Yuri Leclerc and Lucas Hog returned to the tenebrous interrogation room. Following the success of their battle against the mercenaries, the collection of students and the one professor made their way back to the main section of Abyss, splitting apart to go do whatever they desired. Linhardt immediately darted for the library while certain others like Hapi and Ashe hung around the Abyssian bedrooms.

But Yuri and Lucas had something important to discuss. The Ashen Wolves' house leader disappeared from Abyss for a while, having informed the Black Eagles professor of his desire to speak privately prior to disappearing. It took not even half an hour for Yuri to return. Once he did, he led the professor deep into Abyss, back into the same caliginous room he'd been interrogated in about an hour earlier.

"I just had a little talk with Lady Rhea," Yuri disclosed upon entering the room. "She told me about how you've been providing her with 'predictions of the future' for the past couple of months."

"Yeah, and?" Lucas narrowed his eyes and folded his arms.

"No need to be grouchy, friend. I'm only trying to give you some positive reinforcement. After all, if I don't butter you up, how can I get the information I need about the future?" Yuri grinned with intent.

"Butter me up like a piece of bread...I could go for a chip butty right about now," Lucas rambled on. He shook his head in an attempt to wake himself up, at least a bit. "Uh, anyway, I-I think I know exactly what you're after. Aelfric, right? You wanna know what he's up to?"

"Precisely," Yuri confirmed. "I'd like you to tell me what his plans are. However, I've never been the kind of person to chase after vague possibilities. I've always dealt in absolutes. To that end, I'm not sure if you will tell me everything I need. How can I sweeten the deal for you? Is there anything you want? I can get it for you. Coffee? The head of a nobleman? Take your pick."

"I've always been more of a tea kinda guy. I can get a bunch of that myself. Actually, speaking of tea..." Lucas mindlessly chattered again before trailing off, realising what he was doing. "N-never mind! I, uh, I can't really think of anything right now. You don't need to offer me anything anyway. I was gonna tell you regardless."

"Truly? Now that's interesting. Sure you don't want me to get that chip butty thing you mentioned? I don't know what it is, but I wouldn't mind getting it if you really wanted."

Lucas shook his head. "It's a specific kind of sandwich that was invented where I come from. Heh, I don't think it would even be possible to make it here. But yeah, don't bother offering anything. I'm not sure what I would want either way."

"Well, thank you, friend. I guess I'll owe you one," Yuri thanked, smiling. "I don't mean to rush you, but if you could share the information I need, that'd be great. The sooner we get this situation under control, the better."

"You're telling me."

Lucas took a deep breath, then began to explain.

"So, Aelfric. He definitely has some bad intentions. He wants to perform something called the Rite of Rising."

"What's that?" Yuri wondered.

"It's some kind of magical ritual that supposedly allows you to resurrect the dead. Only trouble is, it doesn't actually work that way. Attempting to use it only results in terrible things happening. In order to perform it, you need to have access to the Crests of the Four Apostles: Aubin, Noa, Timotheos and Chevalier. You have a Crest of Aubin, right Yuri?"

"I do. Is knowing that a part of your abilities?"

"Yes," Lucas nodded. "Do you know about the Crests the other Ashen Wolves have?"

"I know they've got the other Crests of the Four Apostles. I guess that one's also a part of your abilities."

"It is, yeah. Anyway, Aelfric intends on using you and your friends to enact the Rite of Rising to try and resurrect a woman named Sitri. She was Jeralt Eisner's wife and was a good friend of Aelfric's. He's been planning all sorts of stuff behind the scenes to get the descendents of the Four Apostles in one place. Those mercenaries that are attacking Abyss? Those are his. He's been sending them in so you guys try to figure out a way to stop them. He expects you to use an item important to the Rite of Rising - the Chalice of Beginnings - as a bargaining tool. From there, he'll swipe the chalice out of your hands and attempt the ritual."

