Narrator: Once again, a new moon rises. This time, it is the Harpstring Moon. In honor of the saints whose births or deaths took place under this moon, the people perform music once beloved by those divine beings. Whether by harp, by flute, or voice alone, joyous melodies are shared between farmers as they sew their seeds across the vast plains of Tailtean and Gronder.

Sampson: As you have already been notified, your mission is to subdue some bandits. Our students have been learning about combat through study, but this is a precious opportunity to provide them with practical experience. The knights will support your mission and are prepared to offer their assistance if necessary. In short, this is no mock battle. You must be prepared for anything. You will receive a message from the knights when it is time to depart. Until then, use your time wisely.

Children: Yes, sir!

Oona: Kandan, I'm leaving those fiends to you. Make sure Kraven never sees another daylight, got it?

Kandan: Yep.

Logan: And if you need us, we'll already be there.

Kandan: OK.

Camilla: The last time we fought bandits, you saved me. Maybe I can return the favor this time.

Kandan: Let's do our best.

Camilla: The knights are well aware of our enemy's strength. We can count of them to keep the battlefield under control for us. It seems unlikely that we would lose. Still, let's do all we can to prepare.

Kenneth: This will be our first true battle. I'm looking forward to fighting alongside you, Professor.

Oona: As am I.

Kenneth: During the mock battle, your commands were thoughtful and thorough, as was your strategy. With you on our side, I'm confident we will prevail. It seems we have some time to spare before our departure. Let's use this opportunity to prepare as best we can.

Braddock: More bandits? Not very original, Teach.

Logan: Brad, I know you've had a terrible experience, and you may not want to do it again. But... You need to focus.

Braddock: Well, as long as you're with us, at least things won't be boring. In fact... It may take a turn for the interesting. And with that, I take my leave to make my final preparations.

Janus: You seem well. Are you adjusting to life at the monastery?

Kandan: I think so.

Janus: Oh? I didn't expect that answer. When we were mercenaries, I handled everything. Outside of battle, you didn't have much contact with people, did you? I thought being thrown into a swarm of noble brats to teach would be a bit much for you. But I guess I was wrong to worry. Oona, how are you and Logan faring? Are you adjusting?

Oona: Not quite.

Janus: Opinions always matter, but you two will get used to it. By the way, I heard about those bandits. Your first assignment is to take them out, right? That's fairly routine for you by now, but don't forget it's the first real taste of battle for those brats. It'll be tougher to sleep at night if you let one of your little pupils die, so stay vigilant and lead them well. I wish I could offer you my support, but Lady Rhea won't allow it. For now, I'll try to figure out what she wants from you. I don't mind you settling into your life here, but don't let your guard down. Ever.

Children: Okay Dad.

Camilla: For some students, this will be their first time stepping onto a real battlefield. It's important that they're mentally prepared. As for me? Ha! Do I look green to you?(To herself) In fact, I planned their execution from the get-go.(Realizing that Kandan is with her)But that doesn't mean you can lead the charge, right?

Kenneth: We have only just arrived at the academy, and we're already being sent out to take care of bandits. It is a noble mission, but one that will likely require battle. In practice, there is little difference between a battle and a war. Even with the support of the Knights of Hadoria, we must still brace ourselves for the challenge. Do you have any other questions about life at the monastery or about battle?

Oona: Only if you'll go on a date with me, but that isn't gonna happen easy.

Braddock: Those bandits really didn't think things through, did they? They had to have known the knights would be after them the moment they entered the monastery's turf. Fine by me, though. I'm raring for some real combat experience. Any chance to grow is a good thing. Is there anything else you want to ask me, Teach? About living at the monastery or combat, anything like that?

Logan: If you want to know how to be a successful archer, then I'm your man.

(Inside, the kids are setting up)

Kandan: So, I get to be the one who gets to finish off Kraven. Most interesting...

Oona: Ah, but that's one of the thrills of adventure, my dearest brother.

