Chapter 20: Distant problems
Goetia placed the book into the shelf, he was only operating on autopilot at the moment. His mind was elsewhere, mainly on the topic of his latest results of his test on the stone implants on the Phantasmals.
He was correct, the fully constructed growth which replaced the heart had a greater rate of absorption than the minor growth on the smaller phantasmal. It made sense and had confirmed in his hypothesis that the phantasmals conceptual weight was based upon it. It was actually quite impressive.
The phantasmals would use these growths to absorb the magical energy from their surroundings and then channel it through their bodies. The wolves appeared to be able to accelerate their healing, while the lizard had been able to properly use it in a similar fashion to a greater extent.
Either to massively augment its physical skills via a mana burst or to fuel the use of its attacks. Either way, it was an impressive design, not entirely dissimilar to the act of channelling magical energy into gems, however to compare the two would be unfair. They were only similar in their basic function.
The stone like spheres did this passively, while it required actual effort to channel magical energy into a gem. In theory, it could be used as a primitive form of battery for power. Although he would need to run more tests on that part.
He felt something approach him, slowly turning his head to see Edelgard enter the library, she quickly scanned the room before her eyes fell on him, her face was set in a deceptively blank expression as she quickly turned her body and approached him.
Goetia raised an eyebrow and slowly levitated himself down to ground level "Young Edelgard. You require something?"
"Yes, I was curious as to if you had been made aware of the news currently circulating the monastery?"
"You refer to the rumour of Lord Lonato instigating an uprising?"
Edelgard nodded "Well, former rumour, I suppose." she corrected "It seems they were true, Lord Lonato has been rallying his people against the Church."
"A surprisingly simple way to end their lives." Goetia mused "But it is more likely the symbol that his defiance represents, than the hope of achieving anything."
"Symbol of defiance?"
"Indeed." Goetia replied "In doing so, he has openly committed himself to stand against the current system the Church upholds, although it could just as easily be dismissed as seeking revenge for the execution of his son." he scoffed "Although it will descend into a massacre. Considering that the militia he has created is hardly likely to pose any significant danger to the Church's knights."
"Most students are surprised about the situation." Edelgard admitted with an inquisitive gaze "Does the act of rebellion against the Church not concern you?"
"Why should it?" He just as quickly dismissed "Observing pointless struggles for pathetic reasons is something I have long since grown accustomed to, despite any personal feelings I have on the matter, there is very little I can do to change the situation." he turned to Edelgard fully "Lonato will die, all the individuals who took up arms in support of his cause will also die. Should anyone be found to have supported them, they will die as well."
Edelgard blinked at his declaration before a frown came to her face "Do you think the Church would so easily execute the people? They might argue that they have been led astray by their lord."
Goetia stared at her blankly in response "Do you think the Church will spare them?" Edelgard remained silent in response, causing Goetia to slowly nod his head "Then why should I? Like I said, I have seen previous instillations similar to the Church of Seiros many times before. The outcome is expected."
"Is the act of rebellion against a Church so common?"
"Entirely dependent on the beliefs that are held." Goetia waved his hand "In this instant, the motivation seems entirely personal, although Lonato is a member of the Western Church, in recent years they have been estranged from their central counterparts." Goetia mused "In any event, it is either a quest to avenge the death of his son, or a culmination of the tension between the Western Church and the Central Church. Religious differences are hardly uncommon."
"I see." Edelgard frowned, slowly nodding her head "You have seen much for someone so young."
"One does not need to live long to witness the extent of similarities within the world." Goetia scoffed "They need only turn their gaze wide enough. Regardless, have you come merely to confirm the rumour of Lonato's uprising?"
"I did." Edelgard affirmed "However, there is also rumour they will dispatch the classes to the frontline."
Goetia paused in what he was doing, the book he was sorting hovered in the air for a few moments before he carefully slot in in the place on the shelf, then turned to Edelgard with a frown. "That would be more surprising."
"What makes you say that?"
"Are children normally taken to the sights of massacres?"
"No, but we are Nobles. It is expected that we become accustomed to the sight of a battlefield."
"Culling peasants is not a battlefield." He responded back "This is just as much a subtle threat as anything else."
Edelgard furrowed her brows "Threat?"
"What better way to convince you to adhere to the commands of the Church than to see first-hand the results of treason?" He replied "A rather blunt tool, but if that is the one they seek to use, there is nothing for it."
"There are many who would find that statement problematic." Edelgard replied "They would also say that the Church is dealing with traitors to Fodlan than culling peasants."
"The average farmer who picks up spear in the name of his Lord is as knowledgeable about Fodlan as you are of Jerusalem." Was the blunt answer she received "If you wish to colour the act with some noble purpose, that is your own choice. But I very much doubt that the militia following Lonato knows much of the situation beyond what their Lord has told them."
"They have still raised their swords against the Archbishop."
"For reasons speculated but still unknown." He replied, then narrowed his eyes "This is peculiar line of questioning, however. You seem concerned about the lives of these individuals."
"Is it wrong to not be concerned?" Edelgard frowned, crossing her arms and meeting Goetia stare with one of her own "Commoners who, as you claim, do not know any better are about to be led to their deaths. Is not natural that I should find the situation appalling?"
