Chapter 12: Recognition
Goetia came to a stop outside of the Archbishops chambers, the cleric in front of him holding up his hand to signal him to wait.
The man stared at Goetia for a few seconds before knocking twice on the door. There was a slight pause for a few moments before the Archbishops muffled voice called out from behind the wooden door.
"Enter."
The Cleric pushed the door open slightly, just far enough that he could poke his head inside "Assistant Librarian Goetia, is here as requested your Grace."
"You may send him in." The Cleric's head returned to the tanned man, gesturing for him to enter as he pushed the door open fully.
Goetia walked past the man, the cleric sending him a warning glance as if telling him to be respectful. Goetia ignored him, he didn't need to be told to be cordial, he was dealing with a phantasmal, and one skilled enough to be proficient in body modification to the extent they could pass as human.
It was certainly an impressive disguise, it could do nothing to hide her presence from him, but he was far more observant than the average mage. He was also very skilled in the art of deception, he had years of experience in such things.
Goetia briefly cast a glance at her quarters. Mundane. The entire room was mundane, a far cry from her rather exotic nature.
The phantasmal herself was clad in her religious garments, sat at her desk with a parchment and quills set off to the side. Clearly having attempted to finish some last minute paperwork before his arrival.
"Welcome, young Goetia." Rhea smiled at him in a somewhat serene, if practised, manner before she turned back to the Cleric "You may leave us."
"Your Grace." The Cleric bowed his head before retreating back through the door, closing it behind him with a quiet thud. Leaving the two alone in the room. Goetia stared at the closed door for a few moments before he turned his head back to the phantasmal.
"You summoned me, Archbishop?" Goetia began, the woman nodded her head and raised an arm to an empty wooden seat opposite her.
"Please, sit." She continued to smile at him as he moved over to the chair and sat himself down. When he was seemingly comfortable, she continued on "How have you found your time so far at the Monastery?"
"Novel." He replied "It is a first for me to be placed in such a situation."
"I see." The Archbishop nodded her head "However, I hear that you have adapted well to your new position. Seteth tells me Tomas has been very pleased with your work as his assistant."
"I do the task that is required of me to the best of my ability." Goetia answered "Besides, I have found other interests."
"I have heard of this also." She titled her head slightly "I hear that the young heir to House Ordelia had started to tutor under you."
"She has." There was no need to deny his role in her learning, besides he suspected that the Archbishop was very well informed of the roles in the monastery. "She was curious as to foreign magic systems, I saw no need to deny her curiosity."
"I see." Rhea nodded her head "Still, I am surprised that you find the time to teach her and manage your role as Tomas assistant."
"My role is simple enough." Goetia waved off her concerns "And Lysithea is talented enough to grasp the basic principles with little explanation on my part."
"I mean no offence." Rhea assured him "I was merely concerned that you would be overexerting yourself." she leaned back slightly in her chair, resting her hands on her lap "I also hear you are to join the Golden Deer House on their monthly mission."
"That is to satiate my curiosity, Archbishop." Goetia explained "I was curious as to the biology of 'Demonic Beasts' and the Golden Deer's objective for this month coincided with mine. Lysithea's presence is circumstantial."
"Is that so?" She smiled, somewhat knowingly at something "I did not infer that you were joining them for her sake."
Goetia remained blank faced at her statement, portraying nothing.
"Still." Rhea nodded her head "If you say you are not doing so for her sake, I shall believe you." her lips thinned "It would be most unbecoming to lie to a servant of the Goddess in her own place of worship."
"...Most unbecoming." Goetia nodded his head, red eyes glinting slightly.
Rhea released a small breath and relaxed slightly "Still, I would not think of this as an interrogation. I am Archbishop of the Church, I was simply curious as to how you found the Church thus far."
"I acknowledge the work you have achieved." Goetia looked her in the eye "You have built quite the pillar of worship within Fodlan, you must care for your Goddess a great deal to worship her so passionately."
"I am merely a humble servant of the Goddess." Rhea countered "I myself have only achieved so much in comparison to my predecessors. And it is important we all show the Goddess our support, considering how much we owe her."
"Indeed. Those indebted to an individual often feel as though they must show their gratitude in some form or another." Goetia's voice was impassive "Religion merely elevates this to a much higher form. However, I assume that you yourself have achieved much. Casting off your own achievements to another could be offensive to some. I have little doubt that the actions of 'Archbishop Rhea' have affected more in recent years than the Goddess."
"Every action I take is in accordance with her will." Rhea replied sternly, with narrowed eyes "The actions I take, I take in the Goddess name. Those who are saved, are saved by her and those who are punished as well."
"As you say." Goetia nodded his head at her words "It is expected of you, you are the Archbishop. Still, you must find it difficult to express the Goddess wisdom in such a way. I have discovered that it is seldom true that all see the same truth of the matter."
"It is saddening to say you are correct." Rhea sighed "It is a harsh fact that not all see the wisdom in the Goddess teachings, and there are always those who seek to claim more than she sees fit to gift them."
"I imagine those are most troublesome for the Church." Goetia tilted his head "Humans who are the most ambitious are often the hardest to stop."
"Ambition is a dangerous thing." Rhea's eyes flickered back to the golden haired man "It can so easily destroy a person."
"I suppose it is fortunate, I am not ambitious." The corner of Goetia's lip twitched "Regardless, my original point stands. I have acknowledged that actions of Archbishop Rhea."
"I would prefer you to acknowledge the actions of the Goddess, rather than my own."
"I shall." Goetia nodded "This is her own temple. I suspect I shall witness her actions in the coming months."
"I hope you shall." Rhea replied "I only ask that you conduct yourself accordingly while you remain in the Monastery. The students of the officers academy are young and preparing to take up their roles in life, I would be disheartened to learn they were distracted by outside influences. I trust that you will ensure they do not fall victim to such things."
"Quite the contrary." Goetia replied "Watching their development into their roles as Nobles is far more curious to me. In truth, despite seeing many societies and many religions, I have never quite encountered one like the Church of Seiros."
"Perhaps it is because we recognise the Goddess fully, and embrace her love and teachings."
