The image flashed before her- a brutal battle raging on a desolate field. The deafening clash of swords and the screams of dying soldiers echoed in her mind, a haunting symphony that she couldn't shake off. She had witnessed this scene countless times, but still, it stirred conflicting emotions within her- dread and tiresome, fear and disdain. She couldn't escape the memories, no matter how hard she tried.

As she watched the soldiers march toward their enemy with blind hatred, she couldn't help but wonder why humans constantly resorted to violence and destruction. Was it for fame? Or was it a never-ending cycle of revenge that consumed them? She struggled to understand how it could be worth sacrificing one's entire life for vengeance against someone who was already gone from this world. But then again, maybe there was still something beautiful in this world that made it all worthwhile. As conflicting thoughts raced through her mind, she couldn't shake off the feeling that something was different now, compared to the normal dreams she once had.

Instead of the white-bearded men with his army, there was only a single man with long silver hair flying wildly in the wind. His golden eyes were staring at them incredulously as he stood amidst the chaos. Instead of waiting for his destined defeat, the man rushed toward his enemies and suddenly wiped them out with his sword turned into a whip. With a flick of his wrist, he created a storm of fire that decimated his enemies, leaving nothing but charred remains in its wake.

The soldier's boots sank into the muddy ground as they charged forward, determined not to give in to their powerful enemy. Lances were thrust, and swords were wielded- to strike down the lone warrior based on the reactions. Unfortunately, the weapons suddenly stopped inches before his face, until a massive amount of energy was released from him. The battle soon turned into a massacre as the tide was quickly shifting. In seconds, heads were rolling, and blood sprayed like rain. Another infantryman attempted to attack from behind, but his body was swiftly sliced in two without hesitation. For nineteen years of her life, she had never witnessed such a grueling battle with so many corpses that undoubtedly outnumbered the ones she killed. But amidst all the gore and violence, she couldn't shake off the odd feeling she got from this mysterious silver-haired man.

Instead of reveling in the victory, he stood motionlessly, his chest rising and falling with heavy breaths. Blood drenched his hand, a stark contrast to the white knuckles gripping his sword. Each drop that fell from the blade seemed to create a ripple in the sea of red on the battlefield. The rain beat down harder as if trying to wash away the carnage and chaos. With his face hidden in shadow, she couldn't see his expression but was drawn to his eyes. They were a piercing golden color, glinting like stars against the darkness. But as she looked closer, she realized they were hollow, devoid of any emotion or life. Yet she felt there was sadness in his eyes- begging for help that would never be heard. Reaching out her hand, the man's presence began to drift further as her surroundings began to shatter, forcing her to wake up. However, his image remained in her mind, wondering if she would ever see him again.

"Who are you?"


22nd of the Red Wolf Moon, 1178

"Is that cursed daughter of yours here?" The elder man of the village demanded, his eyes narrowing at the band of mercenaries with pure loathing.

"If you have a problem with my daughter, say it to me," Jeralt snapped, his voice laced with bitterness. He towered over the elder, his arms crossed in a display of dominance.

"We do not need her kind in our village," the old man sneered. "She's not normal, especially with that blank look she always has." The other villagers nodded in agreement, their faces twisted with fear and suspicion. "We all witnessed how she cut down those bandits," one girl spoke up, her voice trembling. "That emotionless expression amidst the carnage...it was chilling. How can she stay so calm in the face of such bloodshed?"

"Enough!" Jeralt's temper flared at their accusations, and he roared in anger as he marched towards the old man. The villagers cowered and scattered as he approached, but Jeralt's fury was directed solely at the elder. With shaking hands, the old man handed over a small pouch filled with coins before scurrying away.

"We leave in thirty minutes," Jeralt barked at his mercenaries, his gaze sweeping over them with a mix of rage and protectiveness. "Gather your belongings and meet me outside." His daughter followed behind him silently, her expression unreadable as they prepared to depart from yet another town that had rejected them because of her circumstances.

"Captain, where should we go now?" One of the mercenaries asked.

"Wherever that needs our service. Is there any village nearby?" Jeralt asked.

