My arrival wasn't the only shocker, and quickly became a quiet topic as more important things began to shape up, such as Byleth taking a teaching position suddenly at Rhea's request. Garreg Mach housing a wanted criminal quickly became old news in the wake of that decision, to which I'm still thankful for. I don't think the spotlight suits me, though others would argue otherwise. From my talks with Rhea to encountering Byleth for the first time I knew something was coming; something big. Sothal was right about one thing though. Humanity had grown wild and conflict is the only natural outcome eventually.

The week and a half leading up to the house leaders' arrival went by smoothly. Having very few patients to work on the clinic beside a knight getting injured in a drill with a twisted ankle or minor fracture, I was able to focus on other things. With Tomas being kind enough to grant me library access to whatever I wanted, including the restricted section I had my pick of the lot. Still being a bit on edge around Tomas I looked at some of the books in his restricted collection but decided to avoid them altogether and look at a topic I only had minimal experience with; tactics.

While I specialize in medical services and healing magic, I figure knowing how an actual healing mage should operate on the battlefield would be beneficial since I'm at a monastery that teaches such things, I don't want to be out of the loop. I still have a craving for knowledge and luckily there seems to always be something new to sink my teeth into. That and my other option at Manuela's request was to become savvier with the music trends of Fodlan, which spoke to me much less. I like science, strategy, and making things. Art unfortunately just never appealed to me. Also, I'm an awful singer, never touched an instrument, and paint like a kindergartener, so there's that.

Garreg Mach has been bustling with a lot of the general staff prepping for the new batch of students and knights coming in and out from missions, which has been frustrating since Shamir has been out on a long mission and has yet to return so we can catch up. I'm patient though and I have had plenty to occupy my time with research and work.

In the medical ward alone reading another book on support tactics in battles I hear a knock at the door and answer, "It's open, come in."

An older gentleman with dark grey robes matched with his greying hair, styled mustache, and monocle strides confidently into the room looking around with a pensive look upon his aged face. I set down my book and stand up from my stool asking, "Can I help you?"

"Is Manuela around?" The older man asks whilst looking down both parts of the hallways as if trying to scout. From my experience being around Manuela so far in the past 10 or so days, is that hopefully, this guy isn't trying to score a date with her, considering after a few drinks she is a much more open book than I am. Hearing about her love life struggles was immediately jarring and encouraging me not to get into a relationship with the troubled physician. Not to discount she isn't a great person, she is so far, but the woman demands attention like Fodlan has a limited supply and we are going to run out soon.

"No, she's out for the day," I reply, returning my thoughts to my book as I hear the door close. I hear the old man now inside the room exclaim, "Oh good. I'd rather not deal with her antics right now. Hello there, I am professor Hanneman. I take it you are Dr. Santos?"

"Last time I checked. What can I help you with?" I ask as Hanneman pulls up a seat on the other stool in the room near me.

"I was sent to retrieve you, but I was hoping if you could spare a moment of your time to talk with me about some things. The errand isn't urgent," Hanneman explains as his excitement is betrayed by his sped-up speech pattern and smile that's barely hidden underneath his mustache.

"Sure, I have time. What's it you want to discuss?" I ask the eager scholar. If I remember correctly this was who helped Tomas decipher my blood magic and crestology research, so he must either be pissed at what I did or extremely curious. I'm not sure which I dislike more.

"I wanted to discuss crests with you. I read your journals, and while the ethics of such work are questionable at best, you did outline some very creative and interesting insights on the subject. But, in particular, I was curious about your crest that you mention in the journals."

"What about it?" I nervously ask the older man who dives right back into his tangent, "It's capabilities of course! You have an unrecorded crest verified by the magical academy of Fhirdiad, but any records concerning you are restricted. I myself am a crestology expert and would like to study it to see if I could find anything about it that you may not. What can you tell me?"

