"Runecraft originated itself in Scandinavia." Goetia began, Lysithea furiously jotting down notes as he continued to speak "From that, there are three different types of Runes." Goetia held up his hand and raised a corresponding finger "Primordial, Old and modern."
"What is the difference between them?" She asked, looking up from her parchment.
"Primordial are said to have been crafted by the Gods in the region. Old runes are older than their primordial counterparts, however they are not as potent as them and Modern Runes are considered to be pale imitations of the previous two. For learning purposes, and their superiority to other craft, we shall begin your tutoring in Primordial as oppose to modern and Old."
"Why not those two?" She asked, pausing in her note taking "If they aren't as superior, would they not be easier to learn?"
"No, the skill required to learn them remains the same. Modern runes are but pale imitations compared to Old runes and Primordial. As for Old? While more powerful than modern runes, they lack the potential of Primordial. However, crafting a true Primordial rune would be beyond you, thus you shall be learning copies of them." Goetia internally hummed, with her Divine Core he was curious if Byleth could utilise true Primordial runes, with their traces of Divinity in the form of Crests was it possible that the more powerful mages here could use them, he made a note of that and determined himself to research into that possible end.
"Are they powerful?"
"Extremely, which is why we shall utilise copies rather than the original. They are not as powerful as their true selves, but certainly leagues above whatever craft was created after their disappearance." She nodded her head.
"Runes themselves powered symbols of Mysteries." Goetia explained, Lysithea paused her note taking and gave him a confused look.
"Mysteries?"
"The reference to magical energy, dark magic would be considered a branch of mystery. Anything which is magical in nature may be referred to as a 'Mystery'."
"So, they are the realisation of magic then?" She asked, when Goetia nodded after a few moments she wrote down again.
"A rune itself is a symbol that will release the predetermined mystery, although the symbols themselves have more than one meaning."
Lysithea frowned "If they can have more than one meaning, would that not make their effect random?"
"The impact they have is dependent on the Caster." Goetia held up his hand and crafted a small symbol in the air, after a few moments the symbol shone brightly, Lysithea covering her eyes before it died down "That was the Kenaz rune, meaning refers to openings, release of skills or creativity, and the revelation of secrets. I merely intended for the rune to reveal."
"And the revealing of secrets is can be interpreted to shine a lantern in the dark." Lysithea nodded "You mentioned creative skills?"
"If desired it may give the caster a flash of inspiration, however inspiration is a vague notion, you may be inspired to suddenly consume human meat."
She cringed in disgust "Nevermind then."
"It is a poor example, a similar result may also be achieved with a Dagaz rune meaning dawn or illumination, regardless the Rune itself may also be used to improve eyesight. A necessary skill for an Archer, less so for a Mage." He held his hand over a spare parchment and then wrote another small symbol, Lysithea noted this one looked different.
"What does that one do?" She asked, he merely picked it up and handed the paper to her.
"Try and break it." She frowned, taking the paper and immediately going to tear it. Then widened her eyes as the paper failed to even crinkle. To her it felt like holding a sheet of metal.
"That is the Ehwaz rune, or the rune of hardening. You will likely find that paper as strong as steel." She looked back to him with a shocked expression.
"How long does it last?" She handed the paper back to him, he looked thoughtful for a few moments.
"It is dependent on the rune and for what purpose you require it for." He said after a moment "If one were to desire the rune to continue, they would need to keep supplying magical energy into it, however most runes will expend themselves after a few minutes. The more violent runes will typically last for but a few seconds after being cast, such as a bolt of lightning."
"You can do that with them?" Lysithea asked in surprise, Goetia nodded.
"They are versatile and are often entirely dependent on their Caster to envisage their use."
"How many Runes are there?"
"Twenty four." Goetia replied "Each have their own uses, however for the moment I will not expect you to be capable of learning all of them in such a short span of time."
"I understand." Lysithea nodded.
"For the moment, we shall focus on inscribing the symbol rather than the mystery it is associated with." Goetia picked up a quill and floated a spare parchment over to him and began to draw out three symbols "We shall begin with these three."
She looked at them as he slid the parchment over to her "What do these mean?"
"Anzuz, Thurisaz and Isa." Goetia explained "Useful for fire, lightning and ice respectively. While that is not their whole meaning, it would be easier for you to interpret them as such. A similar enough position to the elemental magic's that you utilise, although these allow for greater versatility."