"Yes, Remire is only a few miles away. We can reach it within three days if we travel by horse." Jeralt's expression suddenly changed, and he hesitated before responding. "Is there anywhere else we can go?" The others exchanged confused glances, sensing their leader's reluctance.

"There is a village in the Kingdom, but it will take us a week to get there. And we're low on funds as it is, Captain," one of them explained.

After minutes of silence, Jeralt released a heavy sigh. "Fine, let's head to Remire. We'll set up camp here for the night and rest before continuing our journey tomorrow."

The mercenaries roared cheerfully as they quickly drove to a nearby lake and began to set up camps. As they gathered around the fire, exchanging stories and laughter, Bylass sat alone on a log, silently eating her meal. Her expression remained stoic as she listened to her colleagues' conversations.

"Is she always like this?" One of the recruits asked in a not-so-quiet voice.

"Yes, ever since she was only a kid when she first led her battalion. Let me tell you, the first time she killed someone, the kid did not even flinch once as if she had done it multiple times. Or it was not worth her time at all." Another mercenary added, his voice was cautious.

"No doubt the title Ashen Demon fit her. Took me by surprise how she handled a stronghold without waiting for assistance. And that bloody scene- I would need some drink to forget it."

There it went again- another meaningless day passed with nothing but the same routine that had been plaguing her for nineteen years. Even though her mouth could barely scowl, she could not help but deny this heaviness weighing inside her now. Why could they not see that she was just a normal human like anyone else despite her circumstances? She could not help but feel warmth when Alvina and Metylda made that flower crown for her, pretending to be the princess of the Empire while they were ladies of the Royal Houses. And sadness when another life was taken by her regardless of their nature. But even so, no matter how hard she tried, there was no other expression, but this cursed stoic face. Was this truly who she was- a Demon that brought nothing but despair and chaos wherever she went?

"If anyone has any problem with my daughter here." Jeralt's voice boomed like thunder, silencing the entire room. His eyes narrowed in fury as his gaze swept over the group of mercenaries "Then leave at once. I will not tolerate such type of behavior in this team. Especially those who have been with me for decades; there will be consequences should I hear about one of these nonsenses again." His voice was intimidating and threatening, shutting up all the mercenaries who nodded their heads immediately.

An eerie silence settled over the group, each one avoiding eye contact and fidgeting with nervous energy. The captain's gaze swept over them, his face a mask of disbelief and disappointment. His daughter remained unfazed, her posture rigid and composed despite the tension in the air. Without a word, she slipped away and made her way to the riverbank.

Bylass stood at the edge of the water, taking in the stillness and beauty around her. Just as she was starting to find some peace, the sound of approaching footsteps shattered the tranquility.

"Hey, are you okay, kid?" Jeralt asked gently, worry etched on his face.

"It's nothing. It'll pass." She replied flatly, trying to hide her emotions. But her father knew her too well and let out a sad sigh.

"You don't need to hide, kid," he continued, noticing her lack of emotion. "If something is bothering you, just say it. We can always travel by ourselves if needed."

"But is that what you want? To live a life of loneliness? It sounds sad and empty. And I've seen how happy you are when you're drinking with the others. I couldn't bear to have you sacrifice that happiness for me- an abnormal that can't even her feelings."

"Bylass…"

"I'll see you tomorrow then," she said with a heavy tone before bidding him goodnight and retreating to her own space under a nearby tree. Unknown to Jeralt, Bylass let out a heavy sigh and closed her eyes, succumbing to the emptiness that awaited her every day.

For there was no beauty worth cherishing in this meaningless world, wasn't it?


25th of the Red Wolf Moon, 1178

The sound of horse hooves and the clanking of armor echoed through the narrow streets of Remire village as the Blade Breaker band finally arrived at the front gate. The villagers stopped their activities to take curious glances at the well-armed group. Jeralt scanned their surroundings with sharp eyes, his gaze lingering on certain locations before letting out a small sigh.

"Never thought that I would be back here." Bylass raised her eyebrow at his comment.

"I thought you said you've never been here before?" Jeralt suddenly scratched his head and replied hesitantly.

"It's complicated..." before he could finish, another voice interrupted them.

"Jeralt, is that you?" A woman in an apron called out excitedly. "I can't believe you're here. Where have you been all this time?" She rushed over to hug him, surprising everyone.

