Lysithea tensed herself as the Conand tower finally came into view in the distance. Located between Fraldarius and the Eastern Kingdom, the tower itself was quite visible surrounded by flat lands as it was. Its close proximity to the major roads and settlements were likely the reasons why the thieves had chosen to have their base there.

The tower itself was old but sturdy made of worn yet strong stone. It wouldn't be an easy matter to take it down from the outside so a full infiltration into the tower would be required. The issue was that they had little idea what lay inside. Though they had gone over maps over the basic layout of the tower the thieves had plenty of time to build up fortifications to repel an attack.

It would clearly be a hard-fought battle and yet she, Marianne, and Ignatz were the only ones that seemed tense about the entire thing. Even Sylvain who had every reason to be the most nervous one there seemed perfectly calm as the tower edged closer and closer.

But then again after the last few talks she had with him it was likely that he was hiding his true feelings under a carefree mask. Unlike Claude though Sylvain was willing to take it off, so she decided to speed up her pace toward the front of the group where he was with his horse. There she would find that the Professor had already gone to talk to him

"Are you alright?" the Professor asked.

Sylvain flashed him his trademark smile. "Ready as I'll ever be Professor."

"You're fine with fighting your brother?"

"Miklan's had this coming for a long time. I won't hold back and get myself killed. Can't disappoint the girl's back at the monastery after all."

"I'd imagine the women would be disappointed at the sight of you coming back," Lorenz commented.

Lysithea watched from a short distance as Lorenz joined the two of them. Though not an entirely untrue statement, it was surprising for her that it would come from Lorenz. The only person she had seen him insult like that was Claude and like Claude Sylvain seemed to take it in stride.

"I'm sure they'll miss me more than you and your haircut," the red-haired noble responded smoothly

She had to suppress a chuckle. Lorenz's haircut was absolutely terrible and it made one wonder how he, and perhaps his family, ever thought that was a good idea.

"This is but the fine mane of a paragon of nobility. Though I am sure you won't understand," the purple-haired noble responded.

"Paragon? You're just pretentious."

"And you're shallow and flippant."

"Better shallow and flippant than to think I'm better than everyone else just because of my birth."

Lorenz scoffed. "We the nobility are born with a responsibility to serve the common man. It is because of our heritage that we are suited to lead them."

"It's always blood with you Lorenz. We aren't any better just because we were born with a Crest."

"Crests aren't the only reason. We are born with the name, the resources, the education, everything that we might need to help guide the future of Fodlan. Is it not our responsibility considering the resources given to us?"

"You think too highly of nobility in general. I mean Lysithea here can agree with me, can't you?" Sylvain glanced back at her having apparently noticed her presence.

Lorenz quickly turned around and she noticed the shock and then hesitation in his face upon seeing her. "Lysithea I didn't notice you there. I apologize, we should focus on the task at hand," he replied quickly.

Ever since her fit in the Mess Hall, Lorenz had become cautious around her. He was quick to see if she needed help, quick to apologize, and avoided any conversation about the nobility or the future of Fodlan around her. It had gotten to the point where she had actually missed his conversations of nobility if only because he expressed a confidence during that time that he wasn't willing to show around her nowadays.

"Sylvain. Are you sure you'll be fine with fighting your brother?" Lysithea asked once more.

"I have to admit. I do wonder about that," Lorenz admitted.

"Worried about me?" Sylvain asked Lorenz.

"We might have a-" the purple hair noble glanced at Lysithea, "responsibility but even then, there is only so much that can be asked of us. You do not have to confront your brother if you do not wish."

"My brother threw me into a well to die as a kid. He has it coming to him."

"Ah. Then perhaps I can help see to it that you can confront him yourself if that's your wish."

"If it can be arranged but I won't let personal feelings jeopardize the mission. If you have a clear shot of him then take it. I don't mind as long as he's dead."

"As you wish."

The first thing that Lysithea noticed as the fighting started in the Conand tower was the close proximity that both Raphael and Lorenz were keeping to her. Though it was an effective and commonly used strategy in the past to protect her and the other magic users in their group, she wasn't as vulnerable as she was before. Her stamina had improved and she could hold her own in a brief swordfight should anyone get too close, but the issue was that she never had a chance to use it. Anytime someone had even a chance of threatening her Raphael would simply stand in their way. And anytime she tried to get in range to strike someone with her magic Lorenz would walk forward to dispatch them with his own magic before she could even cast a spell.

Lorenz was a bit physically sturdier than she was, so he was placed closer to the frontlines. This in addition to the additional range that his House's relic had given to him had made it impossible for her to reach the enemy before he would. Most of them were dispatched by the time she was in range and the few that were still standing only took her a single wave of her hand to finish off.

