You awaken the day after the mock battle to find it is the first day of the Harpstring Moon, the fifth month of the Fódlan calendar. The first full month of your teaching job is about to begin, and You see Seraphine on your way out to see the archbishop.
Seraphine: What do you think we'll be doing this month? It's not as if we can meet with our students or anything for a mock battle. That's over. Do you think we'll have an actual mission? That would be amazing!
You shake your head, unsure.
Seraphine: I guess all we can do is ask the archbishop about it. She's bound to have a plan for what we should do next, and if she doesn't know yet, then she'll be able to tell us when it is figured out.
You nod your agreement and make your way to the archbishop's area upstairs. When you arrive, You see Aisa and Roy standing together.
Aisa: Good morning, Professor. I hope you slept well.
You nod.
Aisa: I am glad to hear it. I can tell you're curious about this month's mission, but I first would like to congratulate you on how well you did in the mock battle. I truly was impressed.
You thank Aisa for her compliment.
Aisa: I am only speaking the truth.
Roy: In the battle, we did notice something though... Or rather, Derric told us about something, and we've grown rather curious on the matter.
Aisa: I'm sure you have heard about Crests by now. They are symbols of power from the goddess, often found in noble houses scattered throughout Fódlan. In this past battle, Derric noticed that you activated a Crest of your own.
You react with shock.
Aisa: He saw this in the first battle as well, but we weren't able to do much about it due to how soon the mock battle was... However, now, we have all the time in the world.
Roy: We have tracked down a famous Crest scholar to help you figure out what Crest you possess. We don't have any experts on Crests here at the monastery, making it difficult to identify.
Aisa: This month, your mission will be to meet with this Crest scholar. She has agreed to help you determine what Crest you have, information you will then relay back to us.
You cannot help but wonder why You cannot go and meet with this scholar now.
Aisa: She is a rather busy woman, I am afraid. She gave us a time to come see her, and she doesn't like it when people break her schedule. After you pick a house for this month, you will train with them to further their skills, and you will visit the scholar at the end of the moon.
Roy: We doubt you'll need to fight to go and see her, but it's worth being on your guard. She is something of a peculiar character, and while we believe she'll tell you what Crest you have without issue, things could easily go wrong. Just in case something happens, we need you all to be ready.
Aisa: Now, the time has come for you to select your house for the month. All of the professors are already aware of your mission.
You think long and hard about your decision, and in the end, You decide to follow the Golden Deer for the month.
Roy: You have chosen the Golden Deer?
You nod.
Roy: Good choice. Now, you should return to your house and tell your students you will be with them.
Aisa: While the professors are aware of the mission, we didn't tell any students of what the mission is for this month given how personal it is to you. I'm sure word will spread fast once you tell your given house, but you deserve the right to explain things to your students first.
Roy: Good luck, Professor.
You thank Roy and Aisa and begin walking back to the homeroom of the Blue Golden Deer. Seraphine walks beside you.
Seraphine: A Crest scholar, huh? Hm... How strange. I've noticed something within you from the start, but I didn't think it would be related to a Crest... Perhaps we should have noticed sooner.
You shrug, unsure. It hadn't come to mind for You either.
Seraphine: There's no point in thinking too much on it now. Let's talk to your students for now. After that, the day is ours.
You arrive at the homeroom soon after and see Jill standing with the eight students at the back of the room.
Jill: You sided with the Golden Deer? Good choice. I like you already.
Raithius: Hey, Prof! Great job in the mock battle. I can't say enough how great you did.
Jill: It was truly very impressive.
Jill: However, now that the mock battle is over, it's time for us to talk about our first mission. Professor, go on and explain it.
You nod and explain the mission. You are to find a Crest scholar and speak with her about what Crest You possess.
Wolfgang: A Crest scholar, huh?
Jill: Her name is Evenor Hepius. She used to work in the Adrestian Empire, specifically for the royal family. She left the Faixnoye family about twelve years ago, and she lives alone now.
Raithius: If she worked for a family that important, you would expect people outside the field to have heard of her, but her name is completely new to me.
William: I can't help but be curious about why she would have left. That sounds like a dream job to me.