"It's been quite some time, Lydia." He gently returned the hug before they quickly broke apart. "Sorry for not telling you but many have happened ever since we last visited but trust me when I say it wasn't done out of malice, old friend."

"Don't worry, we can catch up later," Lydia smiled warmly at him before turning to face Bylass. "And who might this be? Your daughter?"

"Yes, I am Bylass Eisner. It's a pleasure to meet you," Bylass bowed politely.

"The pleasure is mine," Lydia greeted back, her eyes full of curiosity. "Though you don't seem to take after your father, there are hints of your mother in there too. Just like when we first met many ages ago."

Before Bylass could respond, Jeralt coughed awkwardly and changed the subject. "So, do you have any contracts needing our services?"

"You came just in time," Lydia said with relief. "There have been bandits attacking travelers on the nearby road lately, but no one has dared to accept our request for help... except for one." Jeralt and Bylass blinked their eyes in surprise.

"There was another group that accepted the contract?" Lydia shook her head and continued.

"No, it was only one person. Rumors said that he was the infamous merc that could wipe out an army by himself- the Ashen Demon." Both Jeralt and Bylass widened their eyes, with the latter barely containing her shock for the first time.

"The Ashen Demon? What did this man look like?" Jeralt asked skeptically.

"He was quite an odd fellow. Dressed in black tunic armor with a cape, long blue hair, and matching eyes. And he had that stoic expression just like the rumors described." Lydia recounted the story, causing Jeralt to furrow his brow. "He went to search for the bandits yesterday and hasn't been seen since. I hope he's still safe though."

"We'll keep an eye out for this 'Ashen Demon' if we happen to cross paths with him. It's good to see you again, Lydia." Lydia nodded and bid him farewell. Then he asked one of his men to go and book an inn until the rest of their group dispersed, leaving the Blade Breaker and his daughter alone.

"Hey, kid. Did you…." Before he could finish, Bylass chimed in and replied flatly.

"I've never been to this village until today," she stated. "And it seems that this mysterious 'Ashen Demon' is a man."

"It's uncanny to see such a thing happen. Either someone is impersonating you for fame or the resemblances are too similar for them to mistake him for you. Whatever the case, we should get rid of the bandits and find out about this "Demon" that people have been talking about." Jeralt spoke firmly, and Bylass nodded in agreement.

"I'll make some preparations for our departure," Bylass said before turning to Jeralt. "And about what you mentioned earlier..."

"Look, kid. I know I've been keeping a lot from you and trust me when I said it brought me no satisfaction to hide it from you. Just give me some time then I will answer any questions from you." She stared at him incredulously for a while before giving him a small hum and bid him farewell. Looking at the presence of his daughter who was getting smaller, he sighed heavily and looked at the sky, whispering each word with regret and nostalgia.

"If only you were here with us now...Things might have turned out differently - a peaceful life with the three of us. Isn't that what we promised back then, Sitri?"

Later that night

"Are you already prepared?" Jeralt addressed his mercenaries, including his daughter, who nodded in confirmation.

"How do you suggest we proceed, Jeralt?"

"Based on the intel from the elder, it seems the bandits are most active on the west side of this village," Jeralt explained. "To avoid being ambushed, I want to send out some scouts while the rest of us advance cautiously. Kenneth, you will go ahead and report back to us anything suspicious." The man nodded and went ahead. With their plan in place, the group moved forward slowly, fully aware that a battle could erupt at any moment.

As they trekked through the dense forest, Bylass kept a keen eye on their surroundings. The group moved at a steady pace, but it seemed as though hours had passed without encountering any obstacles. Still, Bylass remained cautious, scanning the area for any signs of danger. The peaceful moment was almost unsettling, and Bylass couldn't help but feel on edge.

"Relax, kid. There is no need to be that cautious." Jeralt reassured me, to which she did not seem to agree.

"Our scout still hasn't returned, and it's always better to be safe than sorry. Furthermore, we never know when the enemy might strike first."

"Can't argue with that then." Jeralt shrugged. "By the way, have you seen the rumored man that took the contract before us?"

