Unlike when I used Quake Sigma, the spell was more controlled when Lysithea used it. Thyrsus probably helped offload the required mana output, but the fact that it didn't completely blow up the side of the mountain was a testament to Lysithea's understanding and familiarity with dark magic.

Dark miasma burst from the ground, sending dirt and rocks scattering, but it was only in a limited area. Instead of throughout the entire training ground where the mock battle took place, the spell was restricted to the area around the tower. While the tremors could be felt from all over, something I could clearly see from how Dimitri and the others were bracing themselves, the primary changes were occurring near the Golden Deer.

Deep crevices opened up around the base of the tower, too wide to jump with a horse and too deep to just casually climb out of. If anyone fell in, they'd be stuck there for a while.

Seeing that, I had to admit. It was a brilliant tactic. Except… this was a mock battle and not a real one. Doing that much… Did Claude want to test my adaptability, or did he just want to show off?

The ground finally stopped rumbling. Lysithea lowered Thyrsus and crossed her arms, a content smile on her face.

For a moment, nobody moved. Only the sound of the wind blowing across the battlefield and tumbling rocks echoed. And then, a female voice called out.

"CLAUDE!" Hilda moved to the edge of the tower and looked up, shaking her fist. "You promised no cheating!"

The sound of wingbeats echoed, and a shadow flew down from behind a cloud. It descended and then landed beside Lysithea.

Claude, riding a wyvern and equipped with a longbow.

…Wait, Claude riding a wyvern? Wyvern knight Claude? No… he was wearing a bandana and fancy Almyran clothes too. Barbarossa Claude?

Claude dismounted and quickly took Thyrsus from Lysithea.

"Hey!" She pouted and reached out. "Give it back!"

"No way, Lissy. It's clear that you're not mature enough to use this."

"Not mature enough!? I did what you told me to do! Make a ravine, right?"

Claude rolled his eyes and held Thyrsus up and out of reach of Lysithea's shorter arms. "You did… but I thought you had more common sense than to use that spell of all things! All you had to do was blow a few holes near the entrance, not shake the entire mountain! This isn't a toy, you know?"

Lysithea flushed and crossed her arms. "I-I know! Still, I did what you said! Why are you mad?"

"That's… hah. I forgot how impatient you were…"

Hilda leaned over the edge of the tower and shouted. "Claude! Do we need to have a talk?!"

Claude winced. He immediately looked up and shook his head. "N-No, Hilda. Won't happen again, promise!"

She frowned. "…This better be the last surprise you pull out! And when did you even have the time to convince Lorenz to give you Thyrsus anyway?"

Claude smiled and waved his hand. "Don't worry about it! Anyway…" He turned around, looking across the field towards everyone else, and said, "Sorry about that everyone! Minor miscalculation! Hope you don't mind?"

Manuela ran over to the side of the tower and shouted. "Miscalculation!? Claude! Are you trying to throw away all of my credibility as a professor?! You said this was a textbook strategy! That we'd be fighting fair and square!"

Leonie moved over as well and said, "Yeah, Claude! Captain Jeralt is watching! What am I supposed to tell him when he sees this?!"

Claude hopped back on his wyvern and lifted off. When he got to the top of the tower, he smiled at Manuela and said, "Don't worry, Professor! All we gotta do is win, right?" After that, he looked to Leonie and said, "As for Captain Jeralt… Well, it's too late for that now." He pointed over to the hill where Seteth, the priests, and most importantly, the aforementioned Captain Jeralt were standing.

Leonie's eyes widened and she glared at Claude. "I'm going to get you back for this, Claude! Don't think I'll forget you embarrassing me in front of Captain Jeralt like this!"

"Yeah, yeah…" Claude muttered and then started to fly off.

Manuela raised her fist and said, "Claude! We'd better not lose! If we do, I'll… I'll make you write lines for the rest of the year! No, I'll make you sing choir with Hilda the rest of the year!"

Hilda gasped and then she shouted. "I swear to the Goddess, Claude, if we lose…!"

"Got it, Hilda! Won't let you down!" With those words and a brief smile, Claude took off back into the clouds.

Or so the guy planned.

Before he could get too far, I shouted. "HOLD ON! CLAUDE!"

He paused and then maneuvered his wyvern around to look at me. Claude was fairly high in the sky, just a dot against the vast sea of blue… but considering he was an archer and I had great eyes, we could see each other just fine.

Claude raised an eyebrow and said, "Yeah, Boss?"

I pointed my sword at him and said, "You're on a wyvern!"

He nodded. "Yeah?"

"You're flying!"

He smiled. "And your point is…?"

"NONE OF US CAN FLY!" I spun around towards Seteth and my dad. After that, I jabbed a finger towards Claude and said, "I call disqualification! Red card! Illegal!"

Seteth coughed and then said, "While a bit… unorthodox, and make no mistake I will be severely reprimanding Claude and Lysithea for using a Hero's relic so callously, this is meant to simulate a true battle. Unexpected variables are meant to occur. Besides, Professor… You cannot expect me to believe that you have no way of dealing with this situation."

"That-!" I sighed.

…Seteth had a point. Still, it wasn't fair.

…Which was also probably why Claude did it. Damn.

My dad grinned and said, "Hate to break it to you, Kid, but you should have thought the guy would pull something like this." He held his hand up and said, "The battle continues!"

Seteth nodded. "Yes… though I would like to add that there will be consequences for those that go too far in damaging the battlefield. It costs quite a bit to restore the training ground, and the church is running low on funds recently."

I sighed.