"Well-" I start but pause as Hanneman pulls out a small notebook from his chest pocket with a quill at the ready to take notes as I sigh and continued, "My crest is fairly unknown in origins. Others have theorized it's because I'm from outside Fodlan. From what I've noticed is it enhances my magical power and lets me bend the purpose to spells, like being able to warp objects if I focus hard enough or making variants of a fire spell to be smaller and have multiple targets. That sort of thing."

"Fascinating. Truly fascinating," Hanneman remarks as he scribbles furiously in his journal. Without looking up from his notes Hanneman asks, "Anything else you can add before I escort you to the meeting?"

Figuring to toss him a bone to confuse him I say, "Yeah, one last weird thing my crest does is I'm fluent in every language. Oral and written."

"Truly? How does it work?"

I shrug, "It just does. Once my crest became active I understand everyone I've ever heard despite the language barrier and haven't had any issues reading any foreign text. My mind just converts it to the language I'm most familiar with. Though I can't speak any language, just understand it."

"Incredible. Mind if I pull you aside for tests at a later date? I'm willing to be open and share whatever I find about your crest with you at your discretion. I'll give you creative control as well if you want it published or kept secret," Hanneman offers to which I nod to, "That'd be appreciated. I prefer anonymity at this point in my life. Attention has gotten me into more trouble than I care to admit."

"Agreed if the rumors are true about you," Agrees Hanneman as he also stands up getting ready to depart.

"You don't believe all the propaganda about me being a horrible criminal?"

Hanneman balks at my question and then answers, "Anybody with half ahead doesn't inherently believe hearsay. I trust Lady Rhea's judgment and I am not so quick to judge without all the facts. Don't be fooled, I am wary of you Dr. Santos but I'm willing to give you a chance."

"That's all I ask. I have nothing really to hide," I concede as Hanneman and I walk to the door to the medical ward. Hanneman opens the door saying, "Lady Rhea is the one who wanted to see you. I was speaking with her this morning about student schedules and she sent me to find you. Now, let's not make her wait any longer, shall we?"

"I'm so glad you arrived, Santos. Please, take a seat," Rhea instructs as I enter her quarters. I'm in a small living room area from where I can see a bed in the far back with large arched windows. I take a seat across from Rhea at her living room table on the comfortable padded chair and take a good look at her. She's dressed in her usual Archbishop clothing that gives her a very regal look though she has taken out the headdress that usually accompanies it in favor of letting her long green hair down. I don't understand the hair color weirdness in Fodlan, and at this point, after seeing a dude with pink natural hair I wouldn't be surprised if blue people lived on another continent.

Lost in my thoughts again Rhea takes the opportunity to address me, "You look distracted. Care for some tea? It's a chamomile blend."

"Yes, that would be lovely. Thank you," I reply as I carefully take the teacup Rhea hands me with piping hot tea that smells quite herbal and fresh.

I take a small sip that burns my lips and tongue a bit before I set down the cup as Rhea asks, "So, how are you liking Garreg Mach so far?"

"Indoor plumbing is truly divine," I jest which manages to earn me a small smile from Rhea as I continue with a more serious tone, "But, it's been nice so far. I haven't had any issues with the staff. It's good to be back to working with patients and being fully invested in the medical field. I prefer it over having my head cut off."

"I would hope so Santos. I have taken precautions but I sincerely hope that you will be able to find some peace under the goddess's guidance."

"Thank you, though I am curious. Why did you decide to rescue me in Fhirdiad?"

Rhea takes a sip of her tea before responding, "Because I saw you help my knights and the villagers of Arundel. You didn't need to. You could have fled at any moment during that battle, but you stayed and helped fend off unholy invaders. That is the reason I believe you can be redeemed as you have never attacked the church despite some of your leftover notes containing less savory details. I see something within you that speaks not only with power but compassion."

A bit taken aback by the archbishop's praises I confess, "Again, thank you. It's been difficult and I'm trying to be on a better path. Healing and helping people is where I started and it's where I'm trying to return."

"That is comforting to hear Santos. I do have some personal questions for you though," Rhea challenges as she sets down her tea to fully focus on me with her inquisitive bright pale green eyes.

