, doubly so when his classmates nodded in agreement almost immediately.

(Rean) "Back in our world, Class VII was already travelling throughout the country to see with our own eyes how the world was, to improve it, and ourselves. Strange as the circumstances may be, I think this also falls under our objective."

Sara gave a proud nod towards Rean, while Sharon's smile became a little more genuine. Sara leaned back into her stool and gave Byleth and Jeralt a wink.

(Sara) "Besides, a mercenary becoming a teacher is a bigger pain in the ass than you'd expect. You're gonna need someone with experience in that front to help you along.~"

(Sharon) "Although I am but a humble maid for Class VII, please allow me to assist you as well!"

Elliot, Laura, Alisa, and Towa stood up from their seats as well, eagerly chiming in.

(Towa) "Currently, I am the Student Council President at Thor's, you're going to need someone to handle the paperwork and class representation! And there's no better person in this room for that than me!"

(Elliot) "If we're going to get back home, then we'll all do it together!"

(Laura) "My sword will not rest until we are all safely returned!"

(Alisa) "Yeah, we're not backing down!"

Given a boost of confidence, Megumi spoke up next, with far more determination in her voice than before.

(Megumi) "I don't know how I'm still alive, but clearly I've been given a second chance to do something with this new life! Please, allow me to teach this new House as well!"

In contrast, Makoto shrugged as he leaned back into his seat his voice barely going above monotone.

(Makoto) "Sure. Count us in."

(Junpei) "...Dude, seriously? We got these sick motivational speeches and all you got is 'sure'?!"

(Yukari) "Hah, well at least he didn't say 'I don't Care'."

(Aigis) "The likelihood of him doing so was at a 70% chance. Our likelihood for survival has also increased by the same amount."

Everyone now glanced at Kazuma's group, of which the reactions were mixed to say the least.

(Darkness) "This House has my sword!"

(Megumin) "And my staff!"

(Kazuma) "UGH! Okay, okay we'll join, but don't expect me to do homework or something! Our top priority is going home!"

(Aqua) "...Will we still get paid since you guys are mercenaries?"

Jeralt and Byleth turned to each other.

(Byleth) "...Do we get a salary?"

(Jeralt) "Heh, wouldn't count on it. But, if you all are this determined to join us, then it's official. We are going to be the professors of this new fourth house."

(Megumi) "What do we call our class, sir-Ah!...Jeralt?"

Standing up from his stool and preparing to move, Jeralt tilted his neck side to side as he just made a low hum.

(Jeralt) "Didn't really think about it. You kids got an idea?"

Makoto, Rean, and Kazuma shot each other similarly uninspired looks.

(Makoto) "SEES doesn't really make sense for you all..."

(Rean) "And this isn't the seventh house."

(Kazuma) "These three would just laugh at whatever I go-...Wait."

Kazuma snapped his fingers, an idea forming in his head, looking quite proud of that fact.

(Kazuma) "Don't think this technically fits into all the other anime I've watched, but: House Isekai!"

Junpei, Yukari, Aqua. and Megumi took a second to register what Kazuma suggested before smiling.

(Junpei) "Ooooh! A bit literal, but that could work!"

(Megumi) "That's actually a great name!"

(Yukari) "Honestly? Beats whatever I can think of right now."

(Aqua) "Wow, looks like you CAN come up with a good name, if a bit generic!"

Makoto nodded in silent agreement while Aigis mimicked her leader. Byleth shrugged at the name, while Class VII appeared to be fine with it, given the others had a positive expression.

(Byleth) "Alright then. From this moment on, we'll be known as House Isekai."

(Jeralt) "...The hell's an Isekai?"

Chapter Text

(Jeralt, Byleth, Sara, Sharon, and Megumi)

The professors of the new house decided it'd be best to separate for the moment and introduce themselves to the other staff and students at the Academy. Whether or not that was entirely a good idea given that the group choices made even Byleth raise an eyebrow, he couldn't tell. But putting that to the side for now, Byleth, alongside Jeralt, Megumi, Sara, and Sharon walked back to the classrooms to meet the other three professors.

Jeralt was leading the way for everyone as they were taking in the sights walking through the main hall. The two mercenaries had already caught the attention of the passing knights and students due to their appearance, but the other three stood out like a sore thumb even moreso.

Megumi constantly swiveled her head to take in her surroundings, jumping at some of the students using magic and the knights in full armor walking past her. And in turn she became more anxious by accidentally drawing their gaze, unsure of how to deal with it other than quickly looking away.

Byleth couldn't help but feel sorry for her. Admittedly, he was out of his element as well, but he at least had his father present show him the ropes, more importantly he was actually familiar with Fodlan. It was clear just by the mixture of awe and terror or Megumi that she didn't have anything remotely like this in her world.

Meanwhile, Sara and Sharon appeared far calmer, evidently having some kind of exposure to a world like Fodlan back home. They kept their cool by just taking in the sights with a subtle smile, at least in Sara's case. Sharon's smile, while friendly seemed to be analyzing every facet of the Monastery. Even though she was a maid, she had the look of a seasoned warrior, at least according to Megumi's account before the rest of them arrived. Sara was the most casual out of the group, but he knew the posture she held. Both Byleth and Jeralt could tell she was on par with Sharon, and even them.

(Megumi) "I know the Monastery was enormous just by walking up here, but being inside...!"

Sara slowed down enough for Megumi to walk side by side, the rest of the group doing the same.

(Sara) "Yeah, our schools sure as heck don't have anything on this place, huh?"

Sharon's eyes followed a group of Knights walking past them, knowing their eyes were on them.

(Sharon) "My, is it common for soldiers to be constantly patrolling the Monastery?"

Jeralt shrugged, pointedly ignoring some of the Knights staring at him and whispering to each other as they passed.

(Jeralt) "They're not an uncommon sight, but things have changed since I've been away. Most notably, we have three future leaders of Fodlan attending this year, so I presume the Church wants to make sure every brat here is safe."

(Byleth) "At least it won't make our time here as professors boring."

(Sara) "Heh, figured we would've done a good job of that already!"

(Jeralt) "Just make sure you and your kids watch what you say. Last thing we need is the Archbishop breathing down our necks more than she's going to be."

The new teachers passed through the courtyard, where they could see some of the others already mingling with the students of Garreg Mach.

Byleth specifically saw Rean, Towa, Kazuma, and Aigis speaking to Dimitri, Claude, and Edelgard as they made their way to the Audience Chamber.

And though she didn't appear, Byleth could hear his companion's voice ring clearly in his head.

(Sothis) "How much are you willing to bet they'll cause a diplomatic incident?"

(Byleth) Rean and Towa, no chance. Kazuma and Aigis on the other hand...

Moving past the far more interesting conversation they were likely having, Byleth followed the others back into the Audience Chamber where the three professors were waiting. One woman stood in the middle of two men, one significantly older than the other two. One had a mask on, much to Byleth's confusion. He looked more like a mercenary than a teacher, then again its not like the woman was dressed much better.

(Woman) "Ah, so you all must be the new professors! I must say you all are quite the eye catchers!"

(Megumi) "U-Um, thank you...?"

(Sara) "Weeell, I think some more than others."

Jeralt sighed knowing both women were talking about him specifically. Byleth on the other hand didn't know how to take with people suddenly flirting with his father and just opted to remain quiet despite Sothis's laughter at his reaction.

(Jeralt) "Riiiiiight...My name is Jeralt."

After a few moments of introductions, they learned that the masked man was Jeritza, the woman was Manuela, and the older man, Hanneman.

(Jeritza) "I am the professor for the Black Eagles. I am taking my leave now.-"

Jeritza immediately walked past the group, Byleth and Sharon's gazes trailing him as he left.

(Hanneman) "Please do not mind Jeritza, he is always like this I'm afraid. With that being said, I am a Crest Researcher, as well as the professor for the Golden Deer House."

(Manuela) "I'm Manuela! I'm a professor of the Blue Lions House, a physician, songstress, and available!~ It's lovely to meet you all."

Jeralt and Megumi coughed awkwardly into their hands avoiding meeting Manuela's gaze directly, Sara and Byleth shrugged at each other, and Sharon politely bowed, completely unaffected by Manuela's flirting towards the two men in the group.

(Sharon) "Likewise. Might I ask what our duties entail for this House? Will we be interacting with your classes?"

Hanneman silently thanked the goddess under his breath for Sharon getting the conversation back on track before promptly replying.

(Hanneman) AHEM! "Given the unique circumstances surrounding your House's creation, I believe the way you will be teaching shall be quire different from ours. However, during our monthly field studies, your House will be accompanying one of our classes each time so that you may gain an understanding of Fodlan."

Sara chuckled, crossing her arms as she looked over to Sharon.

(Sara) "Wow, I was joking earlier that this place wouldn't be too different but now it's getting kind of scary. We already did that in our world."

(Megumi) "I-I can't say I have much experience with anything other than teaching in a classroom, unfortunately..."

Manuela stepped forward to Megumi, giving her a genuine smile.

(Manuela) "Oh, please don't worry! We will be here to help with whatever you need, I just hope that all of our students do not cause so much trouble this year."

(Hanneman) "And with that, I do recommend you take a stroll around the Academy to familiarize yourself with your new home. If you do have a moment, I'd like to see you all in my office so I may perform some research."

(Manuela) "Hm, old man has a point. Oh! And I had only informed the House Leaders that we had some new professors, but it looks like word about a new house being formed has already spread like wildfire."

(Jeralt) "Can't say I'm exactly surprised."

(Sara) "I'm sure our kids will do fine making friends with yours."

(Sharon) "If I may, there are a few individuals we might need to look out for."

(Manuela) "Oh? And who'd that be?"

(Rean, Kazuma, Towa, Aigis)

(Claude) "Oh, hey! Kazuma!"

(Kazuma) "Yes, I'm Kazuma."

(Rean) "...Is that something you normally say when someone calls your name?"

(Kazuma) "Let's just go see what they want, don't worry about it."

The three house leaders were standing in the grassy courtyard in front of the classrooms, conversing amongst themselves before Rean, Kazuma, Towa, and Aigis walked by. They had been taking in the sights with the rest of the group before deciding to split up to cover more ground. 

(Dimitri) "Are you all adjusting well to the Monastery?"

(Towa) "It's incredible, Dimitri! Thor's Military Academy was pretty large, but this is on a whole new scale!"

(Aigis) "Gekkoukan High is a significantly smaller school."

(Claude) "Hah, that right? Well it's our home away from home for now. Hope it can be welcoming for you guys too."

(Edelgard) "We have been informed that the Archbishop has decided to create an entirely new house for your group. I must say, that is quite the honor."

(Kazuma) "Wait, we just talked about it this morning, how the heck do you know?!"

(Rean) "Guess we shouldn't be surprised. Any idea of what we'll be in for?"

(Claude) "Psh, there's not enough time in the day! All I can say is good luck, you're gonna need it!"

(Dimitri) "You say that as if there are a pack of wolves ready to descend upon them the moment classes begin, Claude. I'm sure their time at the Monastery will be met with pleasantry."

Edelgard and Claude shared their glance towards Dimitri, which then was followed up by the other four.

(Dimitri) "...W-What?"

(Towa) "Well, we appreciate the honesty! From what we've seen so far, this world is much like our own. All the good and bad. You needn't worry about us, your highness!"

Dimitri laughed, though not at Towa.

(Dimitri) "You do not have to call me that. Here, we are all equals."

(Edelgard) "Indeed. When you address me do so as you would your own classmates."

(Rean) "We'll keep that in mind, we appreciate it."

(Kazuma) "Oh good, never been good at that formal stuff anyway."

(Aigis) "Acknowledged."

(Claude) "Just make sure you keep an eye out for the ones who care. Some of the nobles here are pretty uppity about it. Anyways, we gotta get going to our own Houses. We'll see ya soon!"

The three lords left promptly, leaving the four standing to converse amongst themselves.

(Rean) "I'm glad they're a lot nicer about their titles. I figured Edelgard would have wanted to be called her Highness."

Rean crossed his arms as he watched the three depart, with Towa sighing next to him.

(Towa) "I'm sure we'll be meeting the less than pleasant folks real soon though..."

(Aigis) "Bullying will be met with appropriate force."

(Kazuma) "Psh, I didn't reincarnate just to play politician at some schoolground! They can kiss my ass."

Rean and Towa turned, surprised at Kazuma's casual admittance of his death.

(Rean) "Wait, you've died?"

Kazuma scoffed, waving his hand dismissively.

(Kazuma) "L-Long story, died saving someone, then Aqua resurrected me."

(Aigis) "...I have detected a heartrate increase upon stating your reasoning of death-"

(Kazuma) "Like I said, long story! Don't push it!"

(Towa) "So her saying that she's a goddess is real?!"

Kazuma turned back to Towa, his demeanor growing a little softer.

(Kazuma) "Unfortunately, yeah. That's how she rebuilt the Villager's houses so quickly, among other things. Don't let Aqua hear you compliment her, it'll just go to her head. "

Rean and Towa weren't sure on how to process this information. He was first casual about his own death, and now he offhandedly mentioned that he was friends with a literal divine being. And not only that-

(Rean) "The way you're speaking about her makes it sound like she's more of a kid than anything."

(Kazuma) "Psh, you have no idea, Schwarzer...Speaking of, did you guys see who she went with?"

(Junpei, Yukari, Aqua, Elliot, Laura)

(Elliot) "I can see the picture of the House, but I can't read this world's language."

The five walked into the classroom, though at the moment no one was inside but them. Elliot squinted at the House emblem, but frowned at trying to read the words below it. Aqua leaned behind Elliot's shoulder, making him slightly jump at her sudden appearance.

(Aqua) "Goldeen Deer. Hm...I don't get it, where's the golden deer? Isn't there supposed to be the mascot around somewhere?"

(Junpei) "Dude, this isn't a sports team. It's just the name of the class."

(Laura) "An impressive one at that. Though if I may ask, how are you able to read this world's language?"

(Girl's Voice) "Oh, hey! Are you guys students too?"

An orange haired girl walked in behind them, followed by even more students, presumably the rest of the House.

(Yukari) "O-Oh, hey! Are we intruding? Sorry, we're new here and just kind of wandering at the moment."

(Orange Haired Girl) "It's no worries! Name's Leonie, who are you guys?"

After briefly introducing themselves, the five learned the students of the Golden Deer House: Leonie, Hilda, Lysithea, Marianne, Ignatz, Raphael, and Lorenz. Once they were done, Hilda stepped in front of the group, smiling at Yukari.

(Hilda) "Oh wow! I've never seen clothes like yours before, they look really stylish!"

