The following day, the pair of Guo Jia and Saika Magoichi found themselves in Hanneman's office. They were summoned there for an unknown reason and found out why it was kept so hidden. They were receiving a lecture. "...The nature of which is beyond mortal understanding. For Now." The aged professor finished his explanation of crests. "Fascinating as it is to receive such knowledge, why do you feel the need to inform us so..." Magoichi started, stumbling to find the right word. "Methodically?" Jia queried. "Lady Rhea informed me that the pair of you were foreign to the ways of Fódlan. I merely wished to help you integrate yourselves into how Fódlan works as a whole." Hanneman offered in response. "And I would not object if you would respond to my kindness by allowing me to examine you both for crests of your own?" He asked hopefully.
Jia chuckled darkly. "And how would you do that may I ask?" He queried once more, not to keen on the idea of being probed. "It is quite simple, you will hold your arm over this device" Hanneman gestured to the device, taking up the centre of his office. "Let's just get it over with Jia" Magoichi offered, placing his arm over the aforementioned device. "Alright, but I'm afraid you will find nothing of interest Professor." Jia warned as he waited to have his own arm tested. A few seconds passed and nothing flagged on the crest analyser. Hanneman waved Magoichi off the device and Jia promptly held his arm out in a similar fashion. They waited like that for a beat longer than Magoichi, but the device likewise failed to flag anything.
Hanneman looked rather dejected. "Pity, well it is best to be sure of these things" He offered to the pair. "I suppose that's true." Jia bowed his head before turning to leave. Magoichi joined him after a brief wave to the Professor in farewell.
The pair walked down the hall before Jia turned towards their quarters. "Turning in already?" Magoichi joked. "I am feeling a little light-headed. I'll join Byleth for her afternoon class." Jia responded waving Magoichi away. "Huh, alright then." Magoichi responded, heading in the opposite direction.
Magoichi did not get too far as the orange haired tomboy from his class stood before him expectantly. It took a moment for her name to materialise in his memory. "Leonie?" He asked and she nodded in response. "Magoichi sir, Ignatz and Claude have set up some targets just outside the walls to get some last-minute practice in. I thought you could show us your own marksmanship?" She questioned, with enthusiasm. "Alright" He answered simply and gestured for Leonie to lead him to the targets.
True to her word the pair needed to exit the main gate in order to reach the pair of budding archers. Magoichi's eye spotted the targets in use and was surprised to see the majority of arrows that landed pierced the centres. "Hey teach!" Claude called, before tossing a bow towards Magoichi. He caught it easily enough and looked at it amused. "I am quite eager to see you shoot Professor" Ignatz chimed in. "Sure thing kids." Magoichi said with confidence. He placed the bow gently on the ground before unholstering his rifle. "Might wanna cover your ears." He warned as he took a steady aiming pose. 'No need to get flashy here' He thought idly to himself as he narrowed his vision on his target. A sharp crack pierced the air and a healthy amount of smoke streamed from the tip of his gun, causing shock to appear upon the three student's faces.
A quick look at the target showed arrow shafts splintered in the centre of the target as well as a small hole. Magoichi looked rather pleased with himself as he turned his gaze to the students. They appeared to take his warning seriously as they began to remove their hands from their ears. "The heck was that? Magic?" Claude was the first to ask. "Nah, that is why people pay me to be on their side" Magoichi joked before walking towards the target to inspect his shot. He let out a soft whistle as he confirmed its lethal accuracy.
He was quickly flanked by the two archers who likewise examined the target. "T-that seems a tad more damaging than our bows" Ignatz stated. "Sure, we should get Lysithea down here and see how her magic compares" Claude nodded his response, naturally curious as to how this weaponry compared to magic. Leonie seemed about ready to sprint off to find the young mage however, two knights of Seiros were rushing towards the group. "Are you alright?" The first to reach them asked, panic evident in his tone. Magoichi rubbed his head sheepishly. "Ah, did the noise reach your post? That was just me." He explained, though tried desperately to avoid eye contact.