They were preventing her from fighting. That much was clear, and it was frustrating to be coddled by them. To be treated like some sort of weak child. However, she couldn't complain about it. They were staying within formation and following the Professor's orders as needed. She had no right to complain, frustrating as it was. All she could do was stand back and let them deal with the enemies for her.

"Reinforcements coming in from the entrance," Gilbert suddenly informed them.

That meant they risked getting flanked from behind.

"Numbers and weapons?" the Professor asked him.

"Two thieves. Perhaps more incoming. I'll stand back to intercept them." Smart, the thieves would do little against the defenses his armor provided him.

"Lysithea and Leonie you go with him to deal with the reinforcements."

"On it Professor," Leonie saluted.

"Perhaps I should take Lysithea's place," Lorenz suddenly suggested much to Lysithea's annoyance. "Thyrsus will give me sufficient range to deal with them."

The Professor shook his head much to her relief. "We need you on the frontlines. Gilbert will be able to hold off any physical attacker while Lysithea and Leonie can deal with any mages."

"Understood Professor," Lysithea quickly replied and headed to the entrance before Lorenz could object again. She was glad to finally have a chance to contribute.

"Did something happen with you and Lorenz?" Leonie commented as they followed Gilbert.

"No," Lysithea replied quickly.

"He just seems quieter around you like he's afraid of something. Even Raphael spent most of the march staring at you."

"They're just treating me like a kid as usual. Nothing to worry about." It wasn't surprising that Leonie and perhaps other people in the class were noticing the way those two acted differently around her. Neither of them was very subtle, unlike the Professor or Lindhart surprisingly enough.

Leonie stayed silent though it was clear that she hadn't fully accepted her answer.

The two of them made their way to the entrance where Gilbert had already begun engaging the two thieves. Though their swords did little against his heavy armor he seemed to have a hard time landing a blow against their swift movements.

This Leonie solved with a single arrow to one of their legs. With the thief crippled, he was helpless as Gilbert casually walked up to him and cleaved him with his axe. The other thief charged at the two of them and dodged the Swarm Lysithea sent at him. He quickly got close and swung his sword only for her to block it with her own.

After trading a few blows, it was clear that he had the advantage as she couldn't land any significant wounds on him. However, she was still able to hold her own long enough for Leonie to walk up and stab him in the leg with her spear. This made it simple for Lysithea to land a heavy blow across his chest. She then finished him off with a Miasma when it was clear that even that cut, she had just made wasn't enough to kill him.

"Not bad. You're getting pretty decent with a sword," Leonie commented.

"I could hardly do any damage with it though."

"You might need a little more muscle, but your footwork is good and least you can protect yourself now."

"I guess."

"Two more mages coming," Gilbert shouted out before stepping back as he would be vulnerable to their magic with his heavy armor.

Lysithea and Leonie would then each engage one mage. Fighting a mage was significantly more comfortable for Lysithea as she repelled and matched each spell thrown at her with her own. Once she had significantly weakened him with her magic she ran up and finished him off with her sword. Best to get what sword practice she could after all.

This time she was able to cut him down through his significantly fragile defenses. She withdrew her bloody blade from his gut just as Leonie had turned the other mage into a pincushion with her arrows.

"Let us make our way back to the main force," Gilbert said as he then led them back.

In all likelihood though the Professor would probably be done by the time they rejoined them. Barring any unforeseen circumstances of course.

Sylvain had heard plenty of praise over the abilities of Professor Eisner on the battlefield but to see it himself wasn't just a confirmation of the rumors, but perhaps a sign that they hardly did him justice. He was a Demon on the battlefield meticulously cutting down every man in front of him. Not a single wasted movement, each swing methodical and with purpose. An incredible focus in a fight yet he still had the ability to call out orders on the battlefield.

He was a true born warrior and leader. Sylvain could finally see why Dimitri had once desired that this man become their Professor. The Golden Deer rallied around him. They listened to every order and fought like a cohesive unit. Even Hilda who Sylvain had once thought was just delicate maiden was cleaving men in half with the broad strokes of her axe, sometimes with a smile on her face.

Sylvain shuddered a little at the sight. It was definitely impressive, but it made him reconsider the idea of inviting her on a date. Although he could definitely imagine some of the things they could do in a bed with that frame of hers. Something to consider for another time as he charged forward and skewered an archer with his spear.

And just like that the path to Miklan was clear, though Sylvain held himself back and waited for the Professor's orders.

The Professor nodded to him signaling him permission to strike first.