"Why? You know none of them, nor are they citizens of the Adrestian Empire." Goetia asked "In what way should their lives concern you?"
Edelgard came very close to glaring at him "Just because they are not citizens of the Adrestian Empire does not mean their lives lose value."
"Is that so." Goetia cocked his head to the side "What value do you see in their lives?"
That time, she did glare at him "Are you suggesting that they do not have value?"
"I'm not suggesting anything, I'm asking what value you see in the lives of the commoners." He asked "From my understanding of your society, they seem remarkably expendable"
"Human lives are not expendable." Edelgard replied with narrowed eyes "It doesn't matter if they hold a Crest or not. They have value." she scowled at him, then paused when she noticed something glinting through his eyes. She furrowed her brows as she recognised it.
Pride.
She took a step back as the barest hints of a smile came to his face.
"They have value." Goetia parroted "There we come to the crux of the issue."
"What…" Edelgard blinked "I...you…" she widened her eyes in realisation "You baited me…"
"I did." Goetia admitted "Although had Von Riegan or Dimitri been present instead, I would have attempted a similar feat."
"Why?"
"Because I wanted to know how you felt about the situation." He replied "Yes. They are going to die. Whatever potential they had will die with them, whatever aims they possessed or goals will die as well. However, they will likely value their own lives more than you, which brings us back to the original point of this conversation."
"And that is?"
"Whatever aims that Lord Lonato hold, they in some way relate to the death of his son. That much is obvious. Yet the aims of the peasants is something entirely different." His minute smile returned to a frown "While they are ignorant to much of Fodlan, considering their position, they are also likely aware of what will happen now that they have challenged the Church."
"Death."
"Death." Goetia nodded his head "Yet they are willing to do this regardless, meaning their beliefs are strong enough that they are willing to die for them. In the face of such resolve, it begs the question, what could they be so willing to fight the Church and die over in the first place?"
"I thought you were unconcerned about Lord Lonato's rebellion."
"I am. In the grand scheme of things, it matters very little to me." He shrugged "However, I have seen such things before. You have not, this is as much to witness your own observations on the situation."
Edelgard sighed "I see...And, what do you think about the situation then?"
"If you are asking me about whether the loss of life in some way troubles me, you will find yourself disappointed by the answer." Goetia responded, Edelgard blinked at him in shock before realisation set in, a frown came to her face.
"You don't care about their lives?"
"Human lives are finite. Whether they die now or later, they still die in the end. Why should I concern myself over the manner of their deaths?"
"I thought you believe human lives have value."
"They do." He cut her off when she went to speak again "Their value will not change the simple fact they are going to die, there is also the fact that the value of a human is dependent on the situation. A single farmer is valuable if he is the only one in the field, the addition of ten farmers detracts from his inherent value."
"So now humans are valuable in a utilitarian way?"
"It is a simple example. One which I have found the nobility holds." Goetia pointed out, Edelgard frowned but said nothing "Unless you mean to tell me that the upper echelons of nobility will suddenly find the personal opinions of a peasant worthwhile."
"No, they would not." She sighed "Even if they did, the lack of any high social standing would prevent them from being taken seriously."
"It matters not." Goetia waved his hand "There is very little you can do to change current standing."
"What of you?" Edelgard asked "Do you see people as valuable in a utilitarian fashion?"
"…" He paused remaining silent for a few moments "No. Humans have value. They've always held value, they are strong fierce creatures and for that I find value in them." he slumped his shoulders, turning his head to look Edelgard in the eyes.
His own conveying such a tired expression in them.
"I just...Dislike watching their lives...because no matter how valuable they are, no matter what they achieve...they always end." He sighed, looking away from her and moving towards the desk "Its all too pitiable. You want my true opinion on the rebellion of Lonato and the deaths he is going to lead his people to?" he turned to her, red eyes glowing with anger in them. Edelgard took an instinctive step back, something about his eyes held power to them.
It was also eerily familiar to another individual she had encountered.
"My true opinion is that is pathetic. Its too pathetic. Its so pitiable it makes me furious." He snarled "Why? What's the point of it? What's the point of their belief in who's right or wrong? If their lives hold value, then why would they seek an end so quickly? Why!?" his left hand clenched so hard his knuckles began to whiten "All those people are going to die and it doesn't matter what they believed. Their value will die with them, so what was the point in the first place!?"
"Because they believe it is right."
He stiffened, slowly craning his head back to the heir to the Adrestian Empire. Edelgard stared back at Goetia with new found determination.
"I cannot claim to understand their reasoning behind it. But they obviously believe they are in the right." She went on "Whatever beliefs they hold, they obviously are ones that they consider to be worth fighting and dying for. Perhaps they have been fooled by Lord Lonato or perhaps they are acting of their free will."
"Free will, to fight and die?" Goetia parroted, then let out a scoff, looking away from her "...Yes. I can see it. Fighting for their beliefs and dying for them. It is such a human thing to do. You never change do you? Even here?" he muttered shaking his head and letting out a breath of exasperation. "How stubborn. Perhaps they seek to find value in the end, or they just don't care. It matters little anymore." he turned around and walked away.
Edelgard took that abrupt exit as the end of the conversation, and she had learned something more. More than she had thought as well, the impassive assistant librarian could get angry after all.
