Narrator: Zayto's inner doubts were starting to come to the forefront, and nothing anyone could do would deny this. Meanwhile, Koragg was making preparations in order to ensure that the Morlocks would join him and Void Knight in serving the Flame Emperor. For that, he needed Hubert, and the other mystics of Garreg Mach.
Rhea: I have a new mission for you, Professor. I would like for you to take your students into Kingdom territory to eliminate some thieves.
Seteth: They stole a Hero's Relic from House Gautier of the Holy Kingdom of Faerghus–the Lance of Ruin. Their leader's name is Miklan. He is apparently a disowned son of House Gautier.
Kendall: Why was he disowned?
Seteth: I believe it had something to do with his lack of a Crest. Such happenings are fairly common within the Kingdom.
Rhea: The Crestless cannot harness the goddess's power, even if they possess a Relic. Nonetheless, they are still capable of simply wielding those weapons.
Seteth: The Heroes' Relics are immensely powerful weapons. We must meet this threat with adequate force. Unfortunately, most of the Knights of Seiros are away from the monastery purging the apostates of the Western Church. So we are entrusting you with this mission. After all, you wield the Sword of the Creator, which is more than capable of opposing any Relic.
Rhea: The Sword of the Creator is a powerful weapon, well beyond the other Relics. You have nothing to fear. However, to ensure that no harm comes to the students, we will also send the monastery's most skilled individuals to aid you.
Seteth: I must remind you that you are expected to conduct yourself in a manner befitting the wielder of that holy sword. Also, you should know that Professor Hanneman has been looking for you. That is all.
Edelgard: Professor, I heard about our mission for this month. A thief with a Hero's Relic is worrisome, but with you at our side, I'm certain we can handle him. After all, you have the Sword of the Creator. It was allegedly wielded by Nemesis, the King of Liberation. If the legends are true, you hold the power to stand against entire armies. A band of thieves should be nothing. Even the most elite Imperial forces or the Knights of Seiros could not hope to defeat you.
Zayto: Why does it matter?
Edelgard: I'm just marveling at the potential. Besides, your power does not lie solely in the Sword of the Creator. You are stronger and more terrifying than you realize. Professor... When we leave the monastery, will you still think of yourself as my teacher?
Devon: What do you mean?
Scott: If we left the monastery?
Edelgard: Never mind. I'm being thoughtless with my words. For now, let's just focus on the problem at hand.
Zayto: You see what I mean? I mean, I want to trust Rhea, but I somewhat love Edelgard...
Devon: Once this ends, we'll figure out more.
Dimitri: I heard about our mission for this month. So... We are to eradicate thieves in Kingdom territory. I'm sorry for dragging into the Kingdom's petty squabbles. This should not be your burden to bear, but my own...
Maya: I'm happy to help.
Dimitri: Thank you, Professor. Hearing you say that puts my mind at ease. Hm?
(A man from Faerghus, named Rodrigue, approaches)
Rodrigue: Your Highness? Ah, it's been ages!
Dimitri: It's been a long time! Two years, if I'm not mistaken.
Rodrigue: Indeed, Your Highness. You've grown so much in those years. I hardly recognize you.
Maya: Who's this?
Dimitri: This is Rodrigue, an old friend of my father's. I believe I've mentioned him, if you recall. When my father died four years ago, he looked after me as though I were his own son.
Rodrigue: (laughs) You flatter me, Your Highness. It was my honor to care for such a fine, young man. It's nice to finally meet you, Professor. My son, Felix, has mentioned you on occasion.
Dimitri: What brings you to the monastery, Rodrigue? Is it the thieves plaguing the Kingdom?
Rodrigue: I'm afraid so. This is not merely a problem for House Gautier, but for everyone. The thieves have set up their headquarters in Fraldarius territory and are mercilessly pillaging the villages of that area. You have our full support in stopping those dastards. I thank you for your help, both of you.