"Is this confession?" I muse thinking back to the time my grandparents would drag a young me to catholic church for mass and other events.

With the authority that could only be achieved by being a wise religious leader, Rhea looks to be implying, "It could certainly be seen that way, though I won't force anything. I encourage you to be honest with me. It is in all our best interests that we are forthcoming as possible with each other."

I nod and begin, "Alright, where would you like to start?"

"Let's start with your affiliation with Dagda. What position did you hold in the military there?"

"Officially or unofficially?"

"Both please."

I rub my temple and reply, "Officially I was an apprentice to Archmage Sevihn and assistant medical provider for one of the medical units under Dr. Shaeli."

"And unofficially?"

"Slave," I say in a weary voice thinking back to the torture at Rigden's hands and the devious plots Sevihn was laying out for me. Truly simper but crueler times.

"Slave? Hmmm, then that would explain you and Shamir being in Arundel during that time, I presume to flee from Dagda? She did say that it was her that helped you get out of Dagda, but not that you were a slave. Could you elaborate?"

"Yeah. I was held captive under Sevihn's orders to learn magic as I possess an unusual crest. He was planning to possess my body somehow, but I managed to kill him before the ritual took. The rest is me being framed by the government for killing their leader in a time of war. What did Shamir say?"

Rhea takes another sip from her warm cup of tea, "Not much on the subject, unfortunately. She has been a loyal knight even though she doesn't adhere to our doctrine of belief completely. One of the double-edged qualities of her is she doesn't ask many questions when it comes to professionalism. She never mentioned you were a slave, only that she was your retainer and had orders not to let you out of sight due to the nature of your magic and crest."

"Makes sense. Shamir likes things simple and snooping isn't in her personality. Fight first and make someone else ask questions and deal with politics," I affirm on Rhea's viewpoint of Shamir.

"Indeed. Though it is troubling that such dark magic was being practiced there. And you are certain this Sevihn is dead?"

I chuckle a bit and reply, "Oh I'm sure. He took my arm, but I turned him into a stain on the ground."

"That's a bit dark Santos, but I can see why you hate the man so much. Have you thought about trying prosthetics for your arm?" Rhea offers but I shake my head, "I'm fine. I've adjusted to my life now with one arm, though some things are trickier. I'm not a warrior or heavy lifter so I doubt I'd get much use out of it. Besides, my robes usually mask that I'm missing an arm at a glance so people don't tend to gawk."

"Very well, just know that it is an option the Church of Seiros's artisans can offer. Now, why did you go to Fhirdiad and not take my offer than to come here? We have equally if not more knowledge on a variety of subjects, including medical techniques."

"I went north because I wasn't familiar with the church and was told Fhirdiad was the authority on magic in the region. It was far enough away from Dagda that I felt safe enough to study."

"Next question. What were you trying to do that night you disappeared. I've read the reports and many contradict each other when it comes to details. What did you experience?" Rhea inquires as she leans into my bubble of space so much so that I can smell the chamomile off of her.

I take a second to think about how to phrase it without sounding like a raving lunatic. Saying I went back to my home dimension only to learn I had been erased from reality than talked with a genocidal God who lives in my head would probably not go over well. It doesn't even sound sane in my head, so I'm definitely not saying that. I'll just have to go with how I felt.

"I...it was...disappointment. I was trying to see someone I loved only to learn that I had become a stranger and no longer belonged," I lament as I can feel my face feel hot with nervousness and anxiety welling up inside of me.

"I see. Was it worth it?"

Was it worth it? I did get to see Cassandra again, but not in the way I had hoped. She's happy it seems even without me. The world kept moving right along without me despite my resistance to it all. I accomplished incredible magic to which this world has only theorized about, but I made it reality. My achievement magically though pales in comparison to what I found out though. But...I'm happy for her. Ultimately, I think it was the right choice but sometimes fate is an asshole. Which leaves you to pick up the messy pieces to build yourself up again. Like Rocky said in his movies, 'It's not how hard you can hit, it's how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward'.