She just hadn't anticipated he would get that angry over the topic. She turned around, quickly leaving the library as she mulled over the information. There was also that brief flash in Goetia's appearance. To her knowledge, even with Crests, ordinary people's eyes did not glow.
Goetia sighed as he planted himself behind the desk, head falling into his hand. Getting angry again over something he'd seen thousands of times really wasn't worth it in the least. Yet he couldn't help himself in that moment, it was too great a reminder.
This entire affair was truly pointless. All those lives lost and over such a trivial reason. Well, it was hardly trivial to Lord Lonato, considering it was his son we was likely seeking to avenge, but it should have been trivial to the local commoners as well.
Although...Was it…
Did they see value in their final stand? They surely had to know they didn't have a chance of defeating the knights in open combat. So, was it merely a fight against the Church...for the sake of it?
That...that was something he could understand though. A battle with no meaning, purely for the sake of his pride.
'Yes. If that is the case.' He thought as he looked down at his left hand, clenching it into a fist in memory 'If what you seek is a battle without meaning, purely for the sake of it. Then I understand.' he paused in realisation, a quiet chuckle escaped his lips as his hand clasped his forehead "Hehehehe...hahahaha…So that's how it is? Ah...That's it then…"
His first experience at empathising with humanity.
Was because of something so meaningless. How could he not laugh?
The Fireball slammed into the wooden dummy, Goetia watched it burn with a blank expression before he slowly turned back to Leonie. The girl was shaking her casting hand with a frown as she stared at it. Then looked at Goetia "Is it supposed to hurt?"
"No." He replied "You held onto the spell for too long."
"I was aiming."
"Its not like archery, where you draw and then aim." He explained "You cannot maintain control over the spell indefinitely, therefore you must aim it first and then cast." Leonie furrowed her brows and nodded her head.
"I...suppose that makes sense." She flexed her hand as she stared at the small red marks around her fingertips "Its just...it kind of goes against Archery." looking back at Goetia she tilted her head to the side "Also, I thought I was just going to learn how to channel magical energy, why do I need to learn attack spells?"
"In the same reason you would not give a knife to a recruit and then immediately throw him into battle." Goetia huffed "You need to build up a certain degree of control. The more you train in casting the spells, the easier it will be for you to move on."
Another explosion had the pair turn their eyes to Byleth, the fireball having missed the dummy by a few feet, although her hand was still in perfect condition after casting. "Again." Goetia commanded, the professor nodded and cast the spell in quick succession.
Leonie blinked "How can she do it so fast?"
"She's rushing the casting." Goetia provided "Her problem is that she is doing the opposite to you." he turned back to the orange haired girl "It is merely trial and error."
"Ansuz!" The cry of Lysithea accompanied a slightly larger explosion further along the training ground. The girl stared at the floating rune hovering a few inches from her hand before she thrust her hands forwards, the fire sputtered out after travelling a metre. Lysithea frowned in annoyance before she tried again.
"...Trial and Error?" Leonie looked at Goetia with a raised eyebrow. The sound of glass shattering behind him had him sigh and reach into his pocket, pulling out a small colourless gem and floating it over to Mercedes, the girl sent him an apologetic look before she went back to her exercise.
"Trial and Error." Goetia nodded back, then waved his hand at the dummy, a gust of wind instantly snuffed the flames out and another gesture of his hand saw the straw target knit itself back together. "Again."
Leonie nodded and turned back to her target.
"Your class appears to have grown considerably." Came Seteth's voice from behind him, Goetia moved to give the phantasmal his full attention as he moved over to the green haired man stood by the door to the training area.
"They asked." Was all Goetia said "Although they have potential." he cocked his head "You have need of me?"
"I remembered our talk after you returned from your mission last month." Seteth replied "You spoke of the Demonic Beast being a greater threat than anticipated?"
"I did."
"Did you discover why?"
"My research has been delayed due to my obligations in the library and my new found position as private tutor." Goetia replied "However, I was able to make some deductions before I was pulled away from it."
"Oh? Such as?"
"The growth, the stone implants." Goetia explained "They serve as a heart and a source of power for the Demonic Beasts. The wolves were limited to a growth, the larger phantasmal had its entire heart replaced by the stone."
Seteth nodded "I see. Stone, you said?"
"Indeed." Goetia nodded "There was, however, evidence of something more. I analysed the techniques it could perform, I am familiar with variations of them, and came to the conclusion that they were not an original power."
Seteth furrowed his brows "What do you mean?"
"The Demonic Beasts regenerative capabilities are impressive, however, they cannot maintain the creature indefinitely. Especially when using its mystic abilities." He explained "The technique it used during our engagement strengthened its physical abilities considerably, however when I tested this on the sample I had retrieved, I discovered that its body could only use it a certain amount of times before it began to break down."
"Break down? You mean it would burn itself out?"
"It would, used repeatedly, its healing would be unable to compete with the speed of the bodies destruction. Originally I had believed the phantasmal was skilled enough to use its magical energy to empower itself safely, however, upon further testing I concluded that it is unable to cope with the stress. It heals the immediate damage, but it accumulates over time."
"Would the body not heal itself during a lapse in combat?"