"You want me to use them?" Lysithea asked, then frowned when Goetia shook his head.
"For the moment, you will practice writing out the symbols. The rune must be inscribed correctly first before any spell may take place. Once I am satisfied with the result, we will look towards your interpretation of the Runes and their operation."
"How I interpret the runes?" She tilted her head in confusion.
"The runes themselves may represent different elements, however it is up to you how they are brought forth. Ansuz may be used for fire, but how that fire is called upon is what you will determine. Is it a stream of fire you wish or a ball?" She nodded her head as he went on.
"So I need to think about how its like practising the circles for other magic's then. I have to ensure they are perfect before I can use them."
"If that is how you wish to view it." Goetia nodded "However a lack of imagination will also hamper your progress, being aware of the different interpretations of Runes will aid you in flexibility."
"I see." Lysithea nodded "I assume you want me to be able to copy these down from memory eventually?"
"Yes." He nodded "You will continue this alongside your studies, once you master these runes we shall move onto others. For practical application, for the time being until you can inscribe a rune from memory, I shall inscribe the runes and you will activate them."
"I won't let you down, Teacher." Lysithea proclaimed, placing a hand on her chest and puffing herself up. Goetia remained blank faced at her.
"I'm certain your attempts will be fruitful." He looked around "If you will excuse me." he stood up "I will return shortly, continue to practice the runes and keep me aware of your progress."
"Yes, Teacher." Goetia wasn't sure he was going to get used to hearing that any time soon. It sounded rather alien to him.
He exited the library and began his brief journey to the classrooms, despite the free days the students possessed. He suspected he could still find Byleth at the Blue Lions classroom.
_____
"-ease do not eat the weeds." Goetia raised an eyebrow at the bizarre sentence as he approached. Rather curious why one would consume such plant life, but he didn't consider himself one to judge such things.
"I'm just saying." That was most certainly the voice of Prince Dimitri, he was planning on consuming the weeds or advocating for it.
"I am aware of a dozen species available for human consumption." Goetia stated as he approached, Dimitri and the tall dark skinned student looked up from the ground to see the tanned Librarian walking towards them "Although I do not believe that the Monastery grows them here."
"That is a shame." Dimitri sighed and shook his head, the dark skinned boy just elected to stare at Goetia "It might offer an opportunity for some of the students to consider other forms of food when out camping."
"Possibly." Goetia admitted "Although I imagine most would prefer to go hunting."
"Perhaps." Dimitri let out a small laugh "I know Felix would probably hunt a boar and try and serve it to me as a joke."
"Your highness, he means it as an insult." The dark skinned man pointed out with a straight face, although Goetia could pick up the irritated tone in his voice.
Dimitri's face turned more sombre "He's just like that…" he looked back to Goetia and gave him a smile "I assume you are looking for the Professor?"
Goetia nodded "Indeed, I assume she is within the Blue Lions class?"
"She is." Dimitri nodded, then looked to his companion "I do not believe that you have been introduced to the other Blue Lions yet, have you?"
"My interaction with the students has been limited to you, Edelgard, Von Riegan, Lysithea and the dark haired boy who seems to spy on me from a distance."
Dimitri scrunched his face up in confusion before his eyes widened in realisation "Ah yes, that would be Hubert. He is Edelgards Retainer, he likely keeps an eye on you to ensure that you are no danger to her. He means no offence by it, I assure you."
"He is a Retainer, I assumed it was their priority to ensure that no harm came to their monarch, soon to be, or otherwise." Goetia shook his head "Regardless, I assume this question in some way related to your companion here?" his lone arm gestured to the dark skinned man.
"Yes." Dimitri nodded "This is my Vassal and friend, Dedue."
Dedue nodded once "It is agreeable to meet you. His highness has informed us of how you came to his aid at Remire village. I thank you for aiding in his protection."
"My impact on the possibility of his death was minimal. However...your gratitude is acknowledged." Goetia acquiesced the tilted his head to the side "You are from Duscur, are you not?"
"I am." Dedue answered, face remaining blank. Dimitri on the other hand, suddenly narrowed his eyes. His tone taking on an accusatory edge to it.
"That is not an issue, is it?" His face softened when Goetia shook his head.
