"Goddamit, I can't see anything in this blizzard!"

A titan, armored in Moonfang and Legacy Oath gear, groaned in frustration as he made his way through the storm. He's an Exo, Lus-3, exploring the very moon his kind was made on. Behind him are two more guardians, one a Warlock, the other a hunter. Together, they make up Fireteam Noctis. The Warlock, Jose-5, is donned in full Wild Hunt gear. The Hunter, Moa Kaa, is wearing the shadow armor given to her by Calus. Lus' ghost, Cinnamon, gives his guardian reprieve by confirming that they've arrived at their target location.

"Well, this is where that Vex signal was coming from." The Neon Helix shelled ghost whizzed around, scanning his surroundings. "The problem is, I don't know what was causing it."

At the current moment, they were in the Nexus, the entrance to the Glassway. Ever since Eramis opened the massive Vex portal, frequent incursions had been occurring. Fireteam Noctis quickly crushed the incoming Vex every time they came through. Moa sighed as she facepalmed.

"Cinnamon, you sure it's not just another incursion?"

If Cinnamon could shake his head, he would. Instead, he merely does a slight sway from side to side.

"Well, it probably is, but that's not the point. Normally I can pick up on massive amounts of Vex coming through to Europa and towards us, but this time it's like they're just stopping here before going somewhere else."

Jose-5 chuckled as he holstered his Telesto and folded his arms. "What, like a layover flight?"

"Yes! Exactly!"

"Oh. I mean, I was joking but okay."

Lus-3 leaned against a cave wall and folded his arms as well. "Cinnamon, do you know where to?"

"Not at all. Any attempt at a scan results in a blank."

"So the only way to find out is if we go in ourselves?"

"Maybe. Well, probably-yes that's the only way."

Jose uncrossed his arms and began to make his way to the Glassway. "Well, can't be that bad right?" He unholstered his Telesto and reloaded it. Jose's ghost, Chopstick, materialized, and floated around Jose's head.

"C'mon, it'll be quick! We just go in, see where it's leading, commit mass murder of vex, then leave!" Chopstick finished as he continued to whirr around Jose's helmet.

Moa groaned as the Kill Tracker ghost finished his sentence.

"Chopstick, the last time you said it would be quick, I ended up getting skewered and thrown off a colony ship by a Captain."

"But that was quick was it not?" Jose smirked underneath his helmet, supporting his ghost's proposal.

Moa's ghost now appeared on her shoulder.

"Whether or not we want to do it, I don't think we should afford the Vex the luxury of converting yet another world into a machine. And it's not like we can have Osiris tell us what's going on, now that he...lost Sagira"

Moa stared daggers at her ghost. "Why do you always have to be right Hornet?"

"I'm just doing my job." the Rimed shell snarkily returned as she dematerialized back to her Guardian.

Moa unholstered her Seventh Seraph Carbine. "Well, at least I'll probably get some cool loot."

Lus and Jose both made an "eyy" sound of approval.


Meanwhile, in another dimension, a certain professor was getting ready for a mock battle between three parties. His name is Byleth, a former mercenary turned instructor at Garreg-Mach Academy. He teaches the Blue Lion house, led by the prince of Faerghus, Dimitri Alexandre Blaiddyd. Dimitri approaches the professor, on his way towards the battlefield.

"Ah, it's finally time for the mock battle. I'm eager to put my skills to use. And you professor?"

Byleth nods, about as much emotion as he ever shows.

"I'm looking forward to it."

"Excellent. I have high expectations for your command. Our opponents are mighty, that is certain. But I'm positive that we can win."

"Hey! Are you two talking about strategy? Thanks for the invite!"

The heir to the throne of the Leicester Alliance, Claude von Riegan approaches the prince and the professor. Behind him follows the princess of Adrestia, Edelgard von Hresvelg.

"Oh not to worry Claude, I've no intention of letting you two know about our strategies." Dimitri chips back at Claude.

Edelgard smirks and rests her hand on her hip. "I'm not worried either. No matter what tactics you use, the best you two can hope for is second place."

Dimitri heartily laughs. "We'll see about that Edelgard."

On the battlefield, the three houses were geared up for an amicable battle. As they all shuffled into positions, Dimitri further placed his hopes on Byleth.

"Looks like it's finally starting. Our fate is in your hands Professor. Do not let us down."

Byleth simply nodded.

The former leader of the Knights of Seiros, Jeralt, began the commencement of the mock battle.

"I'm sure you all know this, but the house that defeats the other two is declared the winner. I'll be overseeing this match. Now then, let the mock bat-"

Jeralt paused as a falling object, caught his sight in his peripheral vision. Looking at it clearer now, it appeared to be three objects. Focusing his vision, he could see it even clearer.

Are those...people?