Yukari's skittishness was replaced with a little more of a warm smile, with everyone else doing the same.

(Yukari) "T-Thanks! It's a little obvious but we're not from around here. I'm Yukari Takeba."

(Leonie) "I mean, that's obvious enough. Your lips aren't even matching your words."

(Junpei) "...Wait, what?"

Ignatz leaned over his peers, his eyes going wide as he adjusted his glasses.

(Ignatz) "Oh wow, you're right! I thought I was just seeing things!"

Everyone paid attention at the boy's reply, also realizing that his lips were off sync with his sentence.

(Lorenz) "So, you all must be the offworlders we heard so much about."

The condescending tone of voice immediately put everyone but Aqua on edge. Thankfully, instead of him resuming the conversation, Raphael took over with a much more enthusiastic energy.

(Raphael) "You guys saved Claude and the others right? That's awesome!"

(Lysithea) "Was it also your group that caused that catastrophic explosion? We could see it from all the way up here!"

(Laura) "Ah, that...Thankfully, no one was harmed except for the ones causing it. Everyone in the village was evacuated safely."

(Hilda) "By the way, is that part about you guys reconstructing the entire village also true? That sounds like, WAY too much work. And also hard to believe."

(Aqua) "100% true! I'm the one who did it!"

(Marianne) "...R-Really?"

(Aqua) "What, don't believe me? Only a Goddess could perform such a kind act, while also doing it as efficiently!"

Everyone in the Golden Deer raised an eyebrow at Aqua before turning to the others.

(Junpei) "Dunno 'bout that whole 'Goddess' thing, but yeah, she did it singlehandedly pretty much."

(Elliot) "It's...kind of hard to explain since it sounds made up."

(Lorenz) "Is that right? Well, I refuse to believe it until I see it with my own eyes.-"

(Aqua) "I'll prove it right now! Here we just need to break something!-"

(Yukari) "What?! H-Hey! Don't just-!"

Immediately, Junpei and Laura rushed to prevent Aqua from smashing the nearest object, much to the amusement and horror to rest of the Golden Deer.

(Darkness, Megumin, Alisa, Makoto)

(Makoto) "...Can any of us read this?"

Makoto blankly stared at the text in front of the classroom, with the other three leaning behind him in the cramped hallways.

(Megumin) "...Not a clue."

(Darkness) "I'm afraid not."

(Alisa) "Hm, I figured a barrier like this would show up! Different world, different language..."

Makoto grunted in agreement, his hands entering the pockets of his jacket as he looked around, noticing that a group of students were coming their way, directly looking at them.

(Red-Haired Boy) "Hello, ladies! Need help with directions?-"

Immediately, he was cut off by the blonde girl by his side.

(Blonde-Haired Girl) "Ugh, first thing you do is start flirting with them? Just shut up before you make all of us look bad-" a-ahem! "Hi, please ignore my friend here. You all are new here, right?"

Alisa cleared her throat before nodding, stepping in front of the group to do the talking.

(Alisa) "Hi, yes! Admittedly, we are a little lost. Do you know where we are?"

(Blonde-Haired Girl) "Oh, this is the entrance to the other classes here at the Academy, not part of the main three."

(Darkness) "I see, then I take it you are part of those three classes?"

The group introduced themselves as the Blue Lions, consisting of Ingrid, Sylvain, Felix, Dedue, Ashe, Annette, and Mercedes.

(Dedue) "You are part of the group that saved his Highness, Dimitri? You have my sincere gratitude."

(Megumin) "Heh! All in a days work! All it took was one spell to decimate those foul creatures!"

(Ashe) "Wow, you can just cast that explosion at will? Remind me not to get on your bad side...!"

(Alisa) "I certainly hope she can't...A-Anyway! Thank you for taking us in, I hope we'll be good classmates-."

(Sylvain) "By any chance, are any of you all free this afternoon?-"

(Ingrid) "As one classmate to another, tell all the girls in your group to not talk to this idiot."

(Felix) "I second that notion."

(Sylvain) "Oh come on! I didn't even get an answer!-"

(Annette) "If you guys need some study partners, Mercie and I will be glad to help!"

(Mercedes) "Of course! It's the least we can do to repay you for saving our House Leader!"

(Makoto) "Appreciated. We'll see you guys around."

Makoto immediately turned around, quickly joined by the others as everyone watched them leave the hallways.

(Dedue) "They seem like a rather...unique group."

(Felix) "Heard they have some strong fighters in their group. I doubt it, but we'll have to see."

(Ashe) "I think I overheard a few Knights say they can summon ghosts or something..."

(Annette) "W-Wait, seriously?! That can't be real, because ghosts aren't!"

(Ingrid) "Whatever they can do, I'm sure we'll be seeing a lot more of it throughout the year..."

Edelgard walked into a secluded room, brick walls completely surrounding her in near pitch darkness, save for the few torches lighting up the room. After a few minutes, Hubert and Jeritza walked into the room.

(Edelgard) "Were we able to find out anything?"

(Hubert) "Nothing yet, my lady. It truly seems that no one knows a thing about this group, just as we expected."

(Edelgard) "And the professors?"

Edelgard turned her attention to Jeritza, who stood in place somewhat casually unlike Hubert.

(Jeritza) "Dangerous, with the exception of a singular woman, the pink one. Not even I have an idea of what they're capable of."

(Edelgard) "Hm...Then in tomorrow's mock battle, all three of us will sample their strength ourselves. Should they prove themselves capable, we will have an ace up our sleeves, one that I intend to have on our side."

Chapter Text

Byleth woke up to the Monastery's bell ringing, his eyes slowly opening as sunlight poured in through his window and that familiar chime made him sit upright quickly, Sothis materializing and yawning with him. He was still dressed for the day, that being his normal mercenary outfit, only taking a quick nap until his presence was needed. Which, according to the sudden knocking at his door, was now.

(Towa's Voice) "Instructor Byleth? Are you there?"

Shaking off his daze, he called out to Towa trying his best to sound fully awake.

(Byleth) "Here, Towa. Is it time?"

(Towa) "Yes, sir! The rest of the House is awaiting us!"

Nodding at her words, Byleth stood up and walked over to the door with Sothis trailing behind, having no real incentive to fully wake herself up unlike her friend, to which he just gave her a single look of both exasperation and tinge of jealousy.

(Byleth) How do you need that much sleep?

(Sothis) "Hmph! As if you were not also taking a nap as well, child!"

(Byleth) You try wrangling these kids yourself and then we'll see how energized you'd be.

Rolling his eyes silently, he finally pushed the door open to find Towa smiling, a notepad held to her chest as her expression perked up.

(Towa) "Afternoon, Instructor! I take it you were resting up for the mock battle?"

(Byleth) "Something like that."

The two continued to walk past the dorms and towards the classrooms, passing by only a few knights and scarcely any students, most of which were already in their own meetings. Glancing down at his student, Towa had an air of confidence to her, striding forth with the notepad at her side, smile still present. It was like this sort of role was second nature to her.

(Byleth) "You seem to be adjusting to academy life well."

(Towa) "It's not too drastically different from my time at Thor's to be quite honest, sir. Thankfully most of the students here have been very welcoming!"

Byleth's eyebrow subtly shifted hearing her response.

(Byleth) "Most?"

Towa's expression faltered for a moment, a small sigh escaping her.

(Towa) "Some of the nobles here have been...less than pleasant, putting it diplomatically. I actually had to stop a fight breaking out with Yukari and I think a member of the Golden Deer a few days ago."

They crossed the courtyard and most notably the main three houses' classrooms, seeing their classmates all gathered up discussing with their professors. Next to their respective professors, the two could catch a glance of Edelgard, Dimitri, and Claude speaking with them and their class. He had no doubt in his mind that they had been spotted, but kept walking towards the training hall, House Isekai's current residence for classroom meetings. Given how spontaneous their creation had been, it was unsurprising that they had to improvise for now. Though, a few nobles who were also at the Academy made sure their disapproval was loud and clear at the idea of a bunch of off-worlders being given a classroom. And as much as he hated their snobbish attitude, some part of him found it hard to be entirely angry.

(Byleth) "I can't say I'm surprised. Who wouldn't be angry that a bunch of strangers would be suddenly granted entry to an Academy like this, let alone the roles of professors?"

Towa hummed in agreement, shrugging her shoulders.

(Towa) "I suppose we should be grateful that most of the nobles here are interested in us, rather than outright hostile. But, I don't mean to put our mood down, sir! We should have a smile on our faces entering to motivate our class!"

(Byleth) "You don't have to be so formal with me, or Jeralt, Towa. Talk to me as you would Sara."

Towa simply smiled at him, responding in her usual cheery tone while tilting her head as her small arm reached for the doors.

(Towa) "I don't think you'd want that, Instructor Byleth."

Byleth was taken aback by her subtle jab, not having enough time to recover from that verbal whiplash before she opened the door, seeing his students inside waiting for him with their respective groups in the middle of the hall, Sharon and Megumi standing in front of the house. Kazuma, Darkness, Aqua, and Megumin were conversing amongst themselves, while the members of SEES and Class VII were doing the same. As he approached, the leaders of each group stepped forward.

(Kazuma) "Yo."

(Rean) "Afternoon, Instructor."

Makoto gave a single nod of acknowledgement as his hands shifted into his jacket pockets. Byleth did the same, walking over to stand with Sharon, Megumi, and Towa. Though he quickly noticed two missing professors after taking a second to examine his surroundings.

(Byleth) "...Where's Jeralt and Sara?"

(Sharon) "I recall Jeralt's presence being needed by the Archbishop and her advisor, given that he will be the overseer for this Mock Battle."

(Megumi) "And as for Sara, I think she said she was going to be in the tavern a few hours ago before we held this meeting."

Class VII's expressions suddenly seemed to deflte, with Alisa speaking up first.

(Alisa) "Soooo...She's not showing up then."

(Elliot) "That's probably safe to assume, hah..."

(Rean) "Even in another world, she can't help but get her early drinks in."

(Laura) "I had wrongly assumed that she would take things a little more seriously because of that fact..."

Aqua scoffed, crossing her arms while glaring daggers at Kazuma.

(Aqua) "Psh, I would have joined her if someone hadn't stopped me! I don't even need to attend school!" 

(Kazuma) "And let you waste all my money?! Yeah, right!-"

Junpei abruptly cleared his throat, stopping the escalation before it grew any worse.

(Junpei) "So, alcoholic tendencies aside, what's the plan, teach?"

(Aigis) "The Mock Battle is today's event, correct?"

Byleth nodded, stepping forward to address his house.

(Byleth) "Five of us, myself included, will be participating in a practice match against the three houses. Dimitri, Edelgard, Claude, and their professors will be our opponents. Not to mention the other students of their classes."

Class VII and Kazuma's group appeared to be somewhat excited, though the SEES members shared an uneasy glance.

(Yukari) "The first thing they want us to do is to fight?"

(Darkness) "This kind of exercise is meant to be a bonding experience between classmates while fostering their competitive nature, as far as I understand. It is not too uncommon."

(Makoto) "For you guys, maybe."

Clearing her throat, Towa got the attention of the House as she turned to Byleth.

(Towa) "With all that being said sir, who will be joining you?"

Megumin enthusiastically jumped up and down with her voice echoing throughout the training hall from the volume.

(Megumin) "ME! ME! I CAN WIN THIS FIGHT IN ONE SHOT!-"

Kazuma yanked her down with his hand, borderline shouting at her.

(Kazuma) "THE HELL YOU WILL! You three idiots will make us lose!"

(Sharon) "So, you are volunteering yourself, Kazuma?"

(Kazuma) "...Wha?-"

The door to the training hall swung open, a stumbling Sara making her entrance and casually sauntered over to the rest of the teachers.

(Sara) "Jeez, you kids are loud! And if those three will make us lose, it only makes sense you go and show them how it's done right?"

Byleth and Towa gave an unamused glare toward Sara, while Sharon and Megumi remained neutral.

(Byleth) "Guess better late than never."

(Towa) "Ma'am, were you just waiting outside just to make a dramatic ent-?"

Sara cut Towa off by raising a single finger, then pointing it at Kazuma.

(Sara) "Not about me! This is about our darling students!"

(Kazuma) "Hey! Do I LOOK like I'm a frontline fighter?! Everyone else in this room is a better option!"

(Megumi) "Actually, I was just thinking if the other Houses had their class leaders participating, would it not make sense for us to have ours out as well?"

Megumi then glanced over to Rean and Makoto, giving them a gentle smile.

(Megumi) "Of course, like Kazuma, you all have a choice."

Makoto simply shrugged at the suggestion.

(Makoto) "Sure."

Rean nodded and stepped forward.

(Rean) "Makes sense to me. It'd be a good opportunity for us to see how this world fights as well-"

(Kazuma) "Well, at least Megu-nee is being the proper teacher here by not forcing me to go..."

Byleth raised an eyebrow at Kazuma, making him flinch while Sara just laughed. Megumi smiled at the nickname but shook her head regardless.

(Megumi) "P-Please call me Miss Sakura! Megu-nee is a little too casual..."

(Aqua) "Psh! Trying to be cute with that nickname?"

(Aigis) "It is being a 'kissass', as they say."

(Kazuma) "Oh, shut the hell up you two! I called her that because..."

Kazuma faltered, his expression suddenly becoming serious.

(Kazuma) "...It just sorta came to me. Feels like I've only known you by that name."

Megumi paused for a moment, her expression now matching Kazuma's.

(Megumi) "...Now that I think on it, it's strange you know that nickname. Only my students called me that."

(Megumin) "So are you joining them or what, Kazuma?! Otherwise I will-"

Kazuma immediately snapped out of his thoughts and swiveled to Megumin, shoving a finger into her forehead.

(Kazuma) "NO YOU'RE NOT! Ugh, fine, I'm only in this so these morons don't accidentally get someone killed!"

Byleth nodded and put a finger to his chin.

(Byleth) "Alright. So that's four of us so far. Who's going to be our fifth?-"

Byleth eyed everyone else while he considered his options. Technically, everyone would actually be good, given what he's seen so far of them. Even Aqua, to an extent. The only thing he had to keep in mind was himself. If the students managed to rout the opposing professor, then they would win. Or at the very least, just knock a house out.

As if sensing his indecision, Sara crossed her arms and spoke up, grinning all the while.

(Sara)"Y'know, I don't think there's any rule saying that more than one teachers can't jump in on the fun!"

(Rean) "Instructor Sara, isn't that a bit overkill?"

(Sara) "Hey, I didn't say I'd go in there, Rean-Bean!"

Sara glanced over to Megumi, who suddenly froze upon realizing the implication.

(Megumi) "I-I don't know the first thing about fighting!"

