Every student from the House of the Blue Lions gathered in the far corner of the mess hall, where a table was pulled from one the four continuous rows so as to allow them a little more privacy. At the head of the table sat Dimitri, with Felix at the other end. To the left of His Highness sat Annette, Mercedes, and Dedue, while Sylvain, Ashe, and Ingrid occupied the right side.

"Right then," Said the prince in a formal manner. "Now that we're all here, we can commence with our first un-official Blue Lion's student assembly. And with that said, I would like to ask: How is everyone feeling about the coming mission tomorrow?" He looks to red headed boy. "Sylvain?"

"Oh, I'm good, don't you worry." Sylvain stretched out his arms before lacing his hands behind his head. "To be honest, bandits are the least of my worries, though I don't think any new scars on this face would be particularly charming to the ladies."

Felix snorts. "And here I thought you'd finally learned your lesson."

"Hey, I learned my lesson about sneaking out, not about being charming." He said with a wink, which earned him a few chuckles from the rest of the Lions. "And man, that Kratos has been really pushing us to our limits, but I can tell that the training he's giving us is already paying off."

Dimitri nods in agreement. "He really has, but for good reason. And I also believe that a warrior of his caliber would only expect the absolute best from us." He looks over to his right. "What about you, Ashe?"

The gray haired archer nodded enthusiastically. "I'm ready as I'll ever be. Sir Kratos has taught me a few new techniques, so I'm excited for the chance to try them out in a real fight." He smiles brilliantly. "His unparalleled insight with the bow goes far beyond anything I would've expected from other professors here at the monastery."

"I agree with Ashe," Said Ingrid next to him. "His instructions on the lance were very eye-opening. So far, our professor has shown himself to be a master of all manners in weaponry. Well, all except for magic, anyways."

Anette spoke up excitedly. "Oh, get this! Professor Mimir? He's apparently already figured out how our magic works! A couple of days ago, I was struggling to learn a basic performance-enhancing spell, but with a few questions and instructions, he was able to help me master it!"

"That's wonderful, Annie!" Mercedes congratulated her. "As it so happens, he also helped me better understand some basic human anatomy to make my healing magic more effective. Goddess pardon me for asking, but how does a severed head seem to have a better understanding of our own magic than we do?"

"It's funny you mention that," Her best friend said. "I actually did ask him, and his response was…" Annette changes her in order to try and mimic Mimir's voice. "'Why, it's quite simple, my lady. Every magic system has a foundation, you see, and once you understand how that foundation is built, then the rest comes rather swiftly- just like asking me Nan what she wants for supper.'" Her attempt at imitating Mimir caused another round of laughs. "It's strange, isn't it? That he doesn't even need a body to teach magic?"

"It would seem…" The tall, stoic and brawn Dedue spoke. "That the Archbishop has hired two men that are clearly overqualified for the job they were hired for."

"For once, I agree with the boar's lapdog." Felix commented. "Realistically, he should be out there leading armies and conquering wherever he pleases; and not subjecting himself to being another cog in some worthless cult."

"Felix!" The blonde lancer snapped at him.

The swordsman scoffed. "You know I'm right, Ingrid. If Rhea was smart, she'd have him dealing with the Almyrans at Fodlan's Throat, or just acting as her own personal enforcer. But instead, he's stuck here with us."

"And yet, you seem to be the one benefitting the most from his teachings." Dimitri countered. "Are you saying you would give that up if it meant Sir Kratos would go on to wage war?"

"You can call it whatever you like, boar." Felix sneered. "Just because I'm happy to be learning from the best, that doesn't mean I also don't smell rot in the air. There is something else going on here."

"Are you sure you're not mistaking that rot for your attitude?" Sylvian jokes, and he receives a deep scowl as an answer.

x-x-x

"We've tracked the bandits here," the knight captain informed Kratos, placing a finger on the map. "And we managed to chase them all the way to the crevice of Zanado, the Red Canyon, here." He taps his finger to emphasize the point of interest.

From within the staff lounge, both Byleth and Kratos inspected the map, while Mimir's head rested on the side of the table to also get a look at it. "How long have they been there?" Kratos asked.

"For two days. They think they've given us the slip, but our scouts have been keeping tabs on them."

"And how is their morale?"

"Hard to say. Though, with how far we've been pursuing them, I would imagine that they'll get tired of running very soon at some point."

"Which ought to be good for us," said Mimir. "With their spirits low and fatigue setting in, they won't be near as dangerous for the children to handle."

"When you confront the bandits, you will come in from this direction." The captain directs them towards one side of the ruins. "Each group will take a separate pathway towards the courtyard where their main camp is located. This will force the bandits to essentially fight a two-front battle."

Byleth looked up from the map to the captain. "And what if they surrender? Do we take prisoners?"

"We do, but the safety of the students must always be first priority. If an enemy wishes to turn themselves in, then my troops will step in to ensure they enact a total surrender. It will be your responsibility to ensure that they are focused on the battle at hand, and nothing else."

"And if the bandits decide to run, where can they go?"

"Well, behind their camp, there is a small cavity in the wall that would allow them the chance to escape if they act quickly enough. However, the knights will be sealing off that exit before the engagement begins."

Kratos scowled. "You wish to cut off their only escape route?"

The knight frowned at the man. "Is there a problem with not allowing criminals to evade judgment?"

"No," Mimir chimed in. "Not unless you want the bandits to become desperate and fight like wild animals."

"If you cut off the only means of escape," Kratos elaborated, "their sole focus will be on fighting to survive. The will to live will overcome any rational thoughts, and they will see the children as an easier obstacle. That is something I will not allow if it can be avoided."

"Plus, we're not saying to just let them go," the professor of the Golden Deer added, taking Kratos and Mimir's side. "Only that you don't cause any unnecessary complications. At the very least, make sure they are not aware of your presence there until it's too late for them to turn back and make a stand." She looks over at Kratos, who gives her an approving grunt and a nod.

Having been outvoted three to one, the captain gave each of the professors an annoyed look before caving. "Very well, we shall do it your way. But understand this: if they decide to turn tail and run the moment they see you, then we'll have no choice but to preemptively block their exit route."

"Those terms are acceptable." Kratos compromised, with Byleth nodding in agreement.

"Very well, then. I shall confer with my troops about the plans for tomorrow. Ensure that your classes are prepared and ready to go first thing before sunrise."