"Not a trace of him on our path so far. He may have abandoned his mission or been captured by bandits. But from what I've heard, he's supposed to be a decent fighter," Bylass replied flatly.

"Taking down the most dangerous bandit organization in Arundel isn't something a decent fighter can do. And according to Lydia, he was also a man of few words, just like someone I know." Bylass raised her eyebrow and stared at Jeralt incredulously.

"What are you trying to say, Jeralt?"

"Nothing, just an old man's ramblings," Jeralt shrugged again. "But whoever he is, let's hope he's doing well and focus on our task now." Just then, they heard heavy footsteps approaching and went on alert. After a moment, their scout stumbled into view with multiple arrows on his body.

"Quick, patch him up!" Jeralt commanded as the mercenaries rushed to his side, trying to stop the bleeding but it was too late. The scout's breaths were becoming weaker, and he managed to weakly utter a warning.

"Run...now..." Before he could finish his sentence, an arrow pierced through his head, ending his life instantly. From the shadows of the forest emerged a large group of ragged men with menacing and predatory eyes.

"Look at what we have here. A group of fools seeking glory, unaware that they are walking into their death the leader of the bandits taunted a cruel smirk on his face as he surveyed the mercenaries before him.

Jeralt remained stoic, unmoved by the mocking words. "I see you fancy yourself as the chief of this rabble. Quite an impressive number for someone like you."

"You must be the first one to keep your cool in my presence. How rude of me, I am Darrel, leader of the feared Iron Wolves. And you are?"

"Jeralt- a mercenary." His reply was short and sharp, causing Darrel to chuckle.

"A mercenary indeed. Or should I say Jeralt the Blade Breaker?" He sneered, his eyes glinting with malice. A hush fell over the group as tension mounted between them.

"Don't be so surprised, I've heard so many tales about you including how you just recently destroyed a whole stronghold a few days ago. Furthermore, you have quite a huge bounty on your head, old man."

"Bounty? Don't recall pissing off any noble I worked with on my travels."

Darrel grinned wickedly. "But it's not just nobles who seek your demise. You must have made many enemies along your journey for the underworld to desire your death so greatly. And once I kill you here, not only will I receive a fortune but also become a legend- Slayer of the Blade Breaker." Bylass narrowed her eyes at Darrel and tightened her grip on her blade.

"Try it if you dare. Many have spoken those words before, but none have lived long enough to regret them." Jeralt's response was stern, and he pointed his lance at the bandits, ready for battle.

"As you wish, old man." Darrel's twisted smile never faltered as he turned his gaze on Bylass. "And look, we have a beauty here, sent by the Goddess herself."

Jeralt's rage boiled over. "Keep your lecherous eyes off her!" His voice echoed through the forest, causing trees to tremble.

"Don't be so uptight, Blade Breaker! Once I'm finished with you and your companions, we will have some fun with her. Right, boys?" The bandits laughed cruelly; their intentions clear. Jeralt seethed with anger, every muscle tense and ready to strike. But before he could react, one of the ruffians fell to the ground with a sudden gasp, shocking everyone including the bandits. Bylass stood there calmly, her expression betraying no emotion as she spoke in a flat tone that sent shivers down their spines.

"What are you waiting for? Come and get me if you can. If only you are still alive after tonight."


The moon hung high, casting its pale light upon the dense forest where Bylass, Jeralt, and their band of mercenaries found themselves surrounded. The air was thick with tension as the bandits, their numbers far greater, closed in on them like hungry wolves stalking their prey.

Bylass stood at the forefront, her eyes cold and calculating, her blade gleaming in the moonlight. Jeralt, the legendary warrior with scars etched into his weathered face, stood beside her, his grip tight on his lance. With a silent nod, they began to dash toward the bandits, each step moved with determination.

The mercenaries formed a tight line, their weapons ready to fend off the relentless assault. Amid the chaos, Jeralt remained calm on his horse, his seasoned skills as a warrior on full display. He swung his sword with brutal force, each strike taking down multiple enemies at once. As the Blade Breaker noticed three bandits charging towards him in a straight line, he deftly maneuvered his horse backward before launching it forward, crushing the bandits in one swift motion. He paused briefly to wipe the blood from his lance before continuing the fight, occasionally checking on his daughter who was holding her own against the attackers.