Sylvain shot him a smile before kicking his horse and sending it into a charge toward his brother.

Miklan would notice him and with a single pivot his shield would meet his spear.

"I'm here for the Lance of Ruin, Miklan. Hand it over. I don't want to humiliate you, but I will."

"Hmph! Hurry up and die already. If not for you… If it hadn't been for you…"

"Shut up! I'm so tired of hearing that. You've always blamed me for something that isn't my fault." Sylvain swung again only for him and his horse to be pushed back with a single swing of the Lance of Ruin. He immediately had his horse retreat and create some distance between the two of them.

Though he was more mobile on his horse Milklan's armor and shield was thick. The Lance of Ruin was also much more dangerous than he had anticipated. Despite Miklan not having a Crest, the relic was still an incredibly powerful weapon. Trying to trade blows with just his steel spear would be a death sentence.

Of course, Sylvain wasn't much like the Knights of Farghus. He never really liked looking for a fair fight.

A familiar whip like sword would fly through the air and wrap itself around the Lance of Ruin.

"What!?" Miklan shouted as he struggled to move his weapon.

Sylvain took this as a chance to charge his horse forward and thrust with his spear. With just his shield to defend himself, Miklan would end up taking a few small cuts in the next engagement before he could finally get the Lance free. By the time he did so though Sylvain had already retreated out of his range.

Miklan would only have a few minutes to glare at him before the Professor charged him with the Sword of the Creator. Both relics would clash as his brother and Byleth fought to a standstill that would occasionally be interrupted by Sylvain riding in and landing a few blows when he saw an opening.

It wasn't like the Professor needed much help in the first place, but Sylvain felt he might as well do his part. His brother couldn't just rely on the strength of their relic against the Professor's sword and unfortunately for him it seemed that his lance work was rather sloppy. He had always been too mad to practice with the lance much after he had lost his rite as heir.

With a single swing of his sword the Professor would knock Miklan back.

"Not bad for your kind…" he said, clearly worn out from the fighting. "A bunch of spoiled rotten children." What he didn't notice though was the Crest stone of lance glowing and black tendrils emerging from it.

"Miklan drop the Lance!" Sylvain shouted out as a warning.

His brother was too late. By the time he noticed what was wrong his arm had already been completely engulfed. "What the hell!?" Miklan screamed as he tried to tear the tendrils off his arm only for his other hand to be consumed. His screams filled the air as the tendrils continued to engulf his entire body and even as they began to cover his mouth. His entire body was consumed, and the tendrils seemed to get even larger as they gathered up around him.

"Damn! Look at that… I'm outta here!" the rest Miklan's men would run away at the sight. Leaving the rest of the Golden Deer alone to watch what was happening.

From the tendrils would emerge a large reptilian like beast with scales and spikes made of bone. It opened its mouth with its many sharp teeth began to eat one of the bandits that had been too scared to run away. After it finished it meal it turned towards Sylvain with bright red eyes.

Sylvain liked to think that there was little that could scare him, but to see his own brother become this thing before his very eyes and for that monster to now train his eyes on him. Even he had frozen from fear.

It charged him.

He was too late to raise up his lance.

It reared its leg to swipe at him. Sylvain would've been cleaved in two had it not been for the blast of fire that knocked the leg aside and gave him enough room to duck. Lorenz, the source of that fire, would then run in and stab the creature's side with his spear. Both the fire and spear hardly seemed to do much against its armor.

"You must move Sylvain!" Lorenz shouted before being knocked aside by the beast. The beast focused his attention on him only to be distracted by a gale of wind by Lindhart.

Sylvain took the chance they gave him and charged his horse forward. He landed a scratch on one of its legs before retreating to a safe distance. Or what he assumed to be a safe distance. What Sylvain didn't expect was for the beast to rip out a giant chunk of rock out of the ground and throw it at him. The rock would've crushed him and his horse had the Professor not slashed it into two with his extended sword.

"Spread out," the Professor shouted. "Batter it from all sides until we break its armor!"

Raphael would take that as permission to run and punch the beast in the face. Simple but effective. With the creature's attention focused on him, the rest of Golden Deer would be able to get in their positions around it.

Sylvain felt something tap his back and looked down to find Claude standing next to him. "You heard the Teach. Unless you want to sit this one out." The leader of Golden Deer shot him a smile.

His fear now forgotten, Sylvain adjusted himself on his saddle and tightly gripped his spear. "Run away and leave the hard part to all of you? How could I look at the girls back in the Monastery?"

"That's what I like to hear."

Claude aimed his bow to shoot and Sylvain charged once more into the fray.