Yuri was speechless. His mouth hung open, nary a noise coming out from it. For some time, at least. Speech eventually returned to him.

"I see. That would explain a lot. I always thought it was strange that he went against the wishes of the other cardinals and made a secret fourth academy house. Cardinals don't do that kind of thing, as far as I know. I always gave him the benefit of doubt, but it seems like it was all just a ruse so he could get that ritual all set up. Damn him."

"You're willing to believe everything I'm telling you? Just like that?" Lucas questioned.

"Why not? It certainly fills in the blanks for me. Lady Rhea trusts you. Even Seteth trusts you to some extent, and we all know how distrusting he can be. I'm willing to take such a solid chance. I have just one question, though."
"And that is?"

"What are we gonna do with Aelfric himself? We can't let him walk around freely, knowing all that we know. Either we kill him, or we capture him," suggested Yuri. "I'm fine with either."

Lucas clenched his fist. "Aelfric is a tricky person. If we try to capture him, he may find some way to escape."

"So, what you're saying is…?"

"We've gotta kill him."

Yuri and Lucas stared at each other, conviction clear in their eyes. Although the former was a little unsure about the idea, he felt confident enough in its efficiency. On the other hand, the latter was feeling a constant wave of nervousness go through his entire system. Yet he ignored it despite its prevalence within him.

A yawn escaped Lucas' mouth.


Breaking away from the dim mistiness of the room they were just in, Yuri and Lucas ventured back to the main sections of Abyss, keeping an eye out for the man they needed to see. They scanned their eyes over all sorts of rooms along with any corners that may have obscured his presence. This short search soon ended when the pair of them discovered their target standing around in the Ashen Wolves classroom.

A room Lucas hadn't visited. Not until now. It was full of partially destroyed desks, ruined crates and that omnipresent vile stench which wouldn't go away under any circumstance. Lucas mentally prepared himself for what he as well as his partner were about to do.

"Hey, Aelfric!" Yuri greeted the older male, who turned around at the sound of such a familiar voice. "How did it go with those thieves? Did my men get them all locked up?"

"Indeed they did," Aelfric confirmed. "You have trained your men very well for these procedures. Their efficiency was rather notable."

"Good to hear that their training has paid off. I can always count on them," Yuri stated, smiling. "Aelfric, the professor and I have something to discuss with you."

"Oh? I am curious. What would you two like to ask?" Aelfric wondered.

Lucas and Yuri stepped into the classroom some more, approaching the cardinal. Another yawn departed from the professor's mouth.

"It's about those mercenaries that keep attacking us. Do you know anything about them? I figured that since you're mostly hanging around the surface, you might know a few things about what's going on. Maybe it's got something to do with the church itself. You'd know more about that than either of us would," Yuri inquired as he and Lucas walked further in.
"I understand why you would think to come to me, but I'm sorry to say, I do not have any solid theories or conjectures regarding this matter. The only point of interest I could think of would be the possibility that these mercenaries are from the Western Church, a branch of the Church of Seiros we have had some opposition with for some time now," Aelfric suggested, hanging his head forward slightly in shame. "However, it seems these men have no relation to the Western Church. Their armour sets do not match and they have denied any relation to the western branch. That is, assuming they are telling the truth."

"I'll be sure to get more out of them later," Yuri decided, chuckling in delight. He looked over to his partner, who'd been tilting and turning his head to see all facets of the room. "Are you alright there, friend? You seem as if you're lost."

"Oh, sorry. I haven't been in here before," admitted Lucas. His eyes locked onto something on a crate behind Aelfric. "What's that?"

Lucas wandered over to the pile of wooden crates, picking up a petite, unidentifiable piece of metal. While his back was turned to Aelfric, he quickly breathed in and out so he could calm himself down. The professor spun back around.

"Just a piece of metal. I thought it was something interesting," Lucas notified the two, disappointment clear in his tone.