(Byleth) "I think you'll have to, at the very least for self defense. But that being said, we might need a healer on the field given the injuries we might sustain."

(Makoto) "If it comes to it, I'm sure we can defend you, Megu-nee."

(Sharon) "I'm afraid if either Miss Valestein or I entered, it would be a little counterintuitive to be a training exercise."

(Aqua) "Psh! You're just a maid, what can you do, serve tea at them?"

Class VII nervously glanced over to Aqua who continued scoffing at the mere thought, though Sharon kept her unmoving smile.

(Alisa) "I...don't think you wanna push her. Believe me."

(Byleth) "In any event, we've got our selection done. We need to start heading to the field, I'm sure the others have already done so."

Everyone nodded in agreement and followed Byleth out of the training hall, seeing the other Houses do the same.

Rean, Kazuma, and Makoto stood alone in the field as House Isekai mingled with the other Houses, all their respective teachers having a meeting. The field had a few patches of trees scattered to break line of sight from each House's starting zone, each one getting one starting in the corner. The biggest patch was in the middle, only a couple trees more from becoming a small forest. Rean frowned while he observed his surroundings, one hand resting on his tachi's hilt.

(Rean) "Think they'll all come at once to fight us?"

Makoto shifted his hands as they rested in his pocket, shrugging as he walked to Rean's side.

(Makoto) "Probably. The one time they've seen my group fight, it spooked them pretty bad."

Kazuma scoffed as he crossed his arms.

(Kazuma) "Then that'd leave them open to the others. We should just let them tucker themselves out, then we can swoop in for the win by beating whoever's left."

(Makoto) "Not opposed to that, but the question is if Byleth will be."

(Rean) "Hard to say. He didn't strike me as the type to care about being honorable, for better and worse."

Before Makoto and Kazuma had a chance to say anything else, approaching footsteps cut them off. Rean and Makoto made the effort to actually face who they were talking to, while Kazuma sighed loudly and crossed his arms, still staring out into the field.

(Kazuma) "Good, honor is for chumps anyway."

(Claude) "Ah, well that lays out your battle plans quite easily then! And here I was, ready to smooth talk my way into getting to know your strategy, Kazuma!"

(Kazuma) "GAH!-"

Kazuma leapt back, startled at suddenly seeing all three house leaders standing right behind him.

(Dimitri) "While I intend to fight with honor, make no mistake, I will spare no effort to win."

(Edelgard) "Same with us. I thought it'd be in good sport to at least have a word with our opponents, even if we do know who the victor will be."

Rean smiled at the leaders, standing a bit straighter as he extended a hand outwards.

(Rean) "Hah, I'd be lying if I said I wasn't competitive myself! All I'll say is don't write us out just yet."

Claude was the first to shake Rean's hand, followed by the other two leaders who kept a respectful smile. Much to his surprise, he could tell they were being genuinely friendly, despite the undertones.

(Claude) "On the contrary, I'd say your group is the one who's hogging the attention. Make sure to put on a good show before we win, got it?"

Kazuma's eye twitched, much to the amusement of the Golden Deer leader.

(Makoto) "Hm. Just don't hold anything back."

When the three leaders eventually left, Kazuma clicked his tongue, clenching his fist all the while.

(Kazuma) "just so you guys know, first thing I'm doing is kicking that Claude guy in the nuts."

(Rean) "That's...a bit uncalled for, isn't it?"

(Makoto) "Can you hit that Lorenz guy too? Should be in the same area as Claude."

(Rean) "Really? Why can't we just...-"

Rean sighed instead of finishing, eventually seeing Byleth and Megumi approach.

(Byleth) "Saw the other kids come up to you. They didn't give you a hard time, did they?"

(Rean) "If anything, I'd say they just motivated us, Instructor Byleth."

Byleth nodded approvingly, meanwhile Megumi smiled and bowed.

(Megumi) "Well, let's do our best! Make sure not to get too hurt, okay?"

(Kazuma) "Should be saying that to them, they'll be the ones needing a medic!"

(Megumi) "...W-Wha-?"

(Rean) "D-Don't worry about it, Instructor Megumi!"

(Sothis' Voice) I have a feeling Kazuma is about to get us expelled from this Academy.

(Byleth) I wouldn't be surprised if we had to reverse time to stop him.

Rean's hands rested on his tachi's hilt, taking a deep breath and having his expression suddenly become razor sharp, calmly awaiting orders. Makoto rubbed the back of his neck with his left hand, his right hand holding a shortsword. Rolling his shoulders back, he glanced towards his evoker, making sure it was still in its holster. Kazuma smirked to himself, twirling a dagger in his hand as his other hand rested on his hip, looking towards the direction of the Golden Deer. Megumi slightly trembled, though she managed to nod to herself. She now had a small satchel on herself, carrying all sorts of bandages and medical equipment, lovingly procured by Manuela, Towa, Sara, and Sharon. All four turned their gaze to Byleth, who stood calmly with his sword drawn, looking behind him to see Jeralt overlooking the battle on a small hill.

Jeralt was the one overseeing this mock battle, not surprising him in the slightest. If Sara was already overkill, then calling in the Blade Breaker would have been equivalent to sending a dragon to fight a village. Regardless, Byleth had no intention of losing today, if to at least not embarrass his old man, or all of his other mercenary comrades also watching with the Knights. As if on cue, Jeralt cleared his throat and loudly shouted over the field.

(Jeralt) "Let the Mock Battle begin!"

One of the Knights at his side sounded a horn that echoed throughout the field, House Isekai hearing the cheers of their friends behind them as they watched.

(Aqua) "DON'T LOSE, KAZUMA! I MADE A 100 GOLD BET!"

(Megumin) "It should've been me out there...!"

(Darkness) pant "WHY WASN'T IT ME OUT THERE?!"

(Sara) "Show 'em what we're made of you guys!"

(Sharon) "Good luck!"

(Towa) "You all got this!"

(Alisa) "You better not lose!"

(Elliot) "Get 'em, Rean!"

(Laura) "Show them the pride of Class VII!"

(Junpei) "GIVE THEM HELL, LEADER!"

(Yukari) "Yeah, we're rooting for you!"

(Aigis) "Beat their ass, as they say."

(Byleth) "House Isekai, with me!"

Edelgard looked over her left shoulder, seeing Hubert, Ferdinand, Dorothea, and Jeritza readying themselves to charge in at her command.

Nodding to herself, Edelgard extended a hand outwards, her voice elegantly carried on the wind.

(Edelgard) "Black Eagles, forward! We will take on the off-worlders together!"

Gripping onto the handle of her axe as her classmates went first, her brows furrowed, following them from behind. If she played her cards right, the other Houses would tire themselves out first and she could swoop in for the win.

Though, most importantly, it'd give her a chance to witness House Isekai firsthand. She knew that Makoto and Kazuma would be a problem, despite her natural prowess, there was only so much she could do against such wild cards alone. Rean and Byleth thankfully fought in a way she could understand, though Edelgard knew the former still had tricks up his sleeve.

The Black Eagles moved into the forest that sat in the middle, where the group slowed their pace. The trees would serve as a perfect place for an ambush, though it could be used against them too.

(Edelgard) "Everyone, we lie in wait and-"

(Ferdinand) "Lie in wait?"

The group turned to Ferdinand who confidently twirled his lance and charged in the direction where the first signs of battle rang out.

(Ferdinand) "We have the upper hand of surprise! I will show you that it is not to be wasted!"

(Dorothea) "Oh boy, there he goes, Edie..."

(Hubert) "Wait, you fool!"

(Edelgard) "Tch! We cannot afford to-"

Before she could even process the blur that moved past her, a sinister presence had suddenly appeared behind her, feeling a finger on her neck.

(Kazuma) "FREEZE!"

An unbearably cold and biting wind enclosed around her neck, making Edelgard yelp and drop her weapon, causing all the Black Eagles to turn to their leader.

(Edelgard) "EYEAUAAAUGH?!"

Edelgard dropped to the ground, the ice preventing her from moving. If she was being honest, it didn't actually hurt but the foreign sensation was so overwhelming to the point it was the only thing on her mind. Was this the power of his magics?! And if so, why didn't he just use something to actually incapacitate her?!

(Hubert) "LADY EDELGARD!-"

Before Hubert could retaliate with his spell, Kazuma stuck his tongue out, childishly blowing a raspberry.

(Kazuma) "HA-HA! KISS MY ASS, LLLUUURRK!-"

Kazuma cackled maniacally, slipping back into the shadows of the trees and literally vanishing before their eyes.

(Jeritza) "What magic is this?!-"

(Dorothea) "H-HOW DID HE MOVE SO FAST?!"

(Ferdinand) "...Does this mean I'm in charge now-"

(Jeritza/Dorothea/Hubert) "NO!"

Byleth moved near the forest with his sword drawn, turning around and keeping note of who was behind him as they approached the Golden Deer, seeing all his two students-

Wait? Two? There's supposed to be three!

(Byleth) "What the hell- Where's Kazuma?"

(Edelgard's voice) "EYEAUAAAUGH?!"

The group turned to the forest upon hearing her scream, though given the tone it was less mortal peril and...Actually, Byleth wasn't quite sure what to interpret that sound as.

(Makoto) "I think he's over there."

(Megumi) "What in the world did he do to her?!"

(Rean) "Instructors, we have incoming!"

Shifting their attention to Claude and the others, they saw him twirling an arrow in his right hand, while a bow sat comfortably in his left. Lorenz, Hilda, Ignatz, and Hanneman stood in front of him, all prepared to engage at the slightest movement.

Makoto and Rean moved in front of Megumi, pulling out their weapons and awaited Byleth's instructions.

(Claude) "Hey there, Professor! Hope you don't mind, but we gotta clean you up before Dimitri's class barrels in!"

Byleth stoically shifted into a combat stance, quietly noting that Ignatz readying his bow with Hanneman opening a spellbook.

(Byleth) "You're welcome to try."

(Lorenz) "Please! The finest of nobles is your opposition! You stand no chance-"

A loud thud came from behind the Golden Deer, alongside a grunt from Claude.

(Megumi) "WHA?!"

(Rean) "Goddess, he actually did it...-"

(Makoto) "Go for Lorenz too, please."

Lorenz spun around, as did his classmates, only to see a flash of feet hitting him in the face, sending him flying backwards. Claude was currently writhing on the floor, both hands on his groin, while his attacker stood up from the dropkick he gave to Lorenz. Kazuma's smirk shifted to Hilda, Ignatz, and Hanneman, all who recoiled at his head turn.

(Kazuma) "Heh...! So who's next?!"

(Sothis) "BEHIND YOU!-"

(Kazuma) "Eh?-"

Before he could finish acknowledging Sothis, Kazuma was lifted off the ground, a massive hand around his neck holding onto it like a toy. Kazuma struggled to speak, babbles and choking sounds escaping his mouth as his limbs wildly flailed like a fish, flopping weightlessly against his attacker.

(Dedue) "Is this how House Isekai conducts their battles?"

Dimitri, Dedue, Ashe, Mercedes, and Manuela had finally caught up to the middle, though their attention was (rightfully) on Kazuma.

(Byleth) "For the record, I didn't order him to do that."

(Dimitri) "Well, that is good to hear. Hopefully now we may have a proper battle-"

(Kazuma) "WHYISN'TANYONEHELPINGME?!"

Makoto sighed, grabbing his evoker and turning to his teacher.

(Makoto) "Might as well. Professor?"

(Byleth) "Blue Lions first! Rean, defend Megumi and Kazuma!-"

(Rean) "Got it!"

Dedue tossed Kazuma like a ragdoll towards House Isekai, Rean, Byleth, and Makoto effortlessly sidestepping the body of their friend. Kazuma's body rolled against the floor, the entire time gibberish flew out of Kazuma's mouth as he almost crashed into Megumi like a bowling ball. She nearly tripped as she daintily leapt over him, immediately rushing to his side with a bag of first aid. Rean unsheathed his tachi, standing in front of the two as he watched everyone else moved to engage.

(Makoto) "Jack Frost!"

Makoto pulled the trigger on his evoker, summoning forth a ghostly figure of an adorable snowy creature, catching both the Blue Lions and Golden Deer's attention. Even Byleth stopped and stood behind Makoto, simply to see what his 'Persona' did first.

(Ashe) "EEK! A GHOST!"

(Jack Frost) "I'm not a ghost, I'm Jack Frost! Hee-Ho!"

(Hilda) "Oh my gosh! Wait, it's so cute though!-"

(Jack Frost) "Thanks! YOU'RE FIRST, HEE-HO!"

(Hilda) "...Huh?-"

Hilda was thrown back by a blast of ice as Hanneman immediately began healing her.

(Hanneman) "S-So violent!"

(Hilda) "OW! Tch, little twerp!-"

Hilda closed the distance startlingly fast with her axe, swinging it downwards and cleaving Makoto's Persona into shards of blue glass, making Makoto wince in pain as he staggered back.

Ignatz and Ashe drew their bows and prepared to fire at Makoto as he twirled his evoker, no doubt about to summon another Persona. Byleth intercepted with his sword, first leaping forward and striking the bow out of Ashe's hands. Before Byleth could attack again, he raised his sword to immediately parry Dimitri and Dedue, the combined strength shoving him backwards, almost getting smashed into the floor by the duo.

This wasn't good, Byleth was now cut off from Makoto, Rean and Megumi, though the situation had quickly transformed into a stand-off. Blue Lions in the center, Golden Deer behind them, and House Isekai at their flanks. Though if anyone moved now, they would get cut off by the other.

(Sothis) "Hm, a fine situation Kazuma has gotten us into...!"

(Byleth) How did one person manage to throw a wrench into our battle plans so bad?!

Rean took a deep breath as he watched the situation, leaning carefully over to Megumi as to not draw attention.

(Rean) "Ma'am? Will you be okay by yourself for a moment?"

Megumi's eyes trailed down to Kazuma-

(Kazuma) "OOOwww....!"

-...Then she gave Rean a firm nod.

(Megumi) "If you have a good plan, go for it!'

Rean took a deep breath and sheathed his tachi, though he still gripped the handle-

(Rean) "...SECOND FORM!-"

At Rean's words, everyone moved to attack one another, stepping forward and raising their weapons. Too slow.

(Rean) "GALE!"

Like a flash of lightning, Rean seemingly teleported to every opposing House, slashing at their weapons with his tachi before a nearby leaf even finished hitting the ground. In that split second that he attacked, Hilda, Dedue, Ignatz, Ashe, Manuela, and Hanneman were all thrown back onto the floor, defeated. Rean landed back in the same place in front of Megumi, nodding to himself and seeing only Mercedes and Dimitri left. Byleth and Makoto were taken aback but quickly used the chance to regroup with the rest of their House.

