Chapter 43: Visiting the underground
Claude's boot tapped rapidly against the floor as he stared across the camp.
It was – for lack of a better word – a ghetto. The people living here were filthy and very clearly struggling and yet that didn't seem to dampen their spirits in the least. Although he wasn't going to stray too far from the area where Yuri had told them to wait. He wasn't that stupid.
The fight itself had been...somewhat chaotic. Teach had managed to virtually pull them all through the entire situation, even when the red haired girl suddenly summoned worms from the ground.
Which he admitted was mildly terrifying but he had seen much worse. Still, it boggled his mind that there was an entire underground town here that had remained secret. Not that he doubted that Rhea didn't know about it. The woman was well-informed about a great many things she failed to reveal, there was no chance that she didn't know about this place in the least.
That however, raised more questions than it did answers. For instance, why she would allow this place to exist to begin with and why the people of Abyss were so convinced that Rhea – the second coming of Seiros, as some would proclaim – would send knights to wipe them out.
It didn't add up in the least.
Humming to himself, he looked around at the people once more before he turned his attention back to the entrance to this location. At this point, he was just waiting for-
"Ah, there you are Claude!"
Shit.
"Hey, Dimitri." Claude turned to him with his normal cool smile, he gestured around them "Pretty spectacular place, right?"
"It is something unique…" Dimitri agreed "To think that an entire town lived directly beneath Garreg Mach and even managed to function freely in such a state of disrepair." he placed his hands on his hips "That even those that find only persecution on the surface could band together and create this place is incredible."
"Yeah…" Claude nodded along, then sighed "Shame they had to in the first place.
Dimitri exhaled, giving an empathetic look "Quite so...regardless, I feel as though it is right we should do all in our power to aid them."
"I'm sure we will." Claude agreed, then tilted his head "What do you think is bringing mercenaries here to begin with? Not to say anything about the people living here but it doesn't look like they have anything that someone with enough wealth to hire mercenaries would want."
The blonde boy frowned in thought, raising his hand to cup his chin "Indeed. It is quite the mystery to me as well. From what our new companions have told us, this has been going on for some weeks now." the frown deepened "And to say nothing of what they think of the Church."
"Ain't that a strange thing." Claude nodded his head, furrowing his brows "Seems a little contradictory of them to have a place like this when you consider all the Seiros Teachings."
"That is because things rarely play out at face value." Claude smirked at the voice of Edelgard, the woman approaching the duo with an unusually anxious expression on her "And it more certainly does not bode well for the image of the Church if some of the claims made here are indeed accurate."
"We are not aware of the full story as of yet, Edelgard." Dimitri pointed out "From what I have heard and seen, some of these people were criminals at some point or another."
"Oh?" Edelgard raised an eyebrow at him "So they are all criminals now?"
"No!" Dimitri's eyes widened as he rushed to correct her "That is not it at all...I am merely suggesting that we should hold off on judgement on either side until more facts become available to us."
"But you can agree that for such a place to exist directly beneath Garreg Mach is most disturbing?"
"You heard Lady Nuvelle." Claude remarked "They have a benefactor above ground letting them live here. Considering it is directly beneath Garreg Mach…" he trailed off.
Dimitri and Edelgard blinked at him "You believe someone in the Church aided in the creation of this place?" the former inquired with an intrigued expression "But their opinion of the Church-"
"Means that it wasn't the Archbishop." Edelgard realised "Likely another, especially if there is some tension between the Abyss and the Church."
"The mystery keeps on growing." Claude joked with a light chuckle.
"On the topic of mysteries, Claude." Edelgard turned to him with narrowed eyes "I don't suppose you have seen Linhardt around have you? He seems to have vanished."
"Linhardt...Linhardt?" Claude cupped his chin and pretended to think about it "Ah, yeah. The green haired guy who always looks like he needs a nap. Haven't seen him." he shrugged "Did you try the Library? I hear he's quite the studious one."
Edelgard gave him a hollow smile "...Very amusing." she drawled out "However, I know for a fact you were speaking to him earlier."
"Really?" Claude raised an eyebrow "And who told you this?"
"Hilda."
Claude stared at Edelgard in silence for a few moments before he looked away to stare at nothing while pursing his lips. "...Damn it Hilda." he quietly cursed under his breath.
"Now that we have gotten past your little act." Edelgard sighed "Where is Linhardt?"
"Oh...you know...stretching his legs." Claude shrugged "That sort of thing."
A sharp knock at the door roused him from his slumber, Goetia's eye slowly cracked open and shifted over to the entrance to his room. He continued to stare at the wooden door for a few more moments before there was a second knock. Releasing a sigh, he slowly sat up and threw his legs over the side of his bed.
He looked at his door for a few more moments before he turned his head to stare at his window.
It was still night-time.
He frowned and looked at the door again before he stood up from the bed, turning his body towards the door and walking over to it. He suspected this had to be important for them to disturb him so late at night. Resting his hand on the door handle, he twisted it before throwing the door open.
Linhardt stared back at him with an empathetic expression.
"Believe me...I understand this pain more than you could imagine." Were the first words out of his mouth as he stared at Goetia, then looked to his right at the Church guard stationed next to the door. Goetia followed his attention towards the man and squinted his eyes at him.
"Sorry, Goetia." Harold apologised with a guilty look "I tried to tell him that it was really early and it was best you get your sleep, but then he said it was really important and that it couldn't be ignored."
Goetia sighed, turning his attention back to Linhardt "What do you need?"
"Your assistance." Linhardt explained "A situation has emerged in which we need your help."
The tanned man continued to stare at him "And...why am I supposed to aid you?"
"We found a city underneath the Monastery." Linhardt revealed instantly, earning a surprised stutter from Harold and a blink from Goetia. "There's even a library filled with a great deal of old documents which were removed from the original." he frowned, then looked at Harold "Please don't reveal that to Seteth."
"I-I'm still surprised about the whole underground city part." Harold admitted, looking between Goetia and Linhardt "T-that's a thing? How did I not know about this?"
"How did it slip my attention?" Goetia remarked, frowning in thought then looked at Linhardt "You say it is beneath the Monastery?"
"Yes." Linhardt nodded his head "Which relates to why we need your help." he went on "The people who live there-"
"People live there-!?" Harold sputtered in shock "Underneath the Monastery?"
"Yes." Linhardt winced at the volume, turning to the man briefly "Please try to keep it down, I would rather not try to wake anyone else up."
"Ah...right." Harold nodded "Sorry."
The boy turned back to Goetia "As I was saying, the people in the city are being assailed by mercenaries, clearly they're looking for something but Abyss-"
"Abyss?" Goetia blinked "Why is it called Abyss?"
"I don't know." Linhardt shrugged "As I was saying, we need help in dealing with the mercenaries and considering how outnumbered we are…" he gestured with his hand "...Claude suggested we send someone to go and get you and I saw it as a perfect opportunity to get some clean air."
Goetia stared at him for a few moments, then looked towards Harold expectantly.
"You're technically not allowed to go anywhere without Church supervision." Harold pointed out, then shifted his head from side to side "But if I were to go with you…" he trailed off meaningfully.
"...So you seek me out just to cull some thugs?" Goetia clicked his tongue "...What are they searching for?"
"Who knows." Linhardt frowned "I doubt they're after the documents and books – despite how interesting I find them – but there doesn't appear to be anything else of interest." raising his hand, he cupped his chin "However, considering the existence of this place remained a secret that even some of the Knights did not know out." he pointedly looked at Harold "Then perhaps there might be something of interest buried there."
"Perhaps…" Goetia admitted, pursing his lips then sighing. He looked away for a few moments. Even if it had been barely over a week since his 'imprisonment' he found himself with a strange feeling of dullness within him. The routine of his work at the Library was causing him to feel a great deal of boredom for lack of a better word.
