The Black Eagles' first mission

Byleth shook his head. "No, I believe we have enough supplies for everyone, and you've all been doing good in preparing." Even Liinhart and Bernie had shown marked improvement, though he doubted it would have been as fast without some active guidance. "Just waiting on-"

"Ah, it seems your're team has fully prepared." Seteth said as he walked over. "I'm here with the latest intel on the situation." Seteth nodded as the full class turned to look at him.

"It is time?" Jeritza asked in his usual tone.

"Yes, the bandits have fled north into the canyon bordering Count Rowe's land in the Kingdom. But the knights have cut off their escape, and now stand ready to provide whatever support the students may require." Seteth confirmed.

"We'll leave at once." Byleth replied promptly. He had intended to turn and head out right there, but Seteth had stopped him. "I needn't remind you this is the first real battle for some of our charges. I trust you will keep them safe—though I likely do not need to worry with an old hand like you at their side." He turns to Jeritza with that last comment.

"No you don't." A man of very few words, Jeritza was.

"Well, let's be off." Byleth nodded as they headed out. Shez was looking forward to some action, and Byleth could understand that from his fellow mercenaries. The mission shouldn't be too complicated. With the Knights keeping them from running, there was no way they could escape and make things less predictable.

"Lost sight of them?"

Of course. Nothing ever fully went to plan in the field. Byleth should have remembered that. Apparently, the bandits had been magicked them out of danger, something that wouldn't usually be available to regular bandits. Then, Jeritza stated he would follow the 'blood-scent', and ran off after ordering everyone to follow him.

Astonishingly, he had found several bandits and slaughtered them before the rest could catch up. After Hubert asked if Jeritza was following a lead, he had said no but was certain it was their target before pointing out a fortress where he said they were fleeing to. Edelgard was able to confirm it wasn't the emperor's and Linhart confirmed it wasn't the Kingdom's either, meaning it was probably just a bandit fortress.

"Then give us allowance to be storming their base and crushing them under our feet!" Petra answered boldly.

"It's 'crush them underfoot, Petra." Dorothea corrected her. "And, it might be a little dangerous for us to handle on our own, Petra."

"Yes! I mean, I agree. We should all, um, go home. Right now." No surprise that was Bernadetta's take.

Ferdinand, on the other hand, was as eager to strike them down. "But the bandits might be inside, and they must answer for their crimes! It is our noble duty to finish them off before they can bring harm to another soul."

Caspar seemed to be sharing a few brain cells with him, too. "This isn't about nobles—it's about doing the right thing, period. And striking down evil is the Caspar way!" Given the way things were going, Byleth was sure-

"We'll be heroes if we manage to take out the entire bandit outpost! This is the kinda stuff I live for!" Yup, Shez was gung-ho for showing off too. He really had been getting to know his class.

"Enough. This is not our decision to make. Professor Byleth?" Edelgard cut through the chatter quickly.

After a few moments to think about it, Byleth nodded. "The mission stands. We'll enter the fortress. Dispatch any bandits you find. I don't see any signs of life, but don't let your guards down even if we may be chasing ghosts."

Petra looked curiously at him. "Professor, are you having the ability to speak with ghost spirits?

Hubert sighed and shook his head at her response. "It is just an expression, Petra. It means there is probably no one here."

"Ah, I am understanding now. You have my thanks. This language has much peculiarity some of the times." She replied with a nod and shake of her head. It had given Byleth an idea though. 'Sothis can you scout around in there? We could use all the intel we can get.' His telepathic request was met by a salute from the invisible sex genie as she went flying off.

Edelgard nodded as things died down. "Well, if that's settled, let us make ready. Make sure you're prepared before we head out, everyone."