Long overdue, but here's chapter 4!

Harpstring Moon, Day 11

Byleth took a deep breath, exasperated at the news she would have to inform her students. Her meeting with Rhea and Seteth didn't go as well as she liked, but she had to make do with this assignment. They had seemed quite more frustrated than usual when they told her about the bandit encampment at the Red Canyon. Even then, their request was unreasonable! Looking at her class, Byleth took a breath before speaking. Damn them...

"You all have been assigned to do a bandit clearing mission on short notice, needing to be done by the end of the week. Unfortunately, I'm not leaving this to be done at the last minute, so we're going tomorrow." Byleth gave a strained smile as she observed all of her students, with her being truly annoyed at Rhea and her insistence. She stated that these bandits had to be rid of quickly, and gave her a deadline by the end of the week, just yesterday no less. Even with Byleth's assurance that the bandits would still be there before the end of the month, Rhea kindly told her to do it by the end of the week, even adding a 'please' at the end of it.

Byleth couldn't do anything besides hopefully giving her students some experience in combat quicker than most. And get a raise once it was all done.

Just as she announced the news, all of her students suddenly gave cries of outrage and confusion. Yeah, she expected that from them all given the deadline.

Glaring at the room, she raised her hand up and everyone quieted down. Byleth withheld a giggle, glad that the class learnt how to be quiet with just a gesture. It sure will make things easier in battle too.

"I know, it's too early, and the fact that you all received such short notice. But this is a good lesson for you all-you're not going to learn how to fight in a classroom, nor by taking exams."

Byleth gave a nod just as Hachiman and Hayama raised their hands. Given that Hachiman would say something that would involve slacking off from this mission, Byleth pointed at Hayama for his question.

Standing up, Hayama gave Byleth a nervous chuckle before asking.

"Professor, I don't believe you should bring all of us to battle. Although an important experience, I worry for the safety of my classmates and wish that you choose those you deem worthy to go into battle." Hayama gave her a small bow before sitting down.

Ah, how sweet. He was worried for his classmates-given any other scenario, she would give Hayama's idea some weight. However, the deadline required the bandits to be gone in five days and the trip to the Red Canyon would take two. Given the various encampments that could be established around the canyon, taking account of their potential numbers, her father coming back within the next few days, and the fact that they would have runners…

No, she needed all hands for this. She was not going to fail this mission or let it last for more than a day.

"Nope. You're all coming, and that's final. This is getting graded too, so if you don't contribute, you'll get punished." I smiled at the students, but my eyes laid on Hachiman. That brat-if you fail to even show up I'll take your punishment into my own hands. I'm sure Jeralt would love to have a squire by his side.

Suppressing the memories of the demon that made her who she was today, Byleth sighed. Hachiman kept his hand raised before Byleth looked at her student and nodded. He didn't stand up, and instead glanced away, his eyes looking even more beady.

"Is it possible for us to have assistance from another class?" Byleth raised her eyebrow, before gesturing to Hachiman to continue.

"Like…?"

"I was thinking of Golden Deer, a student like-"

"Lysithea?" She was quite the formidable magic user, and her spells were extremely strong for someone her age...she thinks. Byleth didn't know if Lysithea's skills were normal or part of a freakish birth that made her strong.

"Zaimokuza."

…

"Who…?" Byleth winced at the confused look Hachiman gave her, and the stupefied expression on Hayama's face. How was she supposed to know students outside of the house? She barely remembered Flayn's existence at times, and she was her boss's sister!

"Oh! He means Yoshiteru, the absolute buffoon who could conjure such destructive magicks with ease." Hubert exclaimed as he massaged his temples.

Okay, now that's the story for another day. Also, Yoshiteru! The one that had been touched by a god or demon with how much bloodlust he had alongside his skills!

"I did no such thing! That boy was simply blessed by his parents, or something. And no! He is not my child! He's an abomination! Like those other two!"

Byleth cringed at the small thumping of her head from her imaginary friend.

"We, can arrange for that. I'll talk with Hanneman about it, but I could use an adjutant." She nodded as Hachiman gave her a slight nod before he slumped into his chair.

Ignoring her headache, Byleth gave everyone a look as the bell rang.

"You'll meet here tomorrow before dawn breaks, and I hope you'll be prepared for a week's journey. I want all of you here by then!"