Edelgard walked over and placed a hand on my shoulder.

I looked up at her.

She smiled and said, "Relax, my teacher. While this may be unexpected, remember that Claude and the Golden Deer are not our targets."

Ferdinand nodded. "Indeed. Leave Claude and his wiles to Hubert, who is better equipped to handle them. As for ourselves…" He turned to face Dimitri and the Blue Lions. "We simply must fight."

"…Right. That's right." I let out a breath and nodded.

This was… blatantly rigged and unexpected, but then again I wasn't the only one guiding our forces.

If we were, it would no doubt have been a poor showing. I could probably knock Claude out of the sky… but that'd be at the expense of everyone else being knocked out as well in the process. After all, I couldn't be everywhere at once.

Edelgard lowered her hand and then drew her sword. "Now… what is the plan, my teacher?"

Ferdinand drew his sword as well and nodded. "Yes. Do we advance? Retreat? Bide our time?"

"That-"

Before I could say anything, a proud and regal voice echoed across the battlefield.

Dimitri raised his spear and said, "So that is how you wish to play, Claude? Then we shall not hold back either!" He turned his head back and said, "Professor Hanneman!"

The Crest Scholar nodded. "Understood, Dimitri!"

Dimitri turned his head back and pointed to the Golden Deer tower. "Everyone! As we planned!"

The U formation shifted, with the tip pointed towards the tower. After that, the Blue Lions sheathed their weapons and held out their hands, chanting as one.

A surge of mana began to gather around the Blue Lions, swirling with the epicenter focused on Hanneman.

My eyes widened and I shouted. "What happened to holding back!?"

Hanneman grinned and raised his right hand. "Blame Manuela, Byleth! Now, behold the fruits of my labor!"

Flames erupted, coalescing into a giant flaming orb above the Blue Lions.

Claude's voice suddenly cut through the air. "Marianne, catch!"

"H-Huh?" The quiet blue-haired young woman blinked at being suddenly addressed.

Something flew through the air towards her. Thankfully, Marianne's reactions were quick and she managed to catch it. She blinked when she saw what she was holding and said, "Thyrsus? U-Um, Claude-"

"Silence on Hanneman, now!"

"Y-Yes!" Marianne moved to the edge of the tower and pointed Thyrsus at the Blue Lions.

Hanneman swung his arm down like an executioner's blade and said, "Resonant Mete-"

"Silence!"

"…!?"

The giant ball of flames vanished, snuffed out with not a single wisp of fire or smoke remaining.

Seeing that, I sighed and muttered, "Why do I feel like we've become the side characters in this story?"

Edelgard shrugged. "It can't be helped. Those two… Claude and Dimitri are being quite a bit excessive in this battle."

Ferdinand shook his head. "A bit excessive? You consider casting siege spells and using a Hero's Relic in a mock battle as only being a bit excessive, Edelgard?"

Edelgard looked at Ferdinand and said, "At least they are not using Crest Stones to turn into demonic beasts."

Ferdinand blinked and then closed his eyes, pinching the bridge of his nose. "The fact that you consider that as a valid tactic concerns me, Edelgard. It concerns me a great deal."

Edelgard frowned. "I never said that I would use such a tactic. Only that it would not surprise me if either of the two did."

Ferdinand opened his eyes and said, "In a mock battle?!"

I coughed and said, "On the bright side, it looks like Hubert and the others are managing to sneak up on the Golden Deer."

While Claude was having his bit and Dimitri was going all out, Hubert and his party managed to sneak their way across the field, using the forests as cover.

Well, with Claude's vantage point he probably had a good idea what was going on… but hopefully he wouldn't be able to expect the tricks that Hubert could pull.

I'd passed my notes on Dark Magic and a few ideas to Hubert in the past few days, but I wasn't sure how much he'd managed to get through. Knowing how smart and prone to preparation the guy was though, hopefully it was enough.

Claude might have decades of experience in warfare and governing on us… but he didn't know exactly what we were capable of.

At least, I hoped so. I could never actually know…

Well, either way… this was just a mock battle. It wouldn't be the end of the world if we lost.

A bit embarrassing, but not the end of the world.

After their gambit failed, Dimitri glared at Claude and said, "Relying on cheap tricks, I see!"

Claude's voice echoed from the skies. "It's not cheap if it works, Mitri! And a weak guy like me has to use them to stand a chance at beating you two monsters!"

"Well, you might have stopped our gambit, but let's see you dodge this!" Dimitri drew his arm back and then ran forward. The Crest of Blaiddyd flared and then he whipped his arm out.

There was a muffled boom and the spear rocketed through the air, flying more like a tactical missile rather than a simple wooden stick like it really was. Moreover, tracing its trajectory with my eyes, I could see that it was flying perfectly on course towards Claude's chest, too fast for him to avoid.

Still, Claude remained cool. Instead of dodging, he quickly drew his bow and an arrow. The Crest of Riegan flared and then he fired.

Wind gathered around Claude's arrow, sending it spiraling towards Dimitri's spear.

And then the two collided.

A shrill sound erupted as the two attacks grinded against each other before both stopped, sending wooden shrapnel falling down to the ground.

"Hmph." Dimitri lowered his arm and said, "So it won't be that easy, huh?"

Claude lowered his bow and said, "See? Monsters."

I glared at Claude and said, "I take offense to that! Dimitri's strength is superhuman!"

Claude turned to look at me and said, "Probably want defense instead, Boss!"

I blinked. "What? Defense-"

"Hilda! Bolting!"

Edelgard's eyes widened and she said, "Byleth!"