"We can't all have a lucky find. I know that feeling, friend," Yuri commented with a smirk. "Anyway, Aelfric, are you certain you don't have any other ideas about our situation? Abyss has never been attacked in this way before, so it's not likely to be an organised assault or siege of any kind. I doubt any random mercenary corps would even know Abyss exists. It's got to be something more."

"Unfortunately, nothing else is coming to mind. I will inform you whenever I learn more-"

Aelfric was unable to finish his sentence. A blade pierced his chest, much to his surprise. Yuri's eyes immediately darted to Lucas, who'd brandished his weapon and struck the cardinal in the back. As he did so, another yawn escaped his lips. Yuri was in shock.

"Lucas! You weren't supposed to do it now! I wanted to get more information out of him first!" The Ashen Wolves' leader complained.

"I was getting tired of listening to you two talk about useless shit," Lucas revealed. He yanked his blade out from Aelfric's back. "I just wanna get back to the surface so I can sleep in my regular, somewhat comfortable bed. I don't even know what time it is! That clock on the wall? Fucking broken! It could be four in the morning for all I know! Who's awake at four in the morning?!"

Yuri pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed. "Alright, fine. Whatever. Didn't really matter much anyway. I got what I needed. Here, let me finish the job."

Without any hesitation, Yuri unsheathed his own sword and sliced clean through Aelfric's neck, beheading him while ensuring his death. Yuri sheathed his sword - the deed was done.

"That should do it. There's no way he's getting up from that. Now let's go-wait, what's with that face?" Yuri asked, interrupting himself upon seeing Lucas' facial expression.

It was one of pure surprise. His eyes and mouth were all agape, as if something truly shocking had just occurred. He didn't move, either. Not a single part of his body moved. It was like they were completely frozen. Curious as to what could possibly elicit such a reaction, Yuri followed Lucas' gaze.

His reaction matched the professor's.

"W-what?! What do you two think you are doing?!" Constance von Nuvelle yelled. Pure, unbridled rage was evident in her tone of voice. Magical energy flared at her fingertips. "Answer me! Now!"

"H-hold on, Constance. Calm down and we'll explain everything. We won't be able to do so if you burn us alive," Yuri tried to convince her. "We have our reasons."

"You truly are the Savage Mockingbird! And Professor, I never thought you would perform such villainy! How dare you two!" Constance continued to yell, pointing a scowl of immense intensity at the pair.

"Shit! This might be a good time to Divine Pulse!" Lucas suggested as a waterfall of sweat and regret came over him.

"No...Constance was on her way here regardless of what you did. Going back in time wouldn't change that. You would still have to explain yourselves sooner or later. Best to sort it out now," Byleth offered his own opinion on the matter. "I will not fault you if you do decide to use a Divine Pulse, however. But I don't think Sothis will be pleased."

Lucas mentally sighed. "You're actually right. She's always been talking about me having to deal with the consequences of my actions. Wait, where IS Sothis right now?"

"Sleeping," Byleth sharply replied.

"Of course she is. Well, I feel like if I break her laws or whatever, she'll wake up and give me a literal headache. And man do those SUCK. So I guess I'm gonna have to ride this one out."

Constance's shouting snapped Lucas back to reality. It was at this moment when the professor noticed the amount of people that were now at the doorway to the classroom. All of the Ashen Wolves and the surface dwelling students were there for some reason.

"Must be her yelling that brought everyone here," Lucas guessed, groaning.

"Focus," insisted Byleth.

Lucas followed his friend's instruction and returned to focusing on the conversation. Constance was still yelling and screaming while Balthus, along with Hapi, provided some additional loud commentary. Yuri had been trying to calm them down the entire time.

"What is the meaning of this?! Answer me, Yuri! I demand an explanation!" The blonde kept demanding. "You as well, Professor! You may very well be fired if Lady Rhea hears about this!"

"Yeah, this is pretty strange. I just can't understand why you'd kill that guy, Teach. Did he do something wrong?" Claude inquired.