"I'm guessing you're not going then."

"No. I won't be going." Hayato gave Hikigaya a tired look and sighed as he heard the utter disdain Hikigaya oozed from his voice. The two walked out of the classroom even more exhausted than they should be. However, Hayama too shared his fellow peer's sentiment in regards to this mission-fighting someone in war games heavily differed from actually taking someone's life.

A simple mission to exterminate bandits. Not arrest, or scare away-no, they had to kill. After the announcement, Hayama had looked around his fellow classmates' expressions, and his eyes widened in shock at everyone that were present. Their expressions held excitement that was mixed with trepidation and nonchalance. These people, similar in age and even older, weren't scared. They weren't even afraid of the repercussions of ending one's life. No, they were most likely afraid of actually doing the deed more than anything. They all were used to it.

"And you asked for Zaimokuza-will you subject him to this mission in your place?"

Hikigaya gave Hayato a glare at his words, yet Hayato gave a hardened look at his fellow peer.

Silence held between them as they walked a longer path towards the dorms, their thoughts formulating a plan to get out of this.

Hayato felt queasy when his thoughts led to him having to gut a man, all for a mission in order to obtain the nebulous goal of 'knight.'

"As much as I don't want to, we need to be with each other." Hayato looked at Hikigaya, his brow lifted whilst Hikigaya's gaze was only focused forward.

"Let me guess, you don't want your friend to be killed out of your sight in another mission of sorts, is that correct?"

"Hmph. No, nothing as stupid as that." Hayato bit his tongue before he could say anything otherwise that would offend Hikigaya.

"Then why?" Hayato asked, his hand curled to a fist.

"...We need his skills. He could blow up the entire canyon, and we could go home scot free, without killing anyone." Ah, so Hikigaya was on the same page as him.

"You have a lot faith in him, don't you?"

Hayato rolled his eyes as Hikigaya slumped his head down, either in frustration or annoyance.

"As if-he's just useful, and Hubert is a sorry excuse for a mage. Lindhart is a bit better, but he's pretty-he's really not as skilled as him." Hikigaya stuttered, gritting his teeth at his small slip.

Ignoring whatever was going on Hikigaya's head, Hayato took that into thought. Though what Zaimokuza would do be tantamount to genocide, it made a difference of comitting the act and not seeing versus doing it and seeing the blood in one's hands.

"Then, I suppose you will stay here and act as a slacker while you create a way home?" Hayato asked, a pleading tone in his voice.

Hikigaya nodded, much to Hayato's relief. He said they were close, and he didn't doubt much of Hikigaya's theories in regards to this. Personality and social attitude otherwise, he knew he was abusing Hikigaya. He knew how much sleep Hikigaya lost in order to find a way back to their world. Of all of that, Hayato felt guilty that he found that he didn't feel much empathy in his struggles alongside Zaimokuza's. As much as it pained him, his body told him that his strength laid elsewhere, and that this was a struggle that would make Hikigaya find the answer to this rather than impede him with his help.

The two suddenly found themselves in the training room, with Hayato looking around in confusion at the lack of awareness he had.

"Why are we here?"

"Ah, I was given a sort of request to do something."

...He was doing requests, here?! He wasn't in the Service Club right now, he was in a damned new world! What was he doing?

"You can't be serious. Aren't you-"

"Ah! Welcome Hachiman! I suppose you came to train with Felix and I?" Ferdinand called out, his face red and his uniform extremely wrinkled and dirty. Hikigaya gave a weak 'Yo' as Hayato saw the aforementioned Felix (at least that's what he was assuming) stand beside Ferdinand.

"So, you actually came." Felix gave Hikigaya his own look of what seemed like pride and familiarity as he threw a blunted iron sword at Hikigaya.

"W-Wait. Not practice swords?" The student looked lost as Felix gave him a smirk, making Hayato note how similar they looked.

"You're Japanese?" Hayato thoughtlessly asked before his eyes widened. Hikigaya gave him a shocked stare as Felix tilted his head in slight confusion.

"Japanese? What is that?" His eyes narrowed, Hayato lifted his hands up in surrender, his face making a smile in order to defuse the slip up.

"It's the place Hikigaya and I used to live-"

"Far out in the east, correct?" Ferdinand interrupted, smiling at the small fact that he remembered about his friend.