Electricity crackled and thunder boomed.

"You cheating- Gah!" I didn't have time to waste on words.

I focused and sketched out the path of mana that the Bolting would follow with my eyes. Then, before the spell actually materialized, I moved in front of it and held out my left hand to intercept.

Lightning flashed and struck my left palm. Thankfully, because it was magical, my arm didn't get completely vaporized. Instead, my left arm served as a makeshift lightning rod.

The moment the Bolting spell connected with my arm, I twisted it and threw it to the ground, scorching the grass black. That done, I shook my left hand, frowning at the numb feeling spreading across it.

Either Hilda was stronger than I anticipated at magic… which, considering everything Claude was pulling, I found likely, or staying up so late every night really wasn't good for my health… which was also likely.

But more importantly…

I turned back towards the hill and said, "Don't tell me that you're allowing siege spells too!"

Seteth shrugged and shouted back. "I can only commend Professor Manuela's teaching prowess!"

From the tower, Manuela called out. "Why thank you, Seteth!"

From the Blue Lions, Hanneman let out a wordless scream. "…!" It was clear that he wanted to argue with Manuela, but the guy was still suffering from Marianne's Silence spell.

I sighed and then beckoned Edelgard and Ferdinand for a group huddle.

The two walked over and looked at me.

Edelgard said, "So what do you have in mind now, my teacher?"

Ferdinand nodded. "While I am confident in my skills… I must admit that there is not much I can do against siege spells yet, Professor. If we have to face those the entire way… it will be difficult. Not impossible, but difficult."

I frowned and glanced towards the Golden Deer.

Hubert, Caspar, and Petra were still advancing. And under the cover of a cloaking spell? Huh. It seemed like the guy really did figure out how to replicate that Agarthan tech… I should probably talk with him about it later.

But anyway, they would be the key to all of this. Claude and the Golden Deer were tricky due to terrain and the guy's unexpected ploys. Then, to distract everyone and buy time…

I shook my head and said, "This will sound dumb… but we charge."

Edelgard blinked and said, "Charge?"

I nodded and then turned around to face Dimitri and the Blue Lions. When I did, I raised my sword in the air and said, "Dimitri Alexandre Blaiddyd! I challenge you and the Blue Lions to a frontal clash!"

Ferdinand's eyes widened and he said, "H-Hold on, Professor! This-"

Before Ferdinand could finish, Dimitri turned to face me and said, "Very well! We accept your challenge!"

The Blue Lions formation shifted, with the tip pointed towards us, and then they charged.

Sylvain and Ingrid moved on horseback, leading the formation, both holding wooden lances.

Dimitri and Dedue guarded the flanks, charging forward like juggernauts and somehow keeping pace with Sylvain and Ingrid.

And then there was Hanneman and Felix, taking up the center and the back, lagging behind a bit, but still moving with the group.

It was an intimidating sight, especially considering the fact that the ground trembled as the Blue Lions advanced across the open plains towards us.

Ferdinand sheathed his sword and pulled out his spear. He looked towards the advancing Blue Lions and then towards me. "Are we truly doing this, Professor?"

I nodded. "We've got to. But don't worry. I'll make an opening. In that time, you and Edelgard just need to take out as many as either of you can."

Ferdinand let out a slow breath and then turned to watch the Blue Lions. "Very well. If you are that confident… No. If you trust in us that much, then I, Ferdinand von Aegir, will not disappoint!"

Edelgard smiled and stepped forward as well, holding her sword in her left hand. "Keep up the high morale, Ferdinand. It is truly appreciated."

"I will try, Edelgard. Though I must admit, I did not think we would be fighting against these odds in the mock battle…"

"Get used to it. If you are to be my future Prime Minister, there will be a great many more disadvantageous fights in the near future."

Ferdinand sighed, but a smile was on his face. "Truly, my life as a noble is the more difficult one… but I shall rise to the challenge!"

Edelgard watched the Blue Lions approach and then said, "I have always wondered who was the strongest between Dima and I… We never managed to settle it in the past."

I glanced at them both and said, "Well, don't overdo it. Remember, this is just a mock battle. There's no need to go all out."

"Of course." Edelgard nodded. "I will remember my limits."

Ferdinand nodded as well. "I will keep that in mind, Professor. But… You will not mind if I beat them down, will you?"

"Heh. Confident, are we?"

Ferdinand smiled. "It is my birthday. I hope you do not mind if I am not quite so humble today."

"Well…" I looked up.

The distance between us and the Blue Lions had closed to less than ten meters. A single bound.

"…Time to show me what you've got. I'll take point!"

I ran forward, holding my sword loose at my right side. In no time, I was facing down the hooves of both Sylvain and Ingrid.

Sylvain raised his lance and said, "Charging right at us, huh, Professor? Is that arrogance, or confidence? Let's find out! Ingrid!"

The blonde knight nodded and said, "Got it, Sylv!" She spurred her horse on, increasing the speed.

The two cavaliers charged, their lances poised to run me down. Both lances were blunted, as well as wooden, but it would still hurt.

Not that it would connect.

I held out my left hand and said, "You won't go any further!" The Crest of Aubin shone, sending out white light and stopping the two in place, along with their horses.

It was an opening, a brief gap in their formation.

But before that opening stretched beyond a second, a black blur charged forward. "I won't let you!"

The Crest of Fraldarius flashed and Felix swung his sword. The sound of glass shattering echoed and then the white light binding Sylvain and Ingrid faded.