(Sothis) "Whoa! Incredible!"

(Byleth) "Not bad, Rean."

(Rean) "Battle's not over yet, Instructor!"

(Dimitri) "Mercedes, still with me?"

(Mercedes) "Yes, right behind you!"

Makoto's eyes shifted to their right, looking into the forest instead of the two in front of him.

(Makoto) "Got more incoming."

Hubert, Ferdinand, Jeritza, and Dorothea charged out of the forest and into House Isekai. Megumi immediately lifted Kazuma off the floor and behind the group as the others shifted to a defensive position. Byleth's sword met Jeritza's, their weapons struggling to push the other while Makoto's next Persona blocked the spells being hurled at them. Ferdinand broke away from the group to attack Dimitri, which he was quickly batted aside by Dimitri's brute strength, with Mercedes behind him casting another spell.

Rean rushed forward to stop the Blue Lions from capitalizing on the chaos, leaving Megumi alone with a debatably conscious Kazuma. She looked around her, struggling to find anything that she could maybe use before feeling something strange in her satchel. Reaching into it, she felt...a gun? Pulling the weapon out, she recognized what it was, Sara's pistol!

(Megumi) "Did she leave that in here?"

Megumi shook her head, this was no time to dawdle! Putting aside the fact she never actually ever used a gun before, she immediately aimed it at Jeritza and pulled the trigger. With a loud BANG! and the recoil accidentally hitting her in the face, the shot hit Jeritza, and predictably it was set to non-lethal as it caused him to stagger, giving Byleth enough time to act. 

Byleth swept Jeritza's legs underneath him, and moved to cease Dorothea and Hubert's barrage. Hubert swiveled around to sidestep Byleth's attack, relieving Makoto of the pressure of defending, and now closing the distance with his sword as his Persona faded. Makoto held his sword up to Dorothea, who immediately raised her hands in surrender with Hubert getting knocked to the ground. Byleth picked up Hubert's spellbook and chucked it at Dimitri, the tome hitting him on the head causing his spear to drop, and Rean to strike him into Mercedes, all threats dealt with in the span of a dozen seconds.

Leaving only House Isekai standing.

Jeralt's voice suddenly boomed over the field, catching everyone's attention.

(Jeralt) "Alright, that's that! The winner of this Mock Battle is...House Isekai!"

Byleth exhaled in relief, sheathing his weapon and offering a hand to the nearby fallen students and professors.

(Manuela) "Ow! Now I need to go and see a doctor...!"

(Jeritza) "Hmph. Not bad."

(Hanneman) "My, the experience of someone with actual combat leading, I was borderline useless!"

After helping Kazuma stand up, Megumi went to speak with her fellow teachers, standing next to Byleth.

(Megumi) "Believe me, the feeling is mutual...!"

(Byleth) "You all did great too, your students especially. As for us...Well, I apologize about Kazuma."

...

Claude grumbled something as Dimitri helped him up, everyone joined by their respective house leaders. Edelgard eventually walked out of the forest, both hands on her neck as she glared daggers at the winded Kazuma.

(Dimitri) "Your group is truly fierce! I knew that it'd be an ordeal fighting you all, but I don't think anything could've prepared me for today."

(Edelgard) "Agreed, your tactics are quite...unorthodox, to put it kindly."

(Claude) "Damn, I thought I fought dirty! Credit to where credit's due, I guess."

(Rean) "I'm...sorry about that, truly."

(Makoto) "Hey, a win's a win."

(Kazuma) "Ugh, feel like my windpipe's a different shape now! But yeah, we kicked your asses so don't get all high and mighty with us!"

(Claude) "If it means I don't gotta get kicked like that again, sure, you win..."

(Edelgard) "Not that we were to begin with..."

Now, everyone turned to Edelgard with the same deflated expression.

(Edelgard) "What are you staring at me like that for...?!"

Jeralt walked up to his House members, standing next to Sharon and Sara as they watched their combatants slowly come back to the others. While everyone was excitedly talking about how they won and what it meant, Jeralt simply sighed.

(Jeralt) "Knew that Kazuma kid was gonna cause trouble."

(Sara) "That a hint of pride I hear?"

Jeralt chuckled at that.

(Jeralt) "Maybe a little. He fights smart, reminds me of how I taught my own kid is all."

(Sharon) "I'm not too sure that our classmates will agree with that sentiment. And speaking of dirty tricks, did you intentionally leave your pistol in Megumi's satchel?"

Sara rolled her eyes.

(Sara) "Psh! I don't gotta answer that, or you for that matter."

Whether Sharon was offended by that or not, Jeralt couldn't tell. Especially given Sara's tone, that's the first time he heard it so hostile towards the maid. Whatever, not like it was his business anyway.

(Jeralt) "It saved everyone's ass regardless, so good thinking on that. Come on, think we ought to celebrate this victory tonight."

By the time he finished, he could see Byleth, Megumi, Rean, Kazuma, and Makoto return to their house triumphantly.

(Jeralt) "Congrats on the victory, kid."

(Byleth) "Thanks."

Catching Jeralt off guard, he swore he saw the faintest hint of a smirk from his son.

Chapter Text

Byleth was stirred awake after feeling his body grow light instead of resting on his bed. Startled at the unfamiliar feeling, his hand immediately reached for the dagger that normally rested on his belt, only to realize where he was, and more importantly, who was with him. It appeared that he and Sothis were in this "Velvet Room" once more.

Sothis similarly rose from her slumber, yawning loudly before her eyes shot open, seeing that she was back in the blue tinted throne room. Just as he thought, Elizabeth was to the right of the throne, her smile just as unflinching as Sharon's. This time however, Byleth looked to his left and found his blue haired student.

(Byleth) "Makoto?"

Makoto's hands shifted to his pockets, a reaction completely absent as he turned his attention to Elizabeth.

(Makoto) "Why did you drag them to the Velvet Room?"

(Elizabeth) "It was not by my hand, dear guest, that this is where the room has manifested! If anything, it is an indication that these two are integral to our fate here!"

(Sothis) "And what fate would that be? You failed to give us that answer the last time!"

Sothis rose from her throne and floated towards Elizabeth, angrily pointing at her, though the Velvet Attendee didn't even flinch.

(Sothis) "Not to mention, you are interrupting my sleep, barging yourselves into MY room!"

(Byleth) "What my rude friend is trying to say-"

(Sothis) "You don't speak for me!-"

Byleth glared daggers at his companion, shutting her down and making Sothis pout as he shook his head.

(Byleth) "-Is that you wanted to speak to Makoto and I at the same time. Now that we're here, what was it you wanted to tell us?"

Elizabeth turned to Makoto and Byleth, walking towards them as she drew out a card from seemingly nowhere. Byleth squinted, seeing that a small illustration was on the front, but as to its meaning, he could even begin to guess. Luckily, he didn't have to.

(Makoto) "A tarot card...Why's it in French?"

Elizabeth let the card go, but instead of it dropping onto the floor, it remained suspended in the air.

(Elizabeth) "To that end, I am unsure as to why, or how our cards have changed. But regardless of its form, the meaning is the same."

Byleth and Sothis moved to stand next to Makoto in order to get a better look at the illustration. Although he couldn't make out the words, he could see it appeared to be a man holding a stick with a bag at the end, accompanied by a dog.

As if sensing his question, Makoto wasted no time in clarifying what the three were staring at.

(Makoto) "These cards are telling our fortune. The one in front of us represents 'The Fool'. Infinite possibilities."

(Sothis) "And you say that it is in a form not known to you?"

Makoto shook his head.

(Makoto) "Just in appearance, but its still from my world, so it showing up now is something I can't ignore. The cards the Velvet Room read for our future turns out to be completely accurate, meaning that it'll be happening to us soon."

Elizabeth nodded after his explanation, her attention directly given to Makoto and Sothis.

(Elizabeth) "Like Makoto here, both your Arcanas represent The Fool. Just as we are interwoven into your fates, yours are both connected, one and the same! I had read them separately before, and still I have gotten the same result."

(Sothis) "Infinite possibilities...?"

Considering it had been a week since the last time they had been in the Velvet Room, she probably had plenty of time to correct herself if need be. And it's not like he needed much convincing that he and Sothis were one and the same anyway. Having a floating ghost girl that only he could previously see for his entire life, one that had the ability to reverse and stop time, yeah, that was kind of obvious there was something afoot.

Though that was not the most prevalent question on his mind:

(Byleth) "Can you tell us the future that awaits House Isekai?"

Elizabeth was already drawing another card before he finished asking, a second card now floating next to The Fool, still in the same black, red, and white art. This time, it was of a lightning bolt striking a tower, and that image made Makoto tense up.

(Elizabeth) "The Tower. Disaster awaits House Isekai, though it is one that you all can fight."

Byleth and Sothis exchanged an uneasy glance.

(Byleth) "I suppose asking for something specific is pointless?"

(Elizabeth) "Unfortunately, I am not able to decipher what exactly is coming. However, I trust that you will take this warning to heart."

(Makoto) "We will. Thanks as always, Elizabeth."

Unlike Byleth and Makoto who remained relatively stoic and unmoved, Sothis angrily threw up her arms and turned around towards them.

(Sothis) "Do you two react to ANYTHING?! We're just told about a disaster that is inevitable, and I have not seen so much as an eyebrow raise in concern!"

(Makoto) "Because like Elizabeth said, we can fight it. And I'm not going to stand around crying or screaming as it comes."

Much to Sothis's frustration, Byleth just shrugged, making her sigh.

(Sothis) "Phooey! I think we could decipher that future on our own, given our circumstances."

(Byleth) "Don't forget, we are a big reason they're here to begin with, Sothis. At the very least, we can bring this up during the House Meeting. Thank you, Elizabeth."

(Elizabeth) "Of course! It is my duty to relay such information to you all, until we meet again, everyone!"

With a polite bow and much to think about, Byleth's vision began to give out, as did Makoto's. Sothis on the other hand floated back to her throne, and quickly fell asleep as the world around the three faded into white, then into nothing...

(5/26) Twenty Sixth of the Harpstring Moon, 1180 

(Seteth) "Have you no intention of changing your mind, Rhea? Appointing strangers-ones who aren't even from this world no less- as professors at our esteemed academy is!-"

Rhea turned to Seteth, one hand gently raising in an attempt to calm him, though her expression remained completely composed.

(Rhea) "I have made my decision, Seteth. I know worrying comes naturally to you, but there is truly no need. Jeralt and his child are leading this new House."

Seteth crossed his arms, his eyes narrowing in response.

(Seteth) "I can't say that's all too comforting. Is he not the man who went missing after the great fire 21 years ago? I would remind you that Flayn is now here with us as well. I beg of you...please consider whether this is an unnecessary risk."

Rhea put a hand on his shoulder.

(Rhea) "Seteth, they have my trust. Let that be enough for you as well."

Rhea took back her hand to let Seteth take a deep breath, and he promptly nodded.

(Rhea) "More importantly, I have received a report from Shamir. I am more concerned about a matter regarding our suspicious individual. We cannot ignore those who harbor ill will toward the Church, especially if they were in such close proximity to Garreg Mach."

(Seteth) "Yes, that matter is of great importance as well. My investigations so far have brought back that the man was using some kind of foul magic, and bore a pitch black cloak."

(Rhea) "...Then have they made their move?"

(Seteth) "It is hard to say, but I have doubt that this timing is mere coincidence."

(Rhea) "Agreed. I have utmost trust that you will find the perpetrators."

(Seteth) "As is my trust in you, Rhea."

When Byleth's eyes opened again, he found himself laying in his bed and hearing the familiar chime of Garreg Mach's bell. Though this one was signaling that classes were about to begin, meaning most students were already heading to their assigned House. As far House Isekai was concerned, they still used the Training Hall as their place to reconvene due to the lack of an actual classroom. That didn't particularly bother Byleth or Jeralt, considering that a majority of the teachers for this House could barely teach things like magic or Fodlan History, themselves included. Sitting upright and quickly putting on his clothes and gear, he left his room and promptly made way towards the Training Hall.

Though the 'dream' last night was still in the back of his mind, he decided things were best focused on what was front of him, that being House Isekai's first official house meeting. Which was strange, given it's been a week plus a few days after their arrival and they never discussed in length of what their plan was and how everyone got here, but according to Jeralt, he wanted to give the kids time to settle in.

Or more accurately, whenever Jeralt wasn't swamped with whatever tasks the Archbishop had given him. He had barely been around the past few days, leaving Byleth to deal with House Isekai alone, and even with the help of the other teachers, they were a handful, to put it in the nicest way possible.

As he casually walked to the Training Hall, to his right he could hear some of his students approaching, greeting him as they did so.

(Yukari) "Oh, hi, Professor!"

Turning around, it was Yukari, Junpei, and Aigis coming from the direction of the main three house classrooms.

(Byleth) "Afternoon...Where's Makoto?"

(Junpei) "Oh, dude said he was gonna go ahead of us. We were just chattin' with some of the Blue Lions."

(Aigis) "We have received food from the ones they call 'Mercedes' and 'Annette'."

(Yukari) "Yeah, they're a lot nicer than I thought they'd be to us!"

Recalling what Towa had told him yesterday, Byleth turned to Yukari.

(Byleth) "Towa from Class VII said that you had almost gotten into a fight with a Golden Deer member. Is the House that bad?"

(Yukari) "O-Oh, that. That stupid purple haired guy was being an ass, and I kinda lost my cool...I didn't cause trouble for her did I?"

Byleth motioned to the Persona Users with his head to keep walking, the four of them making their way to the Training Hall.

(Byleth) "Not particularly. Makes me wonder how the rest of the Houses will view us since we won the Mock Battle."

Junpei shrugged as he adjusted the tip of his cap.

(Junpei) "They oughtta give us some respect! You guys won that fair and square!"

(Aigis) "I do not believe the way Kazuma fought classifies as 'fair'."

(Yukari) "Well, the way everyone else did was at least. Kazuma kinda deserved to get his butt kicked like that."

(Byleth) "Agreed."

Passing through the dorms, the four saw the students of Class VII enter the Hall, meaning that they were likely the last ones. Assuming Sara wasn't running late, which was probably unlikely in the short time they got to know her already. Deciding to take this additional time to ask, Byleth turned to the Persona Users.

(Byleth) "By the way, do you three know what the 'Velvet Room' is?"

Yukari, Junpei, and Aigis all exchanged a confused look, seeing shaking heads and shrugs in response.

(Junpei) "That some kinda VIP room here at the Monastery?"

(Byleth) "...Nevermind, that answers my question."