"Perhaps." Goetia replied "Still, I often find it is those within the Church itself which influence its image." red eyes flicked over her in mild curiosity "Meaning, I have never encountered an Archbishop quite like yourself. Your presence is quite unlike other religious leaders I have seen."
"I shall take that as a complement." Rhea replied with a smile which didn't quite reach her eyes, said orbs were narrowed slightly, looking over the man with an equal level of intrigue. "I confess, even with the occasional traveller to the Monastery, I have never encountered one with a presence like yourself."
"Indeed." Goetia lip twitched upwards slightly. He stood up from his seat "I believe I have taken up enough of your time, Archbishop Rhea." his eyes flicked over to her desk, and the papers on it meaningfully "I believe I shall distract you from your duties no more."
"Perhaps, it is taxing work to bring the message of the Goddess to so many." Rhea nodded her head, gesturing to the door "Perhaps we shall have the opportunity to speak again in the future."
"Perhaps." Goetia replied, voice hinting nothing "I would hope that you would not take time from your duties to accommodate a conversation with a simple worker, however. But, you are the Archbishop." he bowed his head slightly "Have a pleasant day."
"To you as well, and young Goetia?" She called after him as he placed his hand on the door "I do hope you tread carefully in Fodlan, despite appearances, Demonic Beasts are quite dangerous."
"I shall ensure I am cautious." Goetia shrugged off her concern as he opened the door and departed. Rhea watched him leave, the second he closed the door she felt the ominous presence receding.
She frowned, a thoughtful look in her eyes. She had first felt it when Goetia and the young Esiner first arrived, it was a creeping sensation to her. As if something was just out of place, not wholly there. At the time, she had dismissed such feelings as a trick of the mind, however now that she had met with the assistant Librarian a second time she was certain that he was the cause of the feeling.
She doubted that Seteth of Flyan could feel it however, they were not as attuned with their dragon blood as she was in recent years. Then there was his appearance, he was out of place even for a foreigner to Fodlan, his red eyes held a coldness within them.
He wasn't a dragon like herself or the others, but she wasn't convinced he was completely human either.
She affirmed herself to keep a closer eye on Goetia in the future, with so much at stake now, she couldn't risk it being jeopardized. Either Goetia was a threat to the Church or he wasn't, if he wasn't then there was little reason to be concerned. If he was, then she would not allow him to threaten all that the Goddess had created.
Goetia moved back through the halls, an almost amused smile on his face. That had been most interesting.
He hadn't expected the phantasmal to be so human in her declarations, her almost fanatical love for her progenitor was an unexpected development, but one which he thought would make for an intriguing variable. Especially with said Goddess currently residing within the Church right now, albeit in a weakened state.
He had little doubt that the situation would progress until the machinations of the Archbishop were revealed, she was certainly hiding something and her not so hidden threats to him made it clear she wouldn't tolerate a threat to the Church.
Still, he was quite disappointed to see that even with a phantasmal directing an entire Religion, it hadn't displayed anything unique to it.
Still, there was time.
He moved back into the library, then paused as Byleth was already there, waiting for him. The green haired Divine spirit floating next to her.
"There he is!" The Goddess pointed at him, causing Byleth's head to turn and face him "Where were you?" the Spirit demanded as she floated towards him, crossing her arms and staring down at him.
"In a conversation with the Archbishop." Goetia replied, moving past her "She wanted to ensure I fully understood my position within the Church." he stopped in front of Byleth "However, this does not explain your presence here."
"Haven't had much of an opportunity to talk." Byleth replied, her eyes flickered over to the Divine Spirit as she floated over to the pair "...Also Sothis doesn't like not being able to see you. Paranoid."
"I am not paranoid!" Sothis huffed "I just find it best that we keep the only other person who can see me close at hand."
Goetia's eyes flicked between the pair before he spoke "I assume you have a topic you wished to discuss?"
"You were doing research into Crests, weren't you?"
"I was." Goetia nodded "However material has been limited in that field, meaning I will likely have to conduct the tests myself." he titled his head "You have a question?"
"My Crest." She spoke up, frowning slightly and looking down "Professor Hanneman claims it might be a new one."
"Is that so?" Goetia raised an eyebrow, cupping his chin "A curious development." his eyes wandered to Sothis "A result of your companion perhaps?"
"Don't know." Byleth shrugged "Figured I'd ask for help, don't know that much about magic."
"I lack the same form of equipment as Hanneman." He frowned "In truth, I have yet to set up my workshop."
"Workshop?" Sothis leaned forwards, looking slightly curious.
"A place where I will conduct experiments." Goetia explained "I already have several in mind." he looked back to Byleth "I would be able to better aid you once it is set up, some would involve you."
Byleth tilted her head, raising an eyebrow "You want to experiment on me?"
Goetia scoffed, looking insulted at the suggestion "Nothing so crude as to what you would no doubt consider 'experimentation'. Research into the biology of local humans, I was not planning of dissecting you."
"Well, that's a cheerful thought." Sothis muttered under her breath, Goetia's eyes briefly flicked to her before moving back to the blue haired woman.
"However, if you would seek to learn magic, I would not be adverse to instructing you." Byleth crossed her arms, looking thoughtful.
"I thought you were teaching Lysithea?"
"We have only just covered the basics." Goetia replied "Besides, I have reason to believe that you would be better able to understand Runecraft."
"Why?" Sothis asked.
"A hypothesis." Goetia replied without missing a beat "Arguably it would be easier to teach you Runecraft from scratch rather than have you learn Scandinavian Magecraft and Fodlan magic simultaneously."
"...What are the benefits?" Byleth asked.
"Of Runecraft? From a tactical standpoint, which likely interests you more, it can be used to increase eyesight, physical strength, weapon durability-"
"How much physical strength?"
"A more notable practitioner was able utilize a degraded rune to augment her fists." Goetia explained "More than capable enough to destroy a human skull with a single punch."
"That's rather violent." Sothis grimaced "I don't know about th-"
"I'll learn them." Byleth answered instantly, the pair of inhumans looked back at her. Both noticing that despite her blank face, there was an excited gleam in her eyes.
"Should I be concerned that you look excited at the prospect of punching peoples heads off?" Sothis raised an eyebrow at her host.
