Narrator: A new day has dawned after everything that has happened so far in our tale. From on high, flocks of wyverns roar in chorus and soar the pristine skies, heading south for the winter. Fódlan's children lend their hands to winter preparations by gathering firewood and catching fish from the rivers' cool waters. Yet all the while their gazes are turned skyward, drawn to the magnificent sight above.(Takumi, as the Wolf Orphnoch heads in to the infirmary, only to find that Manuela's Orphnoch form has been awakened. Clearly, she is not enjoying it)

Takumi/Wolf Orphnoch: Miss Manuela? Are you OK?(She cries)I take that as a no.(Around every corner of the monastery, the other six aren't getting used to their new selves either)What have we done?

Haruto: Takumi, look at all the good we've done for the Church.

Takumi: At what cost?

Haruto: Claude already filled me in on what we're doing for this month. The Battle of the Eagle and Lion is one of the academy's annual traditions. It's a huge mock battle between the three rival houses. The house that defeats most opponents wins. It's a three-way battle that relies heavily on strategy. Sounds exciting, doesn't it?

Takumi: Yeah.(Realizes there might be a way to bond the monster-ized students with the other ones)And I think I just figured out how to make it more interesting...

Manuela/Pelican Orphnoch: Oh, don't worry about us. You know you wanna see the kids in action.

Haruto: Kinda figured you'd not want to miss out on the action.

Hanneman: Correct, we will not be participating. Regardless, do not expect victory to come easily. Or at all.

Manuela/Pelican Orphnoch: Well put. We've spent the past few months pushing our students to their limits. You can see me in the infirmary after they destroy you.

Haruto: Oh... This doesn't seem fair...

Manuela/Pelican Orphnoch: Oh my, look at you. If you're as confident as all that, my students will walk all over you.

Hanneman: We have taught our students well. There is no need to hold back. Challenge them with everything you have!

Takumi: You want to see a challenge? Tell Catherine that she and Miss Manuela are free to join us, then!

Manuela: Is this about...(Realizes)No, you just can't!

Takumi: Can, and just did.

Sothis: Hmph. This monastery is more dangerous than I expected. It's likely that our foes have infiltrated the ranks of the teachers... And there may be others of questionable character about as well! If you ask me, there is something amiss about that old man...Tomas.

Dimitri: The Battle of the Eagle and Lion... Its name comes from the war in which the Kingdom won its independence from the Empire. It's imperative that we fight our best. We must live up to the legacy of the King of Lions.

Claude: Going all the way to the Empire for a mock battle? This is serious business. And there's a reward to be had as well. I'd really like to win this thing.

Dedue: The Battle of the Eagle and Lion draws near. His Highness insists upon training well into the night. He has said it is nothing to worry about. But how could I not be concerned?

Felix: I'm not interested in glory or prizes. All I want is a formidable enemy to sink my teeth into. As far as I can see, there are only a couple of opponents worth my time.

Ashe: You know, I'm pretty good at fishing. My older brother used to take me out. Why don't you give it a try too? They say we can eat whatever we catch!

Sylvain: A fishing tournament, huh? Sounds fun, but not as fun as reeling in the ladies. Heh! Just kidding, of course. The most important thing right now is preparing for the Battle of the Eagle and Lion. After all, the ladies love nothing more than a winner. And around here, there's no bigger game.

Isamu: I'm sure they do.

Sylvain: I knew you'd understand, Professor.

Mercedes: Hmm... Ah! I'm so sorry! I was lost in thought.

Shin: You seem a bit down.

Mercedes: It's very kind of you to be concerned, but I promise that I'm fine. I was just thinking... The Death Knight's true identity. Could it actually be Professor Jeritza?

Annette: Gronder Field is in the Empire, right? I wonder how we'll get there. I thought I heard that there's no path that goes straight from the monastery to the Empire... Oh! Perhaps we'll travel through Alliance territory. Yes, I see, from the east, we would go...hm, there! Ah, yes, that must be it!