I blink a few times to realize I've been staring into my cup of tea for about a minute arguing with myself about some of the most impactful decisions of my life. I look up to see Rhea waiting patiently for my answer as I finally look up and respond, "Seeing her face again one last time was worth it to me. Would I pay that price again knowing what I do now with grief and pain I've caused others? I'm not so sure anymore, but I do know that I'm willing to go to just about any length for those I love."

Rhea is silent for a few seconds as I hold my breath until she quietly murmurs back, "I understand."

"You do?" I quizzically answer back to which Rhea nods with slightly watery eyes, "Yes, pardon me," Rhea wipes her eyes quickly, "I do Santos. I understand. Good people are capable of questionable acts, some they may come to regret but pursue anyways because of their love. Their compassion and loyalty to an idea or another person. Those people are fools for letting their emotions lead them, but they are also the most pure as they are driven by love and devotion for others, not themselves."

A bit overwhelmed by the emotions in the atmosphere I carefully put my hands into Rhea's as in a prayer position and respond, "Thank you. That's...the nicest thing I've ever heard anyone say about what I did."

"It takes a lifetime of making mistakes to learn how to forgive those around you, but also yourself. And also when to stand your ground against the evils of the world. I hope you learn to forgive yourself while remedying those in need here."

I nod while trying to hold in my emotions, "You speak as if from experience."

"I'm not just the archbishop because I wear the robes and headdress," Rhea comments giving me a moment to collect myself once again before continuing, "But, I do have a request if you would entertain it."

"Certainly, what is it?"

"I'd like you to hold seminars for the students during the weekend. I recall you did the same at the magic university in Fhirdiad and I want you to do the same here since you have great medical and magical knowledge. You would be compensated for your sessions as well," Rhea offers which causes me to lean back to ponder the possibility of teaching on the side.

"I'll take it. Might as well help out who want to learn. But, do you really think a bunch of nobles want to learn from a labeled criminal?" I ask in a concerned tone but Rhea dismisses my worries, "You won't be listed by name, only the seminar names are listed. And I think once people get to know you the skepticism many have will be unfounded."

"Okay, that helps my worries a bit. Will I still require an escort?"

"No, but I would prefer you to be near other staff when possible once classes start. Mostly for your protection."

So she's worried I'll be attacked. I'm not surprised considering how many people hold a low opinion of me at the moment. Only time will lessen these effects, but I'm guessing I may have to go the rest of my life looking over my shoulder to make sure assassins sent from the Holy Kingdom of Faergus aren't tailing me. Maybe it's time to work on a perception enhancing spell…

"Alright, I understand. Anything else?"

Rhea stands up from the table and indicates to me to rise as well, "No, I just wanted to have a candid conversation with you. And to assure myself I made the right decision in bringing you here. You may not see it, but we are more alike than you may think."

"Really? How so?"

"A story for another day perhaps, but you know better than anyone how tender matters of the heart can be. I'll let you walk back to your room by yourself. The staff meeting will be in a week from now, and I wish you to be in attendance. You won't be present for the house leader's arrival as they will need to get settled in for a few days. Goodbye Santos, we will talk again soon," Rhea declares as she goes to open the door. I bow to her and take my leave responding, "Thank you, Lady Rhea, it's been...helpful. You've put me at ease."

"Of course, that is what the goddess Sothis would want so we must adhere to her teachings. Good night."

Rhea closes the door leaving me to get back to my room alone in the twilight of the evening. I walk slowly and keep my eyes low the entire time back to my room. Everything that had been said needed to be said, and while I kept out the weird details everything I said and felt was true. It was the right decision, and all I can do is move on and be better. I face plant onto my bed and pillows, and for the first time in what seems like forever, I silently weep and cry over my loss and the people I've hurt on my journey to return home. My new goal is to find a new home and the place I belong, and just maybe the Church of Seiros can be that. Only time will tell.

The weeks passed by as I toiled in the medical bay more often by myself and without Manuela checking up on me, leaving me alone with occasional patients but for the most part it's pretty slow since training hasn't started. House leaders have arrived, but considering how shelled away I've been I haven't heard many details other than about the three houses in general that represent the territories. Manuela at the moment is my main source of information besides Seteth when he does his daily check-in or two with me, though Manuela's information tends to be a bit less filtered.

