Narrator: The realization that Edelgard was the so-called 'Flame Emperor' sent Tarrick and Leanbow scrambling to get their fellow villains involved with her deeds, while Zen-Aku was torn on what he could do. But the rest of the Rangers and Bowen weren't worried about that, now, were they?
Seteth: 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.
(Seteth leaves)
Edelgard: The last time we fought bandits, you saved me. Maybe I can return the favor this time.
Zayto: Let's do our best.
Edelgard: 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.
Dimitri: This will be our first true battle. I'm looking forward to fighting alongside you, Professor.
Maya: As am I.
Dimitri: 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.
Claude: More bandits? Not very original, Teach.
Kendall: You need to focus.
Claude: 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.
Jeralt: You seem well. Are you adjusting to life at the monastery?
Jack: Not quite, sir. Zayto, Kendall, and Maya are too focused on the leaders, while the rest of us don't know as much about the others.
Jeralt: Well, I didn't expect it would be easy on you. 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. It seems I was right to worry. 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.
Maya: A girl's voice... What could it mean?
Edelgard: 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?
Zayto: Not at all, Milady.
Dimitri: 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 Seiros, we must still brace ourselves for the challenge.
Maya: Oh yeah.
Claude: 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.
Kendall: Yup.
Hubert: I fully accept the necessity of real battle from time to time, but it is still a surprise to be tasked with punishing bandits without warning. It is a rather different sort of mission. It makes me wonder what the archbishop is planning...
Ferdinand: Do you know of the Aegir family? We have long held the position of prime minister in the Empire. The Empire's power lies with six noble families, my family foremost among them. The full explanation may be time-consuming. I can give you a moment to get ready, if you would like to take notes.
Ollie: I'm ready.
Ferdiand: All right. I will list the six great noble families. There's Caspar's father, Count Bergliez, the Minister of Military Affairs. Then there's Linhardt's father, Count Hevring, the Minister of Domestic Affairs. Beradetta's father, Count Varley, is the Minister of Religious Affairs. Hubert's father, Marquis Vestra, is the Minister of the Imperial Household. Finally we have Duke Gerth, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and my own father, Duke Aegir, the Prime Minister. One day, I will take his place as the prime minister of the Empire. I am more talented than anyone in my class — even Edelgard. I will lead the Empire to a bright, enlightened future.
Amelia: I look forward to that.
Ferdinand: There is nothing I cannot achieve.
Linhardt: Swimming through a sea of countless books, tracking down that single sought-after volume... It's absolute bliss. How do the poor fools who spend their days sharpening swords and polishing armor find any joy in life?
Dorothea: Oh, Professor... Hello. Truth is, my, um, my undershirt got blown away by the wind... A-and it's not important why, it only matters that it's pale blue.
Zoey: Let's search for it.
Dorothea: Thank you so much.
Caspar: Hey there, Professor! You here to check in on my training? Oh, that reminds me. I found this small cloth. It's kinda weird. Not really sure what it is, but it works great for wiping up sweat!
Zoey: Uh...
Bernadetta: Wh-what is it? I'm not doing anything!
Ravi: Hey, what's this cake doing out here?
Bernadetta: Cake?! Oh, come on... That's just cruel.
Petra: Brigid has much more warmth than Fódlan. Even spring here has coolness! And you, Professor? Which do you find is worst? Too hot or too cold weather?
Gemma: The cold.
Petra: I have agreeance! In Brigid, I am able to be wearing much lighter clothes.
Dedue: It is better if you do not approach me. If you spend too much time around a man of Duscur, there will be rumors.
Felix: For years, the boar prince and I were inseparable. I know him better than almost anyone else. So let me give you some advice. Beneath all that princely polish, he's an animal, nothing more. He's strong and skilled, sure. But don't place your trust in him as a human being. Take care he doesn't chew you up and spit you out.
Ashe: It's thanks to my adoptive father, Lonato, that a commoner like me is here at the academy. He is the very model of chivalry. Someday I'm going to be just like him.
Mercedes: The cathedral is nice and quiet. It's so relaxing... Oh, Professor. Did you come to pray to the goddess?
Damon: That's right.
Mercedes: Me too! Shall we pray together?
Annette: I've got to find out everyone's likes and dislikes so I know what to cook. Who knows when it will be my turn at kitchen duty! How about you, Professor? Do you like sweet or spicy food?
Syd: Sweet.
Annette: Ooh, same! I'll definitely remember that!
Ingrid: Felix, Sylvain and I have known each other since we were children. His Highness, as well. Though I should warn you that both Felix and Sylvain are a bit...challenging at times. The moment I take my eyes off them, they're off causing all kinds of trouble. It's always been that way.