"I was merely curious. I myself have been accused of being a mixed blood from Duscur during my travels." He admitted "Either that, or I was suspected to be a native of Almyra." Dimitri winced.
"I...see…" He looked uncomfortable, Dedue's expression shifted into a frown "I hope you were not treated...too badly for your suspected heritage."
"Nothing which had any lasting impact." Goetia said after a moment. A deeper part of him told him that had the humans known what he truly was, they would have accused him of far worse "I was simply curious how a Prince of the Holy Kingdom of Fargheus has a man from Duscur as his vassal, considering their rather poor reputation."
Dimitri frowned "Dedue is a good man, I would not accuse him of anything relating to the tragedy. Besides...it was not Duscur's doing…"
Goetia raised an eyebrow while Dedue remained silent "Is that so?" he nodded his head "I am a recent arrival to Fodlan. I will neither accuse nor absolve Duscur of crimes they may or may not have committed. Dedue and his people have yet to do me any wrong, thus I will treat him no differently than I would another student."
Dimitri smiled "I thank you for that." Dedue merely gave a small nod "I believe you were looking for the professor? I will not take up any more of your time."
"I will take my leave." Goetia went to leave, as he walked past the Prince, Dimitri called out to him.
"One last thing-" He turned to the Prince "I truly am thankful. Many seek to judge Dedue before they speak with him. It is...refreshing to meet one who will treat him as a person and not as a monster."
"There are many Beasts in this world." Goetia stated "I would not consider this young man to be one of them." Dimitri and he exchanged another nod before Goetia left to enter the large classroom.
________
Byleth was currently speaking to her resident ghost.
"I told you, I am not a ghost!" The floating green haired girl, Sothis, exclaimed, then crossed her arms in a huff "I just lack a physical body right now is all."
"Is that so?" Byleth replied, she figured she might look slightly strange while speaking to herself, but there was currently no one here so it was fine.
"Yes!" Sothis frowned "More importantly, what are you going to do about those kids?"
"Teach them."
"Do you know how to teach them?"
"Yes."
"Hitting them with a stick or throwing a book in front of them is not teaching."
"...Rea-"
"Yes. Really." She sighed and shook her head "You have a big library here, don't you? Use it. It will also keep that...thing...in our line of sight at all times."
"He is not a thing." Byleth frowned "He is simply and unusual man."
"Very unusual." Sothis narrowed her eyes "There is something about being near him which troubles me greatly. He may appear human...but there is something there, hiding beneath the surface. I feel as though he wasn't always like that."
"Like what?"
"Human, you dunce!" Sothis floated in front of her "He's suspicious!"
"How?"
"He just is! Aren't you curious how he's only got one arm? Or how is hair glitters like that?"
"Not really." Byleth wasn't that curious about the man.
"Fine...how about why he is suddenly teaching students magic despite being a librarian?" Sothis grinned "And...why they just happen to be a student from a rival class."
"Because Claude harassed him to do it."
Sothis facepalmed "He could have just said no."
"Maybe he didn't want to."
"Hmph." Sothis grunted "I suspect if he didn't want to teach them, he would have told her so. Face it, he wanted to teach her."
"Is that really suspicious?" Byleth tilted her head as she stared at the floating girl.
"Yes!"
Byleth looked closer and furrowed her brows.
"..No…" Sothis eventually relented and sighed "Its not that suspicious...they did make you a teacher after all. I suppose someone who likes working with books wouldn't teaching wouldn't be that strange."
Byleth nodded, somewhat pleased she had won the argument.
"Mark my words though!" Sothis exclaimed as she floated away "There is something suspicious about him, you'll see eventually!" she turned away from Byleth and towards the entrance of the classroom.
Immediately into the red eyes of Goetia, barely a foot from her own.
Sothis froze.
Red eyes stared at her with mild interest, a lone eyebrow raised and his head slightly tilted to the side.
He could see her.
He could see her.
"W-wh-" She stuttered for a sentence, Goetia interrupted her.
"How peculiar…" His eyes narrowed "An incorporeal manifestation of a Deity? Completely unable to be perceived by those without the insight...Most curious indeed."
Byleth spun around in surprise, she didn't sense Goetia enter at all. Her own eyes widened as his attention was placed solely on Sothis.