"It was understandable she'd be more interested in the practical aspects of Runecraft." Goetia replied to the Goddess before he looked back at Byleth "Lysithea had basic notes of the earlier lessons. Speak with her for copies, if you are so interested, we meet in the library on Sundays at mid-day."
Byleth nodded her head, moving out of the room however Sothis remained behind, staring down at Goetia with an unusually serious expression.
"I was under the impression you could not stray from your host." Goetia began, the noticed her form flicker slightly "I assume you are strained to maintain your appearance right now."
"There's something about you…" Sothis muttered, then leaned down and closely examined his face "Something about your presence is...disturbing to me."
"Is that so?" Goetia raised an eyebrow at her words before shrugging his shoulder "I am afraid I am at a loss as to what it could be."
"I doubt that." Sothis scoffed, most of her body already flickering off as she was being pulled back to where Byleth had gone "You know more than you are telling."
"I know many things that I have not seen fit to inform you of." Goetia replied "Very few of them are relevant to you."
"I've got my eyes on you…" Were her parting words as she vanished. Goetia stared at the spot where she had been before his lips twitched slightly.
"Indeed."
Claude had an amused smile on his face as he wandered into the Golden Deer classroom, his eyes scanned the room before he caught sight of his target. The long white hair with purple highlights stood out, target in sight he approached the young girl.
"Hey. Lysithea!" The girl jolted slightly, then looked over her shoulder to see who had called her, then her face scrunched up in annoyance before she released a groan.
"What do you want, Claude?" She asked, turning back to her desk and looking over her notes.
"Is this the greeting I can expect as leader of the House?" Claude recoiled in mock hurt "You wound me Lysithea!"
"Unless you want me to actually wound you-" She began, turning around and openly glaring at him, Claude chuckled and raised his hands in a placating motion.
"Alright, alright." His laughter died down "But I thought you'd be interested in what I just heard."
"Overheard you mean." She rolled her eyes and crossed her arms "I have no interest in your gossip, Claude. Nor do I care to remain informed at to who you have eavesdrop-"
"I hear that the new professor is going to be joining in your lessons with someone's favourite Assistant Librarian."
"...Eh?" Lysithea's eyes went wide "What? Who did you hear this from!?"
"I thought you didn't care for gossi-"
"Don't play games with me, Von Riegan!" She huffed, standing up and marching over to the man, threateningly pointing a finger at him. Her attempts at intimidation earned her a barely suppressed laugh from the boy. "Who did you here this from?"
"The man himself." Claude smirked, placing his hands behind his head "Apparently the professor will be coming to you for notes." he raised an eyebrow "I guess you now have an under classman."
Lysithea narrowed her eyes at him, slowly withdrawing her finger from the boy before crossing her arms. "I think I shall believe it when I see it. I will not place stock in whatever rumours you happen to-"
"Lysithea." A voice called out from the entrance, Claude and the aforementioned girl both looked to see Professor Byleth hovering at the door. "Can I speak with you?"
"Told you." Claude leaned down and whispered to her, the girl's eyes snapped to him in annoyance before she composed himself and pushed past him.
"Professor Byleth." Lysithea bowed her head slightly "What can I help you with?"
"Goetia offered to teach me Runes." The Professor began, looking down at the girl "He said you had notes about earlier lessons."
"And you wish for my help?" Lysithea inquired, at the teachers nod. The girl crossed her arms, pretending to be thoughtful.
"Well. I suppose it would be best if I were to help with my under classman in this situation." She muttered to herself, before a smug smile formed on her lips and she pointed at the Teacher "Alright, I help you with my notes. But just because you're a Professor, don't think I'll let you get away without understanding them properly." she paused for a few moments before adding on "Respectfully."
Byleth stared down at the girl before bowing her head slightly at her, "I'll be in your care."
Lysithea preened at the statement, puffing out her chest with a confident smile on her face. Said moment was ruined for her by muffled laughter, she turned around to see Claude with his hand slapped over his mouth, failing to contain his amusement at the situation.
It was only made worse by seeing Leonie stood next to him, with a determined look on her face.
"Don't think I'm letting you get ahead of me, Professor!" The orange haired girl cried out, advancing on the pair and crossing her arms, a challenging smirk on her face, then her eyes flicked down to Lysithea "Don't suppose you could help with with some of the notes, could you?"
"Way-to-go Lysithea!" Claude called out to her "Keep this up and you'll put the professor out of their jobs!" he howled with laughter, the girls face burned bright red with indignation.
Elsewhere, Goetia sneezed. Then blinked in surprise. "Unusual…"
"What news of our informant in the Monastery?" The hulking figure asked, floating above the pale skinned man in dark armour.
"They continue on." Thales replied with a frown "It appears as though the girl's use of common bandits failed and has brought about new variables."
"Their failure was within expected parameters." The figures eyes narrowed at Thales "What of these new variables?"
"A professor and a librarian." Thales huffed "Some mercenary and a vagrant foreign mage."
Dead eyes now gleamed with mild interest "Are they a concern to the goal?"
Thales scoffed in indignation "Hardly, their own notable trait is that they are now employed at the Monastery, they are hardly worth mentioning otherwise."
"This remains your plan." The Figure replied "Ensure proper countermeasures are put in place in the event of these variables causing disruption."
"Fine." Thales agreed, waving off the concerns "How has your manipulation of the Western Church progressed?"
"Trivial. Lord Lonato is beginning to see the pattern, as are a number of Western Church officials." The body shuddered slightly, something Thales took note of "They will be convinced shortly."
"Your host is giving your issues?"
"It will require further preparation before it can fully contain my form." The figure looked down at their hands, a sneer of their face "It seems even a human modified with Divine blood cannot fully contain my power." it looked back up "It is of little concern, it will be rectified."
"...As you say." Thales muttered, then looked back over his base "It is approaching...after centuries of planning…"
"I still find it curious as to how your race became subservient to dragons." The Figure titled their head to the side.
"We are subservient to no one." Thales hissed "Those...abominations on the surface are barely human. Mockeries of what we once achieved. Pupated around by an arrogant creature wearing a thin disguise."
"...As you say." The Figure shrugged their shoulders, looking over to the experiments "We are still in need of a subject for the further experiment." the figure spoke up after a few moments "One of the phantasmals."