Claude: Hey, Teach. I gotta say, I never would've guessed you were a descendant of the King of Liberation. You didn't forget, did you? That story I told you about a Relic that could cut a mountain in half? That Relic was the Sword of the Creator! The very same used by Nemesis, the King of Liberation.
Kendall: I'm not his descendant.
Claude: Don't be coy, Teach. The Sword of the Creator could only be wielded by Nemesis. If you can use it too, that can only mean you have that bloodline's Crest.
Kendall: I don't understand.
Claude: Fine, keep your secrets. But just so you know, "I don't understand" isn't gonna cut it here at the monastery. Speaking of, Professor Hanneman has been looking for you. He probably wants to examine your Crest with those crazy instruments of his. Actually...sounds amusing. Maybe I'll tag along.
(A woman from the Alliance, Judith, joins them)
Judith: If it isn't my little Claude! What has you so worked up?
Claude: Judith?! What are you doing here?
Judith: That's Lady Judith to you, boy. I told you, until you're in charge, I expect you to address me with all due respect. Anyway, I'm here to retrieve you. Duke Riegan's condition has taken a turn for the worse.
Claude: Are you saying the old man's on his death bed?
Judith: No, it's not that bad. But in the state he's in, he won't be able to participate in the next roundtable conference. He wants you to go in his stead. I volunteered to play the messenger.
Claude: Well, thanks for that. Oh, and Teach, this is Judith. Also known as the Hero of House Daphnel.
Judith: So you're little Claude's teacher, are you? How much trouble has he been giving you?
Kendall: Plenty.
Claude: If her nickname didn't give it away, you should know that Judith...er, Lady Judith is the leader of the famous House Daphnel of the Leicester Alliance. She used to be a big deal at the roundtable conferences, but it seems of late she's been reduced to a mere–
Judith: You had better shut that mouth before I put my boot in it, you tactless nuisance! Now come on. Let's get going. Sorry, Professor, but I need to borrow the boy for a bit.
Claude: I suppose we'll have to finish our chat later. Sorry, Teach. But don't you worry. I'll be back in time for our next mission. All right, Judith. Let's get going.
(Claude leaves)
Judith: It's Lady... Ah, I suppose you are the active leader for the time being. Fair enough, boy. Fair enough.
Hanneman: Good of you to come, Professor. I've heard much about you lately. Specifically, that you were able to awaken the Sword of the Creator's power. Thusly, it seems the true nature of your Crest has been uncovered. I had, of course, seen your Crest before. However, at first, I failed to recognize its true nature. Eventually, it dawned on me that what is visible is perhaps merely a small part of a greater whole. In other words, your Crest is too significant to be detected when using normal instruments. After this discovery, I began researching Crests that might fit that description, which allowed for a temporary hypothesis. However, I could not be certain. The Crest my conclusions led me to was far too unusual. A Crest thought to have disappeared in this world in the millennium since the fall of Nemesis, the King of Liberation. The Crest of Flames. That is what you possess.
Zayto: The Crest of Flames...
Hanneman: Your ability to wield the Sword of the Creator has unequivocally proven my hypothesis. A legendary power, dormant since time immemorial, and now resurrected... There can be no doubt that this ancient power resides within you.
Sothis: A stone? A stone... I do not understand. Yet as I think of it, the pounding in my chest grows faster still. But is that me...or is it you? Hmm...
Edelgard: For a Hero's Relic to be stolen... It's unheard of.
Hubert: And just last month, the Sword of the Creator was almost stolen too.
Edelgard: Also, quite unheard of. What imprudence.
Hubert: For House Gautier to invite us on to their land, they must be desperate. But at least we'll have the stalwart knights ready to stand around and watch us do all the work.
Dimitri: Say, I hear that a Knight of Seiros named Gilbert will be joining us for our mission this moon. He is skilled, which is surely a boon for us. Still... That was not very thoughtful of Lady Rhea.
Maya: Do you know him?
Dimitri: Ahh, well... No, I do not. Not really. All I will say is that we have trained together a few times in the past. House Gautier is Sylvain's home. It would be nice if you could check on him as well.