Cedric: I somehow doubt it's for us to learn about though, so perhaps we should leave it be.
Adeline: Perhaps she'll have something to tell us about the royals. She hasn't been there for twelve years, but... It would be nice.
Sofia: I guess the world is a lot smaller than we realize sometimes.
Lev: I wonder what Crest you could have, Professor... I don't recognize it.
Wolfgang: I heard we have someone here at the monastery this year with every Crest except for one.
Cedric: You're right. We have a bearer of every Crest except for Lamine.
Cedric: If we were to have a student with the Crest of Lamine, they would be in the Blue Lions. Lamine is a Faerghus territory.
Lev: I wonder what the leader of House Lamine could be like...
Sofia: I heard once that she was an unpleasant woman at best. She hates those without Crest and shuns people who she doesn't like.
Wolfgang: What if the professor is from House Lamine?
Cedric: No way. House Lamine is far too stingy with its Crest bearers. Anybody with a Crest is forced to stay.
Jill: No matter what, we'll figure it out on the last day of the month. Our meeting is scheduled then.
Adeline: She must be stern on scheduling if she wants appointments made that far out.
Raithius: This mission shouldn't have any fighting involved since we're just going to talk to somebody. Sounds like a perfect way to get us in the swing of things.
Novalee: I wouldn't be too sure. Something could always go wrong, and in that case, we need to be prepared.
Sofia: All we have to do is go in and out. That's easy, right?
Lev: Somehow, I get the feeling things aren't going to go well...
William: No need to worry. We'll be fine.
Lev: I can't help it. My stomach is in a knot right now.
Sofia: There's nothing we can do right now though. Let's just try and have a nice month, okay? We can train in the meantime.
Jill: I agree with Sofia. Now, we're done here. The rest of the day is yours.
The students all walk out of the classroom, Jill following them. You do the same. You cannot help but feel the same way as Lev. You wonder if things are truly as simple as they seem, but You will not know until the end of the month.
Seraphine: I can tell you're worried. It's going to be fine. Nothing is going to go wrong.
You nod, but You can hear the uncertainty in Seraphine's voice. You figure she is nervous because You are, but You choose not to call her out on it. Instead, You return to your room and spend the rest of the day alone.
That weekend, You wake up and decide to explore the monastery. You leave your room and begin to wander around to speak with the people in the monastery. Just outside your room, in the string of nearby student dorms, You see Florence and decide to approach her.
Florence: I can't help but wonder what Crest you could have... I mean, if it was the same as somebody else's in the monastery, it would be recognized, but nobody has picked up on it. I must wonder what's going on here if you do have a different Crest... I don't know much about the Crest system, nor do I really care to find out about it, but this is really bugging me. I just have to know!
You walk away from Florence and approach another person in the student dorm area. It is , You notice.
Yuliya: Going to see a scholar, huh? And one that's independent from the church? I don't know what the archbishop is doing, but it's weird. Normally, she doesn't ask for help from anyone outside of the church... Be on your guard. Things could easily go wrong here.
You nod to Yuliya and walk to the edge of the student dorms where the greenhouse is located. You see Zelhira inside, examining the plants.
Zelhira: I've done some research since hearing about the mission. I don't think you have the Crest of Lamine. The symbol doesn't match the one I've seen you using. It makes one wonder what Crest you could possibly have instead... Quite the conundrum.
You leave Zelhira behind and walk to the upstairs dorm area. There is one person up there, and You realize upon getting closer that it is Cassia.
Cassia: A Crest scholar... Hm. I've heard there are many experiments being done involving Crests these days, though I'm unsure of the details. I wonder if this expert would know how to remove a Crest... That would change our current political climate for sure...
You nod to Cassia before returning downstairs and going to the fishing hole. You can see someone standing alone at the dock, and upon growing nearer, You see it is Cedric.
Cedric: I don't have much experience with fishing, but it would be nice to learn... I've studied a variety of subjects for many years, but fishing has never come up. Do you know how to fish, Professor?
You tell him You do not.
Cedric: Perhaps we can learn together sometime then. It could be a learning experience for us both.
You agree with Cedric and walk to the marketplace nearby. Tuncay is standing in front of the blacksmith's stall.
