The Three Houses of Hyperdimension

A Fire Emblem: Three Houses & Hyperdimension Neptunia Crossover Fan Fiction

by Derald Snyder

Episode 18: Velni Aftermath

*Headmaster's Office*

"...All right, thanks. We'll keep looking into things on our end. Yes, you too." With that, Byleth hung up the phone, turning to face Seteth and Rhea. "So, according to what the Guild told me, they performed an autopsy on Kronya's body, pulling out the bullet and taking hair, skin and blood samples before cremating the body out of caution. And as far as they can tell, none of their samples have been stolen or tampered with."

"I see," Seteth said in response. "Of course, there are any number of other explanations for what you saw... after all, Kronya herself was disguised as Monica von Ochs when she killed Jeralt. This may be yet another disguise to throw you off..."

"Yes, these depraved lost souls are certainly capable of fooling many... after all, we had no idea that Tomas the librarian had been replaced by one of them..." Rhea said, shaking her head.

"Yes, well, after that, all Garreg Mach staff were subjected to intense questioning to ensure there were no more impostors among us," Seteth recalled. "Unfortunately, we failed to consider that an impostor was among the students instead..."

"...You're probably right. It likely was just a disguise," Byleth nodded. "But that power the bandit leader had... that aura was similar to Solon when he revealed himself. But there's something else that's strange..."

"Which would be...?" Seteth pressed.

"That woman, Shez, claimed to be a member of Berling's Mercenaries, who Father and I had wiped out shortly before meeting Edelgard and the others, and joining Garreg Mach. But from what I remember, Berling herself was the only female among them..."

"Perhaps this Shez was one who was unable to take part in that battle, due to either illness or injury," Seteth theorized. "But she knew that trying to attack you here at Garreg Mach would be tantamount to suicide, thus she sought help from those who slither in the dark..."

"But it's been almost a year since then," Byleth pointed out. "Why come after me now...?"

"Well, perhaps she was honing her skills in preparation for her revenge," Seteth responded.

"I don't know... she had some skill, but nothing exceptional. Even with that new power of hers, I wasn't exactly in danger," Byleth demurred.

"For someone to hold a grudge for that long..." Rhea sighed. "To let the desire for vengeance stain her soul so black, that she would willingly ally with those who slither in the dark... I can only pray that she one day sees the light."

"Still, be thankful that you and the Blue Lions did not have to deal with a demonic beast this time," Seteth stated. "Hopefully the Guild's investigation into this matter will bear fruit, but for now, you should return to your teaching duties."

"I hope so, too," Byleth concurred.

*Elsewhere...*

"So, despite being unable to overcome that Byleth, it seems that your enhancement worked as planned, stopping you from dying," stated the dark-robed man that stood before Shez and Kronya. He had long pale green hair with tufts jutting out of the top and sides of his head, an angled red monocle over his left eye. "But you clearly need practice to master this power."

"So, you won't punish me for my failure, Sir Ghetsis?" Shez asked.

"Aww, I wanted to see some pain!" Kronya grumbled.

"To be blunt, I never really expected you to succeed," Ghetsis stated. "That you survived and awakened your powers is enough, for now. I have something else in mind for you, a more realistic test."

"What would that be?" Shez inquired curiously.

"I need you and Kronya to head to Lastation and retrieve one of our operatives who was captured by the fell CPU Candidate," Ghetsis elaborated. "Ordinarily he would have committed suicide when captured, but it seem they prevented that. We can't afford for him to expose any more of our secrets in interrogation, so you are authorized to kill him if you are unable to free him. But for now, return to your quarters. I will inform you when the time comes. Oh, and Kronya, remember that your body is still frail, so stealth is key."

"Yeah, yeah, as long as I actually get to kill somebody this time," Kronya grumbled as she went off, her four 'tails' twitching in annoyance. Shez, however, remained where she was, looking conflicted.

"...Is there something else?" Ghetsis raised an eyebrow.

"Actually... no, never mind. Forget it," Shez shook her head, turning and leaving the room.

(So you decided not to tell him about me after all?) a high-pitched male voice spoke in her mind. (What changed your mind?)

"I just figured it there was no point," Shez replied, glancing around to make sure no one was seeing her apparently talking to herself. "He was the one who 'enhanced' me to begin with, so he probably already knows about your existence, anyway..."

(Well, I certainly don't remember him,) the voice said uncertainly. (Anyway, let's focus on our next objective. If we're breaking a guy out of prison, those guards are likely going to be armed to the teeth. And while I was able to save you from death last time- twice, in fact- my power is not limitless.)

"Then I guess we need to stick to stealth, like Kronya," Shez nodded to herself. "I just hope she doesn't decide to turn her blade on me next..."

(Please. I think we could take her even if she did,) the voice said smugly. (She's just a small fry. But you're going to have to do some serious leveling up if you ever hope to get your revenge on that Byleth.)

"I'm all too aware," Shez sighed...

*Episode 18- End*

A/N: The captured operative that Ghetsis mentioned is shown in Snyderverse Neptunia Snippets #59.