There was a complete lack of willingness to do anything as of late, there was no motivation for his work. He exhaled and looked back to Linhardt. Even if it meant that he would more than likely be participating in butchery once again – he had no issue provided it would achieve something – however this was another request for help.
Even if it was Von Riegan.
"...Very well." He sighed, then looked at Harold "I am going down with him to this city."
"I'm coming too!" Harold quietly exclaimed, then coughed into his hand "For...um...supervision...purposes." he looked left and right "Naturally."
"Fine." Goetia agreed easily, then looked at Linhardt "How do we gain entry to this place?"
Linhardt grimaced slightly, "It is...not very pleasant."
"You sent him to collect Goetia!?" Dimitri hissed at the Golden Deer in a hushed voice, looking around before turning back to Claude with an expression a mix between frustration and disappointment "What were you thinking?"
"That we could use some help." Claude raised his hands in surrender "He's a very useful guy and I thought a place like this might interest Sparkles?"
"A ghetto?" Edelgard gave him an incredulous face "That is what you believe will intrigue him?"
"I was thinking more about the treasure trove of secrets that are currently around here." Claude replied with a shrug, then looked to the side "Also felt it would be good for him to get out of that library for a little while. Get some…" he trailed off, giving Abyss another look over before his expression turned slightly strained "Freeeesh air?"
Edelgard and Dimitri stared at him with equally blank expressions before the former let out a sigh while the latter cradled his head in his hands.
"Claude...He is not allowed to leave the Monastery." Dimitri slowly explained "What would you call this?"
"We're technically just under the Monastery." Claude explained, placing his hands on his hips "Loopholes are funny like that. Especially when you get to exploit them."
"He's under surveillance." Edelgard picked up the argument "I am almost certain there are guards stationed outside his room as some of the last Knight's in the Monastery, how do you suppose he will get past them?"
Claude shrugged "Maybe he can just hypnotise them or something. Linhardt said it was in a lesson."
"Claude." Dimitri frowned at him "Take this seriously. Not to mention that the Professor explicitly told us not to wake him because she would rather avoid him getting into more trouble with the Church. Dragging him down here to a place which they may or may not have qualms about while he is in an already tenuous position might not be the best idea."
"Pfft." Waving his hand, Claude let out a small noise "Well...what the Church doesn't know, can't hurt Sparkles."
"And how will you explain it to the Professor?" Edelgard tilted her head, giving Claude a mildly interested look as he seemed to pause for a few moments. Blinking several times before he slowly turned his head towards her.
"I...was thinking about…" He trailed off, rolling his lips and raising his eyebrows up while staring into nothing "...How...happy they'd be to spend time together?"
"Ah yes." Dimitri gave him a flat look, then gestured to their surroundings "Truly. This is the most romantic setting available to us."
Snapping his fingers, Claude pointed at Dimitri with a slightly cringing expression "I'd ordinarily be very happy you're developing a deadpan sense of humour but in this instance I can't say I'm a fan."
"Claude." Dimitri stared at him with annoyance "You've gone against the express wishes of the Professor, not to mention how the Abyssians will react to Goetia." he leaned in, dropping his voice to a low whisper "They hold great dislike for those employed by the Church and are clearly already sceptical of us. Goetia – despite his current situation – is employed by the Church."
Edelgard raised her hand to cut Dimitri off "No...perhaps it is different." her eyes darted around "I've noticed some here from places all across Fodlan and beyond. I believe I spotted several Duscrians...or Alymrans."
"Foreigners." Claude smiled at Dimitri "And Sparkles isn't really a traditional type of Church employee, let's be honest."
"...Fine." Dimitri nodded "I will grant you that much. But it does not change the fact that when the Professor finds out-"
"Find out what?" The three paused as one, their heads slowly creaked as they turned towards the voice with equally strained expressions.
Byleth stood a few feet from them with her hands by her sides and a slightly tilted head, her eyes scanned each of them before they landed on Dimitri, the boy visibly grimaced at the sudden attention being directed at him. "What happens when I find out what?"
Dimitri coughed into his hand "Well...Professor…" he struggled to find his words for a few moments before he composed himself and gave her a calm smile "...I am certain Claude can explain it better than I."
Claude's expression faltered as he stared at the Prince with a look of pure betrayal "This right here…" he gestured between the two of them "...This is why the Alliance seceded from the Kingdom."
Byleth's head turned to Claude, the boy shifted his body to face the Professor before he put on his best smile "So Teach...funny story..."
"That's the hole I found the other day!" Harold exclaimed as he pointed at the hole in question, Linhardt having led them to the entrance. "I was talking about it to Boris. I was saying how it looked like it was getting larger and-"
"And this is the only entrance to Abyss that you are aware of?" Goetia interrupted the man, turning to Linhardt with an unblinking expression.
Linhardt begrudgingly nodded his head "Unfortunately so."
"Who else is present in Abyss?" Goetia turned to Linhardt, the boy blinked before he replied.
"There is Dimitri, Edelgard, Claude, The Professor-"
"Byleth." Goetia elaborated "Good. That simplifies matters."
"Does it?" Harold blinked at the man "Because I don't see ho-"
"I said I didn't want to disturb him." Byleth stared down at Claude with her usual stoic expression, for the Golden Deer that only made the dressing down he was receiving much, much worse. Considering the fact her voice was absolutely toneless. "I made it clear not to wake him."
"I know." Claude raised his hands "But that was when we thought this was just an exploratory venture to find some dastard sneaking through the Monastery grounds late at night." his hands lowered and he gestured around "Now we're in an underground town with a large detachment of Mercs on their way and not a lot of good fighters...With most of the Church Knights away – and with the lack of trust for the Church in Abyss – that left us with only one person with enough power to help us and is relatively neutral."
Byleth stared at him with a blank expression in dead silence for a few seconds. Claude felt sweat begin to form on his brow as the woman's eyes continued to drill into him.
"Y-you know...he might say no." Claude hastily added on "A-and really? Even if he does come down here, are you really going to turn away his help?"
Byleth took a single step closer, causing Claude to lean back slightly as she seemingly towered over him, staring down into his eyes. Claude's own darted from side to side before they landed on Dimitri and Edelgard, the boy sending a silent plea towards them. The duo responded by suddenly finding the ceiling and floor respectively interesting to look at.
"I believe it has been quite long enough. I trust that you have found Abyss to be the most remarkable..." The voice trailed off, the attention of everyone slowly shifted towards Constance. The blonde girl remained stationary as she beheld the spectacle in front of her with a puzzled expression "I confess some mild befuddlement at this situation...is it some strange surface ritual for Teachers and Students to be so close?"
Byleth stepped away from Claude and turned her attention fully to Constance "What?"
"Your closeness with the young Alliance boy?" The girl gestured to Claude "From an outside perspective like myself, it would appear quite intimate." she tilted her head "Am I incorrect?"
"Yes."
"Hah!" Claude barked a laugh "Zero hesitation. You'll hurt my feelings, Teach."
Byleth gave him a look which prompted him to take a step backwards.
"I...see?" Constance frowned then shook her head, her expression shifting slightly to its original almost smug form "Regardless of this distraction, I trust you have been here long enough to see the value that Abyss offers to those of us less fortunate than yourselves."
"Quite so." Dimitri nodded his head "It is certainly...unique."
"Exactly!" Constance beamed "Now then, Yuri has asked that you meet with him to discuss the situation further. Once again, I must thank you for your assistance in thi-"
"-w that would help in the…" A confused voice echoed out directly from the left, once again attracting everyone's attention to the voice. Only for those present to widen their eyes in surprise.
Space itself looked as though it had been torn open like fabric, glowing rippling lines revealed the forms of Goetia, Linhardt and a Knight of Seiros stood directly behind the tear on a patch of grass, a sudden rush of the night hair hit them all square in the face earning a slight shiver from those present. Goetia lowered his hand as he stared at those assembled. "It will be enough." he explained to the knight before he walked through the tear and stepped foot into Abyss.