Hayato nodded, hiding his small glare at Hikigaya. Don't discuss their past, was it?

Felix sighed as he simply lifted his own blunted blade at Hayato, before flipping the sword with the pommel pointing at Hayato.

"Will you join us, or not?"

Looking at the three, he saw that his acquaintance looked annoyed as he analyzed the sword from behind Felix.

"...I'll do my own training at another time I'm afraid. I'll leave you three to your training." Hayato nodded at them before he turned away, leaving the three to their session.

He ignored the scoff Felix made at his retreat, not caring for whatever Felix would have thought of him. He was still worried about what was to come by tomorrow, his body shuddering at the thought of having to use his newfound strength against a fellow human being in a lethal manner. Looking at his hand, Hayato took a breath to calm himself. He can't show that he was scared, that he was afraid of what this world could turn him into.

His nightmares of conquest and death made him frightened at the prospect of ever following through on what the whispers said in his dreams.

Sighing, he looked forward and began to walk towards his room. He would have to pack the scarce amount of clothing he had, though he debated on bringing his Soubu uniform with him. Into battle? No, he would leave it here. He will not destroy the only connection he had of his old home. That was the last thing he wanted-for now it would be hidden in his drawer.

"Hayama! So good to see you!" Hayato winced at the very familiar form of Edelgard stepping in front of him. This again, now of all times?

"Look, Edelgard, I don't think now is the time I have to begin packing." Hayato tried to step away from his persistent classmate, but Edelgard was steadfast and once more kept standing in front of Hayato.

"Hayama, this is serious. I would like to have a small discussion with you in regards to your, ties, with the church. I believe you and I have much to gain with our teamwork."

Hayato gave Edelgard a small glare as he shook his head.

"I'm sorry to say, but once again I have to decline." Hayato made to leave once more before Edelgard grabbed his hand, keeping Hayato in place.

"Can you at least introduce me to your friends? I want to know what kind of things your group is doing that needs to be hidden from the church, or Rhea's eyes specifically." Hayato stiffened at her words.

Damn him. He said way too much, and now they were all going to pay for it.

"If I let you meet them, would you leave us alone, and stop asking me to join your cause?" Hayato asked, a sense of hope in his tone. He was getting tired of these requests, and instead just wanted to go home. Her persistence was fraying his already shortened nerves.

Edelgard gave him a smile as she ungrasped her hand from his wrist. "I might, depending on what goals you and your friends may have. Would me visiting your little group after we finish this assignment sound good with you?"

Hayato sighed but gave a nod. "I'll tell them then. Just...don't tell anyone this. Please."

Edelgard gave him a smile before she shook her head.

"Your secret is safe with me Hayama."

Yoshiteru Zaimokuza never knew he would ever have tea time of all things with the beautiful professor of Black Eagle house, but that damned professor from Black Eagle house was scary with her words. It almost seemed like she was threatening him when she invited him to the nearby gardens, even if he had just gotten out of the dining hall with a slice of cake in one hand and his journal in the other. That dastardly woman, with her feminine wiles, had kidnapped the Yoshiteru Zaimokuza with promises of sweets and drink.

It was here that Zaimokuza found himself sipping a cup of tea, Professor Byleth sitting across from him with her own cup in hand.

She giggled at the strange mannerisms Zaimokuza had as he complimented her good taste in tea and snacks, practically excited to grab a small tart to place upon his plate. Byleth knew that Hanneman wouldn't mind a student missing for a few days, and instead focused on trying to recruit said student.

"So, Yoshiteru, right?" Byleth leaned forward, her arm under her chin as she absentmindedly traced her finger over the rim of her cup, as she tried to get a closer look at this Yoshiteru Zaimokuza. For one who was a commoner, he had the gall to wear a brown cloak over his uniform, and with hair as gray as that, Byleth thought he and Edelgard would be related.

Byleth looked back at the memory of asking Edelgard if she had any siblings, and shuddered at how cold she sounded. Best stray away from that kind of topic with nobles.

"Indeed Professor! I am Yoshiteru Zaimokuza, known throughout the land as the Blademaster General!" Flexing his arms, Yoshiteru grinned as he then gave another pose, looking strangely funny to the young professor.