Edelgard and Dimitri did not comment on the matter. They stared into Lucas' eyes, sending him a knowing glance. Once the professor figured out the meaning behind their gaze, he lightly nodded. This seemed to be a suitable answer for the two - their glances relaxed. Then, Lucas' eyes met Constance's for a moment before the former's nerves forced him to look away.

"Not yet. But he was going to," Lucas disclosed to everyone.

"What do you mean?" Claude carried on questioning, curiosity evident on his visage.

"He means that Aelfric didn't have the best of intentions," Yuri clarified, stepping in. "I've been tasked by Lady Rhea to keep an eye on him. Apparently, he's been acting suspicious. Opening a secret fourth house, moving around Fodlan while trying to gather four very specific people in one place...it all stunk of malicious intent."

"Hold on. Rhea asked you to do this? Think you could elaborate on that, pal?" Balthus queried.

"I've been under her employment for quite some time now. She recognised my skills and figured I'd be perfect for the job," Yuri answered. "Her trust wasn't misplaced. I managed to find out everything I needed."

"So what exactly was he doing, Yuri-bird? You better have a good reason for this. And why is Restless involved, anyway?" Hapi wondered, briefly glancing at the professor.

"Restless?" Lucas repeated to himself. "That's her nickname for me? Oh, she is just taking the piss…"

"He was planning on attacking the monastery with the power of something called the Chalice of Beginnings. Supposedly, it can only be obtained through possessing the Crests of the Four Apostles. According to Rhea herself, at least," Yuri partially lied. He shared a glance with his fellow wolves. "I think you understand what I'm getting at."

"No, it cannot be!" Constance exclaimed in realisation.

Linhardt suddenly became alert. "The Four Apostles? I have heard their names before, but I'm sad to say that I do not know much about them. I do understand they have quite the historical significance."

"You'd be right," Yuri confirmed, turning to Linhardt. "Long ago, they attempted to resurrect the Goddess using the Chalice of Beginnings. They used their blood to perform a ritual called the Rite of Rising. Unfortunately for them, it didn't work. And it seems Aelfric didn't get the memo. He wanted to use the Rite of Rising to bring a woman he loved back to life. In doing so, he would've caused undue death and destruction. I couldn't let that happen."

"An artefact that can resurrect the fallen…" Dimitri murmured to himself, his look becoming more serious.

"How did you know that was gonna happen? For all we know, he only wanted to sell that chalice thing," Balthus suggested.

Yuri shook his head, shutting down Balthus' idea. "I've been speaking with Aelfric for a while now. He told me some rather interesting things. Particularly about his plans. Would you all like to know something he planned on doing?"

Nobody replied. It seemed they were all keen on listening closely.

"He intended for us to go find the chalice. While we were supposed to be out doing all of that, he would've faked a kidnapping so he could get an opportunity to steal the chalice for himself. How do I know all this?" Yuri rhetorically asked. "He wanted me to help subdue my classmates. That's right. He wanted me to knock out and tie up Balthus, Constance and Hapi."

"Impossible!" Constance gasped. "Yuri, do you surmise-"

"Yes. It most certainly does," Yuri interrupted her.

The surface dwellers all shared a look of confusion. Save for Lucas, obviously.

"What's going on?" Ashe puzzled.

The Ashen Wolves all nodded at one another.

"It has to do with our Crests. You see, I have a Major Crest of Aubin," Yuri began.

"I've got a Major Crest of Chevalier," Balthus added.

"And I possess the blood of Saint Noa," Constance continued.

"That means I've got a Major Crest of Timotheos, I guess," Hapi finished, shrugging. "I've never really known for sure, but I have been told my Crest is rare."

"The Crests of the Four Apostles!" Linhardt exclaimed in surprise. "Those which are thought to have been lost in time, all gathered together in one place...either this was a coincidence, or this was premeditated."

"Wait a minute. You're all saying this Aelfric person specifically tried to get all of the Ashen Wolves together, just so he could use their blood for this ritual or whatever?" Hilda summarised.