"Solon has found one." Thales replied "One of their young ones. We will need an opportunity though."
"An opportunity will present itself." The figure waved him off "Your patience will be rewarded."
"We have been patient for nearly a thousand years." Thales frowned, then sighed "We can be patient for a few more months."
"Indeed." The figure replied 'The final form these Agarthan's take when they reclaim the surface...I wonder if it shall be as lamentable as the humans…'its eyes trailed up, looking at something that wasn't there 'Fear not, My King. I shall realise your great work, in some capacity.'
Omake: Magical Girl
"How long has it been since she was last spotted?" Seteth inquired of Alois, the knight fidgeted under the stare before he sighed.
"A few hours." He cringed at Seteth's expression "One of the guards said he saw her flying west…"
"Get a search party out there, and get her back!" He snapped, Alois saluted and sprinted off, Seteth then turned around "And someone bring Goetia to me!"
"For what purpose?" A voice called out, everyone in the room looked over to see the tanned man leisurely enter the room "The Monastery has been in a panic for nearly an hour, I admit to becoming curious at this current moment."
"As if you don't know!" Seteth growled out and marched up to the man "What manner of inane experiment were you performing this time!?"
Goetia raised an eyebrow at the clearly angered man before he wore a puzzled expression "I was experimenting on the durability of local fauna. They are remarkably stronger than the plant life of my land."
Seteth gaped at him for several moments "I'm not talking about the tree's! I'm talking about that damnable stick!"
"...I had not begun experimenting on the branches yet." Goetia replied "Were they sacred in some capacity?"
"Were they-No!" He snapped at him, then his eyes searched for something from the man for several moments before they slowly widened "You...you really don't know, do you?"
"Know what?" Goetia looked around "I assume it is in some way related to the current crisis?"
"Ha…" Seteth released a bitter laugh "Crisis...Talk about Scandal." he huffed "I very much doubt the Church will be able to live this down…"
"Sir!" A knight ran into the room, panting heavily "We caught sight of her! She's heading back here!"
"Get the others ready!" Seteth commanded the room, then pointed at Goetia "You are coming with me, while you may not be behind this mess, I suspect your involvement will be crucial."
"Very well." Goetia nodded "Lead on."
A group of nearly forty knights stood on just beyond the gates of the Monastery. Amongst them were Seteth, Goetia and Byleth.
"Why is Byleth here?" Goetia asked, Seteth sighed and shook his head.
"The other teachers were on patrol in the town to try and find her before she escaped." he looked exceedingly tired as he gestured to the blue haired professor "She was the only one I could find still at the Monastery."
"Because she was asleep." Sothis helpfully supplied, although only Goetia and Byleth heard her "What is all this racket for anyway?"
"You keep alluding to 'her'?" Goetia turned to Seteth "What do you refer to?"
The man's face suddenly soured, eyes darting around so as to not look directly at Goetia "That is…" he coughed "I cannot…"
"I see it!" Someone pointed out, their armoured finger gesturing to the horizon.
Everyone squinted their eyes as a pink light began to approach the Monastery.
Goetia inwardly frowned, that was a high density of mana comparable with a Servant that was approaching them.
He clenched his hand, preparing himself to launch any number of offensive spells at the incoming target.
At least that was the plan…
Until a voice boomed out from the direction of the concentration of magical energy.
"Heathens take flight!" Goetia's shoulders instantly slumped as he recognised the voice.
"Is that not…" He mumbled out.
"Monsters prepare to fight!"
"Isn't that?" Byleth pointed out, eyes now wide in surprise.
"For the Goddess, I strike with all my might!"
Seteth palmed his face and let out a sigh of exasperation "It is…"
The pink projectile came to a stop and slowly cleared up, revealing the form of a humanoid figure.
Archbishop Rhea, floated above the assembled guard, green hair flowing freely in the wind and a wide grin on her face.
"Rhea!" She called out her name, raising her hand and the object in it at the same time. Surprising everyone when the stick cried out as well.
"Ruby!"
"For its justice I bring and love that powers me! All those who slither in the dark, will fear me!"
"Hahaha! That's good Rhea-chan! You're a great magical girl!"
The Archbishop...clad in a pink frilly dress, fairy wings on her back and white thigh high boots.
"I don't know why…" Sothis muttered as she looked up with a cringing expression "But I'm torn between being personally embarrassed of her...or cheering her on…"
"...R-right…" Byleth stuttered out, scarcely believing her eyes.
"Goetia…" Seteth turned to him with a desperate expression "Can you do anything?"
Red eyes flicked down from the 'Magical girl' and to the green haired man "I...Will attempt to do so…"
"Rhea-chan!" Ruby suddenly called out "Look down there! That guy with the outrageous gold hair! I sense an evil presence about him! He must be a demon lord!"
Rhea gasped in horror, before fixing a glare at Goetia.
Said person instantly felt the atmosphere change.
"Demon Lord! You will not threaten these innocent people!" Rhea called out with righteous fury.
"Or the chastity of maidens!" Ruby added on.
Goetia's eyes looked down at the ground for a few moments "...Fujimaru Ritsuka...I wish you had killed me…"
Chapter 13: Progression
Goetia stared at the assembled individuals in the library.
Three pairs of eyes stared back at him.
"I was aware of Lysithea and Byleth appearing for my tutoring." He began, his voice lacked any accusatory tone to it, more perplexed "However, your presence is…" he paused, features straightening, for the scarcest of moments, a flash of disappointment filtered through his eyes "I assume you are here because you overheard Professor Byleth would be tutoring with me and in your desire to surpass her, you decided that you would also join my lessons."
Leonie had the decency to look sheepish, Goetia's lip twitched slightly "Am I wrong? Young Pinelli?"
"No." She shook her head, "You aren't wrong." placing a hand on her heart, she stared into Goetia's eyes "I will become Captain Jeralts best apprentice! That means I need to seize every opportunity that presents itself!"
"Determination is admirable." Goetia began, Leonie smiled brightly "But it is ultimately irrelevant. If you wish to learn Runecraft, then you may indulge yourself. However, I will warn you from the beginning that your lack of a Crest will hamper your ability in magecraft."