I lowered my left hand, wincing as mild feedback from getting my Crest forcibly cancelled shot through my left arm. "Tch! So it wasn't luck back then!"

It looked like Felix breaking through all of my Crests when he had thought I killed Annie wasn't just a fluke. The Crest of Fraldarius was stronger than I anticipated…

Still, while the opening was brief, it was still an opening. The tight U formation they had was stretched just a little, enough for gaps to show up.

While I wracked my mind for the next step, deciding on which of the three to attack, a voice called out from behind me.

"Allow me, Professor!"

Ferdinand stepped forward, holding a sword in his right hand and an axe in his left.

"Ferd?"

He glanced at me and then turned to face the charging Sylvain and Ingrid. "I will tie them up! Deal with the others!"

Hearing his confidence, I nodded and said, "I'll be right back! Don't do more than what you can do!"

With that, I activated the Crest of Indech and then gathered wind around my feet. In the next moment, I charged, rushing through the brief gap towards Hanneman.

"As if I'd let you!" Felix immediately moved to block my path. But before he could take but a step in my direction, a blast of lightning raced towards him.

Felix was forced to dive out of the way. He rolled and then sprang back up, glaring at the one who sent that blast of lightning.

Ferdinand lowered his hand and said, "I am your opponent!"

Sylvain thrust his lance at Ferdinand and said, "A bit arrogant to be fighting all of us, aren't you?"

"I prefer to call it confidence! Now, are you going to mince words or clash blades? I am fine with either!"

"You…!" Felix grit his teeth and then charged towards Ferdinand.

During that little exchange, I rapidly closed the gap between me and Hanneman.

The Crest Scholar noticed me coming and smiled. At the same time, he shifted his stance, holding up a closed left fist with his right held at his waist.

It was clear he wasn't going down without a fight.

I touched down and kicked off again, closing the final bit of distance before I could swing my sword.

But before I could, a looming shadow moved to intercept.

"You will not pass, Professor Byleth."

Dedue stepped in the way, his fists raised to fight. His feet were a shoulder width apart and his lower body was turned slightly to the side. His left fist was held high, leading, while his right fist was held by his chest. It was a modified version of what Hanneman was doing, but more grounded. Unyielding.

I narrowed my eyes and said, "We'll see!"

Dedue was sturdy and basically all muscle. Not to mention the fact that he was covered in armor everywhere except for his head…

In that case, I didn't need to hold back too much.

I wrapped more mana around my legs and then kicked off in a sudden burst, twice my previous speed. At the same time, I used the Crest of Indech to increase my reflexes, letting me move at my rapid velocity.

It would hurt, but the only opening I saw on Dedue was his head, so…

I swung my sword. Wind screeched as the blade cut through the air at a blinding speed, aimed at Dedue's temple.

He was too rigid. Dedue wouldn't be able to move in time.

Thus-

My sword connected with Dedue's skull. But I didn't get the feedback I expected.

The Man of Duscur didn't wince from the blow or bend his neck to soften it. He didn't even blink.

Instead, white light flashed and my right arm felt numb, like I had struck a steel wall instead of a person.

"What the-"

Dedue smiled and then threw a haymaker with his right fist.

Shocked, I didn't react in time and was sent flying back through the air. I managed to soften the blow by rolling, but when I got back to my feet to look at Dedue, I was still confused.

"That… Was that Pavise? No, how in the…?"

Dedue turned slightly to face me and said, "I am His Majesty's shield. Though this may not be a true battle, Professor… I will not yield in my duty."

Hearing that, I remembered Dedue's Personal Skill and groaned. "Rigged. This whole fight is rigged."

First Claude and his antics, then Dedue and his ungodly defense… not to mention he was armored.

What the heck was I going to do now? Unlike Dimitri, Stella, and Edelgard, I didn't have superhuman strength. Speed, yes, but that didn't do anything without the force to back it up.

I shifted my sword to my left hand and shook my right, trying to get out the numbness from hitting a practical steel wall-

Faint flashes of white light. Magical arrows flying towards me.

Saggitae.

My eyes widened and I quickly swung my sword, using my left arm to disperse the mana while deflecting what I could. Even so, sparks of white light cut across my coat, leaving behind trails where they singed the material.

I frowned and looked towards the caster.

Hanneman smiled and waved, holding another round of arrows in his right hand.

Seeing that, I couldn't help but shake my head. "I thought you were silenced, Hanneman?"

He shrugged and gave me a look that seemed to say, "You underestimate me, Byleth!" Immediately after that, fire flickered around his other hand.

…It seemed like he had been researching more than just Crests recently if he could do that. Maybe he was inspired by me telling him I could see and feel mana… Clearly he'd gotten a boost in abilities.

It didn't seem like he could cast anything crazy like Meteor, but my gut told me that anything below that was fair game.

Which meant we were at an impasse.

Dedue was blocking me off from getting Hanneman and Hanneman couldn't really do anything that could harm me.

Behind me, I could hear Ferd holding his own against Sylvain, Ingrid, and Felix.

"Gah! Stay still, dammit!"

…And from Felix's frustrated words, it was clear that he was doing well.

Meanwhile, off to the side, I could see Dimitri facing off against Edelgard.

Dimitri stepped in and swung his spear, aiming at Edelgard's neck.

She stepped in and brushed the attack aside with her sword before lunging with a stab.

Dimitri stepped back, spinning his spear around his left arm, and smiled. He glanced at Edelgard's sword and then said, "What happened to using an axe, El?"

Edelgard straightened and smiled back. "A delicate maiden like myself should use a more elegant weapon, shouldn't she?"