"It appears you are not limited to the manipulation of time." Goetia cupped his chin with his hand, studying Sothis as if she were a particularly interesting bug "However, you appear unable, or unwilling, to assume control of your host. Perhaps you lack the power...no…" he shook his head, no longer paying attention to the two individuals in front of him "Manipulating time requires tremendous power, bodily possession would be a trivial feat for one such as you."
"You...you can see me!?" Sothis exclaimed, darting away from Goetia as fast as she could. An irrational fear playing on her mind that if he could see her, he could touch her.
"I can hear you as well." Goetia's eyebrows creased "Refrain from raising your voice, I will not suffer your exclamations and I doubt Byleth wishes to as well."
Sothis spun around to Byleth and gestured at Goetia, her expression panicked while also screaming 'Told you' "See!" she shouted at her host "He's suspicious! He can see me when no one else can!"
"The ability to see you, while certainly unexpected, is not indicative of any wrong doing on my part." Goetia pointed out "However, there will be time for your interrogation later. I suspect you would not wish for hapless students to come upon us while speaking of such things."
Byleth thought for a moment, then shook her head. She relaxed her posture, hand coming away from the knife she'd been reaching for. What concerned her was that the tanned man showed no relief at her action, he hadn't even registered what she was attempting.
She frowned, either he was foolish or he was confident she was no threat. She had only seen him in action once, during their second encounter, and he had displayed magic that was at the very least powerful. However, she didn't know if he was simply powerful, or possessed skills to accompany it.
"A question came up during my tutoring of Lysithea." Goetia turned back to Byleth "The discussion of True Primordial runes, I am unaware if the mages here could generate enough power to use them."
"So?" Sothis narrowed her eyes at Goetia "What does this have to do with us?"
"I suspect, given your being here." Goetia cast a glance at her before looking back at Byleth "That you would be capable of utilising them."
"Why?" Byleth asked, her eyebrows furrowed.
"Because they were first created by Gods." Goetia bluntly put "Given your current...companion." he gestured at Sothis "I have reason to believe you might be able to use them."
"W-wait!" Sothis eyes went wide "Gods!? You think I'm a God?"
Goetia now fully turned to her, slightly puzzled "Yes...were you...not aware?" he asked in confusion. This was most unexpected for him, how would a God be unaware of their own divinity.
"No...well...maybe…" She frowned and rubbed her head "I...I can't remember all that much…"
"Amnesia?" Goetia frowned. If it were any other situation, he would have claimed her spirit core were damaged. Although given that Byleth was currently the holder of her Spirit core, the implementation of it would likely explain the damage to her memory.
"She can't remember anything except her own name." Byleth pointed out, frowning slightly. Sothis cast her a betrayed look.
"Don't tell the suspicious man all my secrets!" The floating green haired girl exclaimed. Goetia took in her appearance. Her Divine nature...the nature of the phantasmals…
His eyes widened in realisation.
She was their Goddess...their progenitor. This...was now something which interested him greatly. The Goddess of their entire religion was here. The entire events which led up to her arrival were now beyond coincidence.
This felt ordained, if there was a counterforce here it had acted in such a way to bring the girl to this monastery.
Goetia hummed in thought. He could reveal the origins of the girl to them...however he felt like he shouldn't. That would be far in excess of what he determined to be his level of involvement. Teaching Lysithea runecraft was as far as he was willing to go.
He would allow this mystery to unravel itself naturally, without his aid. It would provide him the opportunity to see her powers develop naturally. He would still attempt to teach her runes, however he decided to avoid the nature of her divine core as a topic.
"More to the point!" Sothis turned and pointed at Goetia accusingly "Why doesn't my power effect you?" Byleth frowned and looked in his direction, also expecting an answer.
Independent manifestation was likely an answer they would not understand.
"I am...unaware of it myself." He eventually said "I became aware of my resistance outside Remire village."
"When I saved Edelgard." She nodded in remembrance.
"I would have inquired further, however the knight interrupted my question." He frowned "After that, an opportunity failed to present itself until now."
Byleth nodded her head, however Sothis still narrowed her eyes at him. Goetia pointedly ignored her.
"How capable are you with magic?" Goetia asked, Byleth looked thoughtful for a few moments then frowned slightly.
"Not very, most of my combat skill is based upon sword play." She admitted with a small frown "Professor Hanneman has offered to teach me."