Leonie nodded "I know, but I'm going to try my best regardless."
The tanned man stared at her for a few moments before his eyes travelled to Lysithea "Did you share your notes with her?"
"Yes…" Lysithea nodded "She insisted on joining us, so I gave her a basic overview at the same time I did the Professor."
"I see." Goetia nodded, then titled his head, eyebrow raised "Did they understand it?"
"For the most part." Lysithea sighed "I managed to get them to understand the basic principles behind Runecraft."
Byleth raised her hand, Goetia stared at her for a few moments before he gestured for her to speak.
"When can I punch peoples heads off?"
"...Later." The tanned man replied, eyes moving away from her "For the time being, considering neither of you seem to possess and basic magical training, we shall begin with your basic introduction." he looked over at Lysithea "You shared your teachings of Runes to them?"
"Yes, Teacher." Lysithea nodded her head, a proud smile on her face. Goetia hummed in affirmation before looking over to Leonie.
"I suspect the other two will have an easier time at this task. Have you ever attempted to cast magic before?"
"...No." Leonie shook her head. Goetia frowned.
"Hold out your hand." He demanded, the girl looked surprised for a few moments before she extended her hand to the man. Goetia grasped her wrist, Leonie watched as the man stared at her wrist for several moments, then her eyes widened as a single glowing line raced across the top of his skin before settling on her. The sensation akin to sticking her hand in cold water. "Hmm." Goetia released her wrist, she took his back before rubbing it, staring at him with a raised eyebrow.
"What was that?" She asked, looking perplexed.
"I was examining your aptitude for Magecraft." He replied immediately "Curious, I was aware that Crests were not required to cast magecraft, although it does ease the process." he surmised "It also confirms my current theories." he shook his head "Regardless, you should be capable of casting Runes. Their effectiveness will be limited, although you could supplement that with skill."
It had at least confirmed his theory that they did in fact have Magic circuits, although hers were far too degraded to be of any use. However, from what he could thus far understand, the people of Fodlan utilised the mana in the air and focused it that way rather than using their own circuits. In that regard, they reminded him much more of the Mages from the Age of Gods.
He supposed that considering this world still seemed to operate via mysteries, that made sense.
"What was that anyway?"
"An analysis spell." Goetia explained "I simply examined your bodies physical structure and potential."
"E-eh?" Leonie backed away from him ever so slightly "What do you mean 'examined'?"
"...I examined you." He stated again "...If you are concerned, you have no underlying medical conditions. You are actually in peak physical form for a girl your age."
Leonie puffed out her chest and crossed her arms, a smug smile on her face "Thank you! I do try my best to train hard!"
"...I'm sure." Goetia muttered, then looked to the other two, he raised an eyebrow as he saw Lysithea giving him a somewhat fearful expression.
"Y-you can examine the bodies condition?" She asked in a quiet voice, eyes wide.
"I can…" Goetia admitted "I have not used it on you, if that is your concern. Nor would I use it unnecessarily."
Lysithea let out a nearly inaudible sigh of relief. Her relief was misplaced, Goetia already knew that her body was likely damaged due to whatever caused her to manifest two crests. He was not aware of the extent of the damage though. He could just as easily solve the mystery, all it would take would be a brief moment of contact and he would discover the extent of her bodies damage.
But…
He didn't…
Or he couldn't. Something in his head was preventing him from doing so. The logical reason was that he simply didn't care about her condition. That was what he told himself. Although...for some reason he didn't think that was true.
If she had found out that he had analysed her body without her permission, she would be prone to an emotional response.
That was best avoided.
"Irrelevant information aside." Goetia continued on, Leonie took that as her cue to return to her seat, putting on a determine expression and staring at the former beast with her undivided attention. "While Lysithea continues to practice attempting to cast the Runes, you shall both be cementing her brief teachings and attempting to activate these runes." he paused "However." he snapped his fingers, a prismatic portal opened above the desk and two books dropped out "First you will read these guides on how to cast Magic itself, the-"
"What was that!?" Lysithea slammed her hands on the desk, pointing at where the portals had been "That weird pattern with the books!"
"Spacial displacement." He answered as if it were nothing special "Regardless, this will explain the basic principles of casting magic to you. Rather what I need is for you to understand how to manipulate the mana in the air to cast."
"Can't you explain it?" Leonie asked, curious.
"I cannot." He shook his head "Or rather, I cannot explain it in terms you would grasp. Unlike Lysithea, neither you or Byleth have been taught how to use magic at an early age. As such, any explanation I could give your would not be understood and be a waste of time."
"Are you saying I'm too stupid?"
"I'm saying your upbringing has worked against you in this particular case." He answered evenly "Besides, the grimoires that the academy provide offer simple explanations to you. I am...ill suited to explaining it in simpler terms."
"Pfft!" Sothis choked out a laugh, floating above Byleth's head and pointing at Goetia with a sly grin "You're too smart for your own good!"
Goetia pointedly ignored the jab, although Byleth frowned.
"...I suppose that makes sense." Leonie admitted, sighing and scratching the back of her neck "Even if they had offered them, I probably would have continued to work on the physical lessons that Captain Jeralt taught me."
"Hm." Goetia hummed in acceptance of her answer, then looked over at Lysithea "We will both journey to the practice field." he looked back at the pair "We shall return within the hour."
"Yes, Teacher!" Leonie nodded her head.
"Hm." Byleth made a small noise of acceptance.
Goetia and Lysithea swiftly exited the library, moving across towards the training grounds. Lysithea followed after him before a question emerged in her mind.
"Teacher?"
"Yes?"
"Why do you call it magecraft and not magic?"
"Because it isn't magic." He answered immediately.
"Huh!?" Lysithea gaped at him, stopping mid step. Goetia stopped and turned around to face her "W-what do you mean it isn't magic!"
Goetia tilted his head at her, his eyes widened in realisation "Your teachings in Magecraft are rooted in less than sophisticated means. It is understandable you would refer to the mysteries as 'Magic' as you have never encountered a true magic." he sighed "That was an oversight on my part."
"So, what is magecraft?"