"The nerves are burned away." Goetia waved his hand "They won't heal, they are recovered enough to work, however the more the demonic beast uses this skill, the greater the damage, it would eventually reach the point where the phantasmal would have killed itself first. The wolves, while less advanced, are only capable of mild regenerative capabilities."
Seteth narrowed his eyes, looking around and then leaned forwards "What does this mean?"
"It was an addition to the phantasmal after it grew." Goetia explained "Modified by someone."
Seteth widened his eyes in alarm "You mean to suggest someone purposefully created the Demonic Beast to posses a skill such as that?"
"Possibly, or it was a freak mutation." Goetia admitted "I am working with parts of a corpse, so it is entirely possible I am mistaken." he shrugged "I felt it best to warn you regardless, in the event that something similar emerges in the future."
"Hmm...yes…" Seteth nodded, only half paying attention "I understand." he looked back at Goetia "Incidentally, how complicated would your surmise this modification would be? Suppose it was. Would you describe this as the act of a group or an individual."
Goetia raised an eyebrow "The modification was pitiful. The phantasmal would have been able to use it perhaps three times before it died, although more than enough to destroy the village. Although if it was merely a disposable prototype or a failure, that is something entirely different."
"Thank you for informing me of this, Goetia." Seteth nodded back to him, genuine gratitude in his eyes "I will be sure to warn the knights and speak to the Archbishop, however with the current crisis is Gaspard…" he sighed "So much is happening right now."
"Ah, yes. Lord Lonato's rebellion." Goetia replied "Heiress Edelgard believes it is likely that the children of the classes will be dispatched alongside the knights."
"It is possible, although they will not take part on the front lines." Seteth assured him "They are far too young and inexperienced to be leading a charge, it is more likely that they will accompany the rearguard and attempt to sweep up any remnants that the vanguard force misses."
Goetia nodded in affirmation, remaining silent for a few moments before he spoke again "You will not ask for my aid?"
"Would you provide it?"
"No."
Seteth nodded back, a knowing smile on his face "Despite your role here at the Monastery, you are still a foreigner to Fodlan and hold no obligation to accompany the knights. While I'm certain you would prove a great help, the matter is, ultimately, a matter for the Church to resolve."
"Very well, I suppose the students are to accompany the knights so they are aware of the consequences of such actions?"
"They are." Seteth nodded gravely "It would do them well to learn the results of battle, so that they never seek it out."
"A proclamation of supporting peace by taking them to a one sided massacre." Goetia scoffed, then gave an inclination of his head "Admittedly, it is logical."
"Yes...I would rather it not be necessary to begin with." Seteth replied, looking over Goetia's shoulder "In any event, I shall leave you to your class. You have given me much to work upon."
"Farewell." Goetia nodded back to him as he departed.
Rhea looked up from her desk as she heard a knock on her door "Enter." her voice called out, the door clicked open as Seteth strode in, a look of concern on his face. "You look troubled Seteth." Rhea stood up "What is it that has you like this?"
"I just came from a disturbing talk with Goetia." Seteth replied, closing the door behind them "The contents of which require your attention."
Rhea frowned, furrowing her brows "What is it that he has said that has brought about this sudden meeting?"
"The Demonic Beast he fought during the Golden Deers mission." He explained "Goetia believes it may have been experimented on to grant it more power."
"This is troubling news." Rhea nodded her head "If there are individuals in Fodlan who would do such a thing, that is a concern that should be addressed."
"Rhea...you don't think it could be…"
Rhea bristled "If whatever slivers of them remain have dared to rear their heads from their lairs, I will personally see to it they are hunted down." she growled, eyes flicking to Seteth "Do you believe it is them?"
"I know of no magic that could do such a thing." Seteth replied "And the Agarthans were always more willing to exploit such barbaric methods. Goetia informed me the beast would have burned itself out, meaning it was nothing more than a test or a failure."
"...And what of Goetia?" Rhea asked "What is your opinion of him?"
Seteth blinked at the sudden change in topic "He had adjusted rather well to the Monastery, he has also acquired the role of private tutor to a small number of students as well as the new professor."
Rhea's lip thinned "Do you believe he is exploiting his position?"
"I do not believe he has much interest in the political or religious aspects of Fodlan." Seteth replied "He does not strike me as someone who would cause turmoil, primarily because it would likely be troublesome for himself as well."
"...I see." She nodded "Have you ever felt anything when around him?"
"Felt anything?" Seteth cocked his head slightly to the side "What do you mean?"
"It is...difficult to put into words." Rhea rubbed her thumb over her knuckle "There is something about him...as if he is not quite present, or perhaps there is something beneath the surface."
Seteth frowned "I have not been as attuned with my blood as you have in recent years. Is it a concern?"
"I am not sure. I have never felt something like this before. I am...not wholly convinced he is fully human. No." She cut Seteth off when he went to speak "He is not a dragon either, nor is he an Agarthan. It might be because he is a foreigner but...Mother never spoke of lands beyond Fodlan."
"Do you wish to confront him about it?"
"Not yet." She shook her head "We have no idea how he would react and if the reports of his power hold true, it would be a catastrophe if he were to do so poorly."
"I see." Seteth slowly nodded "You wish to keep an eye on him then?"
"For now." Rhea affirmed "Until we can be sure of his intentions and that he does not pose a threat."