There had also been a new professor hired, and as a test, they are to take the house leaders out for a training exercise tonight. Not much else besides a brief encounter with Jeritza, the fighting arena overseer. Not a man of many words who dons a masquerade mask which is slightly off-putting, but Fodlan fashion is beyond me so I don't think much of it.

Other than that I'm spending another late night in the medical ward with one sleeping patient that's dealing with a leg infection from a shallow sword slice and that wasn't properly treated causing fever and other nasty symptoms. I've been harping on people to pay more attention to sterilizing and cleaning wounds, but it hasn't quite caught on yet with the newer recruits. Currently, I'm flipping through another book on Guerrilla war tactics that's interesting, but the handwritten text is a bit messy.

I hear an owl hoot outside the window and I look over to my patient who moans a bit in their sleep and turns over on the medical bed. I sigh and go back to my book and as my eyes make contact with the page I feel myself freeze, but just for a moment.

Weirded out by the suddenness I decide to check for magic, and just as I'm about to stand up, I hear an owl hoot from outside. I begin to walk towards the window curiously as I hear my patient moan in their sleep causing me to look at them, and I see them turn over to their side. The side they had already turned to. I look back at my book and see I'm on the previous page, the one I had just flipped from and read a moment ago.

"Okay, now this is fucking weird…" I murmur to myself as I expand my senses out to feel if there are any magical flares or disturbances around me, but everything seems silent.

I've had deja vu before, but this takes the cake as I just re-lived those moments back to back. It was only a few moments, but I'm sober and experienced that phenomenon as clear as day. One thing would be a coincidence, two very weird, but all three happening in the same order are just downright bizarre. My only guesses are that I'm tripping on some strong herbs that are leaking out of the herbology cabinet, I'm finally insane, or someone somewhere just used time magic, which seems the most plausible. Time manipulation isn't something I came across in my studies, but I technically did it when I dimension hopped so I have an open mind but also worried about the implications.

Messing with time is a dangerous affair considering all the movies I've seen about the butterfly effect and other paradoxical loops. I went forward in time which has much less baggage when compared to going back in time, considering going back rewrites the future while just jumping ahead doesn't affect much besides you suddenly disappearing, as I've experienced first hand.

I'm considering asking another one of the mages at Garreg Mach about this, but considering I'm technically the authority on time travel and dimension-hopping I doubt me asking people if they had deja vu will get me anywhere. I'll just have to be perceptive if it happens again and to see if I can trace the source somehow.

I sit back down and resume reading my book while occasionally checking my lone patient's vitals. Hopefully, tonight doesn't get any stranger.

A few more days pass without much fanfare besides the expected return of the new professor. More students have arrived that I've avoided since classes haven't started. Seteth was pretty adamant about that as well as attending the staff meeting scheduled this evening. Manuela has been organizing her lesson plans leaving me in the clinic to my own devices, which has honestly been nice to just focus on my work and reading. I'd occasionally practice some warps and manipulating fireballs but would nix it if my patients are awake or someone else entered the room. Don't need to give people the impression I'm goofing off.

I look at the sun through the window to get an idea of the time, which seems to be about 5:00 pm. With the meeting occurring around 5:30 pm it is probably now a good a time as any to get a move on soon. Being tardy to my first big meeting shouldn't be my first impression on the rest of the staff.

Figuring to leave around 5:15 pm my plans are interrupted, about two minutes before my planned departure time as Manuela steps into the room as I'm reading saying, "My, it seems you are taking your patient care quite seriously."

I look up and scan the empty room as I deadpan respond, "Yup. Just taking care of a bunch of ghosts."

"Funny. Let's go to this staff meeting. I've heard interesting rumors and news in the past few hours," chimes Manuela as she leads me out of the medical bay and locks up the door.

As we glide down the hallway towards the main atrium where Rhea gives her announcements I ask Manuela, "So care to fill me in on the rumors?"