So only Makoto was aware of it. Makes sense, considering he was the only one from their group that could speak to Sothis. That only brought up more questions, it seems like Class VII and Megumi were unable to see her at all, leaving only three of the off-worlders able to see her. And considering they all had to be special in some way to do so, that left one glaring question for him.

Who is Sothis?

(Yukari) "Professor?"

(Byleth) "Huh?"

Byleth blinked upon hearing his name, turning to the students who appeared mildly concerned.

(Junpei) "You kinda spaced out there. Funnily enough, Makoto also does that."

(Aigis) "You exhibit the same stare our leader employs upon entering Tartarus."

(Byleth) "Tartarus?"

At first, Yukari motioned for Aigis to be be quiet, before taking a second to process something going through her mind, and instead sighing.

(Yukari) "Sorry. It's something from our world that'd take a while to explain. We'll just say it has to do with those creatures you saw us fight when we first arrived here."

(Junpei) "Come to think of it, Yuka-tan, I don't think the Dark Hour has triggered once while we've been here..."

(Yukari) "Wait...y-you're right! I didn't even think about that!"

Dark Hour? Well, Byleth supposed that was going on the list of things to ask Makoto and Elizabeth about the next chance he got. Before Byleth got a chance to ask what they were talking about, the bell rang once again and caught all of their attention.

(Aigis) "Class is starting, Professor."

(Byleth) "Right. Let's go in and get started, there's a lot to talk about now that Jeralt can actually be with us today."

...

Just as Byleth presumed, today was a lengthy discussion. Towa was kind enough to grab everyone's attention and wrangle them in, despite the bickering (mostly from Kazuma's group) amongst the class. Their first order of business was to discuss the similarities on how they arrived to this world, which boiled down to almost nothing but a singular thing. Class VII had gone through some otherworldly trial and found a giant mechanized golem before a rift opened up and sucked in the unfortunate souls close enough to it. Kazuma and his friends were on some quest dealing with a godly artifact, which Aqua apparently had accidentally dropped, leading it to malfunction and get them swallowed into a rift. SEES was in the middle of an operation before finding themselves cut off, and their only escape into a white light that opened up, presumably the same rift as everyone else. Even Megumi, whose world appeared to be entirely without magical beings, had been absorbed into a rift moments before death, leading to her second chance here in Fódlan.

Pointedly, Byleth avoided mentioning Sothis, both to not confuse his father and not agitate Aqua and goading her into another headache-inducing spat. The last rift in the village had someone in a dark cloak interfere and summon a monster from it, though, it didn't appear that he was the cause of it, but his origins remained unknown.

(Kazuma) "Psh, great, now we gotta worry about some hooded assholes watching us from the shadows?"

(Junpei) "What, are you kidding? I'm more afraid of the things I can see, like swords, and knives! I've seen how some of the students look at us here!"

(Makoto) "Speaking of which, thanks for drop-kicking Lorenz-"

(Jeralt) ahem! "Back on topic, Junpei has a point. We should worry more about the ones surrounding us. The Church of Seiros rarely tolerate anyone who threatens their power, if you all hadn't helped out, their tune about this little group would be far more aggressive. And now, we have their full attention since we won the Mock Battle, so much so that the Archbishop has directly given me our orders for this month."

Jeralt casually grabbed a roll of paper, then tilted his hand over to Byleth.

(Jeralt) "Kid, mind reading this out loud for everyone?"

His son grabbed the bottom of the sheet and first reading it to himself, unintentionally leaving everyone in suspense.

(Laura) "Orders? We are already being integrated this quickly into their routine?"

(Elliot) "I know this is a military academy, but they're a little too eager to have us march off considering they met us!"

(Rean) "Maybe it's because we just arrived and disrupted the balance of the three houses that the Church is speeding things along?"

(Aqua) "That's good, right?"

(Megumi) "I would like to think so, but something tells me it's not that simple..."

(Yukari) "Ever since we showed up here, nothing has been."

Byleth cleared his throat and prepared to speak, grabbing everyone's attention.

(Byleth) "House Isekai is to accompany the Black Eagles House to eliminate the bandits that had attacked the students near Remire Village."

Even before Byleth finished reading, the moment the word 'eliminate' escaped his lips caused most members of House Isekai to recoil, everyone except Sharon and Sara.

(Kazuma) "Woah woah woah! They just want us to kill them? It'd be one thing if they were demons or crap, and not like bandits are entirely innocent, but why are they telling us to do it instead?!"

(Megumi) "Surely this is a joke! Everyone at this Officer's Academy are the same age as my students at home! Why would they want them to kill?!"

(Towa) "Not even Class VII's tasks were something so crude!"

(Alisa) "We've only killed monsters, not humans!"

Sara appeared to tense up, her hands gripping the sleeves of her jacket rather tightly.

(Sara) "That's one hell of a messed thing to be asking kids to do. Not even arresting?"

(Byleth) "...No."

(Jeralt) "Like I said, the Church would be singing a different tune about your 'heroics' if you weren't fighting specifically for them."

Seeing the visceral reactions of House Isekai to being ordered to kill suddenly put Jeralt's avoidance of the Church into perspective for Byleth. Granted, Byleth was no stranger to killing, far from it. But to ask these kids to kill other humans?

(Megumin) "Are the other Houses okay with this?"

(Byleth) "I'd certainly hope not, but given how our world is, it wouldn't be surprising to me if they've had to kill prior to coming here."

(Darkness) "Surely with an organization this large, taking them prisoner would not be an issue for the Knights? Unless...they are asking each House to accomplish this task without assistance from the Knights?!"

(Aigis) "Upon processing the orders given to us, it is unlikely they will be present during the mission."

For the first time, Byleth saw Sharon's smile completely gone as she spoke with a chilling tone.

(Sharon) "So, this Church would send the children of its nation to bloody their hands as part of their teachings? And as far as I understand, no one in the history of this Academy has spoken up against this?"

(Jeralt) "Not a single one."

A heavy silence weighed upon House Isekai now, no one sure what to say or how to even process this news.

(Rean) "And, when are we being sent out?"

(Byleth) "According to the paper, the end of this month on the 31st."

(Megumi) "That's only five days to prepare!"

(Sara) "...For now, we'll go along with the Church's plans."

(Towa) "I-Instructor?"

Everyone turned to Sara, who was now leaving the Training Hall, anger written all over her face.

(Sara) "I don't like this one bit, but I doubt I'd like the answer if we said no any better. We'll carry on our plans for the week as normal, but we sure as hell won't kill just because some bigwig told us to."

She turned around, motioning to Sharon with her eyes to follow. The maid of Class VII promptly walked behind Sara, the click of her heels drowning out the whispers of House Isekai.

(Sara) "Field practice with me will begin bright and early on Wednesday. Make sure you're all rested by then."

(Class VII) "Yes, ma'am!"

All of Class VII nodded, a newfound fire in their eyes. As the two approached the door, Sara glanced over to Sharon, their grim expressions matching.

(Sara) "You know how I feel about asking you a favor-"

(Sharon) "Worry not, miss Sara. I will keep my eye on the Church as well."

As Byleth watched the two leave, his eyes focused on the rest of the House speaking amongst themselves, with Jeralt approaching him.

(Jeralt) "With us here, doubt these kids will have to get their hands dirty."

(Byleth) "Let's hope so, Jeralt..."

Jeralt put a hand on Byleth's shoulder and gave it a gentle squeeze before moving over to Towa, speaking loudly, yet casually to grab everyone's attention.

Though what he said was tuned out, hearing Sothis's voice in his head.

(Sothis) "So, taking children into battle are we? I am not certain I will be able to sleep soundly after beholding something like that..."

(Byleth) Thankfully, everyone else seems to be of the same mind.

Though Class VII responded first, it didn't take long for the energy to infect the rest of House Isekai.

(Makoto) "We don't use our Personas to kill, understood?"

(Junpei) "As if you needed to ask!"

(Yukari) "Of course!"

(Aigis) "Acknowledged."

(Kazuma) "Megu-nee! We need to get you a sword!"

(Megumi) "H-Huh?! Why?!"

(Darkness) "We need to ensure you are able to defend yourself! Now please, hit me with that training sword as hard as you-"

(Aqua) "Oh please, she needs to learn how to heal! I can teach her that-"

(Megumin) "She needs some explosions more than anything!-"

Already, House Isekai seemed to bounce back from its initial shock, more determined than ever to work together.

(Byleth) Looks like we don't need to teach them anything on this front.

(Sothis) "Hm, how fortunate for us."

Byleth walked over to Jeralt and Towa's side, ready to begin today's lesson. Though, the dream and warning Elizabeth had given him was rushing back to his mind.

'Disaster awaits House Isekai, though it is one that you all can fight.'

If Byleth and Sothis truly were represented by this 'Fool Arcana', then it looks like these possibilities to avoid this disaster were already beginning to bloom.

Chapter Text

(5/31) 31st of the Harpstring Moon, 1180

Byleth walked into the entrance hall, Jeralt to his right and Sothis to his left. In the room currently was the students of House Isekai and the Black Eagles, Jeritza pointedly not standing next to Sara, Sharon, and Megumi and instead nearby Edelgard. Jeritza hardly glanced at the other two professors, not saying a word even as they approached Edelgard, who was speaking to Hubert.

(Edelgard) "Professors. I'm delighted that you two are able to join us for this mission."

(Jeralt) "Hm. You seem awfully calm about this."

Edelgard nodded, quickly joined in by the rest of the Black Eagles as House Isekai watched.

(Edelgard) "If I am to be a proper leader, I must have the resolve to meet a task like this head on."

(Byleth) "Suppose you aren't wrong."

(Hubert) "The question remains, does your House have the same resolve as Lady Edelgard, Professor?"

(Makoto) "What's that supposed to mean?"

Hubert turned to face House Isekai, his expression remaining stoic, yet everyone could tell what he was truly thinking.

(Hubert) "I understand that your House has reservations about killing. Understandable, but you are in OUR world. To hesitate for even a moment, would result in your death. Tell me, do you have the stomach to be here, or was the Mock Battle a fluke?"

Kazuma scoffed so loud that it echoed in throughout the vast hall, shoving aside his own friends to point a finger in Hubert's face.

(Kazuma) "Listen here, you creepy snake lookin' bastard! We risked our necks to save that village while your asses sat behind and watched! So if you wanna say we don't have the balls, then kiss my ass!"

Aqua followed up by sticking out her tongue and blowing a raspberry.

(Yukari) "Real mature you two..."

(Rean) "Not the way I would've phrased it, but I agree with Kazuma."

Rean stepped forward with him, not entirely glaring daggers but getting close to it as he shot the same look toward Edelgard.

(Rean) "We'll do what's necessary to bring these bandits to justice and protect both Houses, but do NOT think that we'll be deadweight."

To that, Edelgard motioned a hand for Hubert to stand down, nodding with the faintest hint of a smile on her composed face.

(Edelgard) "Very well. I look forward to seeing you all in action."

Edelgard departed first, followed by Hubert and Jeritza, though the rest of the Black Eagles stayed behind for a moment.

(Bernadetta) "Whew...! That was intense, I thought a fight was gonna break out!"

(Caspar) "Would've been cool to see who'd win though!"

(Linhardt) "That's asking for disaster...Though I admit, I wasn't able to see them fight up close yet.-"

(Dorothea) "ANYWAYS! Sorry about Edie there. She and Hubie are a little intense, they don't mean anything by it."

(Junpei) "Really? That sounded SUPER personal to me!"

(Rean) "Well, to be fair we did kinda play dirty."

(Makoto) "One of us did-"

(Kazuma) "I'll dropkick YOU next if you don't let that go!"

(Makoto) "It was last week, why are you saying as it happened a long time-?"

Megumi loudly cleared her throat and walked over to the Black Eagles.

(Megumi) AHEM!"Will you all be okay? This mission sounds very dangerous."

(Ferdinand) "Worry not ma'am, it's why we're here! To train for this very situation!"

(Petra) "Indeed. We are the ready fight!"

(Linhardt) "We are ready to fight, Petra."

(Petra) "Oh! Please forgiveness! I am still learning this language!"

(Elliot) "I hope we can get along, despite the rocky start!"

(Laura) "Instructors, should we be off as well?"

Jeralt and Byleth nodded, looking toward Sara and the others.

(Sara) "Alright kiddos, let's get going. The location is going to be a loooong walk."

(Towa) "House Isekai, Black Eagles, let's move out!"

Everyone followed after Edelgard, all forming one massive group as they left, leaving Byleth, Jeralt, and Sharon to cover their flanks.

(Byleth) "So, the Church really is just sending us off by ourselves?"

(Jeralt) "Seems like it. Our mercs will be backup in case if the brats are in real danger, but I sincerely doubt they'll just let us go completely unsupervised."

Jeralt then turned to Sharon, giving her a nod.

(Jeralt) "Whoever our would be observers are, don't think they'd escape our notice for long."

(Sharon) "Please rest assured, I will have both eyes wide open."

Sothis hovered next to Sharon, shivering at her unchanging smile.

(Sothis) "I am not quite sure I like the phrasing of her words..."

(Byleth) Better that she's working with us than against us. Let's hope Edelgard has a similar mindset too.

Edelgard and Hubert continued their pace ahead of the group long enough to get their final words in before the long journey with everyone else.

(Edelgard) "You might have agitated them more than you needed to, Hubert."

(Hubert) "Perhaps, but harsh words are miniscule compared to our real threat."

Edelgard hummed, not being able to find a retort to that. If House Isekai was truly as strong willed as they said they were, then today's trials should be no issue. Besides, she knew better than to let a chance fly by. House Isekai might be Edelgard's only one to save a friend. 

It took a majority of the day to arrive to their destination, which neared a Count's residence on the borders of the Empire and Kingdom. The sight wasn't particularly new to Jeralt and Byleth, since they had travelled all over before arriving to Garreg Mach. And judging by the lack of reactions from everyone else, they hadn't seen something too dissimilar. Barring SEES and Megumi, though the teacher moreso than the four. The other mercenaries had been sent to scout ahead in order to corner the bandits, since the Knights of Seiros were busy accompanying the other Houses. There was nothing but a canyon at the end of their destination, meaning they would have the bandits cornered. Yet, upon a scout's return...-

(Jeralt) "You lost sight of them?"

(Mercenary Scout) "Yeah, one second we were on their heels, ready to capture 'em and...Poof! They were gone!"

(Rean) "Is there any tunnel networks in this region, by any chance?"

(Linhardt) "That we're aware of, no, according to my reading of the local area."