Chapter 21: Preparation for problems.
The Monastery was on high alert, the bustling of armed knights was prevalent throughout the entire Church. Goetia had been hearing the ruckus for nearly an hour before he opened up the door to his room, moving outside and walking further down the corridor. It was both impressive and incredibly annoying how he could hear the entire commotion even from within his room.
Exiting the building, he looked around to see a full platoon of knights march past the housing area and towards the direction of the main gate.
He raised an eyebrow and hummed in acknowledgement, it confirmed in his mind that something of importance was occurring. It likely related to Lord Lonato's rebellion in some way, although he hadn't been expecting the Church to take this this seriously for some time. There must have been a more present issue at hand.
There was a gnawing curiosity within him, it didn't really matter to him what had gotten the Church into such a rush, however he still felt mildly intrigued as to what it was. The choice between merely turning around and going back to his room and setting up a bounded field to muffle the outside sound or investigate to see what had whipped the Church up into a frenzy bounced around in his mind for a few moments before he made his choice.
Turning away and moving in the direction of the classrooms, he figured that he may as well inform himself of what the situation. If only for the sake of knowing, he supposed.
"I didn't expect to see you out and about." Sothis crossed her arms as she floated around him, raising an eyebrow at the tanned man she cupped her chin "Did you find something interesting?"
"I was merely curious as to the situation of the Church." Goetia replied to the Goddess "The Knights have been preparing all morning, so it attracted my attention."
"I see." Sothis nodded her head, then a sly smile came to her face "They annoyed you enough that you got out of your room just to see what all the fuss was about."
"A...crude statement." Goetia replied with a sigh "However, I cannot fault its validity." he looked back at Byleth "I assume it relates to the news regarding Lord Lonato that has been circulating for the past week?"
"Citizens have been worked up into a frenzy." Byleth replied "We had a staff meeting about it yesterday. The rebel army attacked a nearby fort."
"Of the knights?" Goetia raised an eyebrow "I hadn't thought them to be so bold."
"Routed the knights too." She explained, Goetia's other eyebrow joined its counterpart in raising up his forehead. "Messenger came back to explain it. Church is currently assembling all its available knights to march out and meet them."
"It would appear Lord Lonato's rebellion was pre-planned then." Goetia mused "The time it has taken him to prepare an army capable of dealing with a fortified location, even if only minor, has been far too rapid to be anything but. Especially considering the majority of his force would consist of inexperienced peasants."
Byleth, for her part, shrugged "Caught them off guard perhaps. Or were better trained."
"Possibly." Goetia conceded, he hadn't paid too much attention to tactics over the years of observing humanity, so he couldn't claim to be a masterful general when it came to warfare. "In any event, that answers my query regarding the sudden alertness of the Monastery."
"Going to help?"
"No." He shook his head "I have no true interest in witnessing another conflict I have no stake in. More than that, it falls outside of my role as observer."
"You seem to pick and choose when you become an Observer." Sothis replied, crossing her arms and a frown playing on her features "Whenever something doesn't interest you, the excuse of 'I am merely an observer' comes up so you are no longer obligated to help. However, the moment something that you hold interest in occurs, you suddenly are at the forefront."
"Mitigating circumstances." He replied with a wave of his hand, lip twitching downwards "There is more than one method of observation and not all are as uninvolved as you would imagine."
"I still find it odd."
"If you were in my position, would you use your abilities to cut down droves of uneducated peasants over an ideology not your own?"
"…No." Sothis shook her head "I have difficulty adjusting to the idea of allowing children into battle, and without having met any of them, I cannot claim that these rebels deserve death."
"Exactly." Goetia nodded "Why should I, a foreigner in these lands, use whatever power I have at my disposal to debase myself to such an extent that I become a cleaner of others problems. I am indifferent to both sides." scoffing, he looked away "I have watched humans murder eachother over lesser reasons than this and have stayed my hand, for what reason should this be any different?"
"That makes you seem cold." Sothis narrowed her eyes "There is a difference between being a bystander to tragedy and being and actively permitting tragedy."
"Permit?" Goetia spat out the word as if it was something disgusting "Permit? I permit nothing. Even if I did act in those few instances, what would it have changed? Those I saved would have died anyway. Either killed for another reason, perhaps an even more trivial one, or of a completely unrelated event. Or merely just old age."
"For some who seems to be so powerful, you seem to have little problem in finding any excuse to not use that power." Was the scathing response in return "Do you actively enjoy watching humans struggle and die?"
That, Sothis came to learn, was the wrong thing to say to him. His eyes changed from a subtle red to glowing in an instant, his lip curled into a snarl with his left hand clenching into a fist. "Do not test me, Spirit." he hissed out, his voice dropping several octaves and seemingly echoing within the room "My inaction is not born out of indifference. None will lament the passing of human life more than I." he exhaled, controlling his building rage "But there is little I can do. I cannot change their minds, nor can I wave my hands and solve every issue." his rage had become cold, the light in his eyes dying down.
His flickered his gaze away from the stunned Sothis and back to Byleth, noticing her hand had dropped to the hilt of the dagger strapped to her hip. Evidently, she had done so instinctively, as when she became aware of the sensation of her hand gripping something, her eyes lit up in surprise and moved to the dagger. Releasing it suddenly.