The trio of students and teacher found themselves standing in front of the intimidating eyes of Lady Rhea and Seteth. "So, if I understand you correctly. You used your weapon in the open and with no one else's knowledge startling the two guards outside the gates?" Seteth recapped to the group. Magoichi nodded in response, repressing the urge to smirk. Seteth massaged his temples and Rhea took the reigns. "Claude, you may take your classmates back now" She told him with a smile and waited for the trio to leave before fixing a more stern look at Magoichi. "In hindsight I acknowledge that may have been a poor idea." He explained, holding his hands up in surrender. Rhea sighed. "Consider this a warning Saika Magoichi, another lapse in judgement and you will be punished." Seteth provided the warning, though it was easy to tell Rhea supported it. "Reasonable." Magoichi said before bowing a farewell.
The afternoon came and Magoichi was dutifully sat, observing Manuela's lesson. She was explaining to the students the difference between medicine and healing magic and to his surprise she kept everyone's focus, even the muscle-head Raphael was absorbing her lesson.
In the Black Eagle's classroom, Guo Jia entered late to the lesson. All eyes turned to him as he entered and Jia offered a quick bow. "Apologies" He said in general before taking a seat by the blackboard. He noted it was adorned by a map. Byleth did not acknowledge the intrusion and continued with her teachings. "We are to deploy here, the deer here and Lion here." She pointed to each different area as she mentioned the classes. "How would you like to proceed?" She asked the class, though Jia suspected the question was mainly aimed at Edelgard.
"If we overwhelm the centre we can then charge the Blue Lions head on, mopping up the Golden Deer after the greater threat is dealt with" Edelgard was quick to offer. "If the Deer see you rushing the Lion, do you believe they would not relish the opportunity to catch you in a pincer?" Jia countered, even Byleth seemed surprised he would offer a challenge to the future Empress's plan. "I do not think Claude would lead his class head first into Dmitri's, they would be overpowered." Edelgard explained, a smug smile gracing her features. "By your own reasoning the Eagles would overpower them just as easily, it would be up to the Deer to decide who wins then. The Lion or Eagle." Jia shrugged. "Seems like such a plan leaves too much to the enemy." Jia finished.
Edelgard stared at Jia for a long moment before letting out a soft huff. "Then what would you suggest?" She asked sternly. "I do not know Dmitri or Claude terribly well." Jia started as he raised from his seat. "However Claude has been described as somewhat of a tactician, my bet would be he hides the bulk of his forces in the woods for an ambush." He pointed to the likely site of said ambush. "Easiest way to prevent that would be to burn them out and circle around the left flank, avoiding the lions atte-" Jia was cut off by a voice near the front. "With all due respect we can not do that sir!" Ferdinand objected. "Why not?" Jia asked raising an eyebrow. "Firstly we do not actually wish to do serious harm to our fellow students" Ferdinand explained. "Oh? Are Hubert and Dorothea not allowed to use their magic then? I see no difference between the two actions" Jia waved off the point. "Then simply put it is dishonourable." Ferdinand said adamantly. "It is dishonourable to minimise your forces losses? It may not apply in a mock battle yes but honour is worth little compared to your men's lives." Jia shook his head in disapproval. "Anything else?" He asked.
Ferdinand did not speak up and Jia took that as a sign to go on. "As I was explaining, burn the woods and flank to the left, dealing with the Deer that flee the wood before tackling the lions." Jia stroked his chin for a moment. "To deal with the lions I would suggest luring them out one by one. If conditions are favourable you may even be able to use the burning forest as cover." Jia offered with a grin. "I shall consider your plan, Guo Jia" She answered. 'Very believable' Jia mused to himself as he sat himself back down.
As soon as Jia was seated Byleth spoke. "Edelgard, have you decided who will join us in the battle?" She asked. "Dorothea, Hubert and Ferdinand" She answered swiftly, glancing at Jia. "Unless you have a better line-up?" She asked pointedly. Jia shook his head, his plan could have been used by any combination of Black Eagle members. Byleth moved on from the plan of attack to tutoring students one on one in specific skills. Jia would have done the same, however he felt he'd stepped on one to many toes today and opted to observe.
The afternoon lessons went by with little incident from then on and Jia left the class as soon as they were over. No one stopped him as he went to the Golden Deer class, where he would wait for Magoichi. The students emptied out and while he got a few curious looks, he did not spy Magoichi. After a moment, when he was sure the students had vacated the room.