Byleth frowned at the news, putting one hand under his chin, looking around the environment. There were patches of trees surrounding them, but hardly enough to hide an entire force of bandits. And they were at the bottom of said canyon, meaning above them lied a massive cliffside that'd be impossible to scale, or not have anyone notice. Sothis hovered to his side, crossing her arms and shooting a question towards Byleth.

(Sothis) "Is it possible that these miscreants have used magic to escape?"

(Kazuma) "Hm...Good point."

Everyone turned to Kazuma in confusion before he quickly cleared his throat, forgetting for a moment that not everyone could hear Byleth's companion.

(Kazuma) "E-Er, just meant that Schwarzer has a point about different methods of escaping. Since magic exists in this place, are you guys able to teleport people?"

(Hubert) "Possible, yes. But it requires extraordinary amounts of energy to do so."

Makoto nodded then turned to Aigis.

(Makoto) "Are you able to sense any high levels of power or anything being used?"

(Aigis) "...Affirmative, but it is rapidly fading in and out. It is towards that direction."

Aigis stiffly raised her arm past towards the trees. There was nothing immediately suspicious could be viewed, but that was probably the point. More importantly, it gave the group a lead rather than fumbling around blindly.

(Jeritza) "Hmph. Then we continue forth.-"

Jeritza rushed ahead of the group, moving on alone despite Edelgard calling after him.

(Edelgard) "P-Professor Jeritza! Wait, it's too dangerous to-..." sigh "Well, at least we have an idea where to go, my thanks, Aigis."

Everyone ran after Jeritza, but Byleth and Jeralt once again lagged behind to speak to one another.

(Byleth) "I don't like one bit of this..."

(Jeralt) "Agreed. Why waste such massive power on a bunch of random bandits? Who the hell's backing these guys?"

After a few minutes of running after Jeritza, the group saw him, Sara, and Sharon overlooking a small hill, though as to what they were looking at, none could see.

(Edelgard) "Professor! You shouldn't run ahead like-...What in the-?!"

Everyone took a moment to adjust their eyes from the setting sun, though what lied ahead of them could be no trick of the eye. A massive gray walled fortress sit at the bottom of the hill, its walls dilapidated with several holes breaching through the interior. No one could see any banner it flew, apart from rubble and crudely strung about wooden poles. Though the size of the interior was anyone's guess, given the terrible state of the fortress, it could be terribly open or unfathomably cramped. 

(Aigis) "...Sensing massive fluctuations within the fortress. It is likely our targets remain inside."

(Aqua) "What the heck are we waiting for?! Let's go in there and kick their butts!-"

(Sara) "Hang on a second there, kiddo. If this is where the bandits are hiding out, why's there no one on watch?"

(Jeritza) "It matters not. They already know we are coming and they are dead men. More than likely an ambush is awaiting our arrival.-"

(Sharon) "Much as I'm rather inclined to agree, the lack of activity is rather...disquieting."

The group took a moment to observe for a minute, and like the maid had said, there was absolutely nothing

(Bernadetta) "T-This seems bad! I don't think we should go down there when we don't have a single clue what's going on!"

(Edelgard) "Bernadetta, please calm yourself. Though, I do concede that you are right to be cautious, It'd be reckless for all of us to waltz in. We require a vanguard."

(Laura) "I hope that means you will not sit up here as all of House Isekai charges in alone?-"

To everyone's surprise, Edelgard shook her head, instead gesturing her hand to herself.

(Edelgard) "Of course not. I will lead a small group from the Black Eagles to prod their defenses, and once we gain a further understanding, we all shall strike together."

(Ferdinand) "Allow me to join you then, with my help the bandits shall be dispatched in no time!"

(Dorothea) "Ferdie, I don't think you heard her when she said we're a scouting force. We won't be taking all of them on alone. I hope."

(Caspar) "Regardless of what we are, we're bringing them to justice, right Petra?!"

(Petra) "You are the correct, Caspar!"

(Jeritza) "Hm, then you five will follow me. And how about your lot?"

Byleth glanced over to Rean first, and then the rest of Class VII. He had already seen what Rean was capable of firsthand, but not the rest of his friends.

(Byleth) "Class VII, you up for the challenge?"

(Elliot) "I'm not as magically attuned as some of the others, but I can at least detect if anything's coming!"

(Rean) "Right behind you, Elliot!"

(Laura) "As am I!"

(Alisa) "Leave it to us!"

(Towa) "Providing support, Instructor!"

(Byleth) "Hm. You mind, Sara?"

Byleth nodded before his eyes drifted over to Sara. The instructor had her arms crossed, casually leaning to the side before flicking a thumbs up to Byleth. Despite her demeanor, he looked into her eyes and saw the same expression Jeralt wore right before a battle.

(Kazuma) "Oh thank god, we're not first!"

(Jeralt) "We'll keep a lookout up here, and come rushing if we see anything. You sure you don't need anyone else?"

(Byleth) "Don't worry, we'll retreat if need be. Don't intend on dying again to bandits."

(Jeralt) "...Again?"

Pointedly ignoring his slip of the tongue and Sothis's snicker, Byleth turned towards the Black Eagles.

(Byleth) "Ready."

Edelgard's lips formed into a smirk, grabbing her axe and turning towards the ruined gate, with Jeritza calmly speaking out.

(Jeritza) "We'll put these bandits to rout. Follow me."

Byleth and Jeritza led their respective groups down the hill, cautiously approaching the gates and taking cover behind several rocks as they approached. Again, it was eerily silent. No torches had been lit yet, whether that was because it wasn't dark enough or no one simply did, no one could tell.

(Byleth) "Elliot, can you sense anything?"

Elliot held his Orbal Staff tightly, a faint light emitting from his ARCUS unit but shook his head.

(Elliot) "N-No, sir. Nothing."

Rean held onto the sheathe of his tachi, his brows furrowing as he glanced the railings of the fortress. He was half expecting arrows to rain down the group in surprise, and part of him wished it did. At least that would've tipped the bandit's hand.

(Rean) "I'm not sensing anything either..."

(Caspar) "Man, the anticipation is killing me...! When's the fighting gonna start?!-"

(Petra) "Right now, Caspar, we hunt! To move hastily is giving away advantage!"

(Jeritza) "And so is speaking unnecessarily. Silence yourselves."

Byleth and Jeritza  moved up toward the gate together. It had already been lifted up making their entry easy, though they still crept slowly through it, peeking their heads around the corner. The courtyard inside was devoid of any life, or any signs of the keep being inhabited to begin with. As far as Byleth could tell, it was completely abandoned, for quite some time too.

Class VII and the Black Eagles trailed behind their instructors, keeping their eyes above on the stairs leading up to the upper walls and any potential hiding spot. But the only way further into the fortress, was through another open gate into the fortress where they could finally see the interior, solid black stone lined with pulsing blue lights that stretched on into an abyssal hallway before suddenly veering left and right, the chasm's depth impossible to determine.

(Byleth) "What the hell...?!"

Byleth's head began pulsing as he stared at the interior, one hand moving to his head, failing to shake off the ringing that suddenly overpowered everything around him. It was only after a few moments that the ringing began to die down, being able to hear the concerned voices of his students.

(Alisa) "I-Instructor Byleth, are you alright?!"

(Byleth) 'Sorry, I think the lights in there are seriously hurting my head..."

(Sothis) "I felt it too, the same sensation from the other children and Rhea...!"

(Byleth) Maybe we should get a healer to look at us once this is over with...

He glanced over to the Black Eagles, and saw that Ferdinand, Dorothea, Petra, and Caspar were similarly affected, albeit not to the extent he was. They were more shocked looking at it than anything, but he noted that Edelgard and Jeritza appeared relatively calm, despite the uncomfortable look on their faces.

(Ferdinand) "What in the world is that!?"

(Dorothea) "Maybe this is that weird sensation Aigis was picking up?"

(Elliot) "I'm definitely getting a more intense feeling being near this place, but..."

(Laura) "I'm assuming this is not a natural cave formation for this world?"

(Petra) "Not slightest..."

(Towa) "Then we definitely need to get the others! Maybe this is something related to one of ours-"

Before Towa could finish, a distant gunshot echoed in the sky, making everyone turn around-

Suddenly, there was more gunshots that quickly followed. And just a few seconds later, the group heard screaming accompany them.

...

(Sara) 'GET DOWN!-"

Sara dashed towards Bernadetta and Linhardt, tackling them out of the way of an incoming fireball that incinerated the ground they were standing at. Masked figures suddenly appeared behind the trees, all of whom were casting spells and just as quickly vanishing. Jeralt and Sharon had taken several hits as they shielded the members taken off guard. The rest of which were scrambling to get out of the open, with their only option closer to the fortress where Byleth and the others had entered.

(Kazuma) "Where did these dickheads come from?!"

Kazuma dived into cover, yanking Darkness down with him as she tried to tank a fireball directly with her face, with Aqua and Megumin dragging Junpei behind a rock.

(Junpei) "Sons of bitches got me good!-"

(Makoto) "Tch, damn it! Aigis!-"

Without another word Aigis raised her hands, bullets roaring out of her fingers as wood and stone splintered off, causing a brief pause in the sudden attack. Hubert slid down as his eyes quickly studied the walls-

(Hubert) "Above!"

Yukari immediately spun around with her bow, letting loose an arrow at the first figure she saw on the ramparts. The arrow thudded itself into the shoulder of the enemy mage, causing him to stumble over as even more of his allies teleported in. Megumi rushed over to bandage Sharon up, ducking her head as spells whizzed by and nearly slammed into her.

(Megumi) "At this rate, we'll be surrounded!-"

(Bernadetta) "A-ARE WE GOING TO DIE?!"

(Linhardt) "Keep panicking, and you're going to!-"

(Hubert) "Around the side of the walls, professors, I see a door!-"

(Jeralt) "To hell with it, better than sitting out here! MOVE YOUR ASSES, PEOPLE!"

...

(Edelgard) "Damn it, they came from behind?!"

(Laura) "...!"

Laura quickly adjusted her greatsword before rushing toward the chasm, faster than everyone could process. Before two seconds had passed, Laura slammed her greatsword to the ground, creating a small shockwave that jutted the dirt upwards into spikes and sent two masked figures violently into the sides of the wall, breaking some kind of invisibility spell.

(Byleth) "Ambush!"

(Towa) "On the ramparts!-"

Towa aimed her pistol at the enemy, stunning a few of them before their attention was quickly turned to them, all of which were standing out in the open.

(Jeritza) "Mercenary! Take your students and find the leader, we'll hold off the ones out here!"

(Rean) "Wait-!"

Jeritza failed to acknowledge Rean calling out and Byleth motioning to say something, instead charging headfirst to the enemy mages with Edelgard following without hesitation.

(Dorothea) "S-Stay safe you all!"

(Ferdinand) "Goddess be with you! We'll make sure no one comes in from behind!"

The rest of the Black Eagles quickly followed suit, leaving Byleth and the students of Class VII alone.

(Sothis) "What in the world are they thinking?! If these bandits could teleport themselves in as well as hide-"

(Byleth) "It's obvious that these aren't the bandits we're looking for, but Jeritza's right! We need to cut the head off the snake!"

(Girl's Voice) "Ooooh, does that mean I can cut your head off?"

Byleth and Sothis spun around toward the chasm seeing a pale, orange haired girl step out, a sinister smile growing ear to ear. Her clothes were jet black, revealing parts of her light purple skin, her dainty finger tapping rapidly on the hilt of a sword. The red eye that wasn't covered by her hair examined the House Isekai members, the initial amusement fading as she clicked her tongue.

(???) "The name's Kronya, and you're trespassing in MY territory! My walls were already trashed from those damned monsters, now I got a bunch of brats to get rid of on top of the cleanup! Never thought that these days would make killing so irritating!"

Though Byleth and Sothis's heads were ringing once more, this time it wasn't a sense of familiarity they were feeling. This time, it was rage, and neither of the two had an inkling as to why. Byleth felt his grip around his sword tighten violently, his eyes dilating and murderous intent surging through his blood.Anyone threatening the students would already get him angry, but the way he was right now? Byleth had never heard of this woman before...Right?

(Alisa) "Lot of confidence coming from someone looking like a clown reject!"

(Kronya) "Sharp tongue you got there little lady! Wonder how it'll be when I cut it off?!"

Byleth immediately stepped forward, followed by the rest of Class VII who readied their weapons.

(Byleth) "You're welcome to try."

The girl's smile returned as she suddenly hunched forward.

(Kronya) "With pleasure!~"

The woman closed the distance in almost blinding speed, flipping towards them as her first slash attempted to go for Towa's stomach. Rean's reflexes kicked in as he leapt towards his friend, effortlessly parrying Kronya. Kronya gracefully flipped out of the way of Laura's sword as it came crashing down where she was standing, kicking Rean's blade back in the process and staggering him. Alisa slid to her classmate's side and her bow fired an arrow coated with some kind of energy Byleth couldn't identify. Kronya was smart enough to recognize that her weapon was an unknown, rolling to her side as the arrow pierced the ground, then suddenly ignited into a bright flame.

(Kronya) "Oooh, cheating are we?! That's fine, I can play dirty too!-"

Kronya was cut off as an energy bullet hit her square in the chest, leaving a massive bruise and causing her to tumble backwards for the briefest moment, glaring angrily at Towa who had her sights trained exactly on her.

(Towa) "Elliot!"

Elliot was standing a fair distance away from the battle, his staff pulsing a bright blue light before the redhead nodded toward his classmates.

(Elliot) "Detection's done!-"

The ARCUS units of Class VII suddenly all glowed a bright blue, each one of them assuming a ready stance waiting for Kronya to make a move.

(Kronya) "That brown haired girl dies first!...Wait, where did that blue haired-...!"

Her eyes suddenly widened as she swung her sword above her head, barely stopping Byleth's sword from colliding into her head. She could see him gritting his teeth as he nearly overpowered her, feeling her arms starting to buckle under the sheer strength of his swing. As Byleth pulled his sword back, Kronya slipped behind the professor, kicking his side and hurtling him into the courtyard's grass. Not wasting a second, she dodged the next barrage of arrows as Alisa fired faster than she anticipated, narrowly dodging each one while Rean and Laura rushed to meet her head on.

Kronya's sword clashed with Rean for only a split second as she used her free hand to pull out a dagger, throwing it at Laura and forcing her to dodge. The single second that bought Kronya, she immediately capitalized on it by moving towards the swordswoman, the blade aiming for Laura's knees as she moved low. Suddenly, the greatsword stabbed into the dirt, foiling the attack as Kronya bounced off, much to her shock. Laura yanked the sword effortlessly, cutting through the earth as she struck the assassin, the sheer force sending her crashing into the concrete wall, small bits of debris and dust falling down on top of her.