"I am a master of both blade and magic, the nuances of space and time under this Zaimokuza's control!"

Byleth giggled before giving a small salute to the student.

"And I am Byleth Eisner, known throughout my company and father as the Ashen Demon, one who plagues the land with a sword in hand and destroys all her enemies with nary a sound." She laughed as Yoshiteru nodded at her in encouragement-these greetings were really fun to do. Perhaps she should tell Jeralt about them; it would greatly help with deescalating any conflicts for sure.

"Good job Professor! No wonder you're known throughout the school as a genius!" Byleth shook her head at the praise-she was guessing that that was due to her being Jeralt's kid.

"No no, I'm just a professor, that's all." Byleth took a long sip of her tea before she set the cup down.

"But Yoshiteru, while this is fun, I have a request that only you can solve."

Yoshiteru gave a confused look at Byleth as he munched upon the tart with his hand. Swallowing, he put a hand to his chin in curiosity.

"What shall you have me do Professor?"

Byleth only smiled at her soon-to-be-adjutant.

"Well, Hachiman gave me quite a request this afternoon…"

"So Sir Hubert, have you found what you were looking for?" Tomas quietly asked as he put a book back onto a shelf, his eyes focusing on the task at hand. Hubert was at his side, taking a look upon several of Tomas's notes that Tomas had emulated from the young Golden Deer fellow. The notes alone held a great value, of which could easily make one a noble of Fodlan if they were to sell such notes.

"Tomas, this is utter madness." Hubert hissed as he flipped through several of the diagrams-knowledge and circles that were written in an archaic form of writing that made it difficult to read, yet was extremely potent. The sheer magnitude for Tomas's version of Meteor was unlike anything he had seen from any mage.

"It is less madness, and more genius. I was taken aback myself upon them, and did not know what I was looking at, yet was intrigued nonetheless. I suppose you aim to take them for yourself?" He gave the young man a shrug as he placed another book on the correct shelf.

Hubert, meanwhile, quickly tried to transcribe the diagrams before he stopped to look at the librarian.

"May I ask to take these sheets? My house was given a mission to clear a bandit encampment in the morning, and I believe I won't have enough time to analyze these documents." Hubert asked, his eyes still transfixed upon a sheet while he kept writing.

Tomas chuckled before he waved a hand. In an instant, a glowing purple sigil appeared in the air as a small book fell into the palm of his hand. Giving the small journal to Hubert, Tomas winked at Hubert amusingly.

"You-!"

"Let's keep that a secret for now, wouldn't you say?" Tomas smiled before taking the last book in his hand into the shelf of Fodlan history.

"It wouldn't do if Rhea found her student and staff to be wielding this kind of forbidden magic, no?" Tomas gently smiled as he took several of the sheets of paper from Hubert's hands, leaving with his other hand to gently reach towards Hubert's direction.

Hubert shook his head as he took the journal, his eyes darting about as he hunched over the book, his form leaving the gentle librarian and out of the library. Tomas gave the young man a wave, his hand creating another purple sigil. Staring intently, Tomas remembered the words of the purpose of this magic equation.

Throw weapons at his enemies with impunity, was what the young man had said, yes?

"You did what?!" I exclaimed in an emotion that one could describe as anger, frustration, and anxiety, all in a neat package and sent to the absolute idiot that was Hayama Hayato.

"I accidentally told her that our get togethers may involve conspiracy. I didn't expect her to get so invested in that." Hayato had the decency to know his mistakes, but this guy sure had the nerve. I didn't know how Edelgard would react to seeing what kind of magic Zaimokuza and I were building up, but it didn't take an idiot to put two and two together.

Transportation magic + Spacial Control = We are not from around here!

"Hachiman, surely this could be a chance sent by the gods, who have seen our efforts and rewarded our struggles with Lady Edelgard's assistance!"

My eyes grew even more dead at Zaimokuza's idea. I was the white mage who is supposed to be the most faithful to god here, but even I knew that no god was going to help us in this.

If anything, it was the one who brought us here in the first place.

"Shut it. We need to quickly create a facade of what we were doing, and fast. Hayato said that she would want to meet with all of our information after the assignment, right?" At my comment, the two nodded. Okay, we were going to have to recreate months worth of data on something entirely different.