When he entered he was greeted with the sight of Magoichi and Manuela in conversation with each other. Jia had some respect and leant on the wall to the side of the entrance and waited for a gap in their conversation. He did not have to wait long as Manuela spotted him and waved him over.
Magoichi wrapped a friendly arm around Jia's shoulders. "Jia, just in time. Manuela was just telling me about the local town" Magoichi smiled. "It was just the local tavern the faculty and some of the older students visit that took his interest" She said with a wink, causing Jia to chuckle. "Of course it was, am I to take it we are visiting then?" He asked. "Of course! Best to do so before anyone has bragging rights" Magoichi announced. "I'll be glad to take you, I don't doubt some of the knights are already indulging." Manuela offered, lacing her arm around Magoichi's own. Jia took the hint and removed Magoichi's arm from his shoulder. "Then do lead on Manuela" He said kindly and walked alongside the pair.
It did not take long for the three teachers to reach the nearby town and Manuela led them straight to the tavern. A quick glance around the room revealed a few familiar faces to Jia, he saw the captain of the knights sitting with Alois the pair deep in their cups. No one else was known to him and he saw no students, though he suspected that would change as the afternoon changed to evening. Magoichi and Manuela broke off from him and sat at a table in the corner, Jia left them be and approached the two knights he knew of. "Ah Captain, your daughter's assistant is here" Alois spoke jovially and Jia found it hard to dislike the man.
The knight captain pushed an extra stool in Jia's direction, prompting him to sit. Jia obliged and sat beside the two men. Jia was handed a large glass of yellow liquid, it was unfamiliar to him though when he sniffed it he easily identified it as some form of alcohol. "My thanks" Jia offered politely as he took a sip. The liquid was much more bitter than he was used to, though he powered through to not show as such on his face. He must have failed as Jeralt let out a low chuckle. "Used to smoother stuff?" He asked with surprising kindness as Jia placed the beverage down. "The drinks back home are certainly sweeter" Jia responded with a chuckle, noticeably not reaching for the drink again. "Wine then" Jeralt said straight to the point and flagging for a glass for Jia.
An oddly proportioned glass was placed in front of Jia and filled halfway with an almost see through liquid. Jia lifted the glass and raised it in recognition of the gesture towards Jeralt before taking a quick sip. The drink this time was surprisingly sweet, almost a polar opposite to what he drunk before. "Much better captain" He said with a smile, before taking another sip. "Jeralt will do, only the knights need call me captain" Jeralt said idly, waving off the title. "So, may I ask how Byleth is doing? With teaching I mean." He asked, once more to the point. Jia had to respect that at least. "Its only been a day but she seems to take to it well." Jia answered honestly. "Perhaps attending the mock battle will show you more than I can tell." Jia suggested idly swishing his wine around.
A loud slap rang throughout the tavern and took Jia by surprise. "See, I told you to attend" Alois said, his hand planted firmly on Jeralt's back. Jia silently admired Jeralt's tolerance for pain, as Alois was still garbed in armour and Jeralt did not flinch even slightly. "Guess you were right" Jeralt nodded, a new beer was placed in front of him. Anything that Jia would have said was stolen from him as Jeralt grabbed his glass and promptly drank it in a a single motion. "Jeralt has quite the reputation for a reason you know" Alois joked at Jia's expense, even Jeralt looked amused.
The three spoke for some time, Jeralt about his mercenary group, Alois about the knights of Seiros and in exchange Jia told tale of his lord and companions, although he kept names out of the equation.
The afternoon had faded gently into evening and when Jia looked around the tavern had filled with new faces. He recognised a few students, most noticeably Dorothea, who was chatting merrily to a couple of knights. He also noticed Ferdinand sharing tea with a purple haired student in the corner. 'Wasn't that where Manuela and Magoichi were?' He wondered briefly before Jeralt's voice pierced his thoughts. "I'll be leading new recruits through some drills tomorrow so I'll be going" He explained. "Join us again sometime" Alois chimed in, before waving goodbye. Jia nodded in farewell also.