Sothis face returned to a more inquisitive one "If you feel so strongly about it, then why not do something?"
Goetia couldn't help it.
He laughed, a horrible, broken and empty laugh. He didn't care how it looked to anyone, his left hand clasped onto the front of his face, hiding his expression as he laughed at the words she had spoken. How could he not laugh at them? It was such a painful joke.
"Ha…" He finished with a wheeze, slowly lowering his hand from his face as he beheld their expressions. Sothis had furrowed her brows and was looking at him with a small amount of concern, Byleth's face had remained impassive as always, save the hint of confusion in her eyes, likely at what prompted his reaction. Goetia's face turned blank. "It doesn't matter what I do. They'll still die in the end." he replied in a flat tone "They'll die, and I'll remain." pausing, he let out a scoff "Well...perhaps not for much longer than them."
"Are you-"
"Save your concern for those who need it." He cut the goddess off "Regardless. Its not my place to interfere anymore. I can lament their passing, I can pity their lives, but I need not save them anymore...They are far too stubborn for that."
Sothis cocked her head, scrunching up her face "That does not make much sense."
"No...I suppose it does not." He rubbed his brow "It vexes me even now...But still, my killing of rebels won't change anything." returning to his original point "Whatever issue they had that was enough to turn them against the Church is not my concern."
Staring at him for a few more moments, Sothis eventually shrugged her shoulders "I suppose that is fair. Admittedly, I only have a stake in this because of the link I share with Byleth." she gestured at the blue haired girl "Although perhaps it is because I feel this Monastery holds the answers to my riddles that convinces me to lend my aid."
"Whatever the reason, you have motivation." Goetia explained "I do not."
"What about Lysithea?" Byleth asked, tilting her head "What if she gets hurt?"
Goetia jolted as if someone had slapped him. He furrowed his brow, his eyes squinting at Byleth for a few moments before he let out an incredulous scoff "What about her? She has enough power to avoid harm, she does not need my aid."
"What if she does get hurt?"
His eye twitched, there was a bizarre feeling in his chest at the notion of Lysithea being injured or dying. One he had not experienced since he observed Mash Kyrielight. No, it was different. He had come to understand Mash, but in the end, he had not set aside his goal to accommodate for her wishes.
Now he was thinking about Mash, an even uglier emotion boiled within him, something he couldn't name but left him feeling almost sick. Intertwining Mash's fate with Lysithea left him...conflicted.
He could merely argue that he was projecting Mash onto Lysithea, but that didn't quite do it justice. Their personalities were so opposed to eachother. Mash was shy, often naïve while Lysithea was confident in her own abilities, if suffering from a feeling of bias. She wanted to be recognised for her own knowledge, rather than her blood. Mash wanted only to safeguard the person who had held her hand.
Yet, he couldn't help but compare the two.
He shook his head clear of the thoughts, burying the ugly feelings in his chest and looking back at Byleth, opening his mouth to voice his opinion that Lysithea was not likely to be injured in a mere skirmish with dirt farmers. Except he couldn't, that ever encompassing fear of Death struck him yet again.
He lowered his hand, staring blankly at Byleth, then his eyes flicked over to a smirking Sothis. The Goddess having picked up on his dilemma and thoroughly enjoying watching him be caught flat-footed for the first time.
"Lysithea...will be fine." He settled with "I cannot act as a guardian for her in all situations...nor would she want me to."
"Hmmm...I see." The Goddess nodded her head "I suppose that makes sense, although there was a little hesitation in your answer there." smirking, the Goddess floated over until she was in his face "Feeling a little attached are we?"
"Not to whatever extent you would imagine. It is merely a matter of preference." Goetia dismissed. Sothis gave him a flat look in return before she sighed, floating away from him and back towards Byleth.
"Well, if you say so, I won't argue with it." There was still an amused gleam in her eyes, however. For some reason, that irritated him. Clicking his tongue, he turned his attention back to Byleth.
"Regardless of that, how are your studies progressing?" He swiftly changed the topic, the womans eyes lit up and she slowly furrowed her brows.
"Can cast quickly, but still end up missing sometimes."
"Because you're throwing the spells around like skipping stones across a lake." Sothis rolled her eyes "I keep telling you to be patient."
"But I might not always have the luxury of waiting in a battlefield, I might need to cast immediately."
"Casting immediately doesn't help if you miss four out of five throws."
"...It was three out of five."
"Are you really going to be pedantic over this?"
"She speaks correctly." Goetia nodded in Sothis direction "While it is impressive that your casting time is short, it is useless as if your spells miss. You would be better off waiting to aim."
"Do you?"
"I have experience that supersedes the need for aiming." He scoffed "However, there is a marked difference between the pair of us. You will eventually reach that level."
"How long?"
"Long."
Byleth furrowed her brows "But you look young."
"I am, relatively." That wasn't a lie, his body was only a few months old. His mind was a completely different story, but there was not need to go into detail on that particular topic "In any event, has Professor Hanneman made progress with your Crest?"
"Not yet." She shook her head "Says he hasn't seen one like it before, and suspects it might be a new one."