Tuncay: Making weapons around here is way harder than back home. I have to actually buy the supplies instead of just borrowing them from the others in my village. Plus, I don't exactly have easy access to the forge. I have to figure that stuff out on my own.
You ask if Tuncay needs any help.
Tuncay: I'll be fine. I'll handle it, no problem.
You nod to Tuncay and leave the marketplace to head north to the entrance hall. Adrian is standing inside.
Adrian: Evenor Hepius... I've heard quite a bit about her. She's famous for her breakthroughs in Crest research. There are few in the field who don't know her name.
You ask how Adrian knows of her.
Adrian: I heard about her while I was a student here last year. Crests are a mildly interesting subject to me though... Maybe I could ask her a thing or two when we meet, even if it won't be this week.
You tell him that would be a good idea before moving onto the next person in the hallway, Adeline.
Adeline: A Crest scholar... Hm. I heard Ms. Hepius has been researching potential ways to gift or remove Crests. I haven't heard the full details, but that is something odd, to be sure. Crests... They can't be removed or given. That's what I've always heard, but I suppose anything is possible...
You can sense Adeline would like some time to think, so You leave her and the entrance hall behind to head upwards in the monastery to the next major hall. Inside, You find Falon.
Falon: I can't help but wonder where you come from, Professor. At the end of the day, you are who you are regardless of where you came from, but I can't help my curiosity. Maybe this Crest scholar will be able to help us find our answers.
You tell her that You hope so.
Falon: Just remember that we'll care about you no matter what happens. That's a promise!
You thank Falon for her kindness and move to the next person in the hall, who happens to be Kaeta.
Kaeta: That mock battle went pretty well, or so I heard. Derric seemed impressed at least. I'm glad to see the students are settling in well though. This place can be a bit hard to adjust to at first. Speaking of, if you ever need anything, Professor, all you need to do is call me. You know, unless it's about talking to that Kyle kid. I can't even stand to look at him.
You nod to Kaeta and leave the reception hall to walk to the dining area. Inside of the dining area, You see Nesreen standing alone.
Nesreen: I was the one who communicated with this Crest scholar on behalf of the archbishop. In the time we spoke, I learned that she's a peculiar woman, to say the least. I get the feeling she's not someone you want to mess around with. I suggest that you take care of your business and then be cautious if you need to stick around.
You thank Nesreen for her advice and move onto the other person in the dining hall, Wynne.
Wynne: I wish some of us knights got to come along with you on this mission, but the archbishop wants us doing other things. It's nowhere near as interesting as what you're getting up to. It really is unfortunate, but I'm sure we'll get our time together someday.
You agree with Wynne and leave the dining hall to walk north. The courtyard of the Officers Academy has three students in it. The first of them is Kyle, who You approach primarily.
Kyle: I hear this Crest scholar is a woman... I wonder if she'd be open to flirtations.
You shake your head at Kyle.
Kyle: What? You never know when you're going to find that special person. For all I know, they could be anywhere. I might as well start looking. It's never too soon to begin your search.
You decide to take Kyle's word for it as You move onto Sofia, who is standing nearby.
Sofia: I tried so hard to get a girl after that mock battle, but I didn't wind up with a single date, which is a real tragedy. There are a lot of cuties around here... Oh, well. I'm sure I'll find my lucky someone one of these days, and until then, there's not much I can do.
You leave Sofia behind and approach the final student in the Academy's courtyard, who happens to be Novalee.
Novalee: The mock battle wasn't that long ago, but it feels like ages have passed since then... We're already moving onto another mission. It's odd, but not entirely unexpected. The church wants to get things done. Still, it is a jarring shift.
You agree with Novalee before checking the classrooms. You find Callisto in the Black Eagles classroom.
Callisto: You know, I didn't think we would be hopping into such serious business right off the bat. We've only been here three weeks or so at most depending on the different arrival times, and now, we're going out into the field... Oh, well. I guess nothing can be done about it.
You leave the Black Eagles classroom and head next door to where the Blue Lions are. Karim is alone inside.
Karim: I don't know what we're going to be doing after this month's mission... I'm sure the church will figure out something for us, but I'm still curious. This month doesn't seem to involve battle, which means next month will be our next experience in a real fight. Man, I can't tell if I'm more excited or terrified!