Claude: Oof. This wasn't the first time I've taken part in an Alliance roundtable conference, but it was still exhausting. There's not enough cooperation in that group, especially from Lorenz's father. But at least my grandfather was surprisingly alert. Judging by that, I'd say he's got at least five more years in him.
Ferdinand: The coffin of Seiros in the Holy Mausoleum should have held her remains. Instead, they say, it held the Sword of the Creator. What could it mean?
Linhardt: Swinging a sword about in the Holy Mausoleum? The potential for damage is too great to imagine. I sincerely hope the saints' coffins were not damaged.
Devon: They didn't.
Linhardt: Were you using magic? I've heard you weren't, but– Ugh! It's torture not being able to go inside the Holy Mausoleum for an entire year.
(After Devon leaves, Koragg captures Linhardt and Hubert at the same time)
Caspar: I heard a relic was stolen. If this had something to do with a family conflict, I don't think I could choose a side.
Scott: We can't allow a Hero's Relic to be stolen.
Caspar: What if it's some kind of powerful weapon? I want one too! I know Relics aren't easy to come by, but I'd still like to get my hands on one...
Bernadetta(surprised): I'm not secretly eating cake!
Zayto: I'll take your word for it.
Bernadetta: You're getting pretty good at talking through the door, Professor!
Dorothea: So, you have a Crest too, eh, Professor? Does that mean you're descended from nobility? You've certainly got the look for it... I sure do wish there were more nobles like you, Professor. A teacher, a mercenary, and so very mysterious... How could a girl ever get enough?
Petra: I have never had goings to the Kingdom's north. I hear the people of north are cold and have much loneliness. Professor, I hear you have had work...have worked as a mercenary in the Kingdom. Did you find joy in this? You cannot remember? Is that having possibility? I have amazement...
Dedue: I know Lord Rodrigue. He paid repeated visits to His Highness after the previous king was killed.
Felix: Have you seen a man who looks like me? He's middle-aged and relatively tall.
Cole: I have.
Felix: If you get the chance, tell him I've gone out. OK?
Ashe: So the whole plan to attack the monastery was some plot devised by the Western Church? That means they used Lonato. What right do they have to drag a good man like that into their schemes?! There's going to be a big investigation into the Western Church soon. I wish I could be a part of it. I want to hear for myself why Lonato had to die.
Sylvain: I'm so sorry my older brother is causing you all this hassle, Professor. Don't misunderstand, I always thought he was a piece of garbage, but I never thought he'd steal the Relic. I can't wait to see his face when he realizes I'm in the group that was sent to take him down.
Mercedes: Professor! You looked like a natural wielding the Sword of the Creator! It's strange though, isn't it? The last owner of the sword was Nemesis, but I thought he didn't have any descendants…(Soon enough, Mercedes is the next one captured for whatever ritual Koragg has planned)
Gilbert: Hail, Professor. If I may introduce myself, I am Gilbert. My life has been spent as a dedicated knight. I am to accompany you on your assignment. I may have slowed a step in recent years, but I pledge to you the full extent of my abilities.
Maya: It's a pleasure to meet you.
Gilbert: No, Professor. The pleasure is all mine, I assure you.
Annette: Hey, Professor? Did you happen to see that man I was looking for earlier? I just spotted him by the dining hall, but then he ran away!
Maya: I might have seen him.
Annette: Oh? You saw him by the entrance to the monastery? Thank you, Professor! Father... I've found you at last!
Ingrid: Wow, Lord Rodrigue in the flesh... What is Felix doing? This is such a rare opportunity for him to see his family...
Lorenz: I have heard that someone from House Gautier, one of the Kingdom of Faerghus's noble families, is causing some sort of commotion. What a complete disgrace to the nobility.
Raphael: Hey, Professor. Don't you think everyone's making too big a fuss over these Crests or Heroes' Relics or whatever they're called? How important can that stuff really be?