"Truly?" Goetia raised an eyebrow "Intriguing. Although there is the possibility it is an older Crest that simply wasn't given the correct conditions to manifest."
"There was another one?"
"The only Crest I am aware of which does not have a current holder is the Crest of Flames." He paused "However the Crest of Macuil would also fit the description, as the Saint had no reported relatives."
"So, it is either a new Crest or a long forgotten one." Sothis mused "It is most peculiar mystery."
"I would assume you are accustomed to such things."
"True, but that does not mean they irritate me any less." Rubbing her brow, the Goddess yawned "My goodness, I am most tired. I suppose I shall retire for a nap." with her parting words, the Goddess faded out of existence, her eyelids slowly falling shut as her expression turned peaceful.
"Regardless, I only came here to fulfil a curiosity, and I have." He nodded to Byleth, turning away from her "If you will excuse me."
"Bye." She called back to him, turning around and moving back to her desk, preparing the next set of activities for her students to complete. Then paused, turning back around "Wait!" she called out, Goetia stopped, turning back to her and tilting his head.
"Yes?"
"I was going to run a drill on fighting mages. Could you participate as an opponent."
"...Me?"
"Yes."
"Why?"
"So they don't underestimate them." She replied blandly "You said you could enhance yourself, would be useful for the students to prepare for any possibility."
"Expect the unexpected." Goetia surmised, he let out a brief hum of thought as he mulled over the request. It was certainly one with merit, although he doubted the students would ever encounter an individual like himself in the future. "It...has merit." he acknowledged "Although I would consider myself far outside of their league."
"Exactly."
"Ah, you want them to come to terms with fighting an opponent they have no chance of victory against."
"My Father is a well known mercenary...apparently." She frowned "They don't expect to win against me because of that." nodding to him "So if they fight you, who specialises in spells."
"They would come to terms with the fact that there are opponents that can outclass them in all categories, not simply sword arts." He finished "...Very well, although I would need a base line to hold back on."
"Nothing permanent."
"Understood." Goetia nodded back, turning around "I will await your call for assistance." this time, he left the classroom without interruption.
Goetia barely got a foot out of the classroom before a voice called out behind him "Ah! Young Goetia!" he stopped, turning his head around to see Hanneman approach him "I was just on my way to your room."
"Is there something that you wished to discuss?" Goetia asked, turning his body to face the Professor fully.
"Yes, there was." Hanneman affirmed "I had hoped that you would be willing to come with me to my study, I realise that, in my haste to analyse Professor Eisner's Crest, I overlooked the potential that you possessed one as well."
Goetia knew he wasn't going to be registered with a Crest. Not in the way they were expecting, more than that, he no longer possessed any form of magical Crest, if he ever did as the amalgamation of Demon Gods to begin with.
At this point, he was debating whether or not he would either deny the man, or humour him and get it out of the way. "I do not possess a Crest." he replied with "Unfortunately, any research you conducted on me would be wasted."
Hanneman's shoulders slumped "Ah, a pity. Although there is another thing I would like to ask you."
"Oh?"
"I was wondering if you would be open to giving a brief seminar." Goetia blinked at the man, slowly furrowing his brows.
"A seminar?"
"Indeed, I have one on Crests coming up soon and I was wondering if you would be willing to discuss the Crests of your home during it." Goetia raised an eyebrow as he thought about the suggestion. The Crests of his home, there were fundamental differences between the two.
"They are dissimilar to the Crests you are familiar with." Goetia explained "Their only common trait is the sharing of name and inheritance through blood, although there is a choice in the process as to whether or not the child can receive the Crest."
Hanneman cupped his chin "Oh? So you mastered the ability to isolate the Crest?"
"They were constructed by humans." Goetia explained "Rather than from Divine blood, although there is still an element of 'pedigree' within the Crest itself, however."
"Are certain Crests valued differently to others?" Hanneman mused, then squinted his eyes "No...I suspect that those Crests that have been around the longest are treated more favourably than newer ones."
"Perceptive." Goetia replied "You would also be correct, Magi valued Crests with long history to them, there was also an element on racial bias within their central association. Not too dissimilar to that within Fodlan."
"Unfortunate." Hanneman frowned "There is no greater obstacle to learning than wilful bigotry of others, I dare say that even those in Almyra must have some knowledge that could prove useful...although I make no claims."
"Nor should you." He nodded back to the man "However, like I said, the Church might have issues with my statements. They would likely consider it blasphemy that humans attempted to create 'copies' of the Goddesses gift to them." despite the fact that there were Crests that were around longer than Fodlan's recorded history.
"I suppose they would." There was an undercurrent of disappointment in the man's voice before he seemed to gain an intrigued look in his eyes "One more thing, I understand you have been tutoring the heir to House Ordelia."
"I have." Goetia nodded, it wasn't exactly a secret, although he was somewhat perplexed as to why Hanneman had brought it up "Is there an issue?"
"None at all." Hanneman waved his hand "Although I would ask that you do treat her well, the same goes for your other pupils too, students have a habit of mirroring their teachers mannerisms."
Goetia didn't think he had much in the way of mannerisms that could be copied, or at least none that he was actively showing. Then again, he supposed that his retrained emotions could count as one, although Lysithea did not seem to be one to even be capable of emulating that.