Ingrid: Holding such a frivolous and downright ridiculous event so close to the Battle of the Eagle and Lion... It's absolutely absurd. Although...they did say we could eat whatever we catch. I'm a sucker for a good meal...I just couldn't resist.

Lorenz: I received a rare letter from my father recently. He said that he is praying for the Golden Deer House to emerge victorious. Insistently praying. My father attended the Officers Academy, and won a glorious victory in the Battle of the Eagle and Lion. I think he is quite proud of that, even to this day. I suppose that shows how great an honor it truly is.

Haruto: Yes. I feel like that too.

Hilda: Professor, do you have a second? It's about Monica. Does she seem...off to you? She was imprisoned for a long time, but she seems to have recovered almost instantly, and she's been bizarrely cheerful.

Aruto: Now that you mention it...

Hilda: You see what I mean? I wonder if she's straining to seem happy, just to make people comfortable. Hmm... And why is she so close to Edelgard anyway?(The thought also is on Aruto's mind as well)

Rhea: The situation last month was dire indeed. The students endured great hardship. I hope you are able to put all of that behind you so that you may focus on this month's assignment.

Hongo: It will be difficult.

Rhea: That is to be expected. I, too, cannot quite shake that feeling of unease. Even so, we must both strive to put that nasty business behind us. I look forward to seeing your skills on display at the Battle of the Eagle and Lion.

Hayato: Takumi says he has something planned for this occasion. I am told there will be something special.(To his predecessor)Hongo, something seems off about this 'Nebula' and his gang.

Hongo: Yes. The way 'Apocalypse' fought with Seteth was quite familiar.

Hayato: Could this mean Gentaro and Edelgard are working against the Church, and by extension, us?

Hongo: Leave those thoughts with Shotaro and Phillip. We, on the other hand, have something else to attend to...

Gronder Field (Empire Territory)-Daytime

Dimitri: So, this is to be our battlefield...Gronder Field. Are you feeling confident, Professor?

Takumi: Very.

Dimitri: Excellent. That's most reassuring. We can win. I'm sure of it. After all, it's not as though we've spent the last half-year sitting idle. And I'm feeling stronger this moon. As though I could conquer a thousand opponents all on my own.

Takumi: That's reassuring.

Dimitri: You can depend on me. I hope you know that. Well, it's about time for the battle to begin. Everyone, brace yourselves.

Felix: Hmph. All I'm worried about is finding someone worthy to cross swords with.

Mercedes: We've prepared and trained a great deal. We should be fine, right?

Annette: You're always so carefree, Mercie! Don't forget we need to try our hardest out there so we can win!

Ashe: This is our chance to show how hard we've been working! Let's do our best.

Sylvain: If I emerge victorious in the lauded Battle of the Eagle and Lion, the ladies are sure to take notice. I'll have to go into hiding.

Ingrid: Ugh, is that all you think about? Actually, as long as you try your hardest, frame it however you like.

Dedue: No matter the battle, I will never falter.

Dimitri: We're counting on your guidance, Professor. Let's show the world what the Blue Lions are made of!(On the battlefield)The Battle of the Eagle and Lion is set to begin at long last. Everyone, show off the results of your dedicated training!

Claude: Remember, we're not just fighting for honor. There's a prize at stake!

Edelgard: It's almost time to begin. Steel yourselves, everyone.

(A vast field. Rhea and Seteth stand on a cliff above the field as trumpets begin to play. Dimitri advances from between soldiers in armor and lifts his lance to point towards the other classes.)

Dimitri: You all should know... I am not about to go easy on you today.

(Claude walks forward from among soldiers in yellow, resting his bow on his shoulder.)

Claude: As long as we can pull off the win, it doesn't matter how.

(Edelgard stands before soldiers in red, flicking her hair over her shoulder as she speaks.)

Edelgard: Our victory must be absolute...no matter what it may take.

(The soldiers in red draw their swords. Byleth raises the Sword of the Creator and looks up towards the cliff. Seteth stands beside a soldier in armor.)

Seteth: OK Takumi Inui, what is it you have planned?