"Magecraft is the process of performing an action which can be recreated without the use of mana." Goetia explained, continuing on his pace "An example would be a fireball. I could achieve the same outcome of propelling flame by lighting up a torch and throwing it."
"But that…" She went quiet for a few moments "Spatial displacement." her eyes widened in understanding "Its just moving things isn't it? You could accomplish the same feat by just walking over to something and grabbing it! And flight could be accomplished with wings!"
"You are learning." Goetia admitted, the corner of his lip twitched upwards without him knowing "That is why it is referred to as Magecraft, as opposed to Magic."
"Then, what's magic?" She held up her hand "No! Don't tell me!" she made a thoughtful expression as she raked her brain for an answer. Goetia gave her a sideways glance as she walked alongside him "Aha!" she grinned "Its something that can't be accomplished without mana isn't it!"
"Correct." He nodded "There are Five True Magics which exist." Goetia explained "The first is denial of nothingness. Creating something from nothing. The second is the Kaleidoscope." he cringed "That is...far too complicated to explain." he shook his head "The Third is materialisation of the Soul, ascending the spiritual anchor of a soul to a higher plain of existence. A form of True Immortality. The Fourth...is unknown to me. The Fifth is simply referred to as 'The Blue' however its abilities revolve around time travel."
Lysithea's eyes were wide open as she heard about those "W-whoa…" she muttered dumbly "P-people can do that?"
"They could." He shrugged "However the only living user of a True magic is of the second. The First user died centuries ago, the third is in a near constant state of being realised but failing. The fourth, as I've said, is unknown. As for the fifth." Goetia stopped "...The fifth user is still alive. Although similar attempts at travelling through time have been attempted."
"Did they work?" Lysithea asked, then immediately regretted it as Goetia's face contorted into a vicious snarl for a few moments before returning to its usual impassiveness.
"No. They did not." He answered in an emotionless tone. Stopping "We are here."
"Huh?" Lysithea paused, then looked around and realised they had arrived without her knowing. "O-oh. Should I start?"
"Yes." Goetia nodded, then held up his hand to stop her before she walked past him "But before that." he held his hand over her, lips moving so fast she couldn't even register the words he had spoken.
Her body glowed briefly before she returned to her usual state.
"W-what was that?"
"I cast a spell of protection on you." Goetia answered "It will protect you from the worst possible outcomes of Runecraft." he paused "Although it will only protect you from magical damage. An explosion will produce a blast and you would be at the epicentre of a rather painful shockwave."
"...That's a pretty callous way of saying be careful." Lysithea muttered, although allowed a small smile on her face at the notion he had cast a spell of protection on her. Despite his aloofness, he really did care.
Goetia watched as the girl went through the same task of attempting to cast the Ansuz rune multiple times. Each one ended in failure in some form or another, she was capable of activating the rune itself, however he would watch as time after time the result would either be a violent explosion or a pitiful fizzle.
Something Lysithea was clearly becoming annoyed about very quickly, if her growing scowl and twitching eyebrows was any indication.
"Your mental image is weak." He announced rather suddenly, stopping her from drawing another Rune in the air. She jolted and turned to him with a questioning expression. "You are focused only on the activation of the Rune, not what form it will take after. Runecraft is based upon how you envisage the casting of the spell." he shook his head "You need to expand your horizon."
"How I envisage it?" She frowned and threw her hands up "How am I supposed to know how to do that?"
"I cannot teach you how to imagine the outcome of a spell, that is something you must discover yourself." Was the reply she received "If it provides any consolation, the other two will also suffer from similar issues when dealing with Runecraft."
"...It doesn't." Lysithea muttered "I'm not them. I should be able to accomplish this easily!" she announced to herself, going back to casting the Rune.
Goetia watched her with a small frown, she hadn't taken his advice to heart. That was the main advantage to Runecraft, it was as powerful as one could imagine it to be. The more creative an individual, the more adept they were at it. That was another issue with Fodlan's magecraft, it made their mages far to uncreative.
Still, Lysithea would eventually realise that she would need to utilise a more original thought process. The moment she understood that her own academic way of thinking was holding her back from her full potential, she would open herself up to new possibilities. It was...intriguing in a way. Something a small part of him was looking forward to.
"Ah, I wondered what all the commotion was." Goetia turned around to see Seteth striding towards him, Lysithea not noticing him due to her continued attempts at casting a Rune exploding "I hope not all your lessons are as loud as this one."
"It is a learning curve as you would say." The tanned man remarked, turning his full body to face Seteth "She is doing this to herself in a way."
"I see." Seteth nodded, looking back at Lysithea with a small frown as he watched the top half of her body consumed by another explosion and the girl looking no worse for wear. "I assume her lack of injury is your doing?"
"It is. It will protect her from the flames, not the shockwave however."
Seteth raised an eyebrow, frowning "A rather cavalier response to your student being in jeopardy."
"No more cavalier than sending them out to hunt bandits or Demonic Beasts."
"They have Professors with them, as well as the Knights should the need arise."
"And Lysithea and my other students have me."
"Other students?" Seteth blinked "I wasn't aware there were others."
"Byleth and young Pinelli have seen fit to learn magecraft." Goetia replied "Byleth came at my suggestion due to the use of Runes in combat, young Pinelli saw it as an opportunity to directly compete with Jeralt's daughter." his lip curled into a frown.
Seteth noticed it, squinting his eyes "You disapprove."
"Disapprove?" Goetia rolled the word off his tongue, tasting it for a few moments before nodding his head "Yes, in some way I do. I have no qualms with young Pinelli learning Runecraft."
"You dislike her motivation behind it."
"She is not doing it for any other reason aside form competitiveness, it is...disappointing that the thought did not occur to her until another had it." Red eyes flicked over to the young girl, still practising the spell "She saw an opportunity to improve her own skills because she wanted to. It was an act born of curiosity and desire for knowledge."
"Whereas Leonie did so only to outperform another to show her superiority." Seteth surmised, a knowing look on his face "I see, you have the mentality of a teacher. You wish for your students to learn of their own volition rather than feel compelled too out of a feeling of envy."
"Perhaps." Goetia admitted with a non-committal tone "However, I am only speaking through new found personal experience. Regardless of my own feelings on the matter, I will still teach young Pinelli."