"Exactly what I was thinking. It makes too much sense. And after hearing what Aelfric wanted to do with the Rite of Rising, I came to a conclusion. He had to be stopped," Yuri stated.

"That's all well and good, but what does Teach have to do with this?" Claude questioned, an eyebrow of his raised. Yuri turned to Lucas, motioning for him to join in on the party of lies.

The professor sighed and quickly thought up a fib. "Well, since I'm the one with the most authority among us surface dwelling folks, Yuri thought it'd be best to tell me about the situation. I'd actually heard from Rhea about a cardinal that was acting kinda weird, so when Yuri came up to me and told me what he knew, I quickly believed him. That's when we came in here. You can probably guess what happened next."

"Right. I was the one who wanted to do the deed, but this guy here just had to do it first," jested Yuri, pointing a thumb in Lucas' direction.

"We were spending too long discussing the situation when we could have just killed him and been done with it!" Lucas snapped slightly. He soon calmed himself following a yawn. "Sorry. I, uh, I'm still running on zero hours of sleep right now."

"I can relate to that, Professor," Linhardt noted, a smile on his face.

Everyone fell silent, a feeling of awkwardness being shared amongst them all.

"Alright, just so we're clear, you and the professor decided to kill our good pal Aelfric because you had a strong suspicion he was gonna try and take our blood to revive some woman, right?" Balthus asked for clarification's sake. "Was he gonna kill us?"

"Probably," Yuri simply replied. "He seemed pretty dead set on his goal. You have to remember that he was the one who formed the Ashen Wolves. He was the one that helped us out and put us here. We're the ones with the Crests he needs to perform the ritual. The ritual that would have let him resurrect that woman."

"Damn, really? I thought I knew him pretty well," Balthus commented. "One thing I don't get is this: why didn't you tell us? We would've helped you out if you explained all this to us, pal."

"I wanted to keep it a secret as much as possible. Telling more people would've increased the chances of it getting out, which in turn may have led to Aelfric finding out. Considering how loud Constance was when she saw Professor Lucas here with his sword in Aelfric's back, I don't feel very confident the secret would've been kept for long."

"Excuse me! It was a shock to find someone I hadn't known for even a single day murder a dear old friend of mine!" Constance defended herself. "In any case, I am appalled that you have so little confidence in me, Yuri!"

"My apologies, Constance. I had to do what I felt was right," Yuri apologised. "That extends to the rest of you. I didn't want to keep you all in the dark. I just thought it was best at the time. Constance, Balthus and Hapi, I hope you three can forgive me."

The three Yuri had name-dropped all either frowned or formed facial expressions of disappointment.

"I don't know if I should believe you, Yuri-bird, Restless. Your explanations feel a lot like excuses that are supposed to cover up for something bad you did. Like a kid who broke a priceless vase or something like that. I don't know what to believe," Hapi divulged.

"Indeed. I do not believe you are the type of person to betray us in such a manner, Yuri. Though it appears Aelfric may have been such an individual all along. My trust has been toyed with, therefore I cannot think of a satisfying answer," Constance agreed with her red-haired friend. "I do believe that your intentions were not malicious. If they were, we would all likely be dead by now. But you are quite the complex person regardless. I am unsure."

"Same here. I don't know what I should think," Balthus added. "A whole lot of stuff's happened and been revealed in the past few minutes. I think I need some time to sort through it all."

"Wait, what about the church?" Hapi brought up. "Aren't they gonna be upset you killed one of their guys?"

"Considering I'm working with Rhea directly, I think she'll understand. She should deflect any criticism that comes my way," Yuri guessed. "At least I'm not alone in this. Isn't that right, friend?" He stared at Lucas.

"Yeah, that's right," the professor nodded in a reluctant agreement.

"What of our house? The founder of the Ashen Wolves is no more. What is to happen now?" wondered Constance.