(Kronya) "What the hell?! How did she know I was going to-?!"

It suddenly clicked in her head as her attention turned to Elliot, his staff still shining that same light that was on the ARCUS units. Towa was still healing Byleth, leaving the two of them relatively undefended, perfect.

Kronya suddenly hopped into a full tilt sprint, powering through her injuries as a crazed smile formed on her lips, weaving through Rean and Laura who attempted to stop her. Alisa rushed to the front of Elliot and Towa, firing another arrow and shooting the sword out of her hand. Instead of disarming her, Kronya cackled as she unsheathed another dagger from her belt, sliding past Alisa and leaping for Elliot's head.

Byleth shoved Elliot out the way as he slashed into the air, striking Kronya's hand and drawing blood as she was forced to drop her weapon. Before he could strike again, Kronya dashed away from the group, hand covering her injury as her teeth clenched in rage.

(Kronya) "Tenacious little bastards, aren't you?! Fine, you asked for it! RELEASE THE BEAST WE CAPTURED!"

Kronya's laugh filled the air as a massive black portal formed above her head, causing everyone to step back in terror. That brief distraction being all she needed to grab the final dagger with her good hand, throwing it at Elliot's head. Time suddenly slowed down for Byleth as he realized too late what was about to happen. The second he let his guard down, one of his students was now about to be killed, making him and Sothis instinctively reach out their arms, each second feeling like ages as they failed to warn him.

Before he could even ask Sothis to reverse the flow of time, the ground and air quaked violently, causing everyone to lose their balance, the dagger grazing by and leaving a massive cut on his arm instead of implanting itself in his eye. Caught off guard by the sudden earthquake, everyone, including Kronya turned to the black portal, which had suddenly become white, tearing a hole in reality-

(Sothis) "A-Another rift?!"

The sound of crackling glass as the rift grew brighter caused the fighting to cease entirely, making even the other mages and Black Eagles look at what the noise was, the sudden realization dawning on them as well. 

The rift burst suddenly bursted open, though this time there was no shockwave to ripple through the air. Instead, a massive wolf-like beast fell to the ground, a mass of shadowy creatures already assaulting it as it attempted to throw them off with its jaws in vain. The creatures swarmed the beast as it was consumed in a black fog, making Kronya stare at the rift to see more shadowy creatures dropping to the ground, the blobs staring at everyone with glowing red eyes.

No one said a word, unsure what to make of the situation before the shadowy creatures began to change form in front of their eyes, slowly morphing into the shape of armored human soldiers from Fódlan, and began charging the closest targets they could see, with Byleth and Class VII quickly dispatching of the creatures. Kronya effortlessly dodged their poorly timed attacks, retreating further back into the chasm away from the rift that had yet to close.

(Kronya) "How the hell are these stupid things here again, didn't those idiots take care of them already?!-"

(Byleth) "Again...?!"

From the rift, another group of figures dropped down, though these ones appeared different than before. There were four of them, one much smaller than the other three, landing gracefully as the colors of their outfits began to settle in. The crack in reality suddenly sealed itself, though the shadow soldiers it dropped in still attacked everything in sight, some now charging the Black Eagles.

(Kronya) "Screw this, WE'RE LEAVING!-"

Kronya and the mages disappeared in flashes of blinding light, the exact same way the hooded figure did back at the village. Before Byleth could begin to think about it, he parried an attack from one of the shadow soldiers, slicing at its neck and banishing it into nothing as it dissipated into specks of black and smoke. The figures broke into a run at the ones attacking the Black Eagles, their attitudes completely different from these attackers-

(Byleth) "Edelgard, watch out!-"

Instead of attacking the students like he anticipated, he saw the first figure leap into the air, twirling all the while before landing stylishly in front of Edelgard and facing the shadow soldier head on. Now that Byleth could see them properly, it appeared to be a black haired human boy, wearing a long coat and mask, one that his hand was reaching for-

(Masked Boy) "Showtime! ARSENE!"

Blue flames erupted around the boy as a ghostly red figure sprung up behind him, its black wings sprouting into the air, the pressure of which blew the shadows back as the Black Eagles raised one arm and struggled to stay upright. The red ghost snapped its fingers and another blue flame erupted the shadows into an inferno, vanishing as soon as the boy rushed forward with a dagger.

Byleth and the others could only watch in awe, before seeing a blonde haired boy reach for his mask as more shadows approached Class VII.

(Skull-Masked Boy) "PERSONA!"

(Laura) "Wait, isn't that just like-?"

(Alisa) "HIT THE DECK!-"

Everyone ducked as the blonde's Persona swept across the courtyard on what appeared to be a ship, knocking every shadow into the wall and causing them to explode upon impact. As soon as it vanished, the blonde rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly, waving toward Byleth's group.

(Skull-Masked Boy) "Shit! HEY! SORRY ABOUT THAT!-"

The smaller figure hopped over to the boy not even coming up to his knee, yet wielding a comically large sword in its hand.

(Cat?) "Hey, focus on the battle, Skull!"

(Sothis) "D-Did that cat just speak?!"

(Cat?) "I AM NOT A CAT, YOU FLOATING GREEN BUSH!"

(Sothis) "EXCUSE ME!?"

(Byleth) "Everyone, help the Persona Users out!"

(Rean) "Understood! Class VII, let's go!"

As Class VII and Black Eagles began to assist taking out the shadow soldiers, Byleth caught a glimpse of the last figure, wearing a tacky skin-tight red suit as her whip took out a whole group of their enemy, without even using her Persona. She quickly switched to a weapon similar to Towa and Sara's, bullets spraying wildly as she screamed out. It was only a matter of moments before the rest of the shadow soldiers were dispatched, leaving the wounded beast as it tried to get up, snarling at the others.

Before Byleth could issue out an order, the first masked boy landed in front of him once again, his coat blowing in the wind dramatically as he turned to face everyone.

(Masked Boy) "That one's mine."

The boy didn't bother to summon his Persona, instead pulling out a pistol and pulling the trigger once. A single gunshot reverberated through the air as it pierced through the beast, exploding into a black smoke and leaving no trace. In fact, besides the scorched grass and holes in the stone walls, there was nothing left that indicated a battle even happened. The shadow creatures had all vanished, even the enemy mages' bodies did as well. Byleth took a deep breath, sword still in hand but his shoulders slumped in relaxation, with everyone moving to talk to their new masked allies.

(Edelgard) "I suppose at this rate, I'd be more surprised if something went according to plan..."

(Byleth )"Agreed, didn't count on another rift showing up."

(Elliot )"A-Agh! Oh, that hurts!-"

(Alisa) "Elliot!"

A small wave of panic washed over Byleth as he suddenly remembered the injury Elliot had sustained. Elliot knelt down in pain as Towa grabbed some bandages to help him, with the rest of Class VII joining her.

(Laura) "How deep is the cut?"

(Towa) "It's not fatal, but we need an actual doctor to look at this when we get back!"

(Rean) "Here, take my hand!"

Rean helped Elliot stand back up, after which all the members of Class VII moved to look at Byleth, awaiting instructions.

(Byleth) "It sounds like the fighting has stopped, but we need to make sure the others are okay too. First, we need to see who these guys are."

Byleth looked over to the masked Persona Users, which he noticed they were staring back a good distance away, Sothis appearing next to him as he tried to look closer.

(Sothis) "So, it seems we have new companions to take in..."

(Byleth) They're Persona Users just like Makoto and his friends. Think they know each other?

(Sothis) "Hm, It's possible, but we must figure out if they are truly friend or foe. What purpose does their masks and odd clothing choices serve, anyhow?"

(Byleth) I...somehow doubt they're thinking about how they look compared to us right now.

...

(Ann) "They...must think we look like total freaks right now."

Ren, Ryuji, and Morgana turned to Ann who was getting more self conscious by the second. She was constantly looking at her outfit's tail, and then to the rest of her clothes.

(Ryuji) "You for real, dude? I thought you already got over this."

(Ann) "Skull, take one look at everyone else in this castle right now! They're all wearing uniforms that look prim and proper! We're over here looking like we're attending some Halloween event!"

(Morgana) "Panther, don't talk so bad about yourself! You look stunning as-"

Ren loudly cleared his throat, catching the rest of the Phantom Thieves attention.

(Ren) "Well, I'd say you three look more out of place than I do."

(Ryuji) "...Yeah, gotta agree with Joker. He kinda looks like that masked dude over there-"

Ryuji blatantly pointed at the man in white, causing him to raise an eyebrow and the rest of the students to whisper to one another, all staring at the Phantom Thieves.

(Ann) "Oh, shut up!...W-Wait a second, this doesn't matter right now! Where in the heck did we end up, and who are these people?!"

The Phantom Thieves took a moment to scan their surroundings, realizing very quickly that this wasn't the Palace they were previously in.

(Ryuji) "Shit, you're right! I thought we just ended up flying out the window of the Palace!"

Ren sighed, responding to his companion but keeping an eye on the students who were now beginning to approach them.

(Ren) "Skull, we were in an office building-"

(Ryuji) "Listen man, the second we start beating ass, everything starts to blur together!"

The four of them positioned themselves to talk to this group they had saved, but still spaced out enough in case another fight broke out.

(Ann) "...Alright can't really argue that one."

(Morgana) "Hm...I can't sense the Treasure anymore...A-Actually, I can't sense anything right now!"

(Ryuji) "What?! Can we get into contact with Oracle?-...Shit, I can't even sense the others!"

(Ren) "Meaning we're cut off for now..."

The Phantom Thieves turned to the blue haired man approaching them, accompanied by other students and a mysterious floating green girl.

Kazuma winced in pain as Aqua began to cast her healing spell on him. A fireball had exploded onto his face, one that was aimed for Bernadetta originally. And to which the girl he saved was apologizing profusely.

(Bernadetta) "I-I-I'm so sorry! I should've paid more attention and you wouldn't have-!"

(Kazuma) "Relax, already! Jeez, I've said it's fine like 3 times now! Besides, that didn't hurt nearly as bad as a few of my deaths."

(Linhardt) "...Wait, you've died?"

Ignoring his question, Kazuma stood up, seeing everyone was in the process of either receiving bandages or healing spells within the dark corridor. The door Hubert had taken the group into lead further into this strange chasm, House Isekai and the 3 Black Eagles members taking shelter in a nearby room, the only thing inside being more of these strange pulsing lights. As far as everyone could tell, it was magical, but the purpose was unknown.

A wounded Makoto, Sharon, and Hubert stood outside the door on guard, weapons still in hand, making Kazuma walk out to them.

(Kazuma) "Ack, anything going on out here?"

(Hubert) "Mercifully, no. But I'd prefer not to be distracted by smalltalk-"

(Kazuma) "Then you can shut up, ya emo creepazoid, I'll just talk to these two."

Hubert's eye twitched at that, but Kazuma ignored him and instead directed his question to the Persona User and Maid.

(Makoto) "Not that I can sense. But apparently, Sara said she saw something on the way here."

(Sharon) "Aigis is with her since she can scan for lifeforms in this strange place."

(Kazuma) "Hm...Hope the others are okay."

Jeralt's footsteps echoed behind them, causing the four to look back at the grizzled mercenary.

(Jeralt) "If they heard us fighting, that tat least gave them a headstart. Maybe they continued on in this place, or hunkered down in the courtyard. Either way, we can't linger."

Hubert pointedly said nothing as the others engaged in small talk, the retainer staring blankly down the lit corridors of the strange fortress.

(Hubert) ...Hm. This worked out better than I ever expected it to.

...

(Aigis) "This is the area we passed by, ma'am."

(Sara) "Thanks, kiddo. Glad to see I wasn't losing my mind."

Sara and Aigis both had their guns drawn out, looking down the corridors before finally finding what appeared to be the prison. During their escape, Sara swore she had saw something inside these cells, and lo and behold-

A red haired girl wearing a Garreg Mach uniform was chained inside one of the cells, injured, but most importantly, not dead. While Sara was thankful to save what was most likely a student, there was a question ringing loudly in her head.

(Sara) Now...what are YOU doing in a place like this...?

Chapter Text

It had now been two hours since both Houses decided to investigate the interior of the fortress, with Jeralt's mercenaries standing guard outside. Despite the attack on the students, the mercenaries had reported they heard nothing in the outskirts of the forest. Given that they had teleported in and out, Byleth didn't doubt that they were able to mask their presence. He sighed loudly as he exited the chasm and back into the courtyard, thankful that no one had gotten hurt, or worse. Sothis appeared by his side, her eyes drifting from the aftermath of the battle and frowning at the sight of blood amidst the grass, one that spilled from both Byleth and Class VII. 

(Sothis) "That girl was faster than I had anticipated."

Byleth simply hummed in agreement instead of saying anything. His hand instinctually reached for his waist, now covered in white cloth to begin the healing process. Though he bore some nasty bruises alongside his students, it was nothing he couldn't recover from. But the feelings of anger and shame lingered. if it weren't for the Phantom Thieves' accidental arrival, Elliot would be dead right now because he failed to keep his guard up.

Just like the fight with the bandit leader at Remire Village.

(Sothis) "Relax, child. We still possess the ability to reverse the flow of time."

(Byleth) We shouldn't be using it as a crutch, Sothis. It's my job as a mercenary to make sure I'm always ready for anything, and as a Professor, it's to make sure nothing happens to our students.

(Sothis) "That is a fair point, but acknowledge you have held remarkably well, given the circumstances. A lesser man would have been broken underneath the pressure."

As Byleth moved to say something else, instead he found Sara exiting the chasm, giving a casual wave as she approached him. She was covered in even more bandages than he was, noticing a slight limp to her walk. Sara stretched her arms up into the air, studying the aftermath of the fight herself. A small hum exited her lips, turning to Byleth with the smallest smile.

(Sara) "I see you and my kids were also having fun in here.-"

(Byleth) "I'm sorry they got hurt."

Sara went silent as Byleth faced his fellow teacher, shaking his head as his fists began to clench.

(Byleth) "Whoever that lady was, she nearly killed us several times during that fight. I was too slow and-"

A hand raised to his face cut Byleth off. Once it was lowered, he could see the smile on Sara's face had become a bit softer than before.

(Sara) "Believe me, I'm beating myself up as well for not noticing that we were walking straight into an ambush. But, I'm glad you guys are alright. We'll take this ass kicking to heart and make sure they can't get the drop on us again."

She playfully punched Byleth's shoulder, making him flinch in pain from the sudden unintentional sting.

(Byleth) "Tch! Hey, watch it."