Bylass stood tall and still, her eyes narrowed and fixed on the group of bandits before her. Without warning, she sprang into action, her sword flashing in the moonlight as she effortlessly cut through the surprised attackers. Her movements were swift and deadly, each strike precise and calculated to take down her enemies. The bandits cried out in terror as they fell one by one, their weapons no match for Bylass's expert skill with a blade. She showed no mercy as she continued her relentless assault, her face cold and determined as she eliminated every last threat. The remaining bandits trembled in fear at the sight of this fierce warrior, knowing that they had met their match in this silent harbinger of death.

"By the Goddess! It's her- the Ashen Demon!" One of the bandits cried out, his voice was trembling.

"There is no mistake. That blue hair. That emotionless face. We're dead men now."

"Of all the possibilities, why must we face this Demon now?"

As Bylass heard the title Ashen Demon again, a surge of conflicting emotions coursed through her veins. She shook her head to clear it, steeling herself for the upcoming fight. With fierce determination, she pointed at the next target - one of the leader's henchmen - causing him to freeze in terror along with the rest of his gang. But then their leader bellowed, startling them all into action once again.

"Steady yourselves, fools! She may be the Ashe Demon, but she bleeds just like any other. Remember, we outnumber her. Stay focused, and we will prevail!"

"Bold words for someone cowering behind their lackeys. And your forces have already dwindled by half; I doubt you can turn the tide in this dire situation." She replied bluntly, yet Darrel only snickered in response.

"Cowering? You underestimate me, my dear mercenaries. From the very beginning..." Suddenly emerging from the shadow of the forest, another group of bandits appeared, reinforcing them to the original number.

"...you have played right into my hand!"

"This is bad news, kid. We need to retreat now!" Jeralt barked urgently, but even as they turned to make their escape, they found themselves blocked on all sides by a massive horde of bandits, weapons ready.

"What are you waiting for? Kill the Blade Breaker and the Ashen Demon!" Darrel pulls out his sword with a devilish grin, signaling the resumption of the fierce battle. Knowing there is no way out of this hellish nightmare, they steel themselves for another brutal clash.

As the fight resumed, Bylass and Jeralt found themselves locked in another endless combat with waves of ruffians charging toward them with their leader leading the assaults. The clash of steel echoed through the night as the battle ensued. Bylass and Jeralt fought with a fluidity born of years of experience, each strike precise and calculated. Yet, for every bandit they felled, two more seemed to take their place. Bylass found herself surrounded, her sword a blur of steel, as she desperately parried and countered the unrelenting attacks. The clash of metal rang out like thunder, echoing in the narrow alleyway. Jeralt, on the other hand, moved with a fluid grace amidst the chaos. Each strike was precise and calculated, his control radiating from every movement as he danced amongst their foes. The air was tinged with the sharp scent of blood and sweat as the two warriors fought for their lives.

Amid the chaos, Bylass found herself locked in a fierce struggle with Darrel. His blows were relentless, each strike aimed to overwhelm her defenses. Bylass gritted her teeth, her muscles burning with exertion as she parried his attacks, desperately trying to find an opening. With a sudden surge of strength, Bylass managed to kick Darrel back, creating some distance between them. Gasping for breath, she scanned her surroundings, her senses in high alert. But before she could fully regain her composure, a shadow loomed behind her, and she felt the chilling presence of another bandit closing in.

As the deadly blade inched closer to her, she couldn't help but wonder if this was truly the end. Death had never crossed her mind before, and now, faced with it, she was terrified. Would she regret leaving this world behind, with so many possibilities and a life that had just begun? The thought of leaving Jeralt behind without saying goodbye made her heartache. But then again, what kind of life would she have left? One filled with killing and surviving day after day. As her father rushed towards her with horror in his eyes, a sudden shadow appeared beside her, swiftly ending the bandit's life. The fighting ceased as all eyes fell upon the intruder, whose back remained turned to them.