"Santos, I didn't take you for a gossip?" She teases as we turn a hallway corner putting the atrium at the end of the long hallway.

"Not usually, but humor me. I've been bored."

Manuela flashes me a playful grin from over her shoulder and merely says, "You'll see soon enough. It's quite interesting."

As we enter the atrium I see Rhea at the forefront with Seteth by her side, looking more stressed out than he usually does. In my few encounters I've noticed he shows his stress, not in his face or speech, but his body language with increasingly rigid posture and movements. Right now, the man looks as if he's been carved out of stone.

I can also spot Hanneman who looks like he just arrived in the center of the room as well as Jeritza standing by himself by the sidewall. Lastly, I spotted some new people standing next to Alois a little bit off to the side. One looks like an older guy who seems to have the typical fighters build with a shield on his back and sword on his hilt. A bit rugged looking with his cropped blond hair but also it seems he too is tired of Alois and the man's endless source of jolly energy.

The last person in the room is a woman with blue hair and detailed black combat gear that shows a bit of her midriff, which causes me once again to question Fodlan fashion choices. The most jarring thing though is when I take my position against the back wall is when the woman makes eye contact with me.

Her blank expression causes a weird deep sensation of rage, hatred, fear, and confusion within me that almost makes me grab onto the wall for support to stand. Just as suddenly as we made eye contact, she looks off towards Rhea as she begins to monologue to the staff, but it sounds as if I'm hearing her words through a clogged drain with the words being fuzzy and muted.

"What the hell is going on…" I whisper to myself as I skeptically look around the room. Thankfully nobody is paying attention to me as they have their attention fully on the elegant Rhea.

"Santos." I hear Sothal's voice boom inside my head. As he finishes saying my name my vision blurs intensely to the point I can only identify basic patterns. This is not the spiritual drug trip I signed up for.

"Sothal, why are you speaking now? Can you stop bothering me and fucking with my senses?" I demand within my subconscious to which the only response I get from Sothal is, "It's her."

I focus my inner strength and magic to clear my mind and suppress Sothal's influence. Sothal does not resist and as I feel him not resist my push my senses instantly rush back, and I feel a bit nauseous as if I had just stopped abruptly on a fast roller coaster.

With my hearing restored the first thing I hear from Rhea is, "So, what house will you choose to lead? You've been given the first pick."

I see the dark blue-haired woman from before say in a soft yet sure voice, "I will lead...the Golden Deer."

Rhea and Seteth both congratulate and advise the mystery woman to take great care in teaching the students of that house

"Excellent. I shall lead the Black Eagles, you fine with that Hanneman?" Manuela proclaims to which Hanneman nods and replies, "Yes, I shall lead the Blue Lion-"

Hanneman is cutoff as a petite curly green-haired girl strides into the room. She's dressed in the uniform of a basic student or staff member of the church so she belongs here, but I hadn't seen her until now.

"Brother? Oh, I'm sorry I didn't mean to interrupt…" The girl says in a very well mannered tone as she rambles on interrupting the whole ceremony, focusing her attention on the new mystery woman.

I pick up on the fact that she is apparently Seteth's sister, but that's one hell of an age gap. My first guess would be that it's his daughter but I digress. I hear Seteth announce that there will be a mock battle in the coming weeks to gauge all the students' combat capabilities, which means more work for me. People are bound to get injured in the coming event and the overzealous trainees may get injured beforehand. Looks like my real work is just beginning.

The three professors are dismissed to go meet with their respective houses. I remain while Alois and the new guy Jeralt are on their way to greet the archbishop and her advisor. They share very few words and take their leave returning to a conversation that vaguely sounds like the topic of fishing, but I can't be too sure.

Jeritza takes his leave immediately after without a word to Rhea or Seteth and not even a glance in my direction. I look around to see that nobody else is left and prepare to head out myself, but as I do I hear Rhea call out, "A moment Santos. If you would come over here."

I turn on my heel and march my way to the center of the room meeting Rhea and Seteth asking, "So, what is it you need?"