The man took a single look at his surroundings before his eyes narrowed and his lip curled downwards slightly. "...Linhardt."
"H-hmm?" the boy jolted out of his seeming reverence of the spell before he fixed his full attention on Goetia "Yes?"
"...This is a slum."
"Did I not mention that?"
"No."
"Ah...I see." The boy frowned before he examined the divide between where the halls of Abyss ended and the outside world began "...Is this some form of teleportation magic or-"
"Step through or I will close it."
"Alright, alright." Linhardt raised his hands in surrender, giving an exasperated sigh before he gingerly walked through the tear. His boots clattered against the brick floor as he looked around, then turned back to see the Knight still frozen in shock. "Are you coming?"
"...Y-yeah…" Harold gulped, walking through the tear while staring up at it. The moment he walked through he spun around and gawked at the spell as it slowly closed itself shut, sealing away the greenery and night sky and leaving behind only the interior of Abyss. "...Holy teleporting knights…" the Knight whispered out in shock.
Goetia pointedly ignored him as he continued to examine his surroundings, red eyes dismissively scanned whatever forms he could see before they fell onto Constance. The blonde woman still staring with her eyes wide and her mouth slightly agape at the spot where the spatial door had been before her attention slowly travelled to Goetia.
The man stared at her with his usual blank expression before he turned to the students "Is the entire location like this?" he inquired, raising his left hand to gesture at their surroundings.
"...Yes." Byleth nodded her head, looking entirely unshaken by the strange display "For the most part." her lips thinned "Why are you here?"
Goetia tilted his head "Because I found myself curious how a location such as this was able to elude the Church for so-"
"Goodness gracious me!" Constance blurted out extraordinarily loudly, causing everyone to wince at the volume, the girl raised her hand to point at Goetia "Who are-How did-I-" she gulped then managed to finish a complete sentence "I, Constance Von Nuvelle, demand that you reveal your identity to me post-haste and reveal your intentions at once!"
Goetia opened his mouth to reply before her hand shifted from him to point at Harold, the man still staring at the ground where the rift had been.
"You need not waste your breath!" She exclaimed "He is all the proof I need!"
"Hm?" Harold turned around to find the blonde girl pointing at him in an accusing manner, putting on his best smile, Harold strode forwards and bowed slightly. It would be wrong of him to let a little surprise get in the way of good manners after all. "Greetings! I am a humble Knight of Seiros and might I say what a pleasure it is to make your acquaintance, Milady."
The woman seemed flabbergasted for a few moments before shaking her head "You will address me as Lady Constance Von Nuvelle or Lady Nuvelle! I shall accept no substitutes!"
"My apologies Lady Nuvelle." Harold apologised with an earnest expression "It's just the knight has been a big surprise for me is all. Sorry if I forgot my manners."
"Well…" Constance straightened herself out "It is quite alright that you have remembered your due respects to one of the noble class such as mysel-" she cut herself off before giving the man a suspicious glare "I see your games clearly! You intend to lull me into a false sense of security with your flattering comments but I shall not be deceived so easily!"
Harold blinked several times under his helmet, fidgeting slightly "I...huh?"
"Constance?" A gruff voice called out through the corridor as the large form of Balthus entered the room "What the heck are you screaming abo-" he cut himself off the second he caught sight of Goetia and Harold, his eyes narrowed at the pair "Who the Hell are they?"
Goetia once again opened his mouth before Constance cut him off.
"I can reveal their intentions to you dear Balthus!" she announced "That one is clearly a spy for the Church to...do nefarious things to the people of Abyss!"
"H-huh?" Harold paled slightly and looked up at the much taller man in surprise as he fixed his attention on him "W-wait...I...er…"
"That right?" Balthus took a single step forward.
"No." Goetia stepped forwards, meeting Balthus' glare with one of his own "It isn't."
"Says you, pal." Balthus loomed over him. "But a couple of new arrivals I don't remember seeing suddenly showing up doesn't exactly bring out the best in me."
"The implication that there is a 'best of you' is dubious." Goetia answered back "I came to this slum out of curiosity and at the request of Von Riegan." Balthus and Constance's eyes shifted to the tanned boy who was whistling and looking away from them before their attention returned to Goetia "He is here-" he nodded behind himself to Harold "-because I require Church supervision. Up until a few minutes ago he was as ignorant as to the existence of this...town as I was."
Balthus stared down at Goetia with narrowed eyes before he shrugged and took a step backwards. "Alright then." he agreed easily, turning to Claude and giving the boy a shake of the head "You should have told us you were sending for help. Although I guess if you were bringing a Knight along…"
"Umm...Actually it was just supposed to be Sparkles." Claude offered as way of an explanation as he gestured at Goetia "I don't know who the other guy is."
"I'm-" Harold raised his hand before Constance cut him off.
"For now, I suggest we bring this to the attention of Yuri." Constance suggested, giving both Goetia and Harold a once over "I for one would like to hear his opinion of our newest guests. Although further assistance in our current predicament is always welcome."
"Happy to he-"
"Even if it would have been more beneficial to us to have been informed." Constance sent a slight look at Claude – once again cutting Harold off – before she turned back to Goetia. "My apologies. I have been remiss in my duties as a noble and neglected to properly educate you on my status. I am-"
"Constance Von Nuvelle." Goetia interrupted her, earning a brief flash of surprise from the girl as she was cut off mid-sentence "I am Goetia. Assistant Librarian at Garreg Mach."
"Well I-" Constance cut herself off "Assistant?" she blinked at him several times "You...are not even the full Librarian?"
"No."
"B-but...but that spell!" She gestured at the ground "You just...how...wha-"
Goetia swiftly ignored her and looked at the larger man "I assume this 'Yuri' is the designated leader?"
"Pretty much." Balthus nodded his head "Come on." he gestured down the hall "I'll take you to meet him. He'll probably want to meet you too."
Goetia followed after the man, Harold soon joining him as the pair ventured forth further into Abyss.
Byleth watched them leave before she turned to Claude and renewed her staring at him "We will discuss this later." she spoke, then swiftly followed after Goetia and Harold. Claude winced as he turned to see Edelgard and Dimitri giving him unimpressed expressions.
"What?" He shrugged, "It'll work out...trust me."
"...Can I return to the Library now?" Linhardt asked as he crossed his arms "And avoid being disturbed preferably."
Constance blinked as she realised what had occurred before she turned to face the retreating group "Wait one moment here! I demand an explanation as to how you remain only an assistant!" she called out as she chased after them "And inform me as to what spell you used!"
Claude watched her before his lip twitched upwards slightly "...Guess Sprinkles might have a little competition." he joked to himself, shaking his head in amusement before he sighed "...I'm probably going to have to explain myself as well, aren-"
"Just get moving, Claude." Edelgard remarked coldly, the boy flinched before he proceeded forwards.
Goetia continued to scan his surroundings intermittently as he moved through Abyss, following after the large and rather boisterous young man as he did so. His cursory examinations of this place revealed to him that it was exactly what he imagined it was.
A slum.
There was quite literally nothing special about it aside from its location. Which made it all the more remarkable that it existed to begin with. Rhea – in his few conversations with her – enjoyed controlling people. He could discern that much, it was a comfortable explanation as to how she was so taken with her role of Archbishop and how swift she was in delivering judgements.
And yet a woman who resonated control allowed this place to fester directly beneath her pillar of social hierarchy was astounding to him. Either gross negligence on her part or it had been created by someone who held a great deal of sway over her opinions. Either way, it was a bizarre contradiction from what he had seen.
Not that it changed much of anything, festering ghettos existing near supposed beacons of civilisation was about as human as he had seen them get. The reign of Solomon had been no different. For all of the fool's power and governance being hailed as wise and just, people still starved and died every single day under his rule. A man who could control everything.
His lip curled slightly in remembrance. That...was not a memory that enraptured him. Quite the contrary, it repulsed him as much as this place did.