"I see." Goetia nodded "Once you are up to a proficient level, seek me out. I shall see if you are capable of utilising true Primordial runes, if not...copies of them are still a useful tool to posses."
He looked to the board, reading what was written then stepping towards it. Humming to himself "A monthly mission?"
"The bandits that were encountered outside Remire." Byleth explained "The Academy is authorising my class to intercept and eliminate them."
"Capture or kill?"
"Kill, most likely."
Goetia nodded "Rather disturbing for children to kill so young, is it not?"
"I was younger when I started being a mercenary." Goetia turned to her, then looked to Sothis. The small green haired girl gave a 'What can you do?' expression and shrugged her shoulders.
"Indeed." Goetia said after a few moments "Regardless, I trust you will ensure your students do not come to harm."
"They won't die."
"That doesn't mean they won't get hurt." Sothis sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose "They are still young, and there is more than one type of pain."
"There is?" Byleth looked thoroughly confused.
"I believe she is referring to psychological." Geotia pointed out, Sothis nodding her head while Byleth still looked slightly puzzled. "...Emotional problems." Byleth went blank faced and nodded once, although it occurred to Goetia that she likely hadn't considered that aspect of the battle.
He turned away "I have said my piece, I must return to Lysithea."
"Magic training?"
"Indeed."
______
"How would you describe the activation of a spell?" Goetia asked, he had brought Lysithea to the training ground to demonstrate the practical use of Rune craft. He had been pleasantly surprised that her skill and copying down Runes was adequate, for a beginner. However she was still unable to copy them perfectly without an image in front of her.
"You mean...how do you use a spell?" Lysithea asked, Goetia nodded "Well...I just...visualise the spell in my mind and then cast it."
"Hmph." Goetia hummed in acknowledgement "A mental image...not entirely too dissimilar to the principle of rune activation. Most mages chant the Rune itself before casting. Aids in focusing their mind on the spell at hand."
"You didn't though." Lysithea pointed out.
"No, once you become proficient enough you may chant the Rune in your mind to activate it." Goetia admitted "However, for the time being you will likely have to chant it out loud."
"So...what types of rune will you show me?" She asked, Goetia raised his arm and drew a bright symbol in the air.
"Ansuz." The chanted, the symbol morphed into a bolt of fire and launched itself across the room, impacting a training dummy and causing a large scorch mark on it.
"That is a simple use of the Rune." Goetia stated "Rapid release of concentrated magical energy, rather than a prolonged activation."
"It looks...weaker than a fire spell." Lysithea hesitantly pointed out, indeed it had only been a small bolt of fire and left a scorch mark on the dummy. A fire ball would have decimated it.
"It is." Goetia admitted "However, that is only because I used the bare minimum in magical energy for its activation. Did you notice what was the difference between the two, other than output?"
Lysithea's face became thoughtful. He created the rune, it shot across the room and hit the dummy...it was faster…
"It was faster than a fire spell!" She exclaimed in realisation, Goetia nodded to her.
"Despite its lack of power, it is a spell which is not as easily avoided as the fire spells you are more accustom to. However, at this level it sacrifices the area of effect that a fire spell would grant you."
"You said you could increase the power of the spell?" Lysithea asked, the glittery haired man nodded.
"Doing so makes them more powerful...however that comes at the cost of precision." Goetia admitted "In this regard, a weaker spell would be more beneficial for accuracy and a stronger spell would be more beneficial for a wider area."
"So, you have more versatility when it comes to casting." The albino haired girl nodded "What do you need me to do, teacher?"
Goetia reached into his coat pocket and withdrew a small wad of papers "I have placed an Ansuz rune on each of these. You will practice igniting them so that the paper burns quickly but not violently." he looked thoughtful for a few moments "It would also be in your best interest to ensure you do not overcharge the rune and cause an explosion."
"Of course." Lysithea nodded, then took the papers that Goetia handed over to her.
"I will observe your attempts." Goetia said as she looked over the small paper squares "Once I am sufficiently pleased with your attempts with the Ansuz rune, we shall move onto the Isa rune and from there the Thurisaz rune. Once you have an adequate understanding of activating them, your goal will be to inscribe and activate the rune yourself."
"Yes, teacher." She nodded and separated a single piece of paper from the pile.
"You may begin."