Lorenz: It is the duty of every Fódlan noble to demonstrate piety toward Seiros. Have you also come to offer your prayers to the goddess, Professor?
Vida: Not exactly.
Lorenz: I see. The truth is, I am not a particularly devoted believer either. But it would be unbecoming for a noble like me to neglect his prayers, wouldn't it?
Raphael: The next assignment is to track down bandits? Sounds like some training is in order! Tell me something, Professor. When it comes to a one-on-one battle, which is better? Strength or skill?
Koda: Strength.
Raphael: I knew it! When it's all said and done, muscle always comes out on top.
Ignatz: I'm so glad to be a student here, if only because I get to use this library. Reading books from all the regions of Fódlan... I feel almost like I'm visiting those places myself.
Vida: You can learn so much from books.
Ignatz: I agree! They're brimming with the knowledge and experience of our ancestors.
Lysithea: There were way too many vegetables in today's meal. The ratio of vegetables to sweets was completely skewed... Oh! Hi, Professor! Were you just eavesdropping on me? Well...everyone knows a plateful of sweets is far preferred to a plateful of vegetables, regardless of age.
Marianne: Um, Professor? Our next mission is to go after a group of bandits. I'm...not very confident. I'm afraid I'll just hold everyone else back. I should probably stay behind for this one. Or help plan the attack instead.
Hilda: I'm bored! Maybe I should go into town... But that would be such a hassle. Oh! Hi, Professor. I'm rather busy right now, so do make it quick.
Mack: If you're busy, never mind.
Hilda: Are you sure? I thought you'd found me out for a moment there...
Leonie: Professor! Hey, do you know how old Captain Jeralt is?
Jeralt: That's enough, Leonie. If I don't know, how could my child know?
Leonie: It's not normal to forget your own age, you know. It's kind of worrisome, actually.
Jeralt: By the time you're forgetting your own age, you're past the point of caring.
Leonie: I guess if you put it that way, you've got a point...
Rhea: Thank you for paying me a visit. Is there anything troubling you? Or is there, perhaps, something I can help you with.
Troy: About the teachings of Seiros...
Rhea: Believers live their lives by her sacred wisdom. Please use the library's vast resources to learn more. I can often be found here, so if there is ever anything you need, please do not hesitate to pay me a visit.
(Outside of the Red Canyon)
Void Knight: I'm honored your Empire could join me from this place.
Emperor Gruumm: The choice was not to be considerable, but it was simple once we got the message.
Void Knight: So?
Broodwing: This 'Flame Emperor' sounds trustworthy to our ears as well as yours, if you both are willing to pay for our services.
Void Knight: The rewards will outweigh anything you've ever been offered, just take care of the kids!
Morgana: So, you want us to kill a bunch of schoolkids? Heh sounds like fun.
Charlie: Of course, there's still the Rangers...
Void Knight: They won't suspect your involvement, I assure you. But though you may arouse suspicion with the Church of Seiros, I will see to it that you remain anonymous.
Emperor Gruumm: The more, the merrier, as they say... AH HA HA HA HA HA HA HA!
(Void Knight nods, but knows that while some other villains will be simpler to convince, one in particular could prove difficult, even for him)
Entrance Hall | Daytime
Edelgard: Perfect timing, Professor. I just received word from the knights. They've located the bandits.
Hubert: It seems they have them cornered. They are in Zanado, the Red Canyon.
Caspar: I can't wait to get started! I'll strike down those heinous thieves before they know what hit them!
Ferdinand: Charge ahead if you must, Caspar. Just do not put the rest of us in danger.
Bernadetta: I'm going back. I won't be of any help anyway, and I don't want to get hurt.
Dorothea: Don't worry, Bern. It's just some bandits. We'll have no trouble at all.
Linhardt: Eh, don't get ahead of yourselves. Unfounded optimism isn't a great strategy. Let's just get this over with.
Petra: There is nothing to get over. We will work with each other to achieve our mission.
Zayto: You seem excited to get out there.
Edelgard: It's time, Professor. Give us our orders, and let's move out.
Dimitri: Professor. I just got word from the knights that the last of the thieves have been cornered.
Ingrid: Just as planned. They're in Zanado, the Red Canyon.
Ashe: We certainly can't allow those underhanded thieves to get away. Let's work together and do our best to take them down!
Dedue: It matters not who we're up against. They will not harm His Highness.
Felix: Hmph. We're just fighting common thieves, right? I don't expect much of a challenge.
Sylvain: Aren't you a spoilsport. I'm actually quite excited myself. Who knows... There may even be some cute lady thieves.
Annette: Hmm. Well, at any rate, a real battle is a great opportunity for us to see how far we've come.