"I imagine it'll be disbanded, since there's no need for it to exist anymore. You guys will probably be free to do whatever you want. It all depends on what Rhea says," Lucas assumed. "Aelfric mentioned he wanted you guys to be put under my wing, so maybe you'll be asked to join my house as students."

"Become your student?" Constance winced slightly. "I...I do not know if I feel comfortable with that idea."

"Huh? I'm not a bad teacher, am I?" He looked over to his students for validation, but Constance interjected him.

"No, it is nothing like that. I hope not, at the very least. I simply would not want to be under the tutelage of the man who killed the person who saved my life. But-!" Constance halted herself from speaking any further, a struggle forming in her mind.

Edelgard almost gasped once she pieced together the reason behind the Nuvelle's struggle. She kept the realisation to herself.

"It'll be fine, Coco. There's other houses, so you don't have to worry about being stuck with this guy," Hapi reassured her friend. "No offense, Restless. Well, actually, maybe some offense? Just don't take it too personally."

"B-but I-" Lucas stammered.

Yuri placed a hand on his shoulder. "Relax, friend. I'm sure they mean nothing by it. They're just a little hurt that you were the one who killed Aelfric. That's all."

"You almost make it sound like that's nothing," Lucas remarked before yawning again. "Alright, look, I'm sorry, everyone. My sentiments are the same as Yuri's. I only wanted to prevent something terrible from happening."

"I'm certain you did, Professor," Edelgard spoke up, sending him another knowing glance briefly. "Perhaps it's best to leave Abyss and inform Lady Rhea of what has occurred."

"The princess is right," Yuri nodded in agreement. "We'll send someone down here to grab the body. Wolves, you'll probably have to come with me and the professor. Rhea might have something to say to you."

"Joy," said Hapi, sarcasm obvious in her tone.

With that done, the group that suddenly became full of uncertainty and wariness departed from the Ashen Wolves classroom. Some had been reluctant to leave Aelfric's corpse behind out of fears of thievery, but Yuri reassured them of their woes.

However, Lucas' woes were only intensifying.


Returning to the surface world from the depths of Abyss, the ones from the Officers Academy were relieved to taste clean, sweet air once again. Linhardt, Hilda and Ashe were all dismissed - an instruction the former two readily accepted. The grey-haired boy was concerned about the Ashen Wolves and their well-being, yet he reluctantly accepted the dismissal.

Which left Lucas with the Ashen Wolves and house leaders. One positive about returning while it was still dark was that there would be barely anybody up and about. That meant no-one would be bothering the strange-looking wolves with their inane staring. Constance was also relieved it was dark, as it meant her more depressive personality wouldn't appear. For now.

After dismissing Linhardt, Hilda and Ashe, Professor Lucas led his group from the hole they all entered Abyss from over to the main building and up to the first floor. The door to the meeting room was locked, much to the tired teacher's dismay. After being calmed down by Yuri, Lucas stood there as he tried to figure something out. A minute of thinking (of which was constantly disrupted by yawns and internal distractions) led to the professor knocking on the door to Seteth's office, hoping the man would be there.

The door unlocked. When the Nabatean opened it up, he narrowed his eyes in scrutiny of the strangers behind his early morning visitor.

"Professor Lucas, would you mind explaining to me what is going on? Why are you bothering me at such an hour?" Seteth quizzed, his voice radiating a vague sense of grogginess.

Lucas explained. He took the time to detail the events of the night, starting from his students' curiosity with the hole, going to meeting with the Ashen Wolves, then to helping them with their invading mercenary problem and ending with the situation regarding Aelfric. Seteth frowned.

"You mean to say that you allowed your students to venture into unknown territory without informing anyone else, let alone any guards? What if any of you had been killed? Did you not think to consider the lives of your students, Professor?" The Nabatean scowled.

"I…" Lucas mumbled, drooping his head in shame.