Takumi: This...(He changes into the Wolf Orphnoch, making Manuela realize she can't be afraid to reveal her newfound body anymore. Catherine and the others do the same)

Seteth: Very well then... It is time.

(The soldier beside Seteth raises a flag. The scene returns to Edelgard, who lifts her hand and gestures towards the other houses as she speaks.)

Edelgard: Forward! now!

(The Black Eagles surge forward, yelling. Dimitri's lance is lifted into the air. He lowers it and points it forward.)

Dimitri: For honor!

(The Blue Lions run towards the enemy, yelling. Claude does not speak as he lifts his arm and and his soldiers advance. Rhea and Seteth stand in silence and watch as the students begin the battle. All are unaware that Nebula's gang is watching them from afar)

Haruto: So, an Inves guards the makeshift stronghold, does it? Well, maybe we should bring it down!

Dimitri: The Black Eagles and the Golden Deer are already in battle? We should take this chance to break through the Black Eagle's flank.

(Everyone, monster and mortal alike, is engaged in combat)

Edelgard: If you stand in my way, I will cut you down until you have no blood left to bleed.

Haruto: Funny, those were my thoughts exactly.

Claude: Hey Princess! Heads up! There's a rat right by your Imperial feet...

Edelgard: BAH! I—Huh. How dare you make a fool of me. You will not rile me with such childish tactics.

Claude: Ah, so the sheer terror in your eyes was... something else entirely. My mistake. Anyway, it was only a joke.

Edelgard: You really hope to unsettle me with childish jokes? It won't work. You must stand and fight!

Dimitri: How far can I push myself with you as my foe... This will be a great chance to test our mettle. Do not underestimate me, Professor, or you will fail!

Haruto: Come Dimitri, and let us settle this like real men!

Claude: Hey, Your Royalness! If you promise to let me have the prize, I'll let you take the honor of victory. Do we have a deal?

Dimitri: Enough of your foolishness! I– Wait a moment. You are trying to anger me, is that it?

Claude: Saw right through me, did you? Well, if there's no deal, I'll just have to win this thing fair and square!

Dimitri: I will happily face you, here and now. Do not hold back, Claude!

Takumi/Wolf Orphnoch: So Ringed Wizard, it has come to this...

Haruto: You made this interesting, I'm just going to come out the winner!

Wizardriver: Chōīne! Flame! Saikō!

Haruto: The finale!

Seteth: That is the end of this year's Battle of the Eagle and Lion! And the winners are… The Golden Deer!

Claude: A victory worthy of a feast! We did so well, there's no way we didn't secure that prize.

Edelgard: Well done, Claude. I see your schemes are not to be underestimated.

Dimitri: Yes, I must wholeheartedly agree. As ever, I have proven to be no match for you.

Claude: It is the utmost honor to receive praise from your royal– (laughs) I'm kidding, of course. Really, though, I was lucky to have Teach on my side. In all honesty, you two made me work for it. If I had to face you again, there's no telling which way it would go. What do you think, Teach? How did the other houses fare?

Haruto: They were nothing.

Claude: Too true, Teach! That just about sums it up. Oh, I'm sorry. That's probably too hard for the losers to hear, isn't it? In any case, I hope the day never comes when we have to put this experience to use.

Dimitri: Agreed. I would hate to know a future in which I'm forced to cross swords with you.

Edelgard: I wouldn't mind. I'll accept a challenge from either of you at any time. Heh, I'm kidding, of course!

Claude: Well, now that the three-way battle has ended in an Alliance victory, I daresay it's time for some post-battle reconciliation. The victor has but one request. Hear me out... When we get back to Garreg Mach, let's have a grand feast to bring down the walls between our respective houses. And by a "grand" feast, I mean a fairly regular feast in the dining hall.

Dimitri: Hmph. I accept your proposition. Please notify me once your preparations are complete.

Edelgard: It seems I have no choice but to drown my sorrow at losing in overindulgence. I'll help you with the preparations.

Claude: It's not a feast if you don't eat too much! Leave it to the Imperial princess to say such wonderful things.

