After that night with Himiko, Izuku made his way to his next Evoker lesson. He couldn't help but feel a tinge of anticipation - these teachings may be the last before officially starting his internship under Midnight.

"Now that I think about it, I haven't checked in with the others about their internship placements," he mused aloud. Most of his friends would likely be going outside the city's boundaries. "And I still need to review Mei's latest report too. Got a bit...sidetracked yesterday."

His mind drifted to the more mystical aspects of his training. 'Evoker lessons are one thing, but I wonder when Eindridi will delve into actual spellcasting and the like. Going over history is all well and good, but I'm itching to expand my powers.'

Lost in thought, Izuku barely registered Nana's approach until she called out a greeting. "Hey Izuku! Ready for class?"

He blinked, refocusing. "Yeah, pretty much. It's been a hectic couple of weeks though. At this rate, I just hope they get around to teaching me some actual magic soon."

Nana laughed heartily at his grumbling. "Come on, you've learned plenty of magic already. Just being around you, I can feel your power growing."

"I mean, sure," Izuku conceded. "But that's not from these university lessons. That growth comes from you, Midnight, Ochaco...Hell, even Mina taught me some things about magic while I had my...well. Never mind."

As they arrived at the vacant classroom, Nana quirked an inquisitive eyebrow. "I don't see Eindridi here. You think the old man's running late again?"

Izuku scanned the empty desks, a troubled frown creasing his brow. Just then, a thought occurred to him. "Hey, I never asked - Sarah mentioned Eindridi was giving you personal lessons?"

Nana's expression sobered. "Aye, he was."

"How's that been going?" Izuku pressed. "Learning any powerful new spells or abilities?"

"Nah, nothing like that. Mostly just family stuff. He was my father's...He knew Dad well," she said before continuing. "So a lot of it is just talking about Dad, and teaching me things, stuff he figured Dad would have taught me, if he had time."

"So that's why he was here. He said it was a favor to an old friend," Izuku said.

"Aye," Nana confirmed with a reminiscent smile. "Bit of a letdown if you were expecting grand teachings about your vaunted destiny though?"

"Are you kidding?" Izuku scoffed good-naturedly. "My 'destiny' has already caused me more than enough trouble. I'm honestly relieved to share that burden."

"There's no trouble in this, it's good to get a chance to hear about Dad. He's always this...this larger than life character, you know," she started. "I guess most 13-year-old girls see their dad as a Hero, but he really was."

"Yeah, I can imagine."

"So. Most of the people you talk to, if they remember him, they remember the Hero. Or the Evoker. Or the lost husband. But Eindridi told me about the man behind that legend, you know? It's...grounding, in a way I never expected to need." she said.

Izuku nodded understandingly. "I'm glad you're getting that opportunity then. You did kind of sabotage my homework sessions with Ochaco though. Mina ended up joining our study group once you left."

"Oh?" Nana's eyes danced with mischief. "So no more hands-on 'lessons' in giving and receiving pleasure with the princess? My condolences."

"Yeah, nothing like that anytime soon," Izuku laughed. "Although it hasn't been quite the disaster I was bracing for either." He eyed her impishly. "But speaking of owing me, I believe you're still in my debt for that little scheme of yours..."

Nana arched an eyebrow coolly. "Is that so?"

"Definitely," Izuku stated firmly. "I'd say at minimum you owe me a few rounds at The Crowley. On your tab, of course."

Nana threw back her head with a rich peal of laughter. "You drive a hard bargain, Izuku. But for sabotaging your...extracurricular activities, I suppose a few drinks are the least I can offer."

"Not as explicit as you're thinking, remember, or daddy dearest will call the Hunt for me. But that didn't stop us from having a little innocent fun," Izuku said.

"Aye. Just show her you're a man. Take command," she declared.

"Not the type of girl. Like with all things, some fantasize something that others will find a turn-off. While not that extreme for her, Ochaco isn't into it as much as the few I've seen. At least not right now," he said.

"How'd you know?" she asked.

"I'm not a blushing virgin, you know?"

"Aye. Would've been weird for an Evoker to be a virgin at your age," she said while laughing. "I'd likely would've asked you to shave your head and go be a monk or something."

The classroom door creaked open, and Eindridi strode in. His boots thudded against the linoleum floor, a stark contrast to the playful banter still lingering in the air. A sharp, metallic scent of blood clung to his clothes.