"How many live in this place?" Goetia asked, he could have discovered it very easily but the mere thought of using his abilities just to determine how many lived in this squalor disgusted him.
Balthus gave out a thoughtful hum "...Couple hundred. Might be more." he shrugged "Abyss is a big place and we get more arrivals every now and again. Some people leave but most just stay here."
"And the reasoning for their stay?"
"Surface ain't all that nice." Balthus explained "Most here are just running from something and need somewhere they can live without fear of being hunted. Some get persecuted and others just don't have anywhere else to go."
A camp of criminals – former or otherwise – vagrants and the oppressed.
"Might not be the prettiest place in Fodlan-" He would get no argument from Goetia "-but its home. People find a life here."
That puzzled him more. He'd seen these places thousands of times over and yet the odd determination of the residents to push forwards and keep on living despite their horrific circumstances just frustrated him. It still did. Was there ever a point in these people's lives when they found themselves sitting in a damp, mouldy, cold hovel, eating stale bread where they just wondered why it was they desired to keep living?
"I think it's…" Harold struggled to find the right words for a few moments before he sighed "Sorry...it's just a big surprise to me is all…"
"Don't sweat it." Balthus waved his hand "Church is ashamed of us being here so it doesn't come as that big a surprise they don't talk about us all that much." he paused for a few moments before he continued on "Although, I'd probably stick close if I were you...some of the people here have a pretty big grudge against the Church."
Harold paused for a few moments, his head swivelling left and right as he noticed that he had become the centre of attention for nearly everyone in the vicinity. The man gulped loudly before he quickly sped up to rejoin the others "Ri-right."
The trio passed through another doorway into what looked like a study room, similar to that of one of the classrooms in the actual academy but webbed up.
Goetia noted the violet haired boy sitting in one of the chairs with his feet lazily resting atop one of the desks, the boy's eyes flashed towards them before fixing themselves on both himself and Harold to his left, particularly him as intrigue coloured them.
"Balthus." The boy nodded to him, then gestured over to the pair "What manner of interesting guests have you brought to visit me?"
"Couple of new arrivals from the surface." Balthus explained "Apparently Claude sent up someone to get help and-" he gestured to Goetia and Harold "-here we are."
"Rather fast." The boy replied with a quirked lip "But...I suppose if we're already in the business of asking for help. What's a few more hands?" swinging his legs off the desk, the boy pushed himself off the ground and to his feet "I'm Yuri." his eyes darted between the two of them "So...is it the goodness of your heart that brings you all the way down here or something else?"
"I was curious as to the existence of settlers living beneath the Monastery and investigated."
Yuri raised an eyebrow and gave Goetia a faint smile "I wouldn't call us 'settlers' per-say...but alright. I suppose that is something to be a little curious about as recent events have demonstrated." placing a hand on his hips, he titled his head slightly "So who do I have the honour of addressing anyway?"
"Goetia. Assistant Librarian."
Yuri stared at him blankly for a few moments before he blinked "Alright. I was not expecting that answer but we've already got a few curious students amongst our ranks right now." he frowned "Although I suppose you will excuse me if your job title does not inspire confidence in your abilities."
"Your confidence in my abilities is irrelevant." Goetia curtly replied, tilting his head slightly "As recent events have demonstrated, not everything that is seen represents the entire story."
Yuri's lip morphed into a faint smile "No. I suppose it isn't." his eyes turned to Harold before they dulled "And I suppose the Church caught wind of this and decided to send an errand boy to-"
"Um…" Harold raised his hand nervously "Sorry to interrupt but…" he nodded to Goetia "I'm actually here because of him."
Yuri's brow furrowed "Why?"
"It's a funny story." Harold chuckled "He's actually forbidden from leaving the Monastery at the moment and he's not allowed anywhere without supervision from at least one trained Knight. Preferably two but Boris went to bed early so it's just me."
Yuri and Balthus stared at him in silence.
"Actually...n-now that I say it aloud it isn't that funny." Harold muttered as he looked down at the ground.
"I stand corrected." Yuri turned his attention back to Goetia and gave him a wider smile "I think you'll fit into Abyss just fine. We're always welcoming wayward people with nowhere to go."
"I am content where I am." Goetia replied, Yuri shrugged in response.
"Suit yourself, but the offer remains open." The man leaned back and sat on the desk behind him, crossing his arms "So. I assume you've been informed of our situation?"
"Your living space has been under siege from mercenaries for some time and you require information as to why they are continually attacking." Goetia surmised "Unless you would prefer to just eliminate them all."
Yuri shrugged "Either or is fine with us. We just need the people of Abyss safe." the boy commented before he gave Goetia a piercing stare "So...are you here to offer your help or were you just stopping by for a little once over?"
Goetia opened his mouth to reply before a hand clamped down on his right shoulder, he looked in the direction of the limb and found Byleth staring at him for a few moments before she looked at Yuri. "A moment." was all she offered before she span Goetia around and pushed him out of the room and around a corner.
Harold watched them leave before he fidgeted on the spot.
"Now then sir, you will explain-" Constance rushed in only to cut herself off when she noticed that Goetia wasn't in the room. The woman widened her eyes and looked around "wha-where did he disappear to?"
"Um…" Harold pointed past her "The Professor took him away for a private chat."
Constance's face scrunched up before she exhaled, composing herself and dusting out her dress. "It would be most rude of me to interrupt their private moment. Therefore I shall remain here and await their – preferably expedient – return so that I might discern the strange spell that the most unusual visitor used."
Balthus sighed "Been here five minutes and he's already got Constance on his tail...certainly a record."
"Oh really?" Yuri hummed "Must be another magic caster then. Another chance for House Nuvelle to reclaim its noble status then?"
"I will have you know that it most assuredly is." Constance remarked with a confident tone of voice "I need only discern how I might acquire such a spell and what others he might have. Considering his appearance, I assume him to be a foreigner?" she directed the question to Harold.
The man jolted before nodding his head "Yes, Lady Nuvelle. He's from across the sea or so I've heard. A couple of the Knights think he might be a former noble or something."
"Well, he certainly doesn't talk like a commoner, that much is certain." Yuri mused "...I wonder how he got his hair to look like that."
"So it wasn't just me seeing it?" Balthus let out a sigh of relief "I thought someone accidentality slipped some of those mushrooms in the stew again."
"Perhaps a spell to entice the eye." Constance hypothesised "It is most certainly an eye-catching feature"
"Is there some reason why we must speak privately?" Goetia inquired as he hastily set up a muffling field around them to hide their conversation – and convince passer-bys to ignore them entirely – turning his body to face Byleth. Then Sothis as she manifested behind the woman.
"What are you doing here?" Sothis asked immediately, Goetia raised an eyebrow at her in response.
"Because Linhardt arrived at my door in the early morning hours and informed me of the presence of a habitation beneath Garreg Mach and on a whim I decided-"
"Not that." Byleth cut him off, the woman's lips pursing ever so slightly "Why are you here? If the Monastery finds out-"
Goetia frowned "You think I fear the judgement of Rhea? I acquiesced to her demands as a punishment upon myself for my actions. Not because I lived in fear of her."
"So what?" Sothis leaned in closer "You decide to just do it all again? You aren't allowed to leave the Monastery-"
"Without supervision." Goetia agreed "I have not left the Monastery. I am beneath it and I have supervision in the form of Harold. I am still adhering to the restrictions imposed on me."
"In word, not in spirit." Sothis dismissed "And you know that as well. What if this sets her off?"
"What if it does?" Goetia narrowed his eyes "Her arguments of wanting to ensure the safety of students ring hollow with the presence of this camp filled with the criminals resting just beneath the Monastery. Aside from that, what concern is it of yours?"
"We didn't want you to come!" Sothis admitted.
Goetia blinked once at her, his expression shifting to surprise before he looked at Byleth, the woman nodded in response.