Seteth's lip twitched up at the corner "Perhaps I have misjudged you as a person. You recognise the need to look over your own personal bias towards an individual personality."
"Pointing out a personal flaw without reason is a wasted effort." The former beast waved him off "It will not directly affect her performance as of yet, and she is young enough that it can be overlooked as idolatry. She has made her appreciation of Jeralt rather plain."
"She most certainly has." Seteth murmured to himself, turning his attention back to Lysithea "With your expanding class, I would hate to think that you were overexerting yourself."
"The Archbishop raised a similar concern." Goetia remarked "I shall tell you what I told her, the task of monitoring the Library is simple enough that it requires very little conscious effort on my part. And despite the fact that I myself have never been a teacher of magecraft, it has been as much a case of Lysithea grasping the material than actual teaching." he shrugged "Outside of the lessons, any questions on the topic can be directed at Lysithea or myself during a break."
"Hm." Seteth nodded his head "If that is your answer, then I shall trust you are aware of your own limitations." he crossed his arms "While I am here, I also have a few messages to pass along to you."
"Oh?"
"Yes...It seems Flayn has been raking her brain thinking of a hobby for you to find." Seteth remarked with narrowed eyes "I find myself curious as to how that development came about."
"She has taken it upon herself to try and make me smile in a similar fashion to Von Riegan." Was the reply "Her conclusion was for myself to take up a hobby."
"A...hobby?" Seteth raised an eyebrow, then sighed "I suppose that does sound like Flayn."
"You had another message for me?"
"Yes, the mission for the Golden Deer house is to be launched six days from now." He replied "I trust you have made early preparations for your departure?"
"I have." Goetia nodded, he'd prepared a kit for field research into the biology of Demonic Beasts that he could conduct at their corpses. It was a rough piece of work however and wouldn't provide him with detailed knowledge but he wasn't expecting to encounter anything overtly complicated in their origin. He still hadn't set up his workshop for more advanced experiments, but he wouldn't be clueless. "Is there further information to be aware of?"
"Perhaps." Seteth nodded "The message from the locals indicated that the Demonic Beats had become increasingly bold in their encroachment on the town. It is possible that the expedition may be launched earlier than anticipated."
"Understandable." Goetia nodded his head, then furrowed his brows at Seteth "In the event of danger to the students, am I to leave their safety to Professor Manuela and the Knights or intervene?"
"I will leave that up to your discretion." Seteth replied "However, should Professor Manuela call upon your aid, I trust you to answer it."
"It would be remiss of me to do so." Goetia shrugged "In any event, should the moment arise where Professor Manuela calls upon my aid, I suspect I would have already been placed in a position where I would be forced to act."
"I suppose that is true." The green haired man admitted with a small shrug of his shoulders "In any event, I have passed along my messages for you, I hope you have a pleasant day."
Goetia hummed in acknowledgement of the farewell and turned back to Lysithea, just in time to see her engulfed in another explosion.
"Grrr!" She made a sound akin to an enraged dog and proceeded to stamp her foot on the ground in irritation, her hair was frayed and undone with the obvious crinkling in her uniform being a result of the repeated blasts of air in her face. "Why can't I get this right!?"
"...Perhaps it would be best for you to take a quick break." Goetia offered "You are becoming emotional and it is clouding your judgement."
Lysithea whirled on him with an expression much like a snarl, before she realised her position and quickly blushed. Coughing into her hand and frantically straightening out her hair and uniform in an effort to save face to some degree. "Y-yes. Perhaps a break would be welcome." she nodded her head to herself "A chance to think of a fresh perspective to approach the problem from a different angle."
"...Indeed." Goetia replied with a blank expression. He turned around "I will return to the others and observe their progress in their reading materials. I will return shortly."
"Yes, Teacher." Lysithea bowed her head as he left, still gritting her teeth at the state she was in. It was embarrassing, she was hailed as a prodigy in magic and here she was, quite literally, having spells blow up in her face and in front of her own Teacher no less.
She frowned when she thought back to his advice. Imagination? That seemed to be a rather strange way of visualising spells. Although considering the reaction was based upon how one apparently interpreted the meaning of the Rune she supposed it made sense to an extent.
Did she have to imagine not just the activation but what the result would also be as well?
She hummed in thought, cupping her chin with her hand and furrowing her brows. Perhaps a fresh perspective was needed after all.
Goetia swiftly exited the training area and would have approached made his way back to the library with haste had something not caught his attention. Towards the bushes lining the main hall, in front of the classrooms, was the blue haired student Marianne from the Golden Deer house.
He titled his head, he could sense her use of whatever phantasmal blood she had in her body. Red eyes trailed down and he caught sight of a small bird at the base of her feet where she was crouched over it.
Approaching silently, he overheard a little of her conversation.
"-n't be too good for you. I could try to find some birdseed at the market." The bird chirped back at her, causing her to wince "I know its not the best, but it is healthier for you." the bird chirped again, seemingly growing irritated. "Now don't take that tone with me. This is for your own good. Too much nectar is bad for you."
Goetia raised an eyebrow. Animal communication, and it appeared to be at an impressive level as well. He dismissed the notion of a Familiar, the Fodlan documents on magic had very little in the way of animal binding, thus she clearly had been granted the ability to commune with animals through her blood.
The bird stopped chirping and looked in Goetia's direction, Marianne titled her head in confusion and followed the birds gaze. Promptly freezing when she made she found herself under the inquisitive gaze of red eyes.
"…" Marianne widened her eyes, still staring up at the assistant librarian. The bird took it as an opportunity to flee, shooting off into the sky. Goetia tracked its escape with mild interest before returning his gaze to Marianne.
"I assume you are not limited to communicating with birds?" He probed. Marianne shot to her feet, nervously fidgeting on the spot and looking away from him.
"I-I wasn't talking to the bird."
"…" The unimpressed look she received showed her how little he believed her excuse.
"I was speaking to the bird." She admitted, slumping her shoulders "B-but this one just happened to be speaking human."
"Refrain from insulting both of our intellects with this." Goetia remarked "It is embarrassing and vexing. Besides, animal communication to this degree is hardly something that is new to me." he shrugged "Either way, it matters not. I was merely curious as I have yet to witness it in Fodlan." he turned on his heel "I will leave you now."