Logan: Yeah, and we get to share from every aspect of these adventures.

Kandan: Well, I guess it's time to see what me and Camilla can do to those we fought before...

Oona: Give it to 'em bro!

Kandan: Right.

(He rushes to find Camilla, but she is already here)

Camilla: Perfect timing, Professor. I just received word from the knights. They've located the bandits.

Daniel: It seems they have them cornered. They are in Zanado, the Red Canyon.

Randall: I can't wait to get started! I'll strike down those heinous thieves before they know what hit them!

Jason: Charge ahead if you must, Randall. Just do not put the rest of us in danger.

Marnie: I'm going back. I won't be of any help anyway, and I don't want to get hurt.

Elena: Don't worry, Marnie. It's just some bandits. We'll have no trouble at all.

Richard: Eh, don't get ahead of yourselves. Unfounded optimism isn't a great strategy. Let's just get this over with.

Ronnie: There is nothing to get over. We will work with each other to achieve our mission.

Kandan: You seem excited to get out there.

Camilla: It's time, Professor. Give us our orders, and let's move out.

(They all head over to their destination, aware of what awaits them. But Kraven is planning to fight like a caged tiger)

Kraven: Take whatever you can, and make sure you defend it well!

Camilla: So this is the Red Canyon... A ruin of sorts by the look of it. Let's end this quickly. The thieves must have been driven back. Be careful, or the cornered mice might bite us.

Kraven: What? The knights chased us all the way here?!

Thief: Chief, let's get out of here! There's no way we can win against them!

Kraven: Shut your dumb mouth! Where would we go at this point? You can't be a thief if you fear death!

Camilla: Professor...I hear there's a back road to the west. Why don't we split up and attack from both the west and the front? If we advance tactfully, we can attack our enemy from both sides. I leave the rest to you. Regardless, we must cross the bridge first.

(As they slash, shoot, and strike their way through their opponents, the kids have different opinions about their methods)

Camilla: Regrettable...but there was no other way.

Daniel: Allow me to clean this up for you, Lady Camilla.

Jason: These ruffians are no match for a noble like me!

Richard: I...I killed them. What have I done? The blood...

Randall: Are all real battles this exciting? Come on, let's get on to the next one!

Marnie: I don't care if they're stealing! Can I go home?!

Elena: So, is making us experience a real battle part of the church's teachings?

Ronnie: People and beasts are as one. Calm your heart, and do not be worried about this killing.

(Now, Kandan confronts Kraven)

Kraven: So, we meet again, eh? Heh, I always knew Shadow Knight would never be kidding about death.

Kandan: Shadow Knight?

Kraven: Let's just ask ourselves this one question of faith, shall we? Who exactly is your mother? Were you actually born into more than you knew? Did you even gain more than you ever had?

Kandan(raises eyebrow): Uh, that's three questions.

Kraven: The Shadow Knight abandoned me, but even he can welcome you with open arms. Is that what your heart wants, Kandan Janus?

Kandan: My heart always knows the way!(He defeats Kraven once and for all)

Camilla: Thank you for leading us, Professor. Though I suppose there was no way we could lose to a familiar foe. In any case, something about this canyon feels...inexplicably strange.

Kandan: Yeah.(As Chrominos materializes)I remember this being a peaceful place... But why?

Chrominos: Hmm... I wonder why it is that you recall this place.(Kandan is surprised)You must be weak of heart. Each time I speak, it scares you so.

Kandan: You surprised me.

Chrominos: Although the battle's at an end, do not feel too at ease. Well, anyhow... I am quite fascinated by this place. As far as I can tell, this is your first time here...

Kandan: Still, it feels familiar.

Chrominos: How very odd. I wonder if somehow, my memories have... Hmm. I must admit I am unsure. Beyond the name and this strange feeling of familiarity, I can't seem to remember anything about this place. And yet...a great depth of emotion is tied to that sense of familiarity. Like joy and sorrow. Pain and love. And all things in between... If I was somehow here before, I wonder what took place...