"You…" Goetia began, his tone puzzled "...did not want me here?" his eyes betrayed a sliver of confusion "For what purpose?"
"To avoid trouble." Byleth replied, staring into Goetia's eyes "Already in enough trouble with Church. Didn't want to drag you into more."
Goetia stared at Byleth and then at Sothis before back at Byleth, his eyes narrowed with irritation "You think me some child in need of protection?" he bristled.
Sothis released a tired sigh "No. It is just after the last instance where we came to you for help it didn't…" she trailed off, looking away with a hint of shame.
"Didn't work out well." Byleth continued on "The Church apparently doesn't like Abyss. More can go wrong."
"In an effort to avoid me being inconvenienced, you decided that ignorance was the best option available for you?" Goetia frowned "I did not ask for your protection nor is it desired from you. Any choice I make to interfere is mine and mine alone and I do not need your approval to act upon them."
Sothis glared at him. "We were only trying to keep you safe, oaf." she huffed back "The last time you went blundering into a situation where people were in need of saving it ended up with you virtually imprisoned in the Church while this one got away scot-free." the Goddess floated past Byleth and into his face "So I'm sure you will excuse us if we try to keep you uninvolved in a situation where you might participate in aiding those who the Church might have an actual dispute with."
Goetia remained silent for a few moments before he replied "...I did not request for you to act on my behalf nor did I desire it."
"Tough." Sothis huffed "Although if this is how you treat people trying to keep you from getting into trouble, then perhaps this one should not bother in the future."
Goetia slowly directed his attention to Byleth, the woman stared back at him for a few moments in silence before she spoke up "Wanted to keep you out of trouble."
The tanned man rolled his jaw for a few moments before his expression relayed honest confusion "...Why?"
Sothis peered at him closely before she released a barely amused scoff "That you need to ask why anyone would wish to do something on your behalf without asking for it is telling." she sighed "Very well. Either help or don't. I have already made my argument." she looked down at Byleth out of the corner of her eye.
The Mercenary remained silent before she looked away for a few moments "...Sorry. Should have informed you. Can help if you want. Your choice." she looked back at him "If we're caught. Will take blame myself."
Goetia scoffed, "The Archbishop is unlikely to do anything to you."
"...Still take blame."
Goetia looked away from her, fixing his attention purely on the wall "...You can go." he waved his single arm, gesturing for her to leave. Byleth remained silent, giving only a nod in response before she walked past him and soon left the field.
Goetia remained stationary, staring at the wall before he released a breath.
It didn't make sense why she had done that. She'd purposefully treated him as some pitiful child to be kept ignorant for their own good. He had little to fear from the likes of Rhea and even if it was a slum, he would have at least wished to be kept informed of this place for the very fact it existed.
Had it not been for Von Riegan, he would have remained ignorant as to this location. Something he at least had to credit the boy with.
She'd kept him ignorant, believing herself to be acting in his best interests. It was a laughable notion that she could even understand what his best interests were. The arrogance was astounding. Even with all that, he felt that same burning anger born of frustration within him.
And something else. Something less hideous. He couldn't place it in the least but for the time being he would just stand here and think.
Once again.
He found himself assailed by stubborn humans…
So why did these disgust him less?
Chapter 44: Cold, Cold Heart
Yuri heard Hapi enter before she spoke, ironically it was the girl not wanting to speak that often that gave her away. Balthus lacked any notion of the word subtlety and Constance loved the sound of her own voice when it came to introducing herself.
Which left only Hapi.
"What can I do for you, Hapi?" He voiced aloud as he sorted through the documents on the desk in front of him, they had all been reports from his above surface contacts about the goings on in the Monastery. Something about Goetia's name had triggered a sense of remembrance within him, as if he had seen or heard of the same at some time before.
"I was just a little curious as to what had you so focused on, Yuri-bird." She replied back in her usual apathetic tone, a slight hint of intrigue within it "Is it the surface travellers?"
"It is…" Yuri agreed with a hum as he continued to sift through the documents and reports "Or the more recent arrivals to be exact." he elaborated, Hapi gave a mild blink in surprise before she tilted her head in thought.
"Does that mean the mutterings of a Church Knight down here are true?" She asked with surprise, Yuri wasn't surprised. Word travelled quickly in Abyss and word of a Church Knight - no matter how low ranking - being down here was news that couldn't travel any faster. It might have only been around ten minutes, but in Abyss that might as well have been a week. "And you're letting them help?"
"They actually were here to shadow someone else." Yuri revealed before he found what he was searching for "There we go. Knew that name was familiar to me." he grabbed the report and turned around to face the red haired girl, his eyes still fixed on the report in his hands "Great Tree Moon, 23rd. New arrivals at the academy. Jeralt the Blade Breaker and his daughter, Byleth Eisner. Byleth has made a new Professor of the Blue Lion house." he raised his hand as he noticed Hapi about to ask a question "Third arrival. Strange foreign man with glittery golden hair and tanned skin. Has been made assistant Librarian."
Hapi blinked, "That was quick."
"Yes it was." Yuri muttered, lowering the report and turning back to his desk "And here is the other one. 25th of Garland Moon. Knights have returned from Lord Lonato's rebellion. Details are hard to uncover, talk of magic fog and a man who fought the Blade Breaker and won-"
Hapi's eyes widened slightly at the news.
"-apparently they retreated soon after. Details regarding Lord Lonato sparse. Mutterings of Knights are that Goetia - the new assistant librarian - attacked the rebelling army and aided in wiping them out, killing Lord Lonato personally." he looked up and hummed "Seems someone is making waves."
"I'll say." Hapi commented, then frowned "But what does this…" she trailed off, staring at Yuri intently "They are here, aren't they."
"That they are." Yuri nodded his head and smiled sharply "And apparently, someone in the Church isn't so big a fan of him right now. That Church Knight isn't here for us. He's here for him."
"So the Church thinks he's dangerous." Hapi remarked, then nodded her head "He does sound it by what you said. It could also be an exaggeration though."
"Yes, it could be." Yuri admitted easily with a shrug "But isn't it more exciting to think there might be a grain of truth in there." he stood up straight "Besides, they're here now and apparently might be willing to help out."
"Help from the two newest arrivals at the academy and both of whom are apparently well known?" Hapi raised an eyebrow at Yuri "Seems rather fortunate for us."
"Well, the way I see it, Abyss could do with some good luck." The man pointed out wryly "Although probably best to keep an eye on them just in case." he added on, turning back around to look through his reports "Still…someone under the watchful eye of the Church and currently being shunned." he chuckled, "A wonder it took him so long to find this place."
"Hmmm." Hapi merely hummed in response before shaking her head "Whatever you say, Yuri-bird…You're not going to ask me to introduce myself to them, are you?"
"Well, it would be polite." Yuri chuckled "It would probably also save them right now. I understand that Constance has taken an interest in his magical abilities and considering what she is like…" he trailed off meaningfully "He's in the library if you want to see them for yourself."
The extensive collection of books and documents in this lower library far exceeded what was available in the library above in the actual Monastery. It did not surprise him that such forbidden documents would be found in a place shunned by the Church however.
For the time being, this made much more interesting reading. Or at least it would were it not for the mild annoyance he currently had to deal with. Judging by the expression on Linhardts face, he similarly shared the same irritation that currently boiled within him. His red eyes flickered to the blonde girl as she continued to speak.
He'd actually tuned her out at some point but her determination had to be commended. She was as steadfast as she was annoying.
"If it is a matter of payment then I can assure you that once House Nuvelle reclaims its noble status you will be well reimbursed for your tutelage." Constance continued on, looking completely unshaken by the total lack of interest Goetia was displaying in her. "Is it a question of competence perhaps? I am quite the prodigal Caster. I will have you know I actually spend much of my time creating new spells-"
That actually earned her a sideways glance out of the corner of his eye. Did he finally meet someone actually willing to experiment with new types of magic in a place like this? If that were that case, it was downright pitiful. When she noticed the movement of his eyes, she took that as a sign of victory and moved to capitalise on it.