"There you are," Eindridi's gravelly voice commanded attention. "I need some answers, and you two are going to give them to me."

"What's going on, Eindridi?" Izuku asked.

"One of the Squad Hunters caught the scent of a Lich heading toward UA from Elsewhere," Eindridi said, his words hanging heavy in the stale classroom air. "She managed to outrun it and sound the alarm before it reached the school."

'A Lich - an undead creature born from stitching together multiple mages into one body. I've researched them, but never faced one, perhaps fortunately given what I've learned,' Izuku thought.

"What happened to it?"

"I did." Eindridi replied, pacing the room with measured steps. "But the question is, why the hell is a Lich coming here? I'm done with evasions. I need the damned truth." Thunder rolled in his voice. "I could understand Hellhounds - simple beasts a necromancer can create from a dog's carcass and some human sacrifice. But a Lich is different."

"Okay...?"

'What does he want me to tell him?' Izuku wondered.

"There's only a handful of Necromancers around that could do that, all Lords of the Cult," Eindridi continued. "I know most of them. Hell, I've killed some of them at least once. But who are they trying to kill here?"

Izuku raised an eyebrow. "You? I mean, you're obviously not on good terms with them."

Eindridi laughed aloud. "I doubt anyone knows I'm here. If they were after me, they'd send an entire army. But a Lich would make a formidable enemy for a young Evoker."

"Could it be after Ochaco?"

"The Princess...possible. But a little bird told me, there are things happening that I need to know about. Involving you, Izuku."

For a moment, Izuku feigned ignorance. "Outside the usual? I'm not sure what you mean."

"You should tell him, Izuku," Nana chimed in. "You can trust him."

After evaluating Nana and Eindridi, Izuku sighed. "Alright, Nana. I'll tell him. That day of the Confluence, I learned something about my father. And my destiny. Nimue told me I'm meant to take the Throne in Exile and reunite Arthur's Mantle."

Eindridi stared at him, his expression unreadable. For a brief moment, Izuku thought he saw rage resurface and that he might be blasted into space. Or at least to the Pacific Ocean.

"Eindridi, you can't let Ochaco's father know about this. He'll go berserk."

'Did I make a mistake trusting him?'

"Oh, yes. I imagine he would. So...Merlin's Legacy is coming back to haunt us. Again. Damn that meddling old fool."

"Does that explain the Lich?"

"Merlin hated Necromancers and human sacrifice. The Court still preserves that legacy. And while he was a sentimental fool, he could be ruthless. He wiped out the Cult in Western Europe, leaving no undead mage unscathed."

"Was that connected to his death?"

"There aren't many survivors, so...hard to say. They're like wolves culling weaker pantheons, then retreating, leaving only their followers."

Piecing it together, Izuku said, "So that's what happened to Arthur."

"That's what was meant to happen to the Court. Instead, Merlin, Arthur, and the Knights defeated them. I don't think that had ever happened before," Eindridi said.

"What does that have to do with me?"

"If that Confluence was Merlin's final gift to trouble the world, its power is beyond anything you can imagine. A spell 1,600 years in the making, nurtured by the Lady of the Lake...the energy it will have gathered is staggering, to say the least."

"To do what, though?" Izuku asked.

"I don't know. Perhaps to fight the Outsiders again. But while the Cult is a nuisance, the Outsiders are, in a sense, part of the natural order. The strong consume the weak; the herd must be culled to remain healthy."

"That sounds harsh on the deer. Or the people. So these Outsiders are predators of gods?"

"Merlin's little experiment should have been easy prey. An artificial pantheon...a human construct, devoid of faith, driven only by magic. A crippled calf, ripe for slaughter."

"And yet Merlin and Arthur turned them back."

"Yes. And left behind an alliance with the Fae Lords. It took the Court years to recover from the loss of Arthur and the Knights, but their allies protected them. In time, Arthur's infant son Loholt grew to become the next King of Camelot - the First King in Exile."

"So the Court was meant to be a weapon against these Outsiders? It seems ill-suited from what I understand. Weak men and hard times."

Eindridi grinned wryly. "Yes, it does. Maybe Merlin's famed foresight finally failed him. Or maybe that fateful day, when Nana's dad and the Queen died, changed something. Derailed a prophecy."

"Crap. So we're all doomed?"