Mercedes: True. The mock battle was a success. We'll be fine so long as we stay the course.
Maya: So much excitement...
Dimitri: Perhaps we are a bit overly excited but remember that we have the knights on our side. All should be well. Ah! And speaking of the knights, I heard that Jeralt is once again one of the Knights of Seiros. Perhaps we'll have the good fortune of seeing you two fight side by side.
Alyssa: We've fought together many times.
Dimitri: Oh, of course. I apologize for letting my childish whims get the better of me. In all honesty, I'm a bit jealous. My parents are no longer around.
Mike: What do you mean?
Bridge: No longer around?
Dimitri: They...they died. Both of them. I'm all that remains of them now... Anyhow, I'm sorry to bore you with such things. I'd say it's nearly time for us to depart. Eh, Professor?
Claude: Hey, Teach. Glad you could make it. We've been waiting on you.
Lorenz: It seems the knights have our foes cornered. They are in Zanado–the Red Canyon.
Raphael: It's bandit time? That sounds like real knight work. Let's get to it!
Leonie: I'm itching to put my skills to the test as well. We have to win so Captain Jeralt can see how much I've learned!
Ignatz: I thought Jeralt wasn't coming with us. Either way, I'll give it everything I've got.
Marianne: Um... Even if I go, it's not like I'd be of any use...
Lysithea: That's enough of that. If we don't work together and give it our all, we are doomed to fail.
Hilda: You can be pretty intense sometimes, Lysithea. But I agree! Let's do our best!
Kendall: Everyone is so eager.
Claude: If we fight half as well as we chatter, we'll be fine. C'mon, Teach. Lead the way.
Sothis: So, we are taking children into battle, are we? I am not certain I will be able to sleep soundly after beholding something like that... I shall allow you to turn back the hands of time, but know this power is not infinite!
Zayto: Right. Let's go guys!
Edelgard: 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.
Dimitri: The Red Canyon... This is the first time I have ever been here. It's like walking through a ruin. Let's get this battle out of the way, Professor. The thieves must have already been driven back.
Claude: I hear there's a back road to the west. How about we split up and attack from there and from the front? We may be able to corner the enemy by approaching from both sides. In any case, we need to cross the bridge first. I'll leave the details to you, Teach.
Kostas: 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!
Kostas: Shut your dumb mouth! Where would we go at this point? You can't be a thief if you fear death!
(Soon, Jack hears an all-too familiar robotic sound)
Jack: Look out, Krybots!
Kostas: Huh? What are these things? Doesn't matter, as long as they help.
Sky: Anybody wanna bet Gruumm's behind this?
Everyone else: Huh?
Zayto: Wait, who's Gruumm?
Tyler: What are those things?
Bridge: A lot of things we can't explain. For now, we have to fight!
(Hubert, Linhardt, Dorothea, Annette, Mercedes, Marianne, and Lysithea take on some bandits)
Hubert: Allow me to clean this up for you, Lady Edelgard.
Linhardt: I... I killed them. What have I done? The blood...
Dorothea: So, is making us experience a real battle part of the church's teachings?
Annette: I did it! See? I'm a great fighter!
Mercedes: I hope the goddess blesses them to rest in peace…
Lysithea: A precious opportunity to test my own strength. I won't make waste of your deaths.
Marianne: Please forgive me, Goddess...and save their souls...
Blue-Head Krybots: Fire!
(Bernadetta, Ashe, Claude, and Ignatz return fire)
Bernadetta: I don't care if they're stealing! Can I go home?!
Ashe: If I'd hesitated… that would've been me.
Claude: We were taken by surprise last time, but... I guess this is what we can expect when battling thieves. But these guys...
Ignatz: I'm sorry... I didn't have a choice.
(Ferdinand, Dimitri, Sylvain, Ingrid, Lorenz, and Leonie sweep through another wave)
Ferdinand: These ruffians are no match for a noble like me!
Dimitri: I know they are just thieves, but this never gets easier for me…
Sylvain: I had to do it. Don't hate me, please.
Ingrid: I can't relax here. We need to prepare for our next battle!
Lorenz: It is a noble's duty to guard the welfare of the people. Nothing personal.
Leonie: This is what I've trained for!
(Edelgard, Caspar, Dedue, and Hilda bring down another Krybot wave)
Edelgard: Regrettable...but there was no other way.
Dedue: Still whole and sound, I hope…
Caspar: Are all real battles this exciting? Come on, let's get on to the next one!
Hilda: I was planning to just sit back and watch. But hey, I got one!
(But the Orange-Head Krybots are proving too formidable as they usually are, until Petra and Felix use their own technique against them)
Petra: People and beasts are as one. Calm your heart, and do not be worried about this killing.