After finishing your conversation with Karim, You go to the Golden Deer homeroom and speak to its only occupant, William.
William: You know, I wonder if you're in a similar situation as me... I didn't know I had a Crest until many years after I was born. Most people find out at a young age, but I didn't due to being raised a commoner. It wasn't until shortly before I came here that the truth found a way out. I figured everybody here would know about their Crests already, but I suppose not... I wish you luck no matter what.
You thank William and leave the Officers Academy to enter the training hall nearby. Derric and Miriam are inside.
Miriam: I have a bad feeling about all of this.
Derric: You have no reason to worry. The students can handle this mission. It doesn't even involve fighting.
Miriam: As a knight, you should know by now that not everything goes as expected. Before we know it, everything could change.
Derric: I suppose so... But things haven't changed yet, so we might as well enjoy the peace we have yet. There's no need to prepare until things seem like they're going to change greatly, right?
Miriam: I suppose... I'll trust that for now, but the instant anything goes wrong...
Derric: I understand.
You can tell the conversation is tense, so You leave them to it and exit the training hall. You make your way around the monastery before reaching the knights' hall. Cordelia stands alone inside.
Cordelia: The Knights of Seiros are supposed to help the students out on their missions when it is required, but since this mission is meant to be peaceful, none of us are being summoned to come along. It feels odd, just sitting here and twiddling my thumbs, but we'll get our chance soon enough.
You agree with her and leave the knights' hall to go to the stables. Inside, You see Lev standing near a large wyvern.
Lev: I-I think I mentioned Travant to you before, yes, Professor? Well... Here he is. Say hi, Travant.
The wyvern looks at You but doesn't do much else.
Lev: He's friendly, I promise... Though it does take him a while to warm up to people... I hope he figures out how to make this place home sooner rather than later.
The other person in the stables is Wolfgang, who You approach next.
Wolfgang: Olive loves spending time around here. I think it's because most of the owls in the monastery make their nests here. It's easy for her to make friends when all of the other owls are hanging out in a set location. It's nice to see her around so many others of her kind...
You leave the stables and head north to the cathedral. On the bridge there, You run into Hegias. If he has been recruited, this dialogue will play out.
Hegias: I can't wait to see Evenor again... It's been far too long. She helped me get into the Academy to begin with by introducing me to the tournament fighting scene. Without her, I don't know where I'd be... I owe a lot to her, to say the least.
If Hegias has not been recruited, this dialogue will play out. Should he be recruited or asked for mission assistance in this chapter, the dialogue will change to the previous choice.
Hegias: I wish I could come with you to see Evenor... She's my mentor of sorts, you see. If it weren't for her introducing me to tournament fighting, I never would have come here. Without her help, the Academy wouldn't have given me a second glance... I owe a lot to her, to say the least.
Either way, You leave Hegias to his thoughts and enter the cathedral. You see three students inside, and You approach the first one, Polly.
Polly: Crests are funny things... They can either be thought of as great helps or horrible hindrances. Those who have them benefit from an inherent step up, and they can use that power in awful ways. Meanwhile, those who lack Crests are treated as lesser. It makes you wonder what sort of society we're living in.
After walking away from Polly, You approach Nora.
Nora: I can't help but think about what the future holds for us here at the Academy. All I ever heard about was the mock battle and graduation. Everything is a mystery in between. Who knows what will happen in between now and the final day? Anything can change at any moment.
You leave Nora behind and approach the final student, Aquillus.
Aquillus: I really don't know what to think of all this... I know there's no battle planned, but it still seems odd. Why would we go on a mission that doesn't involve combat when we came here to learn how to fight? I have a bad feeling about it, but I suppose there aren't many options.
You allow Aquillus to continue on as he had been before going upstairs. In the immediate hallway upstairs, You run into Magnolia and Raithius.
Magnolia: You know, it shocks me how many Major Crests we have here at the Academy this year.
Raithius: I agree. It's odd, to say the least.
Magnolia: Ah, Professor! It's good to see you.
Raithius: Wait... It just hit me. You probably don't know the difference between Major and Minor Crests.