"So casual... Ahem, Dr. Capetillo, there have been some discussions between Rhea and myself and we would like you to stand by during the mock battle between the three houses as our on-site emergency physician and healer for those eliminated during the trial since Manuela will be participating," explains Seteth with tiredness to his voice.

Rhea nods to her advisor and continues, "Indeed. Do you think you can handle such a task on your own, or will you need support?"

"I can handle a few kids knocking each other around with sticks. And if someone takes it too far I'm pretty good with a timely rescue or warp spell."

"Then it's decided. You shall be our on-site medic for the battle. Also, since you've been fitting in so well here, and Manuela's reports have been good for the time you've been here I'm lifting the requirement of needing an escort. All I ask is that you respect our normal curfew times," Rhea announces. This is news to Seteth, as the weary man looks flabbergasted. Rhea already told me this was coming so I just try to look as respectful as possible and bow. Mainly to hide my smirk due to Seteth's priceless reaction.

"Rhea, you can't be serious. This man could still be a potential threat, and not even to mention making the girl a professor, this is-" Seteth rambles on but Rhea silences him immediately with a wave of her hand and gently replies, "Seteth, calm yourself. I have thought about this decision long enough. I trust Santos to behave himself and we simply don't have the resources to expend every time he needs to use the bathroom or go to the dining hall. It will be fine."

Seteth closes his eyes and takes a few deep breaths to calm himself, "Very well. Lady Rhea has given you tremendous privilege, I urge you not to squander her trust."

"Noted, and thank you, Lady Rhea. I appreciate the faith you have in me. I'll continue to work hard here at Garred Mach," I reply with a bow.

"Good. You are dismissed, there are things my advisor and I must discuss in private," Rhea commands. I quickly take my leave from the atrium as the tension could be cut with a knife. Thankfully, that's not my problem as the big boss just gave me the okay to travel around by myself without a babysitter meaning I have some newfound freedom around the monastery. Not to mention I have to figure out what the hell Sothal was going on about earlier as the strange god hasn't made a peep since Fhirdiad.

On my way back to my room for the night I project my concern to Sothal, "What did you mean back there? Does that woman hold significance or something?"

I wait a moment for a response and just when I think I won't hear anything back from enigmatic god I hear his voice melodically reply, " More than you could possibly fathom. The clock is ticking, Santos and a decision must be made. Will you let life as you know it spiral into stagnation?"

I sense Sothal recede into the bowels of my mind to let me chew on his last perplexing warning. What could be so special about that woman? I had some kind of violent reaction upon seeing her, but I sense it was more from Sothal's influence than external magic. Strange things have been happening lately and I dread what it may be alluding to in the future. If I must be the one to chase secrets than so be it. I took a second chance on life in this world, and I'll be damned if it goes sideways so soon.

A/N: Another section down and we finally dive into monastery life with the student year in full swing. I'm extremely excited to write the coming chapters, and I hope you are excited to read them because things will be interesting with more canon characters entering the fold. Also, who else is hype for the new DLC?! I'm going to speed run it so I can make sure the coming chapters in this story are up to date, but I'm excited nonetheless. The new characters look interesting and the new route is probably going to be fun as hell. Speaking of new units, how would you spec Santos? Lemme know in the reviews, I'm curious.

Review response:

Cyan Quartz: Thanks for the reviews and critique. I'll wholeheartedly admit that my earlier chapters are a bit more rough around the edges than my later chapters. I've drifted away from the quotations for the character's thoughts since the story is written in first person, so Santos is the narrator by default. Living and learning. Glad you're enjoying the story and thanks for reading!

FollwingPath: Thanks bunches, hope the rest of the story is to your liking!

Alex Jones: Lol, this gave me a chuckle. 1776? More like 1180! Silly jokes aside, you will get an answer to your question in one of the coming chapters very soon oddly enough. Stay tuned :)

Again, thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate all support and critique as well.

Next Chapter: 1/24-1/26

Have a great day!

Edited: 2/2/20