Jia finished his wine and after a quick glance around to confirm Magoichi was indeed gone decided to leave himself.
Back at Garreg Mach, Magoichi was standing in shock at Manuela's door. The room was in a state worse than an army on the marches camp. The discarded clothes he could easily ignore but piles of used dishes were a bit far for him. Was that pile of rags moving? "Come on in Mago" Manuela drawled, attempting to pull him into the room. Magoichi did not budge however. "Uh, perhaps we should get to know one another better before spending the night?" He offered weakly, prompting a frown to quickly frown on Manuela's face. "Promise" He hastily added before risking a quick peck on her cheek. Manuela let go of Magoichi and he took a step back. "Now get some sleep" He said with a light wave and left her for the night.
A few days later and Jia and Magoichi found themselves joining the knights of Seiros on their march to the mock battle. The students and participating teachers had gone on ahead and were likely setting up as the pair travelled. "You never did tell me why I found you back in our quarters that night" Jia mused, both out of boredom and curiosity. "The kids are about to beat each other senseless and that's what's gnawing at you?" Magoichi fired back prompting a soft laugh from Jia. "If what people here claim is true there's no risk there. Where as it's not every day Saika Magoichi opts to not bed a willing woman." Jia stated. "Or did I misjudge her willingness?" He asked raising a brow. "Visit her room sometime. It'll speak a thousand words" Magoichi responded, seeming to end the matter. Jia started to plot just how exactly he'd be able to gain access to her room without giving the woman the wrong idea.
The march ended when the group found themselves at a clearing that would serve as the battlefield. All three houses looked prepared, seeming only to wait for Jeralt to initiate the affair. With a raise of his arm, the students about to do battle morphed from kids to soldiers.
The Black Eagles were the first to move, rushing the centre of the battlefield. Stationed there were Lorenz and Ignatz, outnumbered horribly. Jia could not make out the words but the young noble seemed to be shouting encouragement to his comrade.
It was not enough, as both limped from the battlefield, where they both immediately received aid. "Now our numbers make sense" Magoichi said before jogging to meet with the defeated students. Jia continued to observe, as an archer representing the Blue Lions appeared to scout the centre. Jia could not tell the reasoning behind such a move and that only doubled when the boy was likewise overwhelmed.
Jia was not surprised when the group of Black Eagles began a charge towards the Blue Lions, he was however a tad disappointed. As predicted the Golden Deer gave up on their ambush plan and quickly rushed to pincer the Eagles. The combined magical might of Hubert and Dorothea lagged to deal with the deer, while the more physical members of the house continued their charge. Jia winced as Dorothea took an arrow to the thigh courtesy of Claude. The shock forced her to take a knee. Jia feared that was her done for when Hilda came rushing in to finish the fight. The blow never came as Hubert fired off a dark sphere at the charging axe-woman, stopping her in her tracks.
Dorothea offered what she could in the way of area denial as Hubert and Claude dodged each others blows, neither making enough contact to stop the other. A sudden splintering sound could be heard, which snapped Jia's attention to the other battle raging on. He saw Ferdinand holding two halves of what was his spear in disbelief before a blow from Dmitri knocked him out cleanly. Byleth and Edelgard rushed Dmitri in response, the other members of the Blue Lions seemingly dealt with, at least Jia could not spot them.
To his credit Dmitri held his own magnificently. It was unfortunate that he had to focus on defending else he likely would have overpowered them in the same vein as Ferdinand. It was Byleth that dealt the blow that brought Dmitri to his knees, catching him directly on the temple with her wooden blade. Up until now Hanneman had neglected to move, and he seemed content to remain so prompting the two Eagles to back track and assist Hubert. Claude spotted the arriving assistance and the momentary lapse in concentration cause him to be hit by Hubert's sphere of darkness. "I yield!" Claude coughed out, dropping his bow to the ground. The remaining Eagles united and quickly mopped up Hanneman and Manuela with little fuss, Jia had the feeling the two held back.
"All right, that's that! The winner of this mock battle is... The Black Eagle House!" Jeralt declared to the group, prompting cheers from the Eagles.
