"And Master Willem believed it was worth pursuing."

Laurence stood in his office within his clinic, his hands folded behind his back as he stared out of the window. Behind him stood his two finest students: Iosefka and Amelia, the latter of whom he was seeing for the first time since they returned from their expedition. Taking that into account, he had seen it fit to inform them of all that had transpired over the last several days.

"Interesting," said Amelia. "And Gehrman, he has agreed to your proposition?"

"It took some convincing, but yes." Was the professor's reply, which he shortly amended. "Or at least, he has agreed to humor me for the time being."

A brief silence then settled over the room, which Iosefka would soon break. "Well, this 'Gehrman' sounds like quite the character. But I suppose that leads us to the more pressing question. Will anyone humor him?"

The truth was, this was not a question Laurence could answer, at least not with certainty. "We will see soon enough," he eventually said, taking another brief pause before turning towards his students. "But whatever the case may end up being, we have much work ahead of us."

"Yes, indeed," Iosefka agreed. "If it is Byrgenwerth's intent to venture into the tombs, then it is surely yours to ensure the clinic is open to them."

"If it were to become necessary," he replied.

In response to this, Laurence's two students shared an uncertain glance, with Iosefka letting out a resigned sign before resuming speaking. "We will do all we can to treat our fellows here on the surface, but I cannot guarantee that our workers will be willing to venture into the ruins below. And I imagine that's where our service would be most essential."

"That much is true. But I cannot force any of you to follow me into Pthumeru's depths, nor do I intend to."

Not long after he said this, Amelia stepped forward. "Let that be so," she said. " But I can promise that I will follow you, Master Laurence," she said to him.

The professor would've been lying if he said he wasn't a little surprised by this. "Are you certain, Amelia?"

"Yes," she said with a nod. "I am not afraid."

In spite of himself, Laurence smiled. He hadn't forgotten the vow she had made in Loran, but that had been then. If she had chosen to abstain from future expeditions, he wouldn't have faulted her. But knowing her, that was a slim possibility. Though Iosefka was undoubtedly the more talented doctor, she was far more daring, accepting any opportunity to prove herself, no matter the risk. And needless to say, she was grateful to him for offering them to her when no-one else had.

"And I am grateful for your loyalty," he said with the utmost sincerity, which she acknowledged with a warm smile, which Laurence mirrored in return. He'd always been fond of her, not just for her courage and her eagerness to learn, but also because he recognized she was capable of so much more. In time, he hoped he could get her to realize that.

"But we are all getting ahead of ourselves. Master Willem is set to announce Byrgenwerth's new "initiative" in a few days time. And though you are not officially part of our faculty, the two of you are more than welcome to attend."

To this, Amelia's expression lit up, while Iosefka's exhibited the most subtle traces of dread. "Well, I can't say the prospect of an academic sermon appeals to me…" she said as she took off her spectacles. "...but I wouldn't miss this for the world."

…

Three days later…

The faculty of Byrgenwerth held regular meetings throughout the year. Said meetings were traditionally focused on the course of the college and on the progress of its research, with plans being formed based on the reports given by the department heads. And each time, they would gather in a special office within the main lecture building, keeping their sensitive discussions on "the nature of things" behind closed doors.

But naturally, the meeting Laurence was to attend today was unlike the rest. Though Master Willem reserved the right to call meetings of the faculty whenever he saw fit, he did not typically do so on such short notice as today. But regardless of their level of awareness of the situation, everyone summoned knew that this gathering was especially significant.

By the time Laurence and his two students arrived, they found that most everyone else had already arrived. Micolash was of course present, as was his prize pupil Damian, who ever so briefly glared in Amelia's direction before focusing back on his master. Assistants such as them were not usually welcome at these meetings, but their presence in Loran and knowledge of the events that occurred therein permitted them to at least sit-in just this once. And much the same can be said of the one sitting near the very front of the table, who was in the process of pouring over a collection of paper cards, appearing increasingly frustrated in the process.

"Oh, this is ridiculous…" he muttered to himself as he dismissively tossed one of the cards back onto the table.

Ludwig - another person who was not typically present - stood with his arms crossed behind him. "Gehrman, we've been over this. Just read out what's on the cards and everything will be fine."

"And then what?" he asked. "You expect me to give marching orders for the rest of my days?"

"Well, I certainly can't be the one to do it," Ludwig replied, leaving Gehrman to let out a dissatisfied sigh as he rested his eyes on his fingers and the stable master to smile in amusement. "Don't worry. I'm sure you'll grow into it."

"Assuming anyone is mad enough to follow me, that is."

"Madness is of no factor here," Laurence interjected as he walked over to join them. "This research is the lifeline of Byrgenwerth and there are those that will do anything to ensure it continues."

"Maybe so," said Gehrman. "But not all see knowledge as its own reward."

"Fret not. Master Willem will see that all those involved will be compensated for their trouble. As for your…" As he spoke, Laurence spotted Lobsang sitting by himself at the opposite end of the table. The moment their eyes met, the professor understood that he needed to speak to him at once.

