Into the Underground

Ugh... Yuri, this is brutal. Tell me again why you're subjecting me to this devastating boredom...

Enough with the yawning, Balthus. If you're really that bored, we could always make a friendly wager...

Thanks but no thanks, pal. I'm low on funds as it is. Last thing I need is another debt I can't pay.

Constance, Hapi enter the scene

Hapi

Right, B. As if you could say no to that.

Ahaha! How diverting that you should bicker for my amusement!

Imagine my overwhelming dread were I stuck here without such joyous entertainment.

Hapi

Count me out. I'll leave the talking to Yuri-bird and Coco.

Hey, Boss!

Rogue enters the scene

Back already, huh? Have you detected any movement on the surface?

Well, uh, I looked for the cardinals' meeting—just like you said...

Thing is, I was spotted by some weirdos. They chased after me and everything.

"Some weirdos," you say. So very helpful. They weren't knights, were they?

I dunno. There were only a few of 'em, but I bet they were armed to the teeth!

With meager numbers like that, I doubt they intend to take on Abyss.

They probably took you for some kind of villain. They'll lock ya up if they catch ya.

Finally, a little action! Let's find them first and throw some punches.

Balthus leaves the scene

Hold, Balthus! 'Tis ignorance itself to rush headfirst into trouble.

Hapi

You're excited to fight too. You've been waiting for a chance to try out your shiny new magic.

Heh heh, surface laws don't apply down here. That gives us the freedom to have some fun with them.

They're probably not knights, but our new friends definitely work for the church.

Rogue leaves the scene

Yuri, Hapi leave the scene

You had best not leave me behind!

Constance leaves the scene

Byleth, Edelgard, Claude, Dimitri, Ashe, Linhardt, Hilda enter the scene

Edelgard

Hmm... It seems this place is more than a simple passageway. There's clear evidence of human habitation.

People living under Garreg Mach... Oh! My brother used to tell me stories like that back in his Academy days.

Ah, so Holst attended the academy as well, then?

Of course. Back then, there were tons of rumors about what goes on below Garreg Mach.

Something about tons of passages and houses beneath the town, all inhabited by super-shady people.

It had a real intimidating name too. Ah, what was it again... I think it was called...Abyss?!

Balthus enters the scene

That's two points for the pink-haired gal! Welcome to Abyss, strangers.

Identify yourself!

That uniform...

Welcome, curious students of the Officers Academy! What brings such fine, upstanding surface dwellers to our humble abode?

We're tracking someone who was creeping around the monastery.

Edelgard

Our business here does not concern you. Do you intend to let us pass?

Ahaha! Such indulgence simply cannot be permitted.

Constance enters the scene

Your words may fool the fool, but I cannot be so easily deceived!

I, Constance von Nuvelle, shall divine your true intentions.

You are here by order of the church...which cruelly plots to eliminate the inhabitants of Abyss!

You think the church wants to eliminate you?
You think we're here to harm you?

Edelgard

Did she say...Nuvelle?

I don't care what the reason for this brawl is. A fight's on the menu, and I'm ready to feast.

Let's get right to it, yeah?

By the look of them, I'd wager they're experienced combatants. I'm not certain this is a wise endeavor.

I was thinking the very same thing. Time to make a strategic retreat, then?

Turning back already? Oh, but you'll make me so sad. Now why would you wanna do that?

Yuri enters the scene

Hapi enters the scene

Everyone here is starved for amusement. They've been waiting for a good fight.

Wow, look at that. A flawless example of a surprise attack. These aren't your run-of-the-mill thugs.

Claude, this isn't the time to be impressed by our enemy. We must find a way through at once.

Wait... Claude, is it? As in the brand-new heir of House Riegan?

Who, me? Nah. Wrong guy. Claude's a common name in Fódlan. It's just too dashing for new moms to pass up.

It's even a popular choice for fake names. Just a good, solid, all-purpose moniker, you know?

Right, except there's only one Claude enrolled at the academy this year. Looks like that's you.

How do you even know that?

Ha, you just gave yourself away, pal. Looks like my luck's finally taking a turn for the good.

All right, so your choices are as follows: line up for the beating of a lifetime...or let us lock you up like the good boys and girls you undoubtedly are.

I have no clue what this guy's going on about, but it looks like a fight's in order, and it's pretty much all my fault.

There's a saying from the east about fighting a flicker with a flame. Seems applicable right about now.

Finally! Let's do this already! Prepare to face the Almighty King of Grappling!