Dimitri raised an eyebrow. "A delicate maiden? You?"

Edelgard flushed and said, "Oh shut up and fight, Dima!"

Dimitri laughed. "If you say so, El… Then I'll stop holding back!" He shifted his stance, holding the spear point towards Edelgard. After that, he stepped forward and said, "Try to keep up!"

"Tch! Looking down on me…!" Edelgard stepped forward and swung her sword.

The sword and the spear clashed… but from the loud explosions erupting as they did, it sounded more like blows from actual steel rather than the wooden training weapons they were using.

Suddenly, a fist started to fill my field of view.

My eyes widened and I stepped to the side.

A gust of wind rushed past as Dedue's fist brushed through the air where I had just been standing.

I narrowed my eyes and then spun on my heel. "If I can't damage you…"

I wasn't strong enough to punch through that armor and his defense. Still, that didn't mean I had no way of stopping him.

Dedue's arm was overextended.

Before he could pull it back, I reached out and grabbed it. In the same move, I spun and stepped back, bracing his torso against my back to throw him to the ground.

Unfortunately, Dedue was better at grappling than I thought.

He read my move and let me try and throw him. Yet, as he flew through the air, he grabbed my torso in his arms and pulled me towards him. It was clear that he was planning to trap me within his arms and pin me to the ground.

"Dammit!"

I gathered wind and sent it out in a burst.

Dedue wasn't expecting it and loosened his grip, letting me wrangle free.

The Man of Duscur collapsed on the ground, but only briefly.

Meanwhile, I was left airborne, falling to the ground after being sent free in mid-air.

During that time, a surge of flames rushed towards me.

Hanneman held out his left hand and sent out a blast of fire while I couldn't dodge.

I didn't bother avoiding it, since fire couldn't hurt me. Instead, I used the time to open a gap between me and Dedue, rolling against the ground and jumping back to my feet.

When I was standing, I brushed off the grass from my coat and muttered, "So that's my limit, huh?'

I glanced at Dedue, who was already back on his feet, and then Hanneman, who was priming another round of Saggitae arrows.

I shook my head and said, "Jeritza was right. I'm trying too hard to fight like a normal person.

While I was decently skilled with a sword… it was in terms of killing. Holding back like this wasn't my forte.

I wanted to act like a proper professor and fight everyone off with pure skills… but it looked like that wasn't going to happen.

"Screw it. Cheap shots it is-"

"Kuh!" A pained female gasp. Edelgard's voice.

My eyes widened and I spun to the side. "Delly!"

I turned in time to see her being sent flying by Dimitri's spear.

I threw everything else to the side and ran towards her, catching her before she hit the ground.

I scanned her over and said, "Are you ok? What happened?"

Edelgard groaned. "Urgh… I'm fine, my teacher." She pushed me away and tried to stand up, only to wince and kneel. "Still, forced to withdraw…" She looked up at me and said, "Well, things will only get tougher from here on out, my teacher. Good luck."

"Wait-"

Before I could question her, white light flashed.

My eyes widened and I followed the source to see Edelgard reappear at Seteth's side before being taken away by… Linhardt and Mercedes? Huh. I didn't notice them at the time… but that made sense.

Edelgard's departure brought a sudden pause to the battle between us.

In that time, I frowned and glanced at Dimitri.

Was he that much stronger than Edelgard?

Dimitri straightened, lowering his spear. After that, he shook his head and said, "Heh. That was… pretty good, El."

Suddenly, cracks spread across his armor and his spear shattered. After that, his eyes rolled up in his head and he fell forward, slumping to the ground.

"Your Majesty!" Dedue looked away from me and completely turned towards Dimitri.

White light gathered around the Prince of Faerghus as well, the guy being warped away for treatment after being knocked out.

But that didn't matter.

What did was that there was an opening.

While Dedue was distracted, I gathered wind and charged towards Hanneman.

Dedue realized his mistake and turned around to stop me. But-

"Too slow!"

I moved around him and then closed the rest of the gap towards Hanneman.

The Crest Scholar's eyes widened and he raised his right hand to send out Saggitae arrows.

"Nothing personal, Hanneman!"

I started to swing my sword towards his head, planning to knock him out… and then I remembered what he was doing for me and quickly changed tactics. Instead of knocking him out like that, I held out my left hand, crackling with electricity, and tazed him.

Hanneman winced before slumping to the ground, stunned.

White light surrounded Hanneman's body as he was warped out as well.

I turned to leave, but before I could move a single step, Dedue was already in front of me.

He threw a punch. A simple jab, aimed at my face. Except, from Dedue, it was the equivalent of a missile.

I could feel the shockwave ripple towards me and I instinctively ducked to the side.

The barrage didn't stop there though.

Dedue threw a chain of punches, a combo that sounded like aerial bombardment from how fast each was.

I desperately dodged, using everything I knew to avoid being hit. "H-Hey! This is a mock battle, you know? No need to go all out, Dedue!"

Dedue smiled, but continued punching. "If you fear for your life, feel free to withdraw, Professor."

"Tch!"

It was clear that he wasn't going to back down. Since that was the case…

I planted my feet after dodging the next punch and then took a boxer's pose, holding both of my arms in front of me. At the same time, I gathered lightning around my fists and said, "Fine! You might be strong, but I don't think you've got much resistance, do you?"

I used the Dempsey roll to dodge a punch and jabbed Dedue's neck.

Lightning crackled and Dedue winced. Still, he narrowed his eyes and continued punching.

My eyes scanned Dedue's punches, moving into overdrive to try and catch the slightest openings.