As she took a brief look at her savior, her mind raced to process the shocking similarities between them. His long midnight blue hair cascaded down his back in waves, whipping around in the cold night air. But what caught her attention was his armor- it was nearly identical to hers, with the same emblem emblazoned on a flowing cape. He slowly turned to face her, revealing a man with piercing blue eyes and a stoic expression. Their gazes locked; time seemingly frozen as they studied each other's faces. It was like looking into a mirror- he could have been mistaken for her twin. A surge of emotions overwhelmed her, and she blurted out without thinking.

"It's you!" He appeared taken aback at first but quickly composed himself and calmly extended a hand towards her.

"We can continue this later! You still can fight, can't you?" She nodded and took his hand, steadied herself, and prepared for another combat.

"Look at what we have here?" Darrel inquired curiously. "Another intruder who wants to play a hero, doesn't he? Leave now while you can before I change my mind." His voice was chilly and threatening but that didn't seem to deter her savior who remained composed.

"So, you are the bandits that have been harassing the travelers then? Good, saving me time to track you down." He replied bluntly, catching everyone by surprise.

"You expect us to believe that? You're just another fool who's stumbled into the wrong place."

"Believe what you want but I'm here to end your little operation once and for all." Darrel narrowed his eyes and began to laugh mockingly.

"You? Put an end to us? Don't make me laugh, young man. Not even the legendary Blade Breaker and Ashen Demon can subdue us. Who do you think you are then?"

"Byleth. A traveler." To say Jeralt was shocked was an understatement as Bylass noticed he could barely contain his opened mouth. It seemed Jeralt was right, they seemed to be more similar than she could imagine.

"Ha, a traveler? You must be out of your mind to think that you can take us all, hero." One of the lackeys taunted.

"Hero? Hardly. But you can say I'm your worst nightmare, here to rid the world of vermin like you." Suddenly his tone changed as his eyes began to narrow.

"You've got a mouth on you, stranger. But I don't think you realize who you're dealing with." The situation began to get tense once more as Darrel dropped his smile, clearly not happy with the statement of the blue-haired man.

"I know exactly who I'm dealing with now. A bunch of cowards who prey on their victims. Hiding in the dark like a rat but that's what you are, isn't it?" He replied dryly as the atmosphere suddenly fell silent. Until the bandit leader shouted and pointed his sword at Byleth.

"Forget the Blade Breaker and Ashen Demon! Kill the intruder now!" The ruffians roared and began to charge toward them as the blue-haired duo.

Despite the chaos and danger surrounding them, Bylass remained composed. She turned to her new companion, who gave her a nod of understanding before drawing his blade. The glint of steel caught the light as they both readied themselves for battle. With swords gripped tightly in their hands and fierce determination in their eyes, the duo strode confidently towards their enraged opponents.

Byleth moved forward with a fluid grace, his steps sure and calculated. His sword danced effortlessly through the air, deflecting incoming blows with practiced ease as he engaged the bandits. By his side, Bylass moved like a skilled dancer, her movements swift and precise. Her sword sliced through the air with lethal precision, each strike finding its mark with deadly accuracy. Their combined efforts were a deadly dance, cutting down their enemies with every well-timed strike.

Although they had only just met, there was an undeniable synergy between them, an unspoken understanding that allowed them to seamlessly predict and complement each other's actions. As Byleth focused on fighting off one bandit, Bylass gracefully used his shoulder as a springboard, launching herself into the air with practiced ease. With a swift and powerful kick, she took down another ruffian who had attempted to flank them from the left. Their movements were fluid and precise, moving in perfect harmony as if they had been fighting side by side for years. As the battle raged on, their enemies fell one by one until only Darrel remained, defeated and slumped in defeat as he watched his last comrade fall at the hands of the Demons and Blade Breakers.

"What is going on now?" Darrel began to stutter. "This should not be happening. I've already had them upon my hands and yet… Who are you? The one that mirrors the Ashen Demon." Byleth raised an eyebrow at Darrel's comment and replied calmly.

"I'm no demon and neither is she." Bylass turned toward him and lit up in surprise. "We are just humans like you. And someone who will put an end to your reign of terrors."

"Don't make me laugh!" Darrel snapped furiously. "Why don't you look at yourself then? Is the stench of blood from my man not worth anything to you that much? What kind of man that does not even bat an eye with so much blood in your hands like that?"