Nick: I'm not sure.
Raphael: Personally, I don't even care that I don't have a Crest. I'll take muscles over Crests any day. Heck, I'll take muscles over a hot meal! Actually...
Ignatz: Don't you think Professor Hanneman's been acting a bit...strange? Maybe he's made some kind of big discovery.
Lysithea: Is it true that Lady Rhea entrusted the Sword of the Creator to you? I can hardly even fathom you being capable of wielding something of such power. Just who are you, anyway?
Marianne: Some people are unhappy because they don't have the Crest they want... And some are unhappy because they have a Crest they never asked for.
Hilda: I thought school life would be peaceful and quiet, with a sprinkle of drama to keep things interesting. But since you arrived, it's been one thing after another. Is that just a coincidence, I wonder?
Tyler: I believe so.
Hilda: Oh, I was just kidding! Anyway, as I said before, I do like having a little drama in my life.
Leonie: Captain Jeralt was all furrowed brow earlier. Do you know what's got him so concerned? If there's a problem, I want to help any way I can.
Mack: I don't know.
Leonie: OK. I doubt there's anything I can do for him, but I figured I'd ask anyway.
(In the Underworld, the last few mystics have been captured by Koragg-who seeks to use their power to revive the Master, with Solon and Thales pitching in. As they all return to the surface, Koragg is pleased as the Master and the other Morlocks rise again)
Near Conand Tower (Kingdom Territory) | Daytime
Edelgard: This weather is unfortunate. Those villagers were right when they said a storm was brewing. But they were more afraid of an attack than they were of the storm. Let's end this quickly.
Hubert: The thieves have taken Conand Tower as their base... There it is in the distance.
Gilbert: This area was the site of a massive battle several hundred years ago. That's when invasions from the north were at their peak. Back then, this tower was built for both surveillance and defense. It will be difficult to seize it.
Dimitri: You're very well informed, Gilbert. Please, tell us more.
Gilbert: Well, I... Ah. You're joking.
Dimitri: Professor. Did you see the local villages? They were in rough shape, no doubt because of the thief attacks. They're not going to make it through the winter in that condition. If the thieves had taken up pillaging in order to survive, that would be deplorable...but understandable. But this... This is something else entirely. It looks as though they destroyed those villages purely for pleasure. No matter what their reasons may be, that sort of behavior cannot be allowed. Ever.
(Sylvain joins them)
Sylvain: Don't bother losing your head over those lowlifes, Your Highness. It's wasted effort.
Dimitri: Sylvain... The thieves' leader...the one who stole the Relic. Word has it he's your older brother. I know he's been disowned, but...
Sylvain: He is no longer a member of House Gautier...or my brother. He's nothing more than a common thief.
Dimitri: Are you sure about that? It would be understandable to find this situation...well, regrettable, to say the least.
Sylvain: Regrets? Heh, you must be joking. You know we're far past the point of regret. And it always falls on the younger brother to clean up the mistakes of their elders, doesn't it?
(Sylvain walks away)
Claude: Ugh, the rain is really coming down now. Let's finish this quickly.
Gilbert: The enemy is close by. We're almost to the top floor.
Edelgard: They have nowhere left to flee, so the situation is in our favor. All we have to do is chase then down.
Dimitri: They are merely thieves, but they have a Hero's Relic. Do not drop your guard.
Claude: Phew, why did we have to climb so high before a battle? At least it's better than fighting in heavy rain.
Sylvain: Don't hold back for my sake. My brother is going to pay for everything he's done.
Xander(notcing some familiar faces): Uh, try telling that to them.
Vida: How? I thought we vanquished them.
Chip: Guess someone had a plan to revive them.
Nick: Fight now, worry later!
Rogue: The captain's in trouble! Hurry up, you fools!
Gilbert: Enemies approach from the lower floor! Watch the rear flank!
(Our heroes strike through enemies on their way to the Lance)
Rogue: Here we go! Attack them from both sides!