Jab, dodge, jab, hook, straight…

Every punch I landed sent a jolt of lightning through Dedue's body, but it was clear that it wasn't enough.

"Note to self…!" I dodged another of Dedue's punches and threw a counter hook. "Invest in Spirit Dust!"

I managed to graze his chin.

Dedue flinched and for the first time took a step back.

An opening.

I didn't hesitate and jumped forward, quickly moving around and grabbing Dedue in a stranglehold.

"You…!" Dedue grabbed my arms and tried to pull himself free, but I refused to let go.

For good measure, I kept up the electricity. Still, it seemed like the Man of Duscur wouldn't be going down without a fight.

I grit my teeth and resisted the man yanking at my arms, even as it felt like they were going to break.

And then… they went limp and he slumped backwards.

Unfortunately, since I was behind him and completely worn out from holding on, it meant I got crushed.

Suddenly, the world went dark and I couldn't breathe. But then light and mana wrapped around me, and I was suddenly standing on the hill next to my dad.

He looked at me, a wide grin on his face, and said, "So. Since when do you suddenly suck at fighting?"

I shook my arms, still throbbing from the abuse of resisting the Man of Duscur, and said, "Shut up, Dad. I'm good at killing, not fighting."

"Ah, touché." He nodded and then went back to observing the battlefield.

I took the time to look around.

The hill we were on wasn't that far from where I had just been fighting. Only a hundred meters or so. Maybe the length of a sports stadium. It was pretty high though. I'd put it at half the tower in the distance… so five or so stories? The average size of a house at least.

Anyway, that wasn't too important.

There were three tents set up, each color coordinated for a designated house. Blue for the Blue Lions, yellow for Golden Deer, and red for Black Eagles.

In the Blue Lions tent, I could see Dedue and Dimitri being healed up by Mercedes and Annette. Hanneman was there too, but since I had just stunned him, the guy was already up and running. Though, from how he just waved at me instead of saying anything, it seemed like he was still waiting to be cured of his Silence.

The Golden Deer tent was still empty, as expected. Since Claude had brought their healer along with them, there was a random priest waiting there.

As for the Black Eagles, Dorothea and Linhardt were sitting there and fussing over Edelgard.

Seeing that, I decided to walk over to rescue her.

Edelgard sighed and said, "I am telling you, Dora, I am fine! All that Dima did was wind me."

Dorothea crossed her arms and said, "That didn't look like you just got winded, Edie! Now sit down and let us heal you!"

Linhardt nodded. "It won't do for our House Leader to get sick before our first mission. Not to mention the work we'll have to do to make up for when you do… Yeah. Just let us heal you already."

Edelgard frowned.

I waved and said, "Heya. How's the brave Emperor doing?"

Edelgard looked towards me and let out a sigh of relief. "Professor! Help me convince them that I'm fine. Neither seem willing to yield despite my efforts."

Dorothea shook her head. "At least take off your armor, Edie! We have to check your body for wounds!"

Linhardt nodded. "Besides, it's not like it's anything we haven't seen before."

Dorothea glared at Linhardt. "Lin!"

"What? It's true. We saw each other naked a lot when we were kids, didn't we?"

"I mean… yes, but you don't mention stuff like that!"

Linhardt sighed. "Whatever. If Edelgard is that insistent on not being healed, then I'll just go back to sleep… Ah. Unless you need healing, Professor?"

I shook my head. "I didn't actually get hurt. Just got squished beneath Dedue."

Edelgard frowned. "Then why are you here, my teacher? Won't we be at a disadvantage?"

I shrugged. "Well… if I'm being honest, there's not much else I could have done either." I frowned and said, "Holding back is a lot harder than I thought it'd be…"

Dorothea snorted. "Only you, Professor, would find it harder to hold back then go all out."

"Not my fault that all I know how to do is kill. But anyway…" I looked to Edelgard and said, "Your body's fine?"

She nodded. "A bit sore, but nothing that some rest won't fix."

I looked at Dorothea. "See?"

The songstress sighed and threw up her hands. "Fine! Whatever you say! Don't blame me if you get sick later!" She huffed and crossed her arms before sitting on the ground.

Edelgard sighed and said, "I'm sorry, Dora. But thank you for the concern."

Dorothea shooed Edelgard away and said, "Just go on back and cheer the others on. I'll sit here and wait for anybody else to show up."

Edelgard nodded and then turned towards me. "Well, my teacher? You heard her."

"Alright. I'm curious to see how Ferd is doing…"

The two of us headed back towards the top of the hill overlooking the battlefield.

Along the way, Hanneman walked over. "Byleth!"

I glanced at him and said, "Finally got that Silence removed, huh?"

He sighed. "Do not remind me… I had been hoping to show off my latest developments in this mock battle. A pity that it must be delayed to the Battle of the Eagle and Lion."

I frowned. "That reminds me… What happened to holding back, Hanneman? Meteor, let alone a resonant variation, is not holding back!"

He shrugged. "I deigned it fit to return what was given to us. After all, if Manuela allowed her students to use both a Hero's Relic and Quake Sigma, let alone Bolting, the Blue Lions should return in kind, no?"

"That's- Hah, never mind." I shook my head and kept walking.

…Was this what Sothis felt like every time I did something ridiculous? Going all out without considering the consequences… I should give her something to make up for the headaches then.

"Ah!" Hanneman exclaimed and said, "It appears that my remaining students are facing off against one of your own, Byleth. That is… young Ferdinand, I believe?"