(Sara) "Heh, that's the most emotion I've seen out of you yet. Come on! Don't tell me the mercs in this world are all softies, my Bracer group would eat you guys alive if you're glaring at me for a little nudge.~"

Byleth rolled his eyes before looking back into the chasm, doing his best to ignore the echoes of familiarity that sprung up as he did so. Even when he and Sothis walked down the halls, they frustratingly couldn't remember anything still.

(Byleth) "So, how are those...Phantom Thieves getting along with the others?"

(Sara) "Actually, that's why I came out here-."

(Ren) "...I feel like I should be more surprised, yet I'm not."

(Ann) "For real, this is becoming too normal..."

Now that the area was relatively secured and thoroughly searched, the students of House Isekai finally all had a chance to meet their newest members and explain the situation. After initial introductions, Makoto explained to the Phantom Thieves what Fódlan was, and how the leading theory of their presence was Sothis accidentally causing them to be stranded here in another world. The offworlders were discussing this in the room they were previously using to tend to the injured, though for now the Black Eagles were off doing their own investigation, supervised by Jeritza and Sharon.

(Megumi) "Now that I think on it, your group seemed really casual about travelling dimensions too, Kazuma. It's only really now settling in to me how bizarre our meeting is."

Kazuma simply shrugged at his teacher, with Aqua making a very similar gesture.

(Kazuma) "Think this is my...Third? Yeah, third time going through this crap. Last time it was in a classroom with a bunch of freaks too...N-Not you, Megu-nee."

(Junpei) "Little rich calling us weirdos when you don't exactly got all screws in ya too, bud."

(Aigis) "It is the pot calling the kettle black, as they say-."

(Kazuma) "Bite me! You all get goddamn ghost powers and all I have are these 3 morons behind me!"

(Aqua) "Hey, I'm more useful than you! Don't forget who repaired that village and can actually read the language here!-"

(Megumin) "My explosion also took out that monster!-"

(Darkness) "And my body can!-"

The Phantom Thieves physically recoiled at Darkness's enthusiasm, making the others cringe at the argument that was escalating into a full yelling match between the four.

(Ryuji) "Sooooo...that normal for this class?"

(Rean) "Haha...unfortunately, I'd say so."

(Towa) AHEM! "Regardless, it's always good to have more friends! And speaking of, you said you're Persona Users right? Does that mean you know SEES?"

Ren and the others turned to their fellow Persona Users, but neither of them appeared to recognize each other.

(Morgana) "Hm...Can't say the name rings a bell."

(Ann) "I recognize the uniform...Gekkoukan, right?"

The members of SEES nodded.

(Yukari) "Yeah, actually. Do you go to school there? Can't really tell because of uh..."

Yukari awkwardly gestured towards the outfits the Phantom Thieves were still wearing.

(Yukari) "...That."

(Elliot) "If you guys don't exactly mind me asking, why are you wearing those costumes in battle?"

(Ann) "Damn it, I told you that they were gonna ask about it!"

Makoto stepped in before the conversation could derail any further, getting back to the actually important questions.

(Makoto) "if you're Persona Users, does that mean you know about the Dark Hour?"

(Ryuji) "...Wuzzat, some kinda late night TV show?"

(Junpei) "Wait, seriously? You haven't seen the freaky ass green glowing night?"

Megumi frowned as the two groups began to bicker, with Class VII noting her expression.

(Laura) "Instructor Sakura, is something the matter?"

(Megumi) "Just...a thought came to me."

Megumi took a deep breath closing her eyes before clearing her throat rather quietly-

(Megumi) "Excuse me!-"

The sudden volume that her voice exuded caused the entire room to go silent, shocked that someone with as gentle of a voice as hers could overpower the chaos unfolding. Though she was flustered for the briefest second, seeing Kazuma steeled herself for the question she was about to ask:

(Megumi) "Kazuma, what year was it before you, um...left Japan?"

Kazuma blew air from his lips as his eyes trailed upwards, tapping his foot and struggling to remember.

(Kazuma) "...2012? Right, Aqua?"

Seeing Aqua nod in affirmation caused SEES and the Phantom Thieves to be taken aback.

(Megumi) "I ask because I saw the phones you all were using, Makoto. And they're older than the ones I've seen back home."

(Junpei) "2012?! But, it's 2009!"

(Ren) "...2016 for us."

The room went silent, processing the information that everyone had presented so far. Despite many of the groups so far hailing from the same world, the time which they were grabbed seemed completely random, ignoring the fact that two of the four so far were in different instances.

(Aqua) "Ugh, this is starting to make my head hurt...!"

(Rean) "It feels like the more we try to put our heads together to make sense of this, the less we understand..."

(Sharon's Voice) "Perhaps its best we put a pin on it then?-"

The Phantom Thieves leapt in terror, Sharon suddenly appearing behind the door they were standing in front of with a chilling smile.

(Ryuji) "WOAH HOLY SHIT!-"

(Morgana) "What the-?! I didn't even hear her approach!"

(Alisa) "Yeah, she does that. You'll get used to it..."

(Ann) "D-Do I want to?!"

(Sharon) "It has been a rather long day, with injuries to take home as souvenirs. We can talk about it once we have sufficiently rested back at the Monastery."

Jeralt's footsteps echoed down the hall as he leaned against the door frame, nodding in agreement.

(Jeralt) "It's a long walk back too, so save the energy and prepare to move out, kids. Megumi?"

(Megumi) "Ah, coming! Make sure your bandages are all secure before we leave!"

The teacher bowed towards everyone before leaving the students to gather their gear, joining Sharon and Jeralt as they no doubt were about to find Byleth and Sara.

(Makoto) "Regardless, welcome to House Isekai."

(Ren) "The name's a bit on the nose, isn't it?"

(Morgana) "We're...not exactly in the position to judge either."

(Laura) "Pardon my asking but...are there normally talking cats in your world too?-"

(Morgana) "I AM NOT A CAT!"

Chapter Text

(6/1) 1st of the Garland Moon, 1180

The morning sun slowly rose over the mountains, shining its beautiful light upon Garreg Mach Monastery. And on the shadows of the stairs leading up to the main gates, House Isekai and the Black Eagles had the warmth of its glow descend upon them-

(Aqua) "Agh...! Natural LIIIIGHT!"

Though no one said a word, they all begrudgingly shared the same sentiment as some of the students covered their eyes with an arm, doing next to nothing. Byleth, Sara, Megumi, and Jeralt couldn't find it in their hearts to tell Aqua to be quiet, since the bags under their eyes agreed with the self-proclaimed Goddess. Even Sharon's perpetual smile was mostly subdued, doing her best to keep up appearances, but by the occasional pause in her step, that alone told everyone how tired the House had become.

Not that Edelgard and the others were faring much better. Linhardt looked ready to drop dead on the spot, though Jeritza appeared to be the only one out of everyone to be unaffected.

The mercenaries had brought the red haired girl from the fortress to a healer the knights had prepared at the foot of the Monastery since she had yet to awake, meaning the only thing everyone could do was rest for now. Not that getting to that task was as simple as it sounded.

(Junpei) "These...stairs...can kiss...my ass!"

(Ann) "You guys have to walk up these everytime you leave...?!"

(Alisa) "Ugh, yeah...We've been doing this for about a week and a half now everyday to get to class..."

(Edelgard) "I admit it's not the...easiest journey."

(Kazuma) "And we gotta do this even more down the line, freakin' great...!"

(Hubert) "It is much too early to listen to your drivel."

(Kazuma) "I'll make you walk these steps again after I send you to the bottom facefirst-!"

(Towa) "Kazuma, please. Not now..."

Hearing his classmate's plea, Kazuma clicked his tongue and kept walking, much to everyone's relief.

As they finally approached the peak and toward the flat ground of the Monastery, everyone's pace slowed dramatically. No one said another word until they approached the lively soldier, giving House Isekai's teachers a lively greeting.

(Gatekeeper) "Greetings, Professors! Nothing to report!"

Byleth and Jeralt silently nodded in both greeting and acknowledgement while Sara gave him a tired mini-wave.

(Sara) "Thanks, sweetheart. We just gotta get back to our dorms and-"

Sara suddenly stopped in her tracks, making Megumi walk face first into the back of her jacket, inadvertently causing a mini jam as the students all collided.

(Megumi) "S-Sara?"

The Bracer's eye suddenly shot wide open, spinning around grabbing Megumi by the shoulders, the crazed look in her eyes scaring everyone, except for Hubert and Jeritza.

(Sara) "...WHY DID WE WALK UP THE MONASTERY? HOUSE ISEKAI DOESN'T HAVE ROOMS UP HERE BUILT YET."

(Megumi) "...Oh."

The students of House Isekai all let out a collective groan, making the Black Eagles students wince in sympathy.

(Caspar) "Yikes, that's gotta suck."

(Petra) "You have many sympathy."

(Dorothea) "It's 'you have my sympathies', dear...And speaking of, you all have mine as well."

(Linhardt) "I have a few spots I recommend falling asleep in, they're rather comfortable-"

(Ferdinand) "I do not think that is much of a consolation."

(Jeralt) "...Son of a bitch, that's right...! We're still in the tavern!"

(Byleth) "Meaning we gotta walk back down."

(Ren) "You can't be serious.-"

Hubert directed his smirk to Kazuma, who had his mouth fully agape alongside Megumin, Aqua, and Darkness.

(Hubert) "Well now, looks like I'll be seeing you down there first, Kazuma."

Kazuma's body contorted and moved like liquid as he suddenly appeared in Hubert's face, each enunciation of his words spraying spit all over him. Yet his voice was deep and speaking quietly-

(Kazuma) "I'M GOING TO DO VIOLENCE TO YOU."

(Bernadetta) "O-Oh man, that's awful...It's too bad you guys don't have a dorm space, there's a perfectly good one for it near the Greenhouse...-"

Suddenly, Alisa sprung to life, turning to Aqua and clearing her throat.

(Alisa) "Wait a second...! Aqua, you build stuff really fast! Can you like...make us a dorm like theirs?"

(Caspar) "What?! Like at the village? But there's no trees around!"

(Sharon) "If I recall correctly, there is also a forest underneath the chapel."

(Darkness) "Perhaps with a spot of coffee, I will be able to assist with the logging materials-"

(Jeralt) "I'm...not sure the Archbishop would appreciate a good chunk of the Monastery suddenly being deforested."

(Sara) "We can call this a tax for sending us to work! Mama needs a bed to pass out in pronto!"

(Rean) "Instructor, please don't call yourself that-"

Sara gently pushed aside her students and got the attention of Aqua and Darkness, her hands on both their shoulders.

(Sara) "Aqua, you build that dorm for us, and I'll pay for the drinks so we can get shitfaced tonight. And Darkness, I'll have Laura punch you or something-"

Aqua and Darkness suddenly stiffened, the promises of their rewards completely overtaking their exhaustion and replaced with pure adrenaline. Or something else in Darkness's case.

(Aqua) "YES MA'AM!"

(Darkness) "GODDESS, YES!"

(Laura) "I-I did not consent to this, Instructor!-"

The two took off at blinding speeds, cutting off Laura. The speed of which they moved was faster than what anyone had seen in the actual combat situations so far, leaving them in a literal dust cloud as they sprinted past the market. Knights, Merchants, and other Monastery staff were left bewildered as to what happened as the gust of wind was so strong it nearly blew them off their feet.

(Byleth) "Goddess, what did you do, Sara?!"

(Sara) "...Okay, being honest? I was just joking, I didn't know they could actually move like that-"

(Kazuma) "G-GET BACK HERE YOU MORONS!"

Kazuma rushed after them desperately, his expression changing completely as he apologized profusely to the people he passed by, failing to catch up to the Goddess and Paladin. All the while, everyone glanced at each other awkwardly, not knowing what to do.

(Elliot) "Um...hopefully no one will know what we're doing?-"

The Monastery quaked violently in a series of rhythmic beats, the sound of confusion and terror spreading from inside as Knights and others rushed to see what in the hell was happening.

(Ryuji) "For real, the hell's up with this group?!"

(Byleth) I ask that myself every single day...

House Isekai rushed in after Kazuma to stop what they had begun, leaving the Black Eagles to watch in confusion.

(Edelgard) "I...think it best if we all return to our dorms and ignore this for the time being."

(Linhardt) "Ugh, way ahead of you."

As everyone moved ahead amidst the ongoing chaos, Edelgard, Hubert, and Jeritza remained behind.

(Jeritza) "I suppose this mission went better than planned. Do you think they'll suspect anything?"

(Hubert) "I doubt it. After all, it was House Isekai who found Monica. Not us."

(Edelgard) "Regardless, make sure to inform me when she awakens. I'd prefer it to be us or even House Isekai she talks to first."

The three went inside after their classmates, doing their best to ignore the obnoxiously loud and quick sounds of nails being hammered overpowering the yelling.

(Seteth) "What in the goddess's name...!?"

Rhea and Seteth had come outside the Listening Chamber to see what the commotion was, only to see a brand new building jutting out of the walls leading to the greenhouse. Not only was it well constructed, it appeared far more modern than anything the two had ever seen, the clean and stylish wood making their student dorms and the chapel look primitive in comparison.

Trailing their gaze down to see a very confused House Isekai staring at said building, finding the blue and yellow girl exit the door, waving them happily in.

(Aqua) "Alright, we're all done and we even got our own rooms! Let's sleep so we can get wasted later!"

(Rhea) "..."

Rhea turned around and began walking back to the main chamber, causing Seteth to call after her.

(Seteth) "Lady Rhea, please tell me you aren't about to let this go! They just conjured an entire dorm out of thin air!"

Rhea simply sighed in response, her tone barely managing to suppress the confusion in it.

(Rhea) "The matter of their...construction will be brought up, but they have earned themselves the rest, and at the very least a room to call their own within the Monastery."

(Seteth) "But I..." sigh "Very well."

Seteth shook his head, but conceded. Rhea was right after all, it was absurd that besides Byleth and Jeralt, they all had to sleep in the tavern below. Still though, how in the world did they manage to make something like this so quickly! To his knowledge they had just shown up this morning about twenty minutes ago!

(Seteth) At least they did not pilfer Monastery property to make this...I hope.

...

(Dimitri) "...Ashe?"

(Ashe) "Yes, your highness?"

(Dimitri) "Correct me if I'm wrong but...was there not a forest below this bridge an hour ago?"

Dimitri and Ashe stared below the bridge toward the Chapel longer than they'd like to admit, unsure if they were hallucinating or not. This morning there was a bountiful color of green right below them. Now it was completely barren, with not even the stumps of the trees to punctuate where they had been.

(Ashe) "I thought I was going crazy! You see it missing too?!"

Edelgard overheard the Blue Lions students speak, awkwardly shifting to the side and avoid speaking to them about it, fiddling with her hands all the while.