I spoke forth my thoughts, and immediately Zaimokuza brought out a picture of a sketch of a dragon and 'empowered one' or something, which was quickly vetoed.

"We need something convincing that could fool an empress." I sighed, my hand rubbing my right eye. Stupid Feliz and his hellish drills-no way was I going back after that training session.

"...What if we told her the truth?" Hayato suggested before he raised his hands to interrupt mine and Zaimokuza's outrage.

"Look, coming from another world sounds ridiculous enough, even to us. There's no chance she would ever believe us when we can barely believe it ourselves. And even if she did, what's wrong with getting some more help?" Hayato helplessly shrugged, and I had to contain a sigh.

"Hmm, it sounds quite feasible." Zaimokuza nodded in agreement. "It would be like utilizing reverse psychology, correct my Lord Hayato of the Sands?"

Hayato made a complicated face at his title whilst he nodded. "Something like that, I think."

Covering my face with my hands, I groaned before dragging my appendages downwards. They couldn't be serious…

"That's never going to work, and will get us all in prison if she ever found out. She would sell us out, and if not her, then her loyal retainer Hubert." I sarcastically said as I tried to get an actual answer from them. We couldn't bank on months of efforts on a simple reverse bluff.

Hayato gave me that look, the look of someone who needed my help doing something audacious.

"Hikigaya, we either do this, or we're back in square one. Do you have any other ideas then?" Hayato asked me.

I hesitated to say anything, for I had nothing to say. I wasn't a protagonist in a light novel, the one who had answers for every and any situation.

I was just, me. The one who barely had any idea what even I was doing.

"...Fine. Fine. We'll use this bluff of yours. If we're arrested Hayato, we're done. No going home, and most likely a sure death." I glared at the damned blond before standing up.

"Hachiman?"

"Hikigaya?"

My eyes rolled at them both. "It's late, and we have a two day journey on horseback. Sorry to say Hayato but I am a man of the cloth and fortunately will have to leave your presence in the night. I'm sure you understand. Zaimokuza, let's go." With a tilt of my head, my chubby classmate stood alongside me.

"Rest indeed is important! The great Hachiman, Bodhisattva of-"

"Zaimokuza, I will sicc Caspar on you." I groaned under my breath as I exited Hayato's room with the chuuni in tow.

I had to focus on this mission, and hopefully didn't need to kill a single man. I gave a chuckle under my breath.

I was the white mage-I save people. I can't kill anybody, even if I tried. It was going to be all right.

Harpstring Moon. Day 14

Their arrival at the Red Canyon was met with silence, a sense of awe and terror emanating from the class. Hayama Hayato clenched his fist around the shaft of the iron lance he was given by his professor, his body shaking as he saw the Red Canyon before him. The sight of the class of the Black Eagles surely should have sent the bandits running away-they couldn't be stupid enough to try to fight knights in training. Hayato tried to mask his fear, trying to control his breathing as he saw Petra giving him a glance. Meeting eyes with her, Petra quickly looked away, listening into the professor's words. Hayato ignored her words as he tried to slink a few steps away from the front line, but felt the body of Hikigaya behind him.

"Oi." Hikigaya silently hissed at him, his body similarly shaking, his eyes darting across the barren wasteland. Hayato gave a small look at his fellow peer before looking forward.

"...And Hayama, you'll be at the front with Caspar at the bridge. They're going to funnel through to meet us halfway, and I aim to capitalize on it." Byleth's words were clarified in Hayato's ears as he heard his name.

Looking at his professor with widened eyes, he looked down and nodded his head once.

"...Yes ma'am." His body deflated, his grip on his weapon loosened whilst he felt a hand upon his shoulder, Caspar looking at his face in sympathy.

"It'll be alright Hayama-we're going to be getting most of the stragglers, but we'll be fine!" Caspar gave him a thumbs up, causing Hayato to give his classmate a smile.

He should have said something, should have argued about his position. He's going to die.

"Now, let's go Hayama!" Caspar gave a war cry as his hand wrapped around Hayato's wrist, dragging him to their assigned position. Hayato let himself be dragged, his body preventing him from walking due to the sheer terror of what he would have to do.

The bridge itself wasn't a terrible position to put two of the more durable students, Hayato felt, but this meant he and Caspar had the most attention out of anyone in the group. Majority of the bandits would try to either get through them, or go around to the path on his left to ambush his classmates.