You tell him You do not know.
Magnolia: There are many noble bloodlines scattered about the three nations. Most of these high-ranking families bear Crests, or symbols of the goddess' power.
Raithius: They can come in two forms, Major and Minor. Major Crests are stronger but are much harder to come across. Minor Crests, on the other hand, are on the weaker side but are found much more frequently.
Magnolia: It feels odd to see so many bearers of Major Crests gathered together... Life acts in odd ways, I suppose.
You thank the pair for their explanation and begin to head down the hallway at the heart of the upper floor. You enter Reese's room first.
Reese: I wish we had someone who knew a lot about Crests here at the Academy. It seems odd that we don't have anyone here... I suppose that's something for Lady Aisa to do in the future. Maybe she wants to hire this Evenor Hepius woman, which would explain the interest... But who can say? This is all merely speculation.
You leave Reese's room and enter the Jill's nearby room.
Jill: The mock battle was only a fight to see who was skilled in what areas, but from here on out is when it gets ugly. We have a lot to do with fighting for the rest of the school year, and that means people will get hurt more. It's a vicious cycle... I'll never understand it.
After finishing your conversation with Jill, You approach Herwig.
Herwig: I've been doing minor research into Crests since coming to the Academy, but I never thought to consider myself an expert. There's too much for me to learn about while still focusing on my teaching job. Maybe I'll be able to delve deeper one day, but for now, talking to someone else about it will have to do.
You leave Herwig's room and start walking down the hallway to the library. Outside, You run into Rodain and Piers.
Rodain: I have to wonder about what the future holds for us... It's so peaceful. It's like there's nothing for us to do.
Piers: Enjoy it. We all know this peace isn't going to last, and when it goes downhill, you're going to wish you had taken advantage of it more.
Rodain: Touchy, aren't we? But I suppose you have a point. For now, that sounds like a plan.
You walk away from Rodain and Piers to enter the library. You see Aestlyn inside and decide to approach her.
Aestlyn: There are multiple pairs of students at this school that share a Crest. Many generations ago, their houses were once one, but they split off at some point for various reasons. It means the people who now have those Crests are distantly related... It's odd to look at Adeline and know she shares my Crest. I'm so used to being the only one with it...
You leave Aestlyn and walk to the other person in the library, Niko.
Niko: I love looking around the library, even if it's my job to keep this place in order. I can't help it. It's too interesting to ignore. I wish I could be like the heroes in these books, doing what's right no matter what... Oh, what a dream.
You walk away from Niko and leave the library. You walk down the hallway past the main area with the other teachers' rooms to enter the other area. This is the cardinals' room. Inside, You can see two people standing together. They are Chris and Illona.
Chris: Um... Hey, Illona. I noticed you were kind of lonely when hanging out around the monastery, and I just wanted to make sure you were okay.
Illona: I'm alright... I just needed some peace and quiet.
Chris: Oh, I see... Do you... Do you want to talk about anything?
Illona: Maybe in a little bit... I think I just want to watch the people for now.
Chris: Okay...
Illona: But, um... Thanks for the offer.
Chris: No problem.
You leave Chris and Illona before heading back to the room where Aisa and Roy are located. You speak with Roy first in his office off the main area.
Roy: The archbishop has a lot of faith in your abilities for this mission. I trust you won't let her down. You have a bright future ahead of you. I can already tell.
You thank Roy for the compliment before going out to speak with Aisa.
Aisa: Evenor Hepius will be the perfect person for you to speak to about your Crest. I cannot help but wonder what could be hiding in your blood... Only she can say, so all we can do until we see her is wait. In the meantime, enjoy your time here at the monastery. We are glad to have you, Professor. If you need anything, just say the word.
You thank Aisa for her offer before leaving her room behind. You have grown tired, and You wish to go to sleep for the day.
Seraphine: I'm exhausted too... We have a big month ahead of us, so we should sleep while we can.
You head back to your room before falling asleep for the night, ready to start the first official month of your teaching job. Your duties will only grow as the months go on, but You cannot help but be excited despite this...
Alternative got its first hate comment! I'm so proud. 2500 fans and only one hater? I like to think that's pretty good.
-Digital