"It would reflect poorly on me if their education was lacking." He replied with a wave of his hand and a small frown "And would likely abuse the modicum of trust the Church has placed in me by even allowing their continued tutoring at my hand."
"Perhaps." Hanneman nodded "But I suppose it is up to you, however I do understand your concern, and I suspect that the Church would have some choice words about the Crests you speak of, even if they do only share the name."
"It is no great loss." Goetia dismissed "I have little doubt that the Black Eagles would have learned much from learning about Magic Crests, although I was intent on teaching them to my students, should they develop and interest I would not be adverse to explaining them."
"Thank you for the offer." Hanneman bowed his head "I will make sure to look for you should the opportunity present itself, in the meantime, I have more research to conduct on Professor Eisners Crest."
"On that subject, have you considered that it is an older Crest?"
"Beg your pardon?"
"As oppose to a new Crest, it is possible it is one that had merely remained in the background until now."
"You suggest a Crest that was unable to manifest fully." Hanneman cupped his chin "Yes...yes that could be the answer I seek, although I believe I am already close to uncovering the mystery of its origins. Regardless, I thank you for this suggestion, it might be that it harbours some truth to it."
Goetia shrugged "I merely make a suggestion, had I the time, I would have conducted the research myself, however I am currently occupied with other activities."
"Of course, although I suspect they are equally rewarding."
"I have no complaints." Goetia replied "I shall take my leave of you, I suspect I will soon be needed elsewhere."
"Oh?" Hanneman blinked "Important duties?"
"Byleth believes it would do the students some good of they were to spar with me." Giving a non-committal shrug "It is logical for them to battle foes who are skilled in areas beyond swords and spears."
"That it does." Hanneman nodded "Perhaps I shall think of something similar." chuckling he backed away and waved at Goetia "Until next time then, have a pleasant day, Young Goetia."
"You as well." Goetia nodded back to the man, turning away and moving off back through the Monastery. He would await the in the Library until Byleth felt as though she had need of his abilities.
"Which is why Goetia will be your sparing opponent." Byleth introduced the one armed man to her class, most of the blue lions held looks of minor confusion, however Felix and Ingrid regarded the man with a calculating expression.
"With no sword?" Felix scoffed "One would need only close the distance and he would be finished."
"Provided you could." Goetia replied back in a bored tone of voice, that caused Felix to narrow his eyes.
"This is why we are doing this exercise." Byleth explained "You will have to learn not to underestimate your opponents, Goetia has agreed to hold back-"
"Just out of curiosity." Sylvain interrupted with a raised hand and slightly perturbed expression "How much is he going to hold back?"
Byleth turned her head to the man, Goetia stared back at her for a few seconds before he shifted his gaze to Sylvain "You will recover within the day."
"Thanks?"
"We will be performing different tactics." Byleth stepped forwards "First will be one on one engagements and then we will move onto group battles."
"Group?" Dimitri tilted his head "Are you going to assign Goetia to a team?"
"No." Goetia shook his head "It will be group engagements against myself."
"That's rather overconfident of you." Ingrid pointed out with a frown "I sincerely hope you aren't underestimating us."
"I am not." Goetia replied truthfully, which only served to further wound the pride of those who had it. It was a subtle jab at best and a blatant insult as to how he viewed their skills at worst.
The truth of the matter was that he really wasn't underestimating them in the least. He could restrict himself to his most basic spells and still he would have been able to outmatch them. Not that he was going to boast about that. Although he hadn't been in combat against humans for a while, so he wasn't sure if his old habits were going to come through or not.
He admitted to himself that, yes, they probably were.
"Who shall go first?" Byleth asked for volunteers, there was a brief moment when no one moved, then Sylvain stepped forwards.
"May as well." The red haired boy gave a sly grin "Do I get a reward for volunteering?"
Only Sothis, floating behind Byleth, managed to catch the brief flicker of annoyance pass through Goetia's eyes. She instinctively withheld a chuckle. While she was no fan of watching children get beaten up, she had the sneaking suspicion that there would be some amusement to be had with this.
Ingrid gave Sylvain a disgusted look, making it painfully obvious she wanted to hit him there and then. Byleth, for her part, regarded him with the same unchanging expression that she always had before replying "Your reward is you get to go first."
Sylvain blinked, then chuckled "Not much incentive there, but I suppose I walked into that one." moving over to the training rack, he picked up a wooden spear and gave it a brief twirl before marching back to the sand pit.
The Blue lions were all shepherded off to the side while Goetia and Sylvain stood in the centre of the training room, a few metres apart.
"Start when you're ready." Byleth called out.
"Don't go for my face." Sylvain asked with a wry smile "Its my best feature."
Goetia raised an eyebrow "As you wish." he tapped his foot on the ground, the sand in front of Sylvain shifted for a split second.
It was the only warning he got before a pillar shot forth and slammed into his gut with all the force of a mule kick. Sylvain instantly had the air knocked out of his lungs as he shot backwards, unceremoniously falling onto his back and coughing heavily.
Several Blue Lions winced at the injury, their eyes watching the pained expression on Sylvains face as he tried to get oxygen back into his lungs, then they looked over to Goetia, the man staring at them with the same blank expression their professor held.
"Who is next?"
Somehow, they found that to be more intimidating.