Gilbert: It's an ambush!
(Avoiding danger, Maya and Sylvain finally reach the top)
Miklan: Why have you come, you Crest-bearing fool?
Sylvain: I'm here for the Lance of Ruin, Miklan. Hand it over. I don't want to humiliate you, but I will.
Miklan: Hmph! Hurry up and die already. If not for you... If it hadn't been for you...
Sylvain: Shut up! I'm so tired of hearing that. You've always blamed me for something that isn't my fault.
Maya: Stop this!
Miklan: So, you think you can take the lance from me, huh? I'll kill you... I'll kill every last one of you!
(In the Tower, Miklan jumps back. There is a lightning storm throughout.)
Miklan: Not bad for your kind... A bunch of spoiled rotten children.
(The Lance of Ruin's Crest Stone begins to glow with a red light. A black and red substance emerges from the stone. Miklan cries out and looks down to see the substance beginning to encircle his arm.)
Miklan: What the hell?!
(Miklan tries to push the substance away, but it quickly consumes his arms and body. He screams and struggles as the rest of the bandits watch. The Crest Stone pulses. The substance consumes Miklan, even entering into his body through his eyes.)
Bandit: Dang! Look at that... I'm outta here!
Bandit: Hold on!
(The bandits run away. Miklan is now completely engulfed in the black and red substance. Miklan's body grows and the substance is cast aside to reveal a Black Beast. One of the bandits falls backwards and watches in horror as the beast advances.)
Bandit: No!
(The Black Beast grabs the bandit and kills him. He throws the dead body aside and rampages towards the screen, roaring. He raises up to his full height and howls.)
Zayto: Okay...this just got ugly.
Maya: Is that thing even...human?
Kendall: I don't know.
Edelgard: Such is the fate of one whose life is corrupted by a Crest Stone... How pitiable. The least we can do is put an end to his suffering.
Black Beast: Graaaargh!
Sylvain: What the–Miklan?! Is that you?!
Dimitri: So, this is the power of a Hero's Relic. To create such a sinister beast... It has gone too far. I fear all we can do now is put an end to it.
Claude: How awful...So the Heroes' Relics are hiding such a terrible power within. I can't even tell friend from foe anymore. I feel for him, but...the best we can do now is finish this quickly.
Kendall: Claude, I think you read my mind!
Black Beast: Graaaargh!
Devon: Come and get us, you big bully!
Sylvain: What is that? It's like watching a bad dream come to life.
Black Beast: Graaaargh! Graaaargh!
Gilbert: Goddess... The beast is gone, yet Miklan and the Lance remain.
Edelgard: It is done. Let's retrieve the lance and depart at once.
Dimitri: It's over... Let's retrieve the lance and leave this place.
Claude: We defeated him, somehow... Let's grab the lance and return to the monastery.
Sylvain: Miklan...my brother...
(Back at the Monastery, Gilbert drags the Hidiac they just detained over to Hanneman, while Maya processes what she just saw)
Sothis: That man... His form was changed. It was as though that lance was swallowing him whole. Upon that sight, it makes sense that your students were upset. I wonder if those Relics truly hide such power? Yet even still, that power seems familiar. That form as well... As one who wields the Sword of the Creator... Does that mean you possess that power too?
Rhea: Professor, you have returned. The goddess is indeed generous with her divine protection. I have already heard Gilbert's report about what happened. See to it that you keep what transpired at the tower to yourself. People would lose faith in the nobles should rumors spread of one using a Relic and transforming into a monster. All regions of Fódlan would fall into chaos. We must avoid that at all costs. Please ensure the students who accompanied you understand that as well. Have I made myself clear?
Maya: Yes, of course.
Rhea: His transformation into a Black Beast was nothing short of divine punishment from the goddess. Punishment for someone arrogant and foolish enough to use a Hero's Relic even though they were unworthy and unqualified.
Maya: You knew?
Rhea: Of course. That is why we rushed to recover it. Sadly, we did not arrive in time. The church will formally return the lance to House Gautier. If you would...