"Probably! Death comes for us all. But what matters is how you meet it - on your feet, weapon in hand, snarling defiance. Remember that, Nana. And you too, Izuku."

"Wasn't that how Arthur went out?"

"Yes. A great warrior, if a terrible husband. I worry he may have broken something in stopping the Outsiders that time. But that's water under the keel."

"So what do we do now?"

"Well, first you stop telling people about this. Three can keep a secret if one of them is dead. If you keep talking, eventually word will reach Erec. Then all hell breaks loose."

"Likely wise advice."

"Beyond that, I need to investigate that Lich further. There aren't many Lords who could summon one, and there may be a clue which is after you. Unless they all are." He laughed darkly.

"And if so?"

"Then you have a problem. Remember that screaming defiance bit when they come for you."

Izuku rolled his eyes. "Gee, thanks. Any actual advice?"

Eindridi's face turned serious. "Be careful. Listen to Nana - she knows things you don't. And if you see a patchwork creature stitched together from dead mages, run. You can't fight a Lich yet."

"I see."

"I have to go. Nana, Izuku, take care. This won't get easier anytime soon."

"Bye, Eindridi."

As the old Evoker leaves, Nana and Izuku are left alone.

"Well, fuck. The Lords of the Cult? I guess a man is known by his enemies, but you sure know how to pick 'em," Nana remarked dryly.

"I guess. Necromancers, right?" Izuku tried studying the subject since he's young, but rarely found useful information.

Nana scowled. "Yeah. It's kinda the dark side of ceremonial magic. Serial killers to thots' camwhoring. If you do a blood sacrifice inside a circle, you can drain the victim's life force."

"More powerful victim, more magic power gained, I take it?"

"Aye. A Lich requires sacrificing several mages with the Spark, binding their souls to a single body."

"I knew about Liches. The Lords are new to me, though."

"Good on you for studying up. Lords are hard to permanently kill. They usually have backup bodies to flee to if their main one is destroyed."

"How did Merlin wipe them out before?"

"With persistence and Sorcery, I'd wager. Kill the backups before they can escape whatever sarcophagus they reside in. Or ambush them before they can flee."

"And now they're back," Izuku said grimly.

"Probably not those exact ones, no. But outside the Hunt's reach, nothing's changed. Seems they've been creeping back as the Hunt weakens."

"Crap. All of this comes back to Erec showing up the Court."

"Not everything. But a lot. Like it or not, the Court's been the linchpin keeping our world stable. With Erec's power fading, and the Hunt's along with it, vermin are infesting the dark corners again."

Izuku met Nana's eyes. "We've got to help Ochaco. I know you don't like the Royals, but she's different."

Nana shrugged. "Maybe she is. But I won't abandon you either way, and I can't see you ditching her. So one way or another, I'll get dragged into this clusterfuck."

"Thanks, Nana."

"Anyway, looks like this is the great happening of our era. I wouldn't miss it for anything."

"Yeah, I can see that. So what now?"

"Now I blow off steam at the gym. Coming?"

"Maybe later."

"Walk with me then, Izuku."

"Sure...?"

As they headed outside, a three-tailed fox demon blocked their path - two silver tails and one copper. The same Izuku had seen with Momo.

"Ah, there you are. Just as My Lady foresaw."

"The fox girl with Yaoyorozu, right?" Izuku asked.

"Fox-demon," Nana corrected, then to the demon, "Greetings, Kitsune-san."

"What's the difference?"

"One's less likely to get your throat ripped out," Nana said dryly. "What did your Lady send you for, Kitsune-san?"

"You or me, I suppose?"

The fox demon sneered at Izuku. "I'm here for you, Shimura-sama. Not this...mongrel."

Izuku felt a surprising surge of anger. "You're being rude right now, Foxy," he said, his tone far more threatening than intended.

Sensing the tension, Nana steered the conversation. "So Clan business? You should take it up with my brother at the Castle. He's the senior Clan rep in Edinburgh."

'Think of Ochaco,' Izuku told himself to stay calm.

"This looks busy, so...I'll catch you later, Nana." He started to leave, but Nana caught his arm.

"Actually, I think you should come along."

"Why?" Izuku asked.

"Because either this is Clan business, in which case I have no authority to get involved outside the chain of command, and you're coming as a witness."

"Or?"

"Or this is Knights of the Lake business. And if that interests a Seer, I want you there."