"Ohohohoho!" She released a rather loud and obnoxious laugh "I knew that would interest you. Indeed, I am quite the magical pioneer-" he doubted that very much "-and I daresay you would not find another like me in a lifetime of searching-" he was certain that was false "-which would make it your greatest honour to be involved in tutoring me."
"Goddess above." Linhardt muttered out as he dropped his head into his hands, Constance sent him a disapproving look out of the corner of her eye before she returned her attention to Goetia.
"Well? What say you?"
He stared at her out of the corner of his eye for a few more moments before returning his attention to his book. Constance stared at him for a few moments longer before she realised he had just flat out ignored her, the girl looked torn between outrage and shock at the dismissal.
"I see." She frowned "Is this because House Nuvelle has fallen on hard times? I assure you that-"
"Your House and its standing mean nothing to me." Goetia cut her off before she could continue - she idly noted in the back of her mind that the page of his book flipped itself rather than him moving it - his voice betraying nothing "Whether or not I tutor you is not up for discussion. It remains my choice and I am also forbidden from tutoring students by order of the Church."
Constance frowned and sent a glance towards Harold, the man was actually reading through a book of his own. Although this one was titled 'The Daring Adventures of Kasaki Sojirou, the Pigeon Slayer' the man seemed to enjoy it though.
"It is my understanding that I am not a student of the Academy." Constance pointed out, Goetia nodded his head in affirmation.
"You are not. However, my other students are. I will not disregard their own restrictions so that I might teach you just because you attempt to bluster your way into my good graces with promises of payment or claims of competence." He turned to look at her for the first time during the conversation "I will decide who is and is not competent enough to be taught. Until such a point as I determine you to be worth my time, I suggest you keep your boasting to yourself."
Constance stared at him in dead silence, her eyes wide and her mouth agape in shock. Linhardt had actually looked up to gawk at the two, his eyes dancing between the pair with a hint of shocked amusement within them before they finally rested on the girl in question.
Tightening her expression, Constance pursed her lips before she gave a cool smile "Then I suppose you will simply have to look forward to a demonstration of House Nuvelle's genius in the art of magic so that you might see how fortunate you are to be chosen." the girl did an about face and marched out of the library at an impressive pace.
"Hey…" Goetia turned his attention to Harold, the man staring at him with a hint of worry "Wasn't that a little…rude?"
"I'm agreeing with a Knight of the Church." A new voice called out by the entrance to the library, Goetia turned his attention to the tanned girl with bright red hair and equally crimson coloured eyes which were just a shade lighter than his own. "This really is a sign of strange times." she lamented as she stepped into the library and looked Goetia up and down. "A simple 'no thank you' would have sufficed." she accused him with narrowed eyes.
"Which would have only invited further attempts to win over my support." Goetia replied in an equally sharp tone "She cares not for what my magecraft represents but only for the power it would allow her to wield."
The girl raised an eyebrow "And I suppose magic is not used for power because…?"
"Because power without thought is meaningless." Goetia dismissed "In the short time we spoke, she made her desire to restore her family name quite clear. However, she appears to have no plans on how she would accomplish this goal. How does the restoration of her House link to my ability to move rapidly between locations?"
The girl remained silent "Alright…so?"
Goetia gave her a mildly disgusted look "She has an end goal with no clear manner to reach it."
Linhardt raised an eyebrow at Goetia "How come you didn't ask me what my end goal was?"
"You further research for the sake of knowledge and publishing." Goetia replied almost instantly "I determined that your end goal would relate to the understanding of Crests, which study based magecraft can be utilised for."
Linhardt blinked in surprise "How did you know that?"
"You spent considerable time with Hanneman in the after hours of lessons. Considering his profession, it is easy to determine where your interests lie."
The boy just shrugged "That's not wrong…What about Dorothea?"
Goetia's eyes flicked back to him "Charm based magecraft." was all he offered as a way of an answer. Linhardt stared at him in silence for a few moments then gave a begrudging nod of the head in response.
"Alright, forget I asked anything then."
"So if Coco was to come back with a clear plan?" The girl asked, while tilting her head in puzzlement.
"The answer would still be no for the reason I offered previously." Goetia replied "She is not my student and it would be unfair to my already existing pupils."
The girl shrugged "Alright then. I'm Hapi, by the way."
"Goetia." He responded with a faint nod, then squinted his eyes at her for a few moments. His pupils flashed red as a transparent glowing circle manifested itself above his left eye before it looked her up and down.
Hapi shivered at the odd sight and the feeling of vulnerability. There was always a method by which you could understand a lot about someone by the way they looked at you. Hapi would never claim to be a master at understanding all the intricacies of people, oftentimes quite the opposite. However, there was always a specific glint in peoples eyes when they spoke to you.
It was how she was able to tell the precise moment Goetia had stopped viewing her as human. There was a coldness in his eyes as he examined her right now, as if she were some manner of strange bug he'd spotted or perhaps something of mild interest. It was not the first time someone had looked at her with such inhuman eyes.
It was because of those past experiences that she could spot the signs. She doubted anyone who hadn't experienced something similar would see it for more than disinterest. She found herself rooted on the spot, her mouth snapping shut as the cold red eyes continued to gaze at her. After what felt like an eternity, they shifted away from her and back towards his book.
"I suspect we will speak again." He voiced with a finality, indicating that he firmly believed the conversation over. Hapi was glad he felt that way but left more concerned about what it was that he saw.
"Right." She instead replied in a quiet voice, turning away from him and almost fast walking out of the room and leaving the three alone. She wasn't quite sure how someone like him ended up in the Church, but it made perfect sense. His eyes held the same coldness that came from just using someone for something and then disposing of them. Although from the sounds of things, the Church was gearing up to get rid of him too.
That was an ironic twist if ever she'd heard one. Either way, the idea of being alone in the same room as him was something she made a note of to avoid.
"How peculiar." Goetia remarked as he sent another glance at the door the girl had left from. Linhardt looked at him with a raised eyebrow and a face tinged with a trace amount of interest.
"How so?" He asked, "She seemed to just want to introduce herself quickly and leave." the boy remarked as he continued on, leaning back into his chair "No real interest for all that floundering about that other nobles seem to do."
"Her introduction meant nothing to me. I referred to her nature." Goetia revealed, cupping his chin "What an odd thing…You said you fought her, yes?"
Linhardt blinked then nodded his head once "She managed to summon some manner of worm from the ground." he revealed, then frowned "No…it did not have the feel of a summoning spell at all, now that I think of it. Or at least any summoning spell I am aware of."
"Is that so?" Goetia hummed absently, turning back to his book. "Intriguing." it was certainly peculiar. He even went so far as to examine her origin. A partial awakening as well, although judging from the manner in which her body had been structured she had likely been experimented on. Still, the summoning of Monstrous Beasts was not something to be scoffed at any rate. Considering they were still potent familiars.
Further examination of the girl would likely reveal quite how she was able to attract them to him, he doubted Linhardt would be of any further aid but that was of no fault of his own. It was purely ignorance instilled in him by this society which affected his rate of information gathering. However, he could tell that the girl's origin was in part related to calling out.
A partial awakening - a rather clumsy one as well - and a body designed to release this call outwards so that it would instinctively attract Monstrous Beasts. He internally scoffed, if she had the capacity to form contracts with them…
He shook his head, dismissing the thoughts from his mind. She was a peculiar fascination and nothing more, the fact she was here either indicated that she was an escapee from some Magus workshop or had been rescued. He doubted she was a reject otherwise she would be dead. It just furthered his assumption that there were all manner of bizarre individuals found here.
At least she had the sense to leave him be, as opposed to the other one. Being harassed by someone claiming to be a pioneer of this type of magic was hardly inspiring words if her only issue was the fact she lived in some filthy underground ghetto. Attributing her lack of fame to her family no longer being well-recognised Nobles was an excuse. If she were truly a pioneer of the arts, then she would have found some method of navigating around the problem.