Yuri stepped forward. "Seteth, I'm sorry for my intrusion into this conversation, but if it weren't for the professor and his students coming down when they did, we may have been in an even worse position than we are now. Aelfric may have caused a lot of destruction in the monastery if we hadn't been able to figure out his schemes. So please, cut the professor some slack."

Seteth retained his frown.

"Is that so? I suppose I shall let up for now," he relented. "Please wait by the audience chamber while I inform Lady Rhea of this situation. House leaders, do return to your rooms. I believe your presence will not be required in proceedings to come."

"Alright then. I'm not gonna say no to that," Claude smirked. He began to walk away alongside Edelgard and Dimitri. "Good luck, Ashen Wolves! It sure would be a shame if this is the last time we meet!"

"Likewise, friend! I'll be sure to see you later," Yuri returned with a grin.

With that, the house leaders departed from the scene and retreated to their rooms, leaving Lucas with the Ashen Wolves. At this point, Seteth also disappeared to go fetch Rhea. Lucas and his group waited in front of the audience chamber for the pair of Nabateans to arrive. After a surprisingly short amount of time, they showed up. Rhea persisted with her neutral facial expression, even as she stared at the Ashen Wolves. Seteth unlocked the audience chamber and they all entered, the conversation beginning after the door was locked behind them.

"Seteth has explained the situation to me," Rhea began. "It is unfortunate that one of our own cardinals has fallen, though it is comforting to know that my suspicions have been confirmed. Yuri, I trust you divined his true intentions before removing him from this world?"

Balthus, Hapi and Constance all looked at each other in amazement. They were about to speak, but a glare from Seteth shut them up.

"Yes, Lady Rhea. I have learnt much about Cardinal Aelfric's malicious plans. He wished to restore Sitri Eisner to life with the Rite of Rising. He manipulated all of us wolves in order to try it," Yuri answered, bowing before beginning to speak. "I informed the professor beforehand. We were able to divine his intentions together, then we removed him."

Rhea shared a glance with Lucas, sending him a smile of reassurance and understanding.
"I see. I am very glad that the Rite of Rising was not attempted. It is a ritual that only leads to failure," Rhea stated definitively, a hint of sorrow in her voice. "I thank you both for your assistance, Yuri and Lucas."

The two males bowed in response.

"Did you retrieve the chalice, by any chance?" Rhea curiously asked.

"I'm afraid not. We figured it would be best wherever it is. It likely has some ancient magical protections preventing any ordinary person from getting their hands on it, so it's probably best where it is," Yuri explained. "Did you want it?"

"No…" Rhea paused for a moment, seemingly lost in a memory. "It is wise that you left it untouched. Although the chalice has long since been drained of whatever power it may have had, it is still an artefact that should never fall into the wrong hands. Its current level of protection should be sufficient."

"Right. Now, about the Ashen Wolf House," Yuri changed the subject.

"Ah, yes. It is unfortunate to see its original purpose shift to one so corrupt and full of selfish intent. I believe Aelfric possessed noble intentions in forming it, yet it appears that quickly changed to befit the man's desires," Rhea commented. "I will disband the house. You have each been manipulated for a rather long time by a man you once considered a friend. Now, by disbanding the Ashen Wolf House, you will be free to follow your own path. The chains that once shackled you are no more. You are free."

"That doesn't sound so bad at all! Thanks, Rhea!" Balthus thanked the important religious figure.

"I do feel relieved that I am now able to chase my goal of restoring House Nuvelle to its former glory. No longer am I inhibited by the restrictions of Abyss," Constance smiled. "It appears that Yuri's claims regarding his knowledge of Aelfric's true intentions are indeed correct, judging from your words, Lady Rhea. With that taken into consideration, I am very much glad that my options are not as limited as they once were."

"Yeah, I agree. I don't like that the person that once forced me in there is now telling me to get out of her sight, but I wouldn't mind taking this opportunity to see my family again. I'd rather be there than here," Hapi admitted.