Hayato closed his eyes in guilt, his spirit wavering just as he heard the warcry of several men.

"Hayama! They're coming! You ready?" Caspar announced, an axe in hand as he prepared for the initial onslaught. Hayato nodded before he grasped his lance.

"Y-Yeah." With a large exhale, the battle between the Black Eagles and the bandits began.

I ran off to the side as the battle commenced, aiming to hide in a corner and escape whatever hell that could catch me. Unfortunately, Petra and Zaomikuza were at my side as I ran.

What should have been a solo flight was soon a trio, until a bandit had the misfortune to try and ambush Petra from behind a rock.

"I will win!"

I cringed at the sound of a blade stabbing into the flesh of the bandit, the screams of pain emanating through my ears.

I saw Petra exhale before she ran forward at the behest of the professor, who was fighting off three bandits at once.

"Move forward! Now!" The professor yelled as she sliced the neck of a bandit, blood spurting across her features before stabbing the other. With a kick to her side, the last bandit was caught off balance before she too dispatched him too.

I shook my head from the sight and tried to focus, even if I felt faint.

The so called strategy Byleth had originally planned was all for naught, for everyone was running around trying to inflict as much death as they could with just as little focus and organization. I was nauseous enough to feel light headed. Zaimokuza, who was by my side, was silent. Even he knew the bloodshed before he and I were real.

"Guh…" I closed my eyes, trying to ignore the sound of a man drowning in his own blood.

"Hachiman…" Zaimokuza's voice echoed a tone that made me immediately regret my next action, but the sounds…

I couldn't stand it.

I couldn't!

"Ragh! Recover!" Pointing my stave at the dying bandit, I saw him vomit blood, his wounds healing itself, his torso mending the shredded lungs he most likely had. I panted, feeling mentally drained as I spoke to the newly healed bandit.

"Look, you're healed. Just go, please." I nearly pleaded with the man, hoping that he would heed my advice and run. Seeing the sheer amount of blood and death within the first few minutes of this made me already lose my lunch off the side of a cliff minutes prior.

"Like hell! I'll kill you and find the bitch who tried to do me in!" The man shouted before he lifted his axe.

Before I could move, he brought it downwards towards my head.

It all happened so fast, the bandit before me was so ready to kill someone who saved him. Was...was I going to die here?

A million thoughts should have passed through my head, yet only one did. I did not see my life flash before my eyes, didn't see Yuigahama or Yukinoshita in my final moments. Instead, only one figure entered through my mind.

Komachi, I'm sorry.

The moment that the axe was brought down, I had forgotten who was beside me.

"Fire!" Zaimokuza quickly conjured flames from his hand before thrusting it towards the bandit, his eyes ready to cry as he yelled an incoherent noise.

"Agh-!"

In a swathe of flame, the man's form had quickly turned to ash, leaving nothing but a nearly melted axe on the ground.

"I..I…" Zaimokuza stuttered before he collapsed onto his knees, his gaze looking at the barren ground.

"Oi, Zaimokuza." My voice cracked as I tried to dry the tears with my hand.

He had saved me.

"Hachiman, I...I killed a man." Zaimokuza's eyes were becoming bloodshot, his mind most likely trying to process what happened.

"Come on." I lifted the hem of his trench coat and pulled him up, before I grabbed his arm and brought him to his feet.

Damn it, help me out here you giant mochi ball of dumbbells!

"Hachiman-"

"Zaimokuza, we're leaving." My eyes were narrowed, my hand dropping the stave as I focused on trying to get Zaimokuza to walk with me.

"I'm not-AGH!" I screamed out in pain as something pierced my back.

"HACHIMAN! AN ARROW!" YOU THINK I COULDN'T DEDUCE THAT?!

"COME ON-AAAAAH!" Another arrow shot itself through my left leg, causing me to collapse. Without me to balance him, Zaimokuza himself fell too beside me.

My screams tore through my throat, the pain eclipsing my mind as I looked at my leg. Blood dripped through my pants, causing the uniform to become even darker. I quickly looked behind me to see an archer aiming at Zaimokuza.

"No! No no no no!" Zaimokuza yelled as he flailed his arms, causing fireballs to be thrown everywhere. I looked at the archer and saw him launch another arrow at us.