Edelgard came to a stop and looked out at the battlefield. "Yes. It seems that is indeed Ferdinand. And he seems to be holding his own fairly well against those three."

I followed her gaze.

Back at the open field, Ferdinand stood in the center of three people, surrounded on all sides. It looked like Sylvain and Ingrid had dismounted at some point, since both of the cavaliers had switched over to using spears on foot rather than their lances on horseback. Felix was the same as ever though, still super serious and glaring Ferdinand down.

As for Ferdinand…

His armor was cracked. His sword was broken, his spear fractured, his axe shattered, and his quiver completely empty. He had fought hard, but he looked to be on his last legs.

Sylvain spun his spear and said, "Give up, Ferdinand! You're outnumbered three to one!"

Felix nodded. "I gotta admit, you're pretty strong, Ferdinand. But this is it." He raised his sword and said, "Give up before you get hurt."

Ingrid spun her spear as well and said, "There's no shame to surrendering. You've done a valiant job already."

Ferdinand laughed. "Surrender? Give up?" He shook his head. "I will never surrender. For I! Am! Ferdinand von Aegir!" He grinned and broke his spear in half, holding the two pieces as makeshift swords. "Come at me!"

"Don't say we didn't warn you!" Sylvain shouted and said, "Ingrid, Felix! Like we practiced!"

Ingrid nodded and said, "Got it!"

Felix tightened his grip around his sword. "Don't mess up, Sylvain!"

Sylvain charged. "I should say that to you, Felix… but now! Triangle attack!"

"Hah!" Ingrid flipped and flew into the air. At the peak of her launch, she spun around, sending a blast of icy wind to rocket back to the ground, aimed at Ferdinand's shoulder.

At the same time, Sylvain stepped in, his spear thrusting out with Swift Strikes, lightning fast stabs that blocked Ferdinand's forward escape path.

From the side, Felix blurred and charged, attacking with Astra. Five strikes aimed at each of Ferdinand's limbs.

Watching it all happen, Ferdinand said, "No openings?" He shook his head and then said, "In that case… I'll make one!"

The Triangle Attack was fast and simultaneous. The timing was perfect, leaving no escape.

At least, that should have been the case.

Yet, knowing that, Ferdinand turned and charged, facing towards Felix.

"Challenging me?" Felix grinned and swung his sword, Astra gleaming and ready to start… and then he froze.

The Crest of Cichol flared, locking Felix in for a split second.

"What?"

That brief moment was all Ferdinand needed.

The orange-haired noble stepped forward and whacked Felix in the temple with the bit of wood in his left hand. At the same time, he spun to the right and lashed out with the wood in the right hand.

Ingrid's trajectory was pushed slightly to the side just before she struck and her spear pierced into the ground. She blinked, stunned for a brief moment at the sudden change. "What just-?"

"Ingrid! Move!"

Sylvain tried to pull his arms back, but he was already charging forward with his combat art and couldn't abort it.

Ingrid's eyes widened and she stepped back, using fancy footwork to avoid Sylvain's attacks.

In the meanwhile, Ferdinand walked over to Felix, who was knocked unconscious, and picked up the guy's sword. Ferdinand swapped it out for the wood in his right hand and swung it a bit. "Hm… a bit light, but it will do."

White light gathered around Felix, warping him away as well.

Seeing that, Ferdinand turned towards his remaining opponents and said, "And then there were two. Not bad odds if I say so myself."

Sylvain stared at him and said, "Huh. Gotta say… you're a lot better than I thought you were, Ferdinand."

He raised his sword. "I can say the same about you Blue Lions. To take out both Edelgard and our Professor… It seems he was right in saying that it would be unwise to underestimate you all."

Ingrid shook her head and pulled her spear out from the ground. "You're the one we underestimated… To think that our Triangle Attack could be beaten. You're lucky your Crest activated."

Ferdinand smiled and said, "I must admit, it was a lucky break… but luck is always on my side. Now come! I will not let down my guard even though you two are the only ones left."

"Smart." Sylvain switched his spear stance, holding it low to the ground. "You see, my dear friend Ingrid and I have the best coordination among all of the Blue Lions."

"Ugh." Ingrid shook her head and said, "Don't say it like that, Sylv. It makes it seem like we're a couple or something."

Sylvain paused and looked at her. "…Are we not?"

Ingrid lowered her stance as well and said, "When you finally decide to stop flirting with other girls and ask me out properly, I'll consider it."

"Well, looks like I've got a lot to make up for…" Sylvain shook his head and then dropped his usual smile. "Nothing personal, Ferdinand. But you're outta luck!"

With those words, Sylvain charged again. This time, however, he moved with Ingrid.

The two cavaliers moved as one, and their Crests, Daphnel and Gautier, overlapped as they thrust out with their spears.

Ferdinand's eyes widened and he frantically lashed out with his sword and the remaining piece of his spear. But it was futile.

Sylvain and Ingrid's attacks were a continuous stream, staggered to give Ferdinand no chance to breathe, let alone think. Paired with their Crests enhancing the strength of their attacks, in no time, Ferdinand's weapons were worn down… and then they shattered.

Bits of woods flew through the air as Ferdinand's weapons broke.

Seeing that, Ingrid stepped forward and swung her spear. "You're finished!"

Sylvain stepped back and chose to attack with magic instead, sending a stream of flames flying towards Ferdinand. "Take this!"

It was over. Despite the valiant fight, Ferdinand had lost… Or so it seemed.

Just before either attack struck, Ferdinand smiled and said, "You've been compromised!" Ferdinand threw the remains of his weapons aside and then said, "Ward!"