Zayto: I would...
Kendall: So would I.
Maya: No. This Relic was meant for the rightful heir, and so shall it be.
Sylvain: Ahem, excuse me. (Sylvain joins them) Lady Rhea, I am overjoyed and beyond grateful to you for recovering the Relic of my family, House Gautier. Now, may I please have that lance? I have received direct approval from my father to take possession of it.
Rhea: As the next head of House Gautier, do you swear that you will never cause such a deplorable incident to transpire?
Sylvain: On my family's name...and on my brother's life, I swear it.
Rhea: Very well. However, I have one condition. You must never allow another to wield this lance. Your brother clearly demonstrated what fate awaits those who break that restriction.
Sylvain: Yes. I...I will not soon forget.
Edelgard: I assume the archbishop was pleased with your performance. Did you return the Lance of Ruin?
Zayto: Maya decided not to do so.
Edelgard: I'm glad. Sylvain must be overjoyed as well. I keep thinking about what Gilbert told us...
Devon: About Miklan?
Scptt: About House Gautier?
Edelgard: Yes, Miklan was discarded by his family because he was born without a Crest. Eventually he became a masterful thief and gathered enough ruffians to capture a fortress. Right or wrong, he was a gifted leader. He could have been a great asset to Fódlan. What a waste. It's true that a Crest can increase your magical abilities and allow you to wield the full might of a Hero's Relic. But one cannot measure a leader's worth based solely on whether or not they bear a Crest. There are plenty of talented people in this world without one.
Zayto: I completely agree.
Ollie: Ugh. Why is everyone obsessed with Crests?
Edelgard: People believe Crests are blessings from the goddess, that they're necessary to maintain order in Fódlan. But the people are wrong. Crests are to blame for this brutal, irrational world we live in. Their power is granted only to a select few, whom we elevate and allow to rule the world. Have you ever wondered if the only way to create a truly free world is to dispense with the goddess and the Crests? Do that, and people will have no choice but to rise and fall by their own merits.
Dormitory | Afternoon
Hubert: Lady Edelgard. I question whether you revealed too much to the professor.
Edelgard: Perhaps I did.
Hubert: It is true that our teacher possesses a rare talent. Even I cannot deny it. The ability to wield the Sword of the Creator is concerning...
Edelgard: I've already explained this to you. My power alone is insufficient. That's why I'm borrowing power from those people. If our teacher can wield it in my stead... I believe that would be for the best.
Hubert: It's a risk. A dangerous one. You leave me no choice but to take matters into my own hands. Please excuse me.
(Hubert leaves)
Edelgard: I can't hide from the truth. I can't do all that I must on my own. If all I can rely on is my own ambition, my path won't be easy. Is it so risky...to reach out my hand? Father... I swear I will not stop until I succeed. My regret. My grief. My whole life. I've thrown it all away...into the darkness...
(Outside)
Void Knight: Well now, those meddling kids are getting good. Sledge, your turn seems to be coming. Make good use of it, for it seems these students are getting stronger.
Sledge: Finally, a chance to work with the Death Knight! I love this idea. I'm there.
Audience Chamber | Daytime
Rhea: Professor, you have done well to complete such a difficult task. You have shown exceptional skill in leading your students. I am forever grateful for the safe return of the Hero's Relic. Just as I expected, you have mastered the Sword of the Creator. Now then, I shall tell you about your mission for the coming month...
(Seteth runs up to Rhea)
Seteth(panicked): Rhe– Archbishop!
Rhea: Seteth, what troubles you?
Seteth: Flayn is missing! I cannot find her anywhere! (Seteth turns to Zayto snd the others) Professor, have you seen Flayn recently?
Zayto: Have you looked everywhere?
Seteth: I have searched every corner I can think of! I could not find her anywhere. She may be in danger! Oh no... No, no! What am I to do?!
Rhea: Calm yourself, Seteth. Professor, we shall continue our discussion another time.