Yuri was reluctant to speak at first. "Lady Rhea, are you really willing to let me go? I've done some rather unsavoury things, even under your command. Do you think it's a good idea to let someone like that roam free?"

"Your transgressions have already been judged, Yuri. From now, you will have to live with regret for all that you have done. Consider that to be your punishment," Rhea reassured him.

Yuri blinked. "I see. Thank you, Lady Rhea."

"Heh, you can't really have any objections with this, can ya pal? You're a free man now! Go and, uh...actually, what are you gonna be doing now?" Balthus wondered.

"I'm not too sure. Maybe I'll hang around Abyss until it's ready to operate without me. After that, I may just visit my hometown," Yuri aired out some ideas. "What about you, Balthus? I shouldn't think you'll be returning to the Alliance. Almost every lord there has some money to collect from you."

"Not to worry! I've actually got some money making ideas. And they're all foolproof! Just you wait, the Indebted King of Grappling will be indebted no more!" Balthus declared, smiling. "I know Hapi said she wanted to visit her family, so that only leaves you, Constance. What are you gonna do now that you're free?"

"I am unsure, though do I have at least one idea. I can always continue to hone my magical capabilities until I get to such a level of mastery over the craft that I can restore House Nuvelle from fame alone!" Constance suggested. She then deflated. "However, I do not know how I can go about doing that. I wouldn't want to remain at Garreg Mach as it reminds me too much of Aelfric. I almost feel restricted by simply being here."

"I am sorry to interject, but I have heard the Fhirdiad Royal School of Sorcery is looking for strong magical applicants. You may wish to try there," Seteth chipped in.

"That is a wonderful idea! Thank you, dearest Seteth!" Constance thanked the Nabatean.

All of the ex-Ashen Wolves shared smiles with one another. Their infectious happiness spreaded to the mentally exhausted Lucas, who almost found himself re-energised by simply basking in their presence. Even the normally dry Seteth couldn't help but smile. However, Lucas couldn't prevent his worries from returning. Yuri noticed this.

"Hey, friend. What's wrong?" He asked, placing a hand on the professor's shoulder.

"I-I...I'm fine," Lucas lied.

Yuri narrowed his eyes. "Are you sure?"

"Y-yes."

Yuri frowned, then shook his head and sighed. "Alright, if you say so. Just know that you're not alone. You never are. Although we're all leaving, there's always going to be a shoulder for you to lean on. If I'm still around by the time you wanna talk, don't hesitate to come straight to me. I owe you one, friend, and I intend to pay that back."

"Heh, thanks. I appreciate that, Yuri. I just-" Lucas thanked his new friend before being interrupted by said person.

"Not everybody wants to speak about themselves. I get that. Don't force yourself to talk. Instead, speak on your own time and at your own pace," advised Yuri. "Remember that, friend."

"R-right," nodded Lucas. "Thanks again, Yuri. I'll see you later."

"Same to you. Goodbye, friend."

Lucas almost shed a tear. The sight of the ex-Ashen Wolves departing from the audience chamber, combined with Yuri's parting words with him - he was overwhelmed. Wiping away at his tears along with excusing himself from Rhea as well as Seteth's presence, Lucas ran back to his bedroom and retreated to the very same bed he'd longed for the entire night.

"Goodbye, friend," he repeated internally to himself, as if in response to a friend now long gone.


Author Notes: Were you expecting this? Yes, the Cindered Shadows arc is finally over, after two whole chapters! Thanks to Lucas' intervention, the length of the DLC's events was cut down significantly. I really loved writing these last two chapters! Getting to write a slightly different take on Lucas was refreshing. I hope it was all interesting to you all! Do let me know if you have any criticisms or anything. I'm always happy to change things if need be!

Also, this chapter was uploaded on Three Houses' second anniversary! Happy birthday to one of my favourite games of all time!

Don't forget to join the Fanfiction Treehouse Discord server! I'm there along with a whole load of other cool writers! Here's the invite code: 9XG3U7a.

See y'all next time!