Camilla: Professor? I was wondering where you were... It's about time we headed back to the monastery.

Chrominos: It is time to depart. But know that time reveals all things. One day, I will remember that which I have lost... Oh, by the way. It seems you've earned my gratitude. The thieves who came here are no more.

Kandan: Why are you grateful?

Chrominos: I am not sure myself, yet I am grateful all the same. In any case... You must become accustomed to my voice! If you fall down with shock each time I speak, that just won't do.

Kandan: Uh...

Chrominos: Oh... You think you're standing strong? Of course you are! It was a jest.

Kandan: Yeah.

Camilla: On our way out, I had the chance to observe the Red Canyon... Did you notice anything, Professor?

Kandan: I did.

Camilla: Of course. I expected as much. The area was covered in ruins, each more curious than the last. They did not match the architectural style of any era or culture within the Empire. Or across all of Fódlan, for that matter. That can only mean one thing... The valley's civilization must have flourished and fallen in the distant past, long before the Empire was established. Who do you think lived there?

Kandan: A culture long since perished.

Camilla: Heh, it's possible they weren't even human. Hmm, perhaps their remnants still influence this world...

Irma: So, you have safely disposed of those bandits. I pray that their souls find salvation. But why did they target the students to begin with? We must further investigate the true cause of all that took place. Until we know more, I ask that you support the students and relieve them of any unnecessary worry.

Kandan: I will do all that I can.

Irma: Good. I have high expectations for you. By the way, how was your time in Zanado? Legend has it, in ancient times, a goddess alighted upon this world in that very canyon. For a goddess from heavens, Zanado could only have been a temporary haven.

Kandan: A temporary haven?

Irma: The ancient ones that forged Me-Hador along with Hadoria herself made this as a spot for many a gathering, and many a festival.

Kandan: Zanado, huh? I didn't know.

Irma: I see. During your time here, I pray that you come to devote yourself to the teachings of Seiros.

Sampson: Uh...Lady Irma, I am sorry to interrupt. There is something I must ask about in regard to those bandits...

Irma: As you wish. We shall continue our discussion when next we meet.

Chrominos: Hmmm. Ancient ones... I have no memory of her. But then... I have no memory at all! Oh, how bothersome! It is as though I know...and yet I don't. Perhaps Zanado was my home back when they once walked the land. If so... What does that make me now? A ghost?

Kandan: I don't know.

Chrominos: Hmm... No. That cannot be. I am most certainly alive. Of course, we also have the mystery of why I'm here with you. Is it somehow connected? Perhaps some past regret is stopping me from moving on, and now I'm forced to stay with you instead... No, that's not it! I can't believe in such a meaningless existence!

Kandan: Let's not get too wound up in this thing, Chrominos. I swear, we'll get to the bottom of this in time.

(Outside, two mysterious figures are awaiting their master)

Harold: Say Helen, have the fates been proven right?

Helen(opening a box of magical sand): Hmmm. They have. The boy called Kandan has had a chance to consider a greater option, but is still unconvinced on whether his destiny is to be a savior or a conqueror. On whether or not he has a special gift that puts him above his siblings, the fates are still undecided.

Harold: Then we may need to stretch his faith in Elysium to a breaking point.

Shadow Knight: Hello, ladies.

Harold: Look who decided to show up. That's good, because Helen has been telling of your former subordinate's temptation of the boy.

Shadow Knight: And?

Helen: It is glorious. There is some other promising news, while we're at it. The fates have declared that both Oona and Logan are to contend with the consequences of future actions, and have different viewpoints. And as it just so happens, the stepfather of one of the Claw Clan's students has planned a coup against the kingdom.

Shadow Knight: And if the Church gets wind of it?

Helen: Then we will know if Oona and Logan can prove the fates right...