Edelgard: That's not exactly what I said, but... Ugh, forget it. Laugh all you want.

Claude: Oh, if you insist! Hahahaha! Hey, Teach. Looks like you're having a good time too. Seeing you smile like that means we've got no choice but to have a great time tonight. Let's get going!

Golden Deer Classroom-Evening

Hilda: Ugh, I can't believe our house leader ate so much he passed out. I guess he should just...sleep it off? Oh, Professor! Great work today!

Ignatz: As long as we have you and Claude, the Golden Deer House is unstoppable!

Lorenz: I am sure we did not require Claude for our victory, but it certainly would not have been possible without our professor.

Lysithea: Haha! I'm so please to be in your class, Professor. You truly bring out the best in us.

Raphael: Let's keep fighting! And winning!

Leonie: I knew the tactics you learned from the captain would be something else. I better work harder to catch up!

Flayn: I have had the opportunity to experience much. Please allow me to offer you my gratitude once more, Professor.

Marianne: Because of you, I managed to get through the fight without feeling like a burden. Thank you, Professor.

Hilda: I hear Lady Rhea and Seteth are singing your praises too!

Haruto: You all worked hard.

Hilda: You're always so modest!

Claude: You really showed them, Teach! I would really hate to be on your bad side.

Hilda: Oh, look. Claude has been revived.

Claude: Your tactics were ingenious, and you've somehow mastered the power of the King of Liberation's Relic. You really are incredible. Though you can be a bit absentminded at times. Your mind is like a giant bowl with a tiny crack in it...

Hilda: Claude, saying that only makes your own mind bowl seem tiny.

Claude: How dare you! My bowl is much bigger than Teach's! Unfortunately, it doesn't just have a crack. The whole bottom of my bowl is missing.

Lysithea: In other words, you are the absentminded one, not our professor.

Ignatz: That's true. He just admitted it.

Marianne: Hehe!

Leonie: It's unusual to hear you laughing, Marianne. Your smile is really cute.

Hilda: It feels so great to laugh and joke around like this, doesn't it? (Hilda turns away) Hm? Well, look at that. Someone's having a secret rendezvous in the courtyard...

(Everyone looks away then leaves)

Claude: All joking aside, I'm having trouble sizing you up, Teach. The honest truth is that I'd hate to have you as an enemy. If possible, I wish for you to fight by my side. If I could use the Sword of the Creator, we wouldn't even be having this conversation. I bet if I could use it, you would trust me to... Right? That selflessness may be what I like best about you.

(Meanwhile, Nebula meets up with Baron, Genm, and Calibur-the last three members of his gang)

Nebula: So, are we all agreed?

Dan: We are. Remire Village is unaware of our ally's presence, and of ours.

Nebula: Excellent! Go there at once, and see to it personally that those meddling kids don't interfere with our plan!

Fukamiya: And what of my task, Lord Nebula?

Nebula: Infiltration. Baron will assist you...

Kumon: Until we pull the plug on Captain Jeralt, for good!

Audience Chamber-Daytime

Rhea: I can only call your deeds during the Battle of the Eagle and Lion...quite versatile.

Seteth: Comparing against their performance in the mock battle of the Great Tree Moon, the students have grown significantly. It is clear that this is a result of your guidance.

Rhea: In appreciation of your efforts, and to show our high hopes for the future of your students, I award you with this. Please continue to instruct your students as a model teacher.

Sothis: So! You've made good use of all my power after all. I would have been upset if you had failed at such an easy task!

Seteth: It pains me to assign such a disturbing mission to you during such a blessed moment in time... However, next month your assignment will be to journey to Remire Village to investigate an abnormal occurrence there.

Sothis: Remire Village... If I recall, you've been there with your father many times.

Haruto: An abnormal occurrence?

Seteth: I have yet to ascertain the details, but it would seem the villages have been acting strangely. I have already dispatched the knights to verify the authenticity of this information. They should be back shortly. I suggest you begin by finding out what they have discovered.

Rhea: I pray this is not a bad omen... May the goddess protect you all.