Truth to Darrel's words, Byleth stared at him wordlessly as the blood of his fallen enemies sprayed across the armor in crimson arcs. Yet, he remained silent, his expression was as unreadable as ever, betraying no hint of the carnage unfolding around him. With deliberate steps, he raised his sword for one final strike, determined to end the life of the bandit leader once and for all.

"Tell me, are you even human?" Darrel's voice quivered as he stared into Byleth's unyielding gaze. "Or...or are you a monster?"

"…" He gave no response and sliced the bandit leader immediately, sending a chill feeling to Jeralt, Bylass, and the other mercenaries. None of them made a move as they were staring at the blue-haired man who was still standing there motionlessly. Until he turned toward them and said calmly.

"My job here is done. I take you are mercenaries then based on what they said." He inquired curiously as Jeralt took a deep breath and replied with a firm voice.

"That's right. I'm Jeralt – leader of this band of mercenaries. And this is my daughter- Bylass." She gave him a polite bow which he returned as well. "And you are?"

"Byleth" He replied nonchalantly as they were still waiting for him. "Is there something wrong?"

"No, it's just… never mind. So, you are the one that Lydia mentioned- the mercenary that went to pursue the bandits on his own?"

"Correct, sir Jeralt." He replied politely. "I just happened to pass by and saw that they needed someone to deal with the bandits nearby. Since you've already done most of the work, you can go back to reclaim the rewards and I will take my leave now. Farewell." Before he could leave, Jeralt raised a hand and interjected immediately.

"Hold it right there! To be honest, you've done far more than what me and my men did so it won't be fair for you to leave without compensation. Let's head back to Remire and discuss this further. Besides we owe you our lives after all." Byleth widened his eyes at Jeralt's comment, seeming reluctant to agree.

"It's alright, sir. I just did what I had to do. And you don't owe me anything." As Jeralt sighed, thinking how to deal with his stubbornness, Bylass interjected and said with a neutral voice.

"But it wasn't nothing to us. Without your intervention, I shudder to think of what might have happened since you did save my life from that ambush."

Byleth sighed. "I appreciate it, but I told you that I only did what was right to do. Moreover, anyone would also do the same if they were in my shoes."

"But not anyone would have acted selflessly as you did. Especially for strangers who you barely know and yet you still came, risking your life to protect everybody. And I want to do something to return that gratitude, for saving my life." Despite his shock, Jeralt remained composed and waited for Byleth's response who was still silent until he let out a brief sigh.

"All right. Let's go back to Remire then. Lead the way."


As they arrived back in Remire Village, the Blade Breaker, and Byleth headed straight for the elder's house. They found him anxiously pacing outside, eager for their return. After recounting their harrowing experience, the two suggested splitting the rewards equally. However, Byleth adamantly refused, causing a brief argument until Jeralt stepped in and convinced him to accept the compromise. Once they bid farewell to the elder, Byleth quickly took his leave and disappeared before Jeralt could ask anything. leaving the old man with more questions than answers. His moments of thought would be interrupted by his daughter's presence, whose face was still blank as usual despite the earlier encounter.

"How did it go, Jeralt?" Bylass asked.

"It went well. The man accepted our deal and we split the rewards evenly. But he left before I could ask him any further questions,"

"Such as how he possesses that armor?" Jeralt nodded at her question.

"Yes, exactly. It's nearly identical to yours, even down to the insignia. And his features...it's almost as if he could be your twin," Jeralt said with a furrowed brow.

"But that's impossible. He didn't seem to recognize us, and he looked much older than me," Bylass pointed out, confused by the situation.

"I know, but there may be more to this than meets the eye..." Jeralt's voice trailed off ominously before he coughed and changed the subject. "Anyway, it's late now. You should clean up from the battle and we can discuss our next move tomorrow."

"That sounds good. I'll see you then. Good night, Jeralt," Bylass said with a bow before heading towards the nearby river to wash off the bloodstains from her armor. As she got closer, she sensed another presence and saw Byleth submerging himself in the water to cleanse the blood from his body.

"What are you doing here?" His tone was curious as she appeared in front of him.

"Just thinking about cleaning the blood off my armor. A dip in the water should dry it out," she replied matter-of-factly. He hummed and gave her an interested look.