Seeing no reason to refuse, Izuku agreed. "Sure."

"That would be unacceptable," the kitsune snapped. "That...thing is a security threat!"

"We really got off on the wrong foot, didn't we?"

"That's fine, Kitsune-san. You can go back and tell your Lady I'd be happy to meet another time. With my associate," Nana said, glaring at the kitsune.

"Nana, you don't have to..."

"I do. So...'Foxy,' you have a choice. You can let personal animosity toward my associate interfere with your mission, or back the fuck off. We're Evokers, the Swords of Mankind. You DO NOT dictate what we can and cannot do!" Nana declared fiercely. "Those are your options. Take both of us, or slink back to your mistress empty-handed."

"A pleasure to meet you, Kitsune-chan. Let's go, shall we?"

The kitsune hissed, claws extending. "I should rip your throat, mongrel!"

Izuku only chuckled. "Try me."

Nana laughed loudly, her manner reminiscent of Eindridi. "You're a hundred years too green for that, little cub. Best they kept you isolated until you learned manners." To Izuku, "Be ready for anything."

"My cards are ready," Izuku said, prepared to shield and obliterate the fox demon if needed.

"Stop!" Momo appeared suddenly. "Kitsune, explain yourself."

"Your pet needs a leash, Yaoyorozu-san."

"The Evoker wished to bring that mongrel before you. I was protecting your honor," the kitsune told her mistress.

"Why does she keep calling me mongrel?"

"You dishonor me and my House, Kitsune," Momo scolded. "Regardless of what you think, he is not Hoori's son. And if he was, your God does not require your approval for His actions. Now apologize - I cannot do this for you."

"Hoori?"

'A crop god? What does he have to do with foxes?' Izuku wondered.

The kitsune's face fell. "I apologize, Shimura-sama. Attempting to protect my Lady's honor, I have tainted yours instead. Please forgive me."

"Huh."

"To Midoriya-san, Kitsune," Momo said sternly, flushed with anger.

"Nice to meet you, Kitsune."

The kitsune looked utterly dejected. "To the mongrel?! But Momo-sama!"

Izuku's patience was also waning. "You know, Nana, I'm imagining ways foxfur could work as interior decor. Try not to singe it too badly."

"Do not compound your shame, Kitsune. Apologize to Midoriya-san or return to Hakone. I cannot have a subordinate who cannot follow orders."

"We're waiting, fox cub," Izuku taunted.

The fox-c-demon's expression twisted as if confronted with filth. "I...I apologize, Midoriya-san. Though mingling my Lord's Divine Seed with human refuse is abhorrent, I have deeply dishonored my Lady. My throat is yours if you wish it."

"You know, Nana, I think the magical world is full of lunatics."

"Hah! Look at yourself. Apology accepted, Momo-sama. But for everyone's safety, best keep your subordinate reined in. I don't think she's ready to be off the leash yet."

"How is Hoori related to all this?"

Nana and Momo both seemed surprised Izuku addressed a god so casually, but Momo explained, "The foxes traditionally swear fealty to him. But while there is some overlap with your father's domains, they are distinct gods."

"Okay, so why is she spoiling for a suicide run?"

"His vassals were never comfortable with the idea of His Divine Spark mingling with mortals. It's a religious taboo - pay it no mind."

"I've developed an interest in religion lately, oddly enough. What did you want with Nana?"

"I've been having more...visions since the Battle Tournament."

"And what are you seeing?"

"Princess Pendragon leading the Hunt, her father dead, eyes aglow with Power. Nana-dono with flaming hands, spitting defiance at a being even gods fear. And Ashido-san, a beacon channeling her god's might to reshape reality."

"Well, that would explain some things. Mina's my Chosen."

Momo looked confused. "Chosen? That's strange. You're not a God yet, Midoriya-san."

"Hey, I didn't make the rules. But I can feel her pulling on our bond, so she's definitely my Chosen."

"Something must have changed then. Give me your hand."

"Say 'please.'"

Nana whispered, "Izuku, it's one thing to piss off the cub, but you really shouldn't get snippy with a Yaoyorozu Seer."

"I'm the soul of courtesy. But I'm rapidly running out of willingness to be pushed around. By anyone."

"Forgive me. Please, may I have your hand?" Momo requested.

"Of course. What did you have in mind?" Izuku extended his hand.