The assembled students and knights stayed in the clearing for a time, waiting for everyone's wounds to heal. Jia had to admit that the healing arts of this land were unfathomable. Most notably he saw Dorothea walking around again as if she had not just recently had an arrow embedded in her leg. Jia mentally told himself to learn more later. "See, we had no need of tricks Jia" Edelgard announced proudly as she approached the idle Guo Jia. "It would seem so" Jia replied in a friendly tone. "Although had this been real, I dare say young Ferdinand would no longer be with us" Jia shook his head, opting to not think on that too hard. Edelgard frowned at that. "In battle sacrifices are expected." She stated flatly. "Then I fear you've been taught wrong" Jia countered dryly. "Easily remedied... If you'll allow me?" He asked, trying to give her the control. "We shall see" She responded flatly and left him to his thoughts.
It was then that Magoichi joined Jia with a grin. "All of 'em are right as rain. The magic here's kinda crazy." Magoichi noted. "Yes, I wonder why it is our Mystic friends never displayed such abilities" Jia mused, scratching his chin. "Mystic friends? An odd turn of phrase professor." A sinister voice chimed in, causing Magoichi to flinch. Jia just chuckled softly. "I was wondering when you'd speak up Hubert." Jia offered, seemingly aware of the boy's presence the entire time. "Avoiding my question." Hubert stated prompting Jia to laugh heartily. "Our land's term for mages is all" Jia explained kindly. Annoyingly Hubert's face gave no signs of believe or otherwise, though he did not openly deny the explanation. "Very well." He said with a quick nod. "I wished only to ask you stick to your attempts in educating Lady Edelgard" He stated. "Gladly" Jia said with a soft bow. "That was... Easier than I anticipated. My thanks." Hubert responded before preparing to leave. "So, there a reason tall and creepy needed to ask that?" Magoichi asked Jia. "Edelgard has ignored my tactical advise thus far, I assume Hubert feared I may have been disheartened at that." Jia took a breath. "I however, can think of no better task than winning over beautiful girls with my genius." He raised a brow at Magoichi. "Not too big headed I hope?" He asked jokingly. "I've seen you outmanoeuvre even the Sleeping Dragon at times, not many can claim that" Magoichi waved off Jia's boast.
The sound of a horn being blown broke all conversation in the clearing, indicating it was time to move. The journey back to Garreg Mach was uneventful and found students and knights alike in good cheer when they returned.
Jia approached the Black Eagles, currently crowded around Byleth in the main hall. "...Our victory to Lady Edelgard." He caught the tail end of what Hubert was saying. "How so? For that battle, she was only a soldier following our professor's command. Sure, she was an incredibly powerful soldier..." The ever drowsy Linhardt countered Hubert's point. The shortest member of the Black Eagles began to talk, but Jia paid it little mind. Losing himself in thought. 'Byleth gave the orders in that battle? Perhaps Edelgard did take my points to heart then.' Jia thought, looking at the mercenary come teacher. 'Was it to show Edelgard her plan was flawed? Or did she too subscribe to Ferdinand's thoughts on honour in battle?' He continued to think, concluding the only real way to find out would be to ask her.
Jia's thoughts were interrupted by Dorothea stealing his focus. "Jia, will you be joining us for the feast?" She asked him sweetly. "Would not miss it. How's the leg?" He asked in return, concern lacing his voice. "Oh, its fine. Manuela can work wonders you know" She smiled sweetly. Jia did not look convinced, and with surprising swiftness moved his arm to poke the offending limb. A light whimper left Dorothea as a result. "Apparently not a miracle worker though" Jia said disapprovingly. Dorothea responded with a pout. "Inappropriate professor." She stated bluntly. "Noted, consider it a lesson in lying to me" He said with a wink before offering his arm. "Now I believe it is only right I offer to escort you, considering the injury." Dorothea did not answer, and simply hooked her arm with his and the pair walked toward the dining hall.
Meanwhile, the Golden Deer had retired to their classroom, joined by both their teachers. "Not gonna lie teach, could have done better." Claude announced in defeat. "I quite agree, I felt my own performance was quite lacking." Lorenz was quick to agree. Magoichi waved off the pair's pessimism. "You're quick to think this was a straight up competition, far from it. This was to determine what we can do to make ourselves better." Magoichi explained, Manuela vigorously nodding her head in agreement. "Quite, it is great to win but as long as we take steps to improve this is not a failure" She chimed in quite merrily. "And once I have the battle report I'll be sure to compare it to your plans, Lysithea." Magoichi said pre-emptively, as he could spy the young girl practically buzzing with the need to ask. The Young Mage seemed content with that.