"Amelia."

"Yes, Master Laurence?" she asked.

"Would you kindly introduce Iosefka to our mutual friend here? And if you can, do also explain her role in our new 'initiative'."

Though clearly surprised by his request, it took her but a moment to respond. "I will…do my best, sir," she said as she looked between him and her fellow doctor.

"Wonderful." With that, Laurence turned back to Gehrman and Ludwig, who appeared just as confused as his students were. "Excuse me," he politely said before beginning to make his way over to Lobsang, who was still patiently waiting for him.

"You made it," the professor said as he approached. "Good. I trust that all is well?"

"As well as could be," Lobsang replied as calmly as ever.

Laurence had of course not forgotten the task he had given him and that he had selflessly agreed to undertake. Before saying anything more, he briefly glanced behind him to see Gehrman quite happily shaking Iosefka's hand, who did not seem quite as pleased with the situation. Afterwards, he turned back to Lobsang, put his hand against the table and leaned in just a little closer.

"Did anyone see you?" he asked in a quiet voice.

"No, I do not believe so," Lobsang assured him. "And they had plenty of time to come for me if they did."

"Hmm…" the professor murmured, relieved that at least his colleague was safe. "What news, then?"

"I can confirm that Lady Maria has retrieved the bodies of her company. They were buried on a patch of land that connects Yharnam to Cainhurst Castle."

As Lobsang finished speaking, the professor nodded solemnly. He had of course known that the captain would return for her fallen men and had hoped - perhaps foolishly - that putting them to rest would give her a sense of closure, if not peace. But even if it didn't, it would've been cruel to allow Loran to claim them, especially when he owed Matthias a debt.

"Anything else?" he eventually asked.

"Not very much, I'm afraid," Lobsang replied. "Since their burial, I have not seen anyone leaving or entering the castle, at least not from land. But what I did see were ships."

"Ships? What do you mean?"

"Merchant vessels, bearing the banner of Cainhurst," his colleague clarified. "I thought them apparitions at first, but eventually, I saw them docking at the base of the castle. Unfortunately, I can only speculate as to what they were doing there and what cargo - if any - they were carrying."

At first, Laurence wondered why Lobsang felt the need to mention this at all. But after giving it some thought, he understood why.

"They avoided the city's Western port," he stated rather than asked. "And did so knowing that the waters around Cainhurst Castle are treacherous year-round. Whatever their reasons, they wanted to keep their arrival a secret."

"It certainly seems that way," Lobsang agreed.

This of course begged the question. Just what were they trying to keep secret?

Before he could think of a satisfactory answer, he heard two quick thuds against the floorboards, turning his and everyone else's attention to the front of the room. There stood the newly arrived Master Willem, who smiled once all the rabble had died down.

"I am pleased to see you all here," he said. "Without any further ado, let us begin."

At once, those gathered started to make their way to their designated seats. Just as Laurence was about to do the same, Lobsang posed him one more question. "Shall I return to my perch after we're finished here?"

"No," the professor soon answered. "You've already done more than I could ask of you. Well done, Lobsang."

His colleague then nodded his understanding and thanks, which Laurence acknowledged with one of his own before rushing over to his seat, which was located just on the left of Master Willem.

Micolash had already taken his spot opposite him, which signified his position as the head of the theology department. Norbert - head of the archeology department - was also present, as were his counterparts in the fields of history, astrology and various others. And despite her unique position in the college, Caryll also maintained a permanent seat among the faculty, located just next to Micolash. As Laurence sat down, both of them silently glanced at him as if in judgment; choosing to ignore them for the time being, the professor settled in and instead focused on the headmaster, who soon began his address.

"Firstly, please join me in welcoming back our Loran expedition team. The perils of the Pthumerian labyrinths cannot be understated and so, it comes as a great relief to me and the rest of Byrgenwerth to see that you have all returned to us safely. Your courage serves as an example for us all."

Taking a pause, Master Willem initiated a brief round of applause, which was soon echoed by those who had not taken part in the expedition. Laurence and his fellow travelers were left to smile awkwardly until the clapping finally died down and the headmaster continued his address.

"But that is not the main reason I have called you all here today. Our scholars' venture into Loran, and all other ventures that preceded it, were undertaken for the cause of discovery. Just as Magellan braved the endless expanse of the world's oceans, so we are tasked with braving the winding labyrinths of our city's forebears and piece by piece, rediscovering the lost truth they realized all those centuries ago."

He continued. "But for years, our progress has been slow. By the whims of our benefactors, we were only able to go as far as they permitted us to; stray even a step from their established path and it would be lost to us forever. But no more, my friends."

Upon saying this, Master Willem motioned for Gehrman with his hand, prompting him to stand up from his chair in the corner of the room and make his way over; once near the table, he carefully reached into his satchel and took out the round chalice they'd retrieved from Loran before setting it down in front of the headmaster. The gathered scholars then erupted in a collection of gasps and murmurs, all except for Micolash, Laurence and his two students, who looked at the object in pride…and uncertainty.