"O-oh." Marianne blinked in surprise "Bye." she waved to him as he left, still somewhat dumbfounded by the short conversation in which he saw her speak with animals and then said it was nothing special and then left without elaborating.
It was, without a doubt, one of the strangest encounters she had ever had.
Omake: Visitors from home.
"Its not a Lostbelt." Da Vinci replied, crossing her arms as she looked over the landscape "That much is certain."
"Then…" Ritsuka frowned gesturing to their surroundings "Where are we?"
"No idea!" Da Vinci replied with a wide grin "Isn't that exciting!"
"No especially, Da Vinci-san." Mash gave her reply, then gestured in a direction "There's a structure up there!"
"Is there?" The child caster looked up, then narrowed her eyes "So there is!" she immediately skipped along towards it "Lets go have a look!"
"What?" Ritsuka balked and ran after her "Just like that! What about worrying about a hostile environment! What if we're surrounded by aliens!"
"…" Da Vinci and Mash sent him wordless looks of incredulity at the statement, causing Ritsuka to throw his arms up.
"Don't look at me like that! You just said we're not in a Lostbelt and we haven't Rayshifted back in time."
"So you immediately assumed aliens?"
"Well...why not?"
"...Fair enough." Da Vinci remarked "But we're still investigating! Now come one Mr Protagonist! I've got a good feeling about that castle!"
"I have a terrible feeling right now." Goetia suddenly spoke up, Seteth sent him a peculiar look.
"Do you now?" He went back to his paper work "I believe that is a first."
"As do I." Goetia frowned "Most unsettling, as if there is some approaching crisis." he scowled "It is an...uncomfortable feeling."
"They come and go." Seteth replied "For me they just so happen to coincide whenever I receive a message about your more recent experiments." the last part was muttered under his breath, although Goetia still heard it but refused to deign it with a reply.
"And what do you do in the mean time?"
"Bare with it."
"...I see." Goetia frowned, going back to his paperwork "I shall retire for the day."
"Is that so?" Seteth didn't look up from his work "If I could position you, would you escort Flayn to the market. She has been hoping to purchase something recently."
"Are you not concerned about your siblings well being."
"I am." Seteth replied "Who would be stupid enough to attempt something with her when you are by her side."
"New to the monastery, eh?" The guard spoke up to the travellers, a welcoming smile on his face "Well, we're always welcome to new pilgrims."
"A-ah." Mash blinked, then bowed her head "Thank you for welcoming us."
"No problem." The guard replied "Its what I do."
"What can you tell us about the monastery?" Da Vinci asked, the guard looked down at her and smiled.
"Sure thing kid." He replied, rubbing her head as if she were the age she appeared. "It was built by the Church of Seiros a few hundred years ago and is the base of the Church's entire religion, also home to Archbishop Rhea."
"Wow." Da Vinci nodded "Impressive."
"Yep." The man went on "Resides in the centre of Fodlan, some say it was because of the symbolic nature of the location, others because of the terrain." he shrugged "I don't really know too much about it to comment on though." he gestured a thumb "You'll probably find someone in there to let you know more, also the market is there for any purchases you might want."
"Thanks a lot." Ritsuka gave the man a grateful smile.
"No problem." The man replied "Always happy to help out."
"Did my Brother really ask you to come along with me?" Flayn frowned as the pair made their way to the market stalls.
"He felt it best that I accompany you." Goetia shrugged "It seems he believes my presence will prevent any unwanted advances."
"Honestly." Flayn huffed "He worries too much! What's the worst that could happen in the market." she pointed at something "I'll check out this stall, you check that one!"
"Its just a market Senpai, what's the worst that could happen?" Mash asked with a frown, Da Vinci nodding alongside her.
"Indeed, Ritsuka. Don't you want some souvenir?"
"Its just…" Ritsuka licked his lips looking around at the market "I have a bad feeling about this…"
"Oh!" Da Vinci ran off at a stall "Look at this!" she gestured to the tomes "Ornamental knives!"
"They are most splendid, are they not!" A voice to her left took Da Vinci's attention away from them and to the green haired girl.
"They are, aren't they!" Da Vinci grinned "I don't think I've seen someone put that much attention into a letter opener!"
"Indeed." The green haired girl nodded her head "I see you have an interest as well?"
"Well...Mainly for him." She threw a thumb over her shoulder towards Ritsuka and Mash, the pair approaching from behind "Thought it would make for a nifty souvenir."
"Ah, I had hoped to purchase one for my brother." The girl replied, then blinked in surprise "My goodness, that was rude of me. My name is Flayn."
"I am the genius inventor! Leonardo Da Vinci!" The girl thrust a hand into her chest.
"I'm Fujimaru Ritsuka."
"My name is Mash."
"Are you all new to the monastery?" Flayn asked, at their nods, she beamed at them "I would be happy to answer any questions you have."
"Thanks!" Da Vinci grinned "You're a good girl aren't you?"
"Well...my brother seems to think I'm in far too much danger." She sighed "Speaking of which, I should probably let him know I found a gift for Seteth, he is the one with the money after all."
"Ah, a guardian?"
"Something like that." Flayn admitted, she waved someone over to them.
"So what's he like?"
"Well, Goetia is a little weird sometimes, but he's really not to...is something wrong? My goodness, you've all gone pale!"
The trio stared wide eyed at the girl, blood having drained from their faces.
"I-I'm sorry…" Ritsuka spoke up first "W-what did you say his name was?"
"Goetia." She replied, then behind them "Ah! Here he is now!"
Any thoughts the trio had that it was just an unfortunate similarity of names was quickly wiped away when they heard a voice behind them.
"I assume you have found something...then…" The voice trailed off. The trio slowly turned around.
Staring at them, wide eyed, was a one armed man with glowing golden hair. Mash was more confused, although Ritsuka and Da Vinci recognised him instantly.
"Fujimaru Ritsuka…" Goetia spoke first, clearly in shock.
"Goetia…" Ritsuka replied a similar expression on his face.
"Oh!" Flayn spoke up, moving to Goetia's side "You all know eachother?"