Before Manuela had the chance to continue voicing her thoughts, a thundering rumble pierced the class. All eyes turned to Raphael who wore an embarrassed smile. "Ugh, sorry. Gettin' hungry" He said weakly prompting eye-rolls from the students. "We may not have won, but there is still a feast" Claude mentioned and looked to the two teachers for permission to leave. "Yes yes, by all means" Manuela said, shooing the class away mockingly. Magoichi was going to join them but his hand was grabbed by Manuela. "So... When are we going to get to know each other?" She purred and Magoichi found it difficult to form the right words. "Another meal together is a start" He offered, quite lamely for him. She must have thought so too as it earned him a pout. The two teachers left shortly after their students.
The dining hall was filled with the smells of cooking meats and sounds of revelry. Magoichi was surprised to see ale flowing freely amongst the students, admittedly most were of age but some were questionable. Regardless it was not his place to judge. Manuela must have felt the same as instead of putting a stop to things she grabbed a mug of ale for herself and began to drink it with haste. "People certainly do not exaggerate your drinking habits." A familiar voice rang out and Magoichi turned to spot the familiar sight of a grinning Guo Jia. Manuela only grinned back after finishing her drink. "And who has been spreading these rumours Jia dear?" She asked sweetly. Jia only shook his head, he was not going to have easy access to rumours if he spilled the source. "Tease" Manuela said, with a playful jab of her finger.
Magoichi took a step away from the pair. "Come to think of it, you two haven't gotten to know each other right?" He asked, not waiting for a reply. "Now is the perfect time." He announced with a grin, and wandered off in the general direction of the kitchens. Jia raised a brow in curiosity as he watched his friend walk away. 'What is this game Mago?' He thought idly, before being snapped out of it by Manuela's voice. "Well, that was rude." She stated, clearly not happy. "A little, but he has a point no? I've not had much of a chance to speak with you." He responded, trying to rationalise Magoichi's actions. All he got in return was a sigh before Manuela refreshed her mug. "It really is astounding how fast you drink that." Jia complimented, and it at least got a light smile from the woman. "Well, I can do worse for company..." She mused and gestured for Jia to follow as she found a place to sit. Jia willingly obliged and joined her for an evening of drink and merriment.
While Jia was getting better acquainted with Manuela, Magoichi was entering the kitchens. His keen eyes did not fault him and there he saw the golden-cloaked leader of his class skulking in the kitchens. "Ya know, trying to sneak around while wearing that is a poor idea." Magoichi announced, wanting to give the boy a fright. His words had the desired effect as Claude visibly jumped at the sound of his voice. "T-teach? What're you doing back here?" He asked sheepishly. "I saw someone skulking around, wanna explain why?" He asked bluntly. "Just a little prank, nothing serious" Claude answered hesitantly. Magoichi walked over to Claude and looked around the general area. "Alright I give up. What was it?" He asked after a moment. Claude produced a small pouch and offered it to him. Magoichi took it, it weighed almost nothing. He raised a questioning brow at Claude. "Its a little powder I made, I was going to sprinkle it onto some of the deserts." Claude was quick to raise his hands in surrender. "It only would have made the sweets taste super sour, so harmless." He explained. Magoichi rolled his eyes. "Don't mess with your allies' food. Now leave." He said to the point, waiting for the boy to leave.
Claude did not think twice and promptly left via the kitchen's back exit. 'Gotta admit, kid's devious.' Magoichi thought with a smirk before pocketing the powder. He grabbed a pastry from the table and happily bit into it as he left shortly after Claude through the alternate exit with the intention of retiring for the night.