No, her goal seemed to be just utilising whatever magecraft he taught her to resurrect some extinct lineage which would likely be gone again in perhaps two hundred years. Hardly a goal that he cared for. As for Lysithea…
Lysithea held interests beyond her own family. He had…high hopes for her usage of his magecraft.
"Hey Sparkles…" Claude's strained voice came through from the entrance to the door, the man didn't so much as look up from his book as the Golden Deer entered "Hey, Linhardt."
"I wonder if I shall ever have the time to read these works in peace." Linhardt mumbled to himself in a slightly irritated tone of voice, Goetia could in part relate to the constant interruptions.
"What do you want, Von Riegan?" Goetia asked in a blank tone of voice as his book flipped through another page.
"I was actually coming to ask to see if you two had found anything good." Claude pointed out, then directed his attention to Goetia "...Also you and Teach have been avoiding eachother since you got down here-"
"A difference of opinion as to my restrictions." Goetia cut him off quickly "Nothing more and certainly none of your concern."
"Alright." Claude raised his hands in surrender as he paced around the library "But you should probably talk about it again…considering we might end up fighting someone down here together. Best not to let personal issues get in the way of that."
Goetia's eyes flashed up towards Claude "I am more than capable of multitasking."
"I think you should speak with the Professor if it bothers you." Harold commented from behind him "I always find that talking things out is much better."
"See!" Claude snapped his fingers and pointed to the gatekeeper "That guy agrees with me."
"If I speak with Byleth again, it will be on my own terms. Not at your insistence." Goetia replied with a frown, "That aside, you were curious as to what I have discovered?"
"...Yeah." Claude admitted with a shrug "I mean, you and Linhardt have been in here a while and I'm always interested in the Church secrets." he finished with a wide smile, Harold blinked and lowered his story book.
"Ummm…should I be here for this?" Looking towards him, the Golden Deer leader shrugged his shoulders.
"I mean…as long as you don't try and rat me out." He joked with a faint smile, Harold pursed his lips and looked back at his book.
"You know…my mind really wonders when I read, sometimes I just space out." He offered, waving his hand "I'll just get back to it."
"Your discretion is appreciated." Claude nodded to the man, then returned his attention to Goetia. "Anything interesting?"
"So far?" Linhardt shrugged "I've found a great deal of religious works from ones I've never even heard of before." he offered, turning his attention to Claude "So it depends on how interested you are the concept of other Gods." he chuckled raising a small book "I've found one of this older ones here. A lot of comments about some very intriguing ideas." he set the book down and moved his hand through the piles of old papers in front of him "There are also a few notes here of old metal giants roaming the monastery underground."
Claude blinked "Metal giants?"
"Golems, most likely." Goetia explained away "Curious as to why they are no longer in use but that is likely something relating to the Church itself."
"That sounds like an interesting conversation to be had." Linhardt shrugged, then looked back at Claude "But so far, that is all I have uncovered. Then again, these are the first few books and papers I have gotten ahold of so I am sure something interesting will be found eventually." he sighed as he turned back to his books "If I am ever granted the peace to read them anyway." he paused before looking over a pile of papers next to him "Also if I can find some manner of translation for some of them." he added on, staring at the language with squinted eyes. It was not a form of script he was familiar with at all.
Claude blinked at him, then turned towards Goetia "So…"
"I have been reading these books for a grand total of a eight minutes, Von Riegan." Goetia remarked with a flat expression "If you were to inquire later, my answer would change radically depending on where your interest actually lay." he pointed out, then gestured to the book in front of him "This in particular book currently discusses the existence of other Gods in Fodlan and evidence of their being."
That earned him a nod of the head from Claude "I can see why that probably wouldn't be in the main library." the boy admitted, then looked it over "Found any interesting Gods yet?"
"I have only just begun reading." Goetia pointed out "And once again, that would depend upon your definition of interesting. The presence of other Gods within Fodlan at some point in time does not surprise me, however it is whether they still exert their influence over the land which is another matter entirely." he went on "In regards to the Duscur Gods, they are all but assuredly wiped out or have since left with the destruction of Duscur as a place and culture."
Linhardt stared at him with a hint of interest "You believe the Duscur Gods are real?"
"You do not?" Goetia raised an eyebrow "The existence of the Goddess of Seiros does not mean all other Gods cease to exist. It simply makes her yet another Divine with a vested interest in the continent of Fodlan. If the Duscur Gods did nothing to prevent the destruction of their worshippers it means they either cared little for them, were unwilling to directly engage with the Goddess of the Seiros Church or have already departed this land."
Claude cupped his chin "Does that mean you believe that the other Gods exist out in the world as well? I assume you had plenty of your own."
"The pantheons of Gods and Divine Spirits were vast in their own right." Goetia explained "However, they rarely intermixed with eachother. In the events they did, it was a case of the same God working under a different title."
Harold blinked and lowered his book "You mean they would just disguise themselves?" the man frowned "That doesn't make sense…why would a God need to hide their name?"
"It was less a case of hiding their identity and more assuming an identity the culture crafted for them." Goetia replied "Their role and personality did not change, simply the name they were worshiped under."
"Ohhh." Harold nodded his head "Like if the Goddess was known with a different name in Dagda?"
"Yes."
"Alright then." The man smiled, going back to his book "I mean…I probably shouldn't be encouraging the worship of other Gods but you aren't denying the Goddess existence or saying we shouldn't worship her…" the man frowned "So…I guess it's okay?" he paused, "I've never actually met someone who didn't believe in the Goddess before so I don't really know how I'm supposed to respond to this sort of thing to be honest." he admitted with a hint of anxiety.
Claude stared at him with obvious surprise. "I thought you'd be all 'The Goddess of Seiros is the one true God and all others are fake' sort of thing." The boy puffed out his chest and put on a deep and mocking voice as he spoke before he settled down "I mean, some of the other Knight's are."
Harold reached up and scratched his cheek with a gloved hand "I mean…one of the Seiros teachings to be loving to all because we're her children, right?" he looked around for assurance "So just insulting people seems a little…I don't know." he frowned "I guess I never thought about it all that much to be honest."
"Well that's a nice attitude to have."
"Way I see it, you can worship whoever you want as long as you don't bother other people endlessly." Linhardt grumbled to himself as he went back to reading "I'm fine with quiet worship."
The conversation entered a dulled phase as few offered anything else, when Goetia saw Claude make to leave he rose from his chair, silently following after him as he left the room.
"Von Riegan." Claude jolted, turning around as he saw Goetia standing behind him.
"Jeez, Sparkles." Claude placed a hand over his head "Give a guy a little warning next time…I didn't even hear you stand up." the boy shook his head, lowering the hand again "So what's up? Something private we need to discuss-"
"Byleth did not want me here." Goetia bluntly stated, earning a wince from the boy. "Why did you send for me?"
Claude let out a light chuckle, reaching up and scratching the back of his neck "Well…at first I could understand Teach's reasoning. We weren't really sure what was going on through the hole so it made sense not to bother you." Goetia stared at him in silence "Then when we found out what was going on…it just made sense to send for some help and I won't lie, you're pretty much all we really have left."
Goetia tilted his head.
"It took me all of five seconds to figure out that the people down here don't like the Church." Claude explained "They tolerated us because-"
"The reasoning is not lost to me." Goetia sharply cut him off "Why did you send for me when you knew it was against her wishes?"
Claude blinked "Because I thought you'd want to get out of the library." he shrugged "And I really did think we could use your help. I just…didn't know why Teach wasn't going to call for you once it became clear that something more was happening."
Goetia frowned, looking away. Her reasoning was still lost on him, some misguided effort to keep him safe. He was here now, the option to whether or not he would actually lend aid was still something to be decided.