Unlike before, Izuku himself could see through Momo's eyes this time. Monstrous shadowbeasts writhed amid the rubble of a burning city. Undead legions marched to extinguish all life. Fallen gods and shattered armies. And standing against it all, a small band - himself at the fore, face he'd never seen but recognized instantly. Through Momo's sight, his features were all harsh lines and angles, sensuous lips with a hint of cruelty, green eyes blazing in the night.

Ochaco at his right hand, Mina his left. Itsuka guarding his back. In the distance, Nana in mystic plate armor anchoring his right flank, the regulars arrayed between them. They seemed pitifully outnumbered against the looming darkness. But his expression held only supreme confidence, almost arrogant. He smiled coldly at Mina, and she drew unimaginable power from him, a pillar of light piercing the sky as she reshaped reality itself. The blinding force severed Momo's link, her vision ending abruptly.

"Whoa, what just happened between you two?" Nana asked.

"Yaoyorozu-san's vision ended. She saw me standing against an army, with Mina, Itsuka, Ochaco, and you fighting beside me," Izuku said, still processing it.

"So it's not over, then?"

"I guess not. What will you two do now?"

"I need to brief the Clan. There's a lot going on, and they need to be informed."

"Just try not to say too much. I'd rather not paint a target on my back," Izuku cautioned.

"I won't. But if the end days are coming, the Clan needs to prepare for war. We'll be ready when it arrives."

"You mentioned helping us, Yaoyorozu-san. Can we trust your pet fox?"

"Kitsune-kun's fighting abilities are excellent," Momo assured him.

Izuku clarified bluntly, "Oh, she seems capable enough in a scrap. Assuming she doesn't slit my throat when my back's turned."

"My Lady's honor binds me. I swear to obey her in this, as in all else. As long as she stands with you, I will protect you as I do her. Your enemies are mine, your wounds my own."

Not reassured she could be trusted independently, Izuku sighed. Alienating a potential ally seemed unwise. "I guess that's all I'll get."

"I'm off, Izuku. Need to head to the Diet, talk to my brother," Nana said. "I'll see you at the gym."

"See you, Nana."

"And farewell for now, Midoriya-san. I think we'll be encountering each other more soon," Momo said,

"I'm looking forward to it," Izuku replied.

"Come, Kitsune. Let's go," Momo said.

"As my Lady wishes."

As they departed, Izuku was left with swirling thoughts. 'Damn. So the cultists are back, the Outsiders too, and now some sort of war looming. All while the Court crumbles. Shit, this is so complicated.'

'Maybe I'll check the old man's shop, see if he has anything useful. What I have should cover a Flawless gem or two, if I'm lucky. Then I'll swing by Mei about that other thing.'

Lost in thought, he barely registered the small figure that suddenly collided with him, a gasp escaping her lips as she stumbled back.

Izuku instinctively reached out, his hand gently steadying the wide-eyed child.

"Sorry about that. You okay there, kid?" Izuku asked, smiling as warmly as he could.

Her trembling frame radiated fear, her eyes darting back to the looming figure behind her.

"Now you can't go around causing trouble for heroes," an accusing voice called from a nearby alley.

Izuku turned to see a young man with shaggy auburn hair parted to the right. His thin irises were small and golden, with relatively long eyelashes and faint brows. But most unsettling was the bird-like plague doctor mask obscuring his features, paired with a coat.

"Let's go home, Eri."

There you have it, folks! Hope you guys liked it.

In this chapter, we were able to get some more details about Merlin, got a little glimpse of the future, and what happened in his time and ended on where we met the little Snowball! Overhaul won't be another Muscular, so I hope I'll be able to do justice on the fight next chapter!

We also got Ochaco's lineage from Arthur to her: Arthur Loholt Erec Ochaco. Not a long line, at all, since they (mostly Loholt) lived quite a long life. For anyone wondering, yes Mordred existed in this verse. No, he didn't become King. Not that he didn't try. Minor detail, but just want to clear that up.

Nana doesn't hate Royals as much as Foxy hates Izuku, which isn't saying much since she loathes his entire being, but their situation's kinda the same. Nana won't abandon Izuku no matter what so she will help Ochaco. Foxy won't fight Izuku because Momo is on his side as well.

As always, let me know if you have questions or feedback. I'm happy to have them. :)

Next up: No Rest for the Evoker