"IDIOT!" I hissed as I tried to block the arrow, but the shot flew under my arm and into Zaimokuza's stomach. My eyes widened before I quickly took a hold of the arrow shaft and pulled it out. With one hand, I shouted a 'RECOVER,' feeling Zaimokuza's skin mend under my hand.

The archer just grinned at my pain, and knocked another arrow on his bow. I gritted my teeth as adrenaline was pumped through my body, causing the pain in my back and leg to be mitigated. With a glare, I thrusted my own hand out and shouted.

"FIRE!"

In comparison to Zaimokuza's incinerating fireball that was double the size of a man's head, my was half the size with a third of the power.

The archer easily sidestepped my attack before shooting another arrow through my shoulder. I groaned at the increasing pain as Zaimokuza convulsed beside me, my body shaking as I wanted to scream.

The archer knocked another arrow and aimed what most assuredly would be my head. Before he could release it, I saw another projectile fly through the air.

"GET AWAY!" Hayato roared, his figure jumping across a chasm as he threw his lance to the archer.

The archer was too slow to evade it, and with a quick decapitation, the archer's body fell. A moment later, his head fell to the floor too. Hayato looked at the sorry states of Zaimokuza and I before he too began to look catatonic.

God damn it…!

Taking the arrow's shaft, I gripped it and gritted my teeth before I pulled it out. Another lance of pain ran through my leg, tears falling from my eyes as I casted a heal on it. Suddenly, the feeling of muscle being ripped apart was gone, leaving just my arm and back. Taking the arrow in my bicep, I held my breath as I pulled the arrow, witholding a cry as the arrow shredded more flesh on the way out.

"HEAL!" I shouted, allowing the magic to take effect and giving me some respite from the pain.

"Hayato…" I cried out for my damned classmate, but the only savior who came to help was Dorothea.

"Wait, what is this? You two were supposed to be support! What happened?" Dorothea's look of shock made me want to lean onto her and curl up in a ball. Before I could speak, Dorothea made a shushing sound at me before looking at Zaimokuza and shaking her head in distress.

"Surely you-Hachiman your back!"

Oh, right. The arrow in my back was still there. I still felt light headed, but soon a soft hand pressed itself on my back, and with a quick flourish the arrow was taken out with even more finesse than I.

"Heal it Hachiman!"

"H-Heal…" I groaned as my body felt relief, the exhaustion setting in as I felt like I would collapse right then and there. Yet I stood up, helping Zaimokuza up as I rubbed my eyes.

Hayato ran towards us, his eyes in shock.

"Is, ah, what's…"

"We're fine. Just...I don't know."

"Hachiman, what's wrong with Yoshiteru?" Dorothea tried to feed Zaimokuza a Vulnerary, but he turned his head in refusal.

"Zaimokuza's fine. Just go Dorothea-we can handle whatever stragglers that come our way." I gave her a smile that was in no way convincing to a songstress like her.

"I...I'll go to the professor. She'll know about this." Dorothea nodded before she began running across the canyon.

"STAY THERE!" Came her yell as she ran into the frontlines, post haste.

"Hachiman…" Zaimokuza shuddered before looking at his hands.

"I killed a man."

"So did I…" Hayato's eyes began to become wet with tears as he rubbed his own hands on his uniform pants. I rubbed my own eyes as I casted another 'Heal' to the two before collapsing onto my bottom.

"That was…"

My breath shuddered as I looked ahead, watching several of the students lay waste across the bandits and thieves.

For someone who believed myself to be in a story, or even a game world, that pain was all too real. Seeing someone die in front of me, with blood splattering atop the rocks, I knew that this was a world that was as real as my own.

"Hikigaya, tell me the truth. Can we even go home?" Hayato looked me in the eye, his face pleading for me to lie to him. He knew the implications of everything like I did, the conclusions that have been met after seeing and experiencing something that no light novel could describe.

I couldn't lie, because that would give me false hope if I did. There was no answer I could give that he would want.

"...We got here somehow. We can go back."

What was a lie but a truth that was twisted into another form, something that anyone could do to give hope to another.

We got to Fodlan somehow-I didn't know how, but I knew we could get back.

If we couldn't, death and bloodshed would be what we would experience for the rest of our lives.