"Are you gonna help, Sparkles?" Claude asked, bringing Goetia's attention back to him "Because normally you only really offer to help if you're interested or y'know. Sprinkles is involved." he added on with a searching expression.
"Lysithea is my pupil and the well-being of any student is a teacher's priority." Goetia responded instantly, his eyes briefly flashed with confusion as he saw Claude suddenly sport a wide smirk.
"The fact you could instantly tell Sprinkles is my nickname for Lysithea is amazing to me." The boy mirthfully explained, then shook his head and placed both his hands on his hips "Aside from that, what did you and Teach talk about anyway?"
Goetia frowned "Why do you care?"
"Well…I did technically have you brought down here with her ignorant…" Claude pointed out with a moderately guilty expression "So any confrontation you might have had may or may not be my fault."
The tanned man scoffed in response "You made a logical decision to call for my aid in the presence of an unknown situation with those who are hostile to the Church. The location is also of passing interest due to its abundance in forbidden literature from which I can expand my understanding of this continent." Goetia waved his hand, frowning "The fault lies with Byleth and her ill-conceived notion that I was in need of her protection."
Claude blinked "She didn't want you down here because she was protecting you?"
"Indeed." Goetia shook his head dismissively "As if I am in need of protection. I am far from some inept child in need of coddling."
Claude blinked, those were…weirdly familiar words. As if his manner of speech had been lifted directly from one of Lysithea's rants about being younger than everyone. The boy let out a sudden noise of understanding. "You really are a student and teacher…"
"What was that?"
"Nothing." He hurriedly answered "Anyway, so you're mad over Teach trying to keep you out of harms way?"
"It is 'protection' I did not ask for."
"I'm fairly certain commoners don't ask for noble protection." Claude wryly pointed out "They still get it."
Goetia stared at him with a flash of incredulity "Are you comparing me to some peasant and Byleth to a feudal lord?"
"...Why is that what you picked up on?" Claude asked aloud, shaking his head and gesturing to the man "Look, she obviously thought she was doing you a favour-"
"That I did not ask for."
"-normally you don't." The boy went on, sighing "Look…I'm really not all this good at heart to heart stuff. Way I see it, she thought she was doing you a good turn but you're mad she went over your head to do it."
That was a grossly oversimplified manner of describing it. Goetia thought to himself as he stared at Claude, her actions all but screamed she did not trust in his ability to take care of himself.
"I don't suppose you could just try and move this until we don't have to worry about anyone trying to break into this place?" Claude asked with a hopeful expression.
"You mean move a possible confrontation until a better time presents itself." Goetia surmised, pursing his lips and slowly nodding "It is not the right moment for such a conversation. Besides…I have decided to lend aid on this occasion to this place, until you determine what it is that interests them."
Claude blinked "That's great." he exclaimed "I'm sure it'll be interesting."
"It would be pointless to come to this place and allow it to be destroyed before I have learned all I can from it." Goetia explained with a disinterested tone of voice "Until it no longer serves my interests, I will prevent its destruction."
"Well…that's a less charitable reason but somehow it doesn't surprise me in the least." Claude admitted with a shrug and a resigned look on his face. "Ah well, I knew what I was walking into anyway."
Yuri strapped the scabbard to his waist as he noticed the more recent additions to Abyss enter the hallway in full. The Students, Teacher, Librarian and single knight were certainly a standout sort of group. It was mildly amusing how simple curiosity had managed to bring such a rag-tag band together.
Goetia and Byleth exchanged barely a glance as they moved towards Yuri, the man waved away the guard at his side as they all approached him.
"I was wondering if you'd all get together for a big meeting before long." He commented, then smirked "I was on my way to ambush some mercs we've spotted heading through the tunnels." his eyes scanned the crowd "Considering you've offered your help, I suppose we can rely on your aid?"
Dimitri blinked at the sudden news "Your enemies have been spotted?"
"Very good!" Yuri spoke in an exaggeratedly praising tone before his features turned back to being casual "Yes, I sent up some scouts before our bookkeeper and his friend arrived-" he pointedly looked at Goetia and Harold "-and they've returned with news that they spotted some mercenaries closing in." he sighed "Seems they discovered another entrance after we closed off the last one."
"So swiftly?" Byleth frowned "How?"
Yuri shrugged "No idea. Abyss is a big place and the town has been around here a lot longer than the people. There's probably hundreds of different entrances that we haven't even discovered yet."
"What about the people who live here?" Ashe asked with a sudden panic "Don't we need to evacuate them?"
Yuri shook his head "We're moving them out of the way of the direction the mercs are headed but they'll be back soon anyway. No need to bother with a complete evacuation." he looked over his shoulder "Besides, they should be coming back any second now…"
"Huh?" Ashe blinked "Who will?"
"Why did you have to send me?" Hapi complained as she stepped into the hallway, Constance following behind her "No matter what we do, we're all just going to die in the end anyway."
"Yes." Goetia commented from behind Claude and Hilda "Pitiful. Isn't it?"
"..."
"...Right." Yuri blinked at the sudden interruption, turning his attention to Hapi "Sure, but if we do nothing we'll die a whole lot sooner." he pointed out, earning a roll of the eyes from Hapi "So did you camouflage the corridor?"
"But of course." Constance boasted with a confident smirk on her face "Our decoys shall keep those scoundrels from chancing upon our living quarters." she paused. "Do note that I am the bait upon your hook, should we fail, I will be left dangling in the wind." she remained silent for a few moments before she barked out a laugh "But it seems nothing can be done about it, therefore I shall humbly assume the starring role in-"
"I can come with you if you want, Lady Nuvelle." Harold offered, raising his hand.
Constance paused, slowly turning her head to stare at the man for a few moments in silence, Harold looked around before noticing that all the other Abyssians were staring at him. The man silently gulped before he slowly lowered his hand "B-but that's your choice…"
"That's probably for the best." Yuri remarked "They might get scared off if they see a Knight of the Church with her and we need to find out whose being this and what they're after." he frowned, looking over his shoulder "Now where is-"
"They're coming from the eastern entrance." Balthus announced as he appeared without much fanfare.
"The east…" Yuri nodded his head, smiling sharply "Just as planned. We're well placed, all we need to do is lure them further into Abyss."
Ashe blinked in surprise "Further?" he looked around in confusion "Why would you want that?"
"They know the terrain better." Byleth explained before Yuri had a chance to reply "Easier to ambush them."
The violet haired boy nodded his head "That too, but also if they come directly into the heart of Abyss and we take them out, we can claim it was self-defense if the Church gets involved." Yuri went on, crossing his arms and shrugging "This just works out better both ways."
"Hope you guys are ready." Balthus turned a wide smile towards them before pointing at Goetia "Lookin' forward to see if you can back up your tough talk pal. Takes a real man to try and square up to the King of Grappling!"
Yuri blinked, staring at Goetia with a raised eyebrow "You tried to square up to Balthus?" he let out a huff of amusement "I'm not sure if you're brave or stupid."
Dimitri nursed a phantom bruise under his rib. He could attest that it was probably neither of them, having been punched by Goetia and seeing what he could do to someone up close…he wasn't entirely sure that Balthus could beat him in a fist fight.
"Talk of Goetia aside, we would be more than willing to help you prevent harm from befalling the innocents of Abyss." The Prince spoke in a confident manner "Just tell us what we might do."
"We could always do with more bodies to throw at our enemies." Hapi shrugged, "Thanks for volunteering."
"How many do you need alive?" Goetia asked, looking towards Yuri.
The man blinked at the sudden question before he remembered the reports he had read "We need someone who looks important." He elaborated "Everyone else…" he meaningfully fell silent.
"Hm." Goetia grunted in response. He still had no idea how far this whim of his would take him, right now he was affronted at the belief he was incapable of taking care of himself.
"If we're all done waiting around here then." Yuri turned on his heel, "We should go prepare our welcoming for our guests…" he chuckled to himself.
The others soon followed after him as they descended further into Abyss.