It was gone midnight and the pathways in Garreg Mach were only traversable due to the burning torches lighting the way. Guo Jia found himself helping another walk that night, in the form of Manuela leaning heavily on his shoulder. Any one could see she was three sheets to the wind as even with Jia's assistance she was unsteady on her feet. "This one" Manuela said softly as the pair approached a door. Jia was surprised it opened when he tried, but guided Manuela in none the less. The floor was difficult even for him in his sober state to navigate, he managed to succeed with Manuela in tow. He gently lowered the drunken songstress to her bed. "Take care now Manuela." He whispered in a caring tone before turning to leave. "Don't want to stay?" She hummed in protest even in her drunken state.
Jia thought for a moment before shaking his head, attempting to have a conversation now would likely achieve nothing. "Talk to me when you're sober Manuela." He said in the same hushed manner, before committing to leaving the room. After gently closing the door behind him, Jia took a moment to ponder.'The room does not seem to be so bad as to ward of Magoichi, granted it was fairly dark' He mused to himself, trying to decipher what Magoichi could have meant earlier. "Another visit is in order." He mumbled to himself as he set off back to his own quarters.
Jia had to take a specific route back to his quarters, as he had to follow the lights the patrol-men had deemed worthy of lighting. Annoyingly it seemed to take him past the students quarters and classrooms, not optimal in any way. Jia mentally noted that when he had the place better mapped he would have to cut a more direct path. Once he had made it back to his room, he found Magoichi already peacefully asleep and opted to likewise enter the land of dreams.
The next morning, Guo Jia found himself in the Audience chamber with Byleth. The pair were being addressed by a beaming Rhea and stern looking Seteth. "Your work with the students was remarkable. I can see Jeralt trained you well. I do hope you were able to use the occasion to bond with the students." Rhea said to Byleth. "I did" She responded in the neutral manner Jia was accustomed to by now. "I am so happy to hear it. Nothing would please me more than if you would use this coming year to grow closer still." Rhea responded earnestly. "Of course, the mock battle was mere practice. The real fight is the Battle of the Eagle and Lion, which will take place during the Wyvern Moon. You are expected to properly train your students so as not to humiliate the academy during the long-held tradition that is the coming battle." Seteth chimed in. Jia took a mental note of the date, though honestly he believed he would be long gone from this realm by then. Byleth merely nodded in response.
"As for today, I have called you here to tell you of your mission for the month ahead. Your class is to dispose of some bandits causing trouble nearby." Rhea began to explain, causing a quizzical expression to appear on Byleth's face. "My mission?" She asked simply. "Those affiliated with Garreg Mach Monastery have a moral obligation to help those in need, regardless of social standing. Students are no exception. Each month, before the newly birthed moon departs, each house of students must complete their assigned mission. You shall work to complete the task at hand alongside your students and report back to the archbishop before the deadline. Understood? I will soon provide you with the necessary details for your first mission. If I told you now, I expect you would only forget, and I despise repeating myself." Seteth explained, direct to the point. 'Bandits should not be too difficult for students' Jia thought to himself as he rubbed his chin. 'Though there are easier ways to deal with bandits than eradication...' Jia was absorbed in this thought as Rhea spoke her parting words. "I can sense something special within your heart... I have high hopes for you." She offered kindly before leaving with Seteth in tow.
Jia bowed to the retreating forms of Rhea and Seteth as he was snapped from his thoughts. "...To hear my voice should not come as a shock." An unfamiliar voice spoke. Jia turned back to Byleth and raised a brow. "Did you say something Byleth?" He asked honestly. He only received a shake of her head in response. "Ah, well. I'll trust you to inform the students, I think I need a rest." Jia announced. Leaving Byleth alone in the room.
When Jia returned to his quarters, Magoichi was still there sat upon his bed and playing with a bullet. "How'd it go?" He asked idly. "Well enough, as it turns out we were being informed that a monthly mission must be undertaken by the students." Jia explained, prompting Magoichi to raise a brow. "Expert bandit hunters, a bunch of kids, an ex-mercenary and a strategist with few rivals." Jia said with a chuckle. Magoichi's response caught in his throat as a knight of Seiros arrived at their open door. "Saika Magoichi, your attendance is requested in the Audience Chambers." He stated. Magoichi got to his feet and shouldered his rifle. "Yeah alright." He answered, gesturing for the knight to lead the way.
The pair's month had just gotten significantly more busy.