"I see. Seems like we had the same idea. I just finished mine, so now it's your turn," he said, shrugging and heading back to the shore to squeeze the water out of his cape. As Bylass finished, she walked slowly toward him and took a seat next to him. They sat in silence for a while until she spoke up.

"You fought well!" His eyes blinked and turned towards her. "It's surprising that you haven't made a name for yourself with those skills."

"Well, it's only been two weeks since I started doing this type of work." Byleth sighed. "And you fought well too. How long have you been at this, if I may ask?" She suddenly looked guard and eyed him for a while before answering in a monotone voice.

"Since I was young. Probably nine." The awkward silence returned as they both fell silent once more. After a moment, Byleth hesitantly asked her.

"Earlier, it seemed like you recognized me. Have we met before?"

"Did I say that?" the woman responded with surprise.

"Yes, your reaction made it seem like we knew each other. Do we?" There was something in his voice that she couldn't quite place - almost like he was hoping for a different answer.

"I don't think so. There's no way I would forget a skilled fighter like you," she answered truthfully, causing his gaze to drop as he let out a heavy sigh.

"I see. Thank you for answering."

"Is everything alright?" she asked, sensing something off in his demeanor.

"It's nothing," he replied dismissively, but she could tell he was lying. "Why are you interested in getting to know me – a stranger to you?"

"You seem troubled." She replied without dropping a beat. "And I thought I could help you by lending whatever help I could. If that bothers you, I will leave then." His stoic look started to crack as there was guilt in his eyes until he began slowly.

"I'm searching for something...a past that I can't remember since waking up in this land," he confessed sadly, looking out at the river.

"You have amnesia?" He nodded at her question.

"I only remember my name...nothing else. My home, my family...it's all a blur." He looked down at the ground, staring off into the river with an unreadable expression.

"I'm sorry to hear that," Bylass said softly, trying to show empathy despite her stoic demeanor. To her surprise, his lips twitched into a small smile and his eyes softened.

"It's okay...thank you for listening. What are you planning to do now?" Byleth asked.

"Well, it depends on Jeralt's next contract. We'll probably be leaving again soon. And you?"

"Probably the same. Perhaps our paths will cross again one day. It was nice getting to know you, Bylass!" He stood up and began to leave, but a strange feeling overtook her and she blurted out without thinking.

"How about joining us?" He stopped and stared at her confusedly.

"My pardon?" Despite being surprised at herself, she swallowed and continued.

"Why not travel with us then? Traveling together would prevent any trouble with bandits on the road, and Jeralt has many connections that could help you find what you're looking for."

"I appreciate the offer, but there's no need for you to go through all that trouble for me. Plus, I'm not sure if I'm qualified to join the legendary Blade Breaker."

"Don't worry. After the demonstration earlier, no one would doubt your abilities. And if anyone questions it, there is an initiation process. Consider it my way of thanking you for your help earlier." He thought for a moment before sighing.

"I guess I don't have much choice then. I'll tag along with you for a while. It's a pleasure to work with you from now on." He extended his hand towards her, causing her to tilt her head in confusion.

"What is this?" He blinked his eyes and answered impassively.

"It's a symbol of gratitude and trust. Have you never done this before?"

"No, not even with my friends or allies."

"Friends and allies are not the same thing."

"If that's the case, I'm not sure I've ever truly had a friend." There was sadness in her voice despite her monotone as she inclined her head.

"Then let this be a new start of our friendship, if you're okay with it." She widened her eyes in shock as he spoke softly for the first time.

"Are you sure this is what you want?"

"Yes, is there any problem with this?"

"It's just… Why befriend someone like me, who isn't even normal? Someone who doesn't even flinch at the sight of their victims?"

"Because I know that's not what you truly feel, Bylass. For you are not the only one who is in this alone." His stoic face held a hint of understanding in his voice, causing something to warm inside her.

"We are quite a mess, aren't we?" she remarked dryly, earning a hum of agreement from him.

"But perhaps we can help each other. So, what's your answer?"

"I accept. Let's introduce ourselves again then. I'm Bylass Eisner. It's nice to meet you."

"I'm Byleth. And the honor is mine, Bylass."