Felix: Finished already? I was hoping for more of a challenge.
Kostas: Y-you're... It can't be! The mercenaries from before? So, what, now you're pals with the knights? I'll kill you and your pesky brats!
Zayto: It doesn't matter why you did what you did...
Maya: Or how...
Kendall: We're bringing you down!
Kostas: Spoiled little noble! Just die like a good little rich kid!
Edelgard: Do you really think being born a commoner gives you the right to kill? Despicable.
Dimitri: Unfortunately for you, I will not oblige. You will regret all that you have done.
Claude: Being noble has nothing to do with who you are as a person or how hard your life is. Your logic is illogical!
Maya: Delta Daggers!
Kostas: I should have never listened to that idiot... What a mistake...(groans)
Edelgard: Thank you for leading us, Mr. Zayto. Though I suppose there was no way we could lose to a familiar foe. In any case, something about this canyon feels...inexplicably strange.
Dimitri: We have defeated the thieves. We'll follow the knights' instructions for what to do next. You led us well, Ms. Maya.
Claude: Those thieves ran out of luck when they entered this canyon. They never had a chance. Your leadership was amazing, Teach. Let's leave the rest of the work to the knights.
Zayto: Well, we won.
Jack: Yeah, despite the Krybot conundrum. Still, something about this place feels familiar. I wonder if the Masters...
Kendall: I know that. Since when has it been called the Red Canyon... Oh... ?
Sothis: Hmm... I wonder why it is that you recall this place. You must be weak of heart. Each time I speak, it scares you so.
Kendall: You surprised me.
Sothis: 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...
Kendall: Still, it feels familiar.
Sothis: 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...
Edelgard: Mr. Zayto? I was wondering where you were... It's about time we headed back to the monastery.
Dimitri: Ms. Maya? We should return to the monastery soon. We're all ready for the journey.
Claude: Teach? What are you doing here? We should get back to the academy.
Kendall, Maya, and Zayto: Right.
Sothis: 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.
Kendall: Why are you...
Sothis: 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. Oh... You think you're standing strong? Of course, you are! It was a jest.
Edelgard: On our way out, I had the chance to observe the Red Canyon... Did you notice anything, Professor?
Zayto: I did.
Edelgard: 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?
Zayto: A culture long since perished.
Devon: Subterranean beings.
Scott: Or both.
Edelgard: Heh, it's possible they weren't even human. Hmm, perhaps their remnants still influence this world...
Dimitri: We're finally back. I'll leave the report to Lady Rhea in your hands, Ms. Maya.
Maya: Of course. Still, what it is with you and Edelgard? Puppy love?
Dimitri: Hahaha! Now, that's a lark. I had no idea you had a sense of humor, Ms. Maya. I'll tell you all about it...some other time.
Claude: Hey, Teach. On the way back, you seemed transfixed by the canyon. Did something happen there?
Kendall: Actually...
Claude: It seemed familiar to you? Huh. Can't say the same. Maybe it's a memory from when you were a child. Or from a past life. Anyway, if you can't remember, I guess there isn't really much more to be said. Although, I'll admit, there is something about that canyon that has me captivated as well. How did Zanado come to be called the Red Canyon? Nothing there...was actually red...
Audience Chamber | Daytime
(Syd shows the head of one of the Krybots Dedue took on)
Cruger: So, Gruumm is here too.
Sky: We didn't want to believe it too, Commander.
Rhea: 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.
Zayto: We will do all that I can.
Rhea: 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.
Maya: A goddess?
Kendall: A temporary haven?
Rhea: Long ago, the divine Seiros received a revelation from the goddess. A gift, to help the lost. The goddess is always watching over Fódlan from her kingdom above. However, in ancient times, the goddess graced this world with her presence and offered salvation to the people here. She is the mother of all life, the arbiter of every soul.
Maya: We didn't know. Jeralt never told us.
Rhea: I see. During your time here, I pray that you come to devote yourself to the teachings of Seiros.
Seteth: Uh...Lady Rhea, I am sorry to interrupt. There is something I must ask about in regard to those bandits...
Rhea: As you wish. We shall continue our discussion when next we meet.
Cathedral | Daytime
Sothis: A goddess... 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 the goddess walked the land. If so... What does that make me now? A ghost?
Maya: don't know.
Sothis: 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! I... I... (yawns loudly)
(Back inside the chamber)
Hanneman: Confound it all, I still can't get a grasp on these Ranger relics!
Rhea: Well, that could be one of our concerns at the least.(Looking at the Krybot head)Because we may have more enemies coming here than I first thought...
Void Knight: The Troobians were just the beginning of what is to come, Rangers. You and Rhea ought to know that, by now!