White light shone and formed a glowing barrier around Ferdinand.

Ingrid's spear crashed against it, but came to a stop. When it did, her eyes widened and she looked to Ferdinand. "You can use Faith magic?"

Ferdinand grinned and said, "People like me are quick studies… and with my Professor, there is nothing that I, Ferdinand von Aegir, cannot do! Now! Victory will be mine!"

Sylvain's eyes widened. "Ingrid, look-"

"Too late!"

The Crest of Cichol activated, locking Ingrid in place. The moment it did, Ferdinand smoothly stepped forward and jabbed Ingrid's abdomen.

The blonde knight flew through the air towards Sylvain. Before she got too far though, Ferdinand made sure to grab the spear from her.

Ingrid landed on the ground next to Sylvain. She gasped and then let out a groan. "Sorry, Sylv. Looks like… Inexperience got the best of me…"

Sylvain sighed and shook his head. "You did good, Ingrid. Rest well."

She smiled and then vanished in a flash of white light.

That left just Sylvain and Ferdinand.

Sylvain stared at Ferdinand.

Ferdinand spun his new spear with his left hand and held it out, smiling. "Shall we continue?"

Sylvain narrowed his eyes. "Don't underestimate me!" The Crest of Gautier flared and he charged. As he did, fire crackled to life around him, boosting his speed.

When I saw that, I blinked. "…Has everyone just spontaneously picked up my trade secret?"

From beside me, Edelgard shrugged and said, "It's not that difficult to do, my teacher. Hard to control, yes. But to perform… not really."

I frowned.

…Maybe I should consider trademarking it…

Anyway, I shook my head and focused back on the fight.

Ferdinand swung his spear, activating the Crest of Cichol. For a split second, it stopped Sylvain. Yet, the Crest of Gautier flared, shattering it.

Despite the sudden change, Ferdinand wasn't surprised. Instead, he swung his spear to clash against Sylvain's.

Sylvain roared and pushed, sending Ferdinand staggering back. With that, the momentum shifted and Ferdinand was forced into a retreat as Sylvain let out a barrage of attacks.

Hanneman smiled and turned towards me. "It seems like it is our win, Byleth."

I shook my head. "It won't last."

"Hm?" Hanneman frowned and turned back to watch the fight.

Sylvain kept attacking… but after a few seconds, his spear started to slow down.

Meanwhile, Ferdinand looked tired, but he was considerably better off than his counterpart.

After a few more strikes, Sylvain lowered his spear. His arms trembled as he tried to raise it again, but it wouldn't budge.

Ferdinand lowered his spear as well, though to get ready to attack rather than out of fatigue. "A valiant effort," he said. "But insufficient."

Sylvain sighed. "Looks like it. You win, Ferdinand."

He nodded. "It was a good fight."

"Right, so I'll just withdraw-"

Ferdinand stepped forward and then whipped his spear, cracking Sylvain across the temple.

The red-haired cavalier's eyes widened for a brief moment before rolling up in his head. After that, white light immediately surrounded him, warping Sylvain away.

Ferdinand watched and then spun around towards the hill, saying, "That is for flirting with Stella! The Professor might have forgotten, but I have not!"

I sighed.

Edelgard laughed. "Well, that was unexpected."

I shook my head. "Ferd is-"

A faint whistling and a brief black line from above.

My eyes widened and I shouted. "Ferd! Above you!"

"Hm?"

Ferdinand turned around to look, raising his spear. But it was too late.

A blunted arrow fell down from the sky and struck Ferdinand in the forehead.

Claude swooped down and waved. "Sorry, Ferdie, but I can't afford to lose, you know?"

Ferdinand collapsed, vanishing in white light after being knocked out.

I glared at Claude and said, "That was a cheap shot!"

"Perfectly legal in a real fight!"

I grit my teeth… and then I saw what was going on at the tower and smiled. "Hah! It looks like it doesn't matter! Checkmate!"

"Hm?" Claude noticed me staring into the distance and followed my gaze.

The terrain around the tower hadn't changed. However, the people standing at the top had.

Hubert, Petra, and Caspar stood behind the Golden Deer. Manuela, Hilda, and Marianne were tied up while Leonie was knocked out cold. As for Lysithea… she was standing with Hubert, Petra, and Caspar, making her allegiance clear.

"What the-? Hilda! What happened?!"

Hilda groaned and said, "Some Master Tactician you are, Claude! They know warp and can turn invisible! Not only that, but Lissy turned traitor!"

Lysithea shrugged. "Shouldn't have eaten my pudding, Hilda."

"That was one time, Lissy!"

Claude spun around and gave me a dirty look.

I grinned. "So… You going to surrender? Or are we going to drag this out until you eventually land and my teammates take you out?"

Claude ran a hand through his hair and then said, "Fine! You win. The Golden Deer surrenders."

"CLAUDE!"

"What! We lost!"

"Argh…!"

Jeralt laughed and then clapped his hand on my shoulder. "Good one, Kid. Now…" He stepped forward and said, "All right, that's that! The winner of this mock battle is... The Black Eagles!"

Author's Notes:

Turns out I was sicker than I thought. Didn't want to get sick on Christmas, so I took a few more days off then originally intended.

Thankfully I managed to get this done before Christmas Day. To those that celebrate it, Merry Christmas! To everyone else, Happy Holidays! This is my present to you.

Thanks to everyone for reading and leaving your input! Hope you have a good holiday break and I'll see you... hopefully at least once more before the New Year!

Take care if I don't see you til then, and hope you all have fun!