In short time, Master Willem would again raise his hand, restoring the room to silence and allowing him to resume his address. "Yes, the Loran odyssey has yielded tremendous results - exceeding even my wildest hopes. With this, we now have the means to explore the ruins of Pthumeru to our heart's content, free from 'Her Majesty's' interference…at least in theory."

Laurence noticed Gehrman slightly shifting on his feet as the headmaster transitioned onto the next topic. "As you all no doubt understand, we have remained dependent on the Knights of Cainhurst to protect us during our expeditions - a dependence that allowed them to dictate where we can go and what we can claim. But this, too, is changing. We can't very well ask for their protection without bringing us right back to where we started… but at once, I'm certain you'll agree that it would be most irresponsible of me to allow you to venture into the labyrinths unprotected. And luckily for all of us, we have just the solution to this dilemma."

A somewhat awkward silence then settled over the meeting room, during which the more uninformed scholars looked around in confusion. As for those in the know, their attention turned to Gehrman, who continued to stand as still as a statue.

"Now, Gehrman!" Laurence whispered to him.

"Oh, right, right…" He then took the cards he'd been studying earlier and cleared his throat in order to get the rest of the room's attention. After a brief delay, he looked down at the cards and began to read.

"Greetings, accomplished scholars of Byrgenwerth," he opened. "My name is, erm…Gehrman and for decades, I have devoted myself to exploring the Pthumerian labyrinths and studying those that still dwell there. Madmen, parasites and most of all, beasts unlike any the world has ever seen. Throughout this endeavor, I…"

He trailed off for a moment until he realized he needed to move on to the next card, swapping out his current one and sending it to the back of the deck.

"...I have learned their strengths and their weaknesses, knowledge I soon began to apply in a more practical manner. Instead of simply observing them, I began to stalk them and in time, began to challenge their claim over the ruins…through combat."

He moved onto the next card. "But this was by no means an easy process. As your headmaster has stated, the danger these creatures pose cannot be understated. But with careful planning, and no small amount of luck, they can be overcome. That I stand here before you today is testament to that."

Another card. "And so, I hereby invite you to join me in this endeavor. Under my tutelage, you will be molded from simple scholars into a force that even the darkest apex of nature will fear. 'Hunters', you shall be called - the finest to ever walk the Earth."

Finally, he proceeded onto the final card. "Of course, this is a decision I do not expect you to make lightly. If any of you doubt my claims - and I imagine that is a good number of you - I nonetheless invite you to come to my Workshop, where I will gladly put those doubts to rest. Yet whatever your choice, remember: the future of Byrgenwerth now rests in your hands."

With that, he lowered the cards and looked up at his audience, who looked on with a mixture of intrigue, confusion and some disquiet. With a somewhat embarrassed smile, Gehrman then offered them a slight bow. "Thank you," he uttered as if to indicate he was finished.

Yet even still, no one so much as stirred. It was by no means a bad speech - Laurence had made sure of that when he drafted it for him - but it was clear that public speaking was not Gehrman's forte. His reluctance at the very idea had told him as such. But as far as first impressions went, things certainly could've gone worse.

Deciding to break the silence that had settled over the room, Laurence began to clap, which soon prompted Amelia and Iosefka to do the same. One by one, the rest of the gathered scholars joined in the applause, even if most of it was half-hearted. Yet this gesture seemed to embarrass Gehrman even more, who continued to stand and look around uncomfortably as he waited for it to die down, after which he practically scurried off back to his seat.

"And thank you for taking the time to be here, old friend," Master Willem said as the attention shifted back to him. If he was embarrassed by his performance, he did not show it and simply chose to carry on.

"I assure you all that Gehrman was being modest in describing his capabilities. In these early stages of exploration, he will serve as your main line of defense, but as we continue to expand and organize expeditions more regularly, it would be…impractical of us to expect him to oversee them all . And so, I urge you to spread the word on our new 'initiative'. Inform your staff, your students; anyone you believe would be interested in helping further our research. And give them my word that their efforts will be well-rewarded."

Just as it seemed he was finished, the headmaster began to rise from his seat, using his staff to support his weight. "But you must do so carefully," he said in warning. "Knowledge of these 'Hunters' and their purpose must not leave Byrgenwerth. If such a thing were to happen, it is only a matter of time before our benefactors become aware of our efforts. And while we may no longer require their manpower, we do still require their patronage. As such, it falls to you to ensure that this veil of secrecy is maintained."

The headmaster's warning was stern, not to mention ominous. Laurence saw the prudence in Master Willem's words, of course; Gehrman alone offset the balance of power between Byrgenwerth and Cainhurst, a balance the latter would wish to see maintained. But the secretive nature of this policy brought Lobsang's earlier revelation back to the forefront of his mind.

There was one within Cainhurst who knew of Gehrman's true nature, her continued silence being the only thing standing in the way of a potential crisis. But what if she were to break said silence? What if she had broken her silence?

Just what had he set in motion?

...