"How do I look?" Levy asked me, doing a cute little twirl in her new Garreg Mach school uniform.
"You look stunning," I responded with an earnest smile, meaning every word.
It only took a couple of days for Levy to fully complete her recovery. During that time, the two of us were visited in the infirmary a few times by Edelgard, Byleth, and several other members of the Black Eagle house. Upon learning that not only would both Levy and I would be enrolling, but that we'd be joining their house, they were very happy... Of course, the nobles were the happiest thanks to my Dragon Lord Class.
And I only had the class at the Innate Level; it still had quite a lot of room for improvement.
Speaking of, while Levy was recovering, I had spent some time in the library and had started doing some research on 'Classes' in this world, to see if they were the same as the Classes in the game.
There were, of course, similarities but they weren't exactly the same.
Firstly, before a Class could be obtained, a Seal was required depending on the Class. For the 'Basic' Classes like Myrmidon, Soldier, and more, they required a Beginner's Seal. On top of that, you couldn't just use a Beginner's Seal right away and choose a class- you needed to have a certain level of ability in the class you wanted to turn into. Of course, you also needed a certain amount of experience before you had both mastered the class and before you could enter another class.
However, there were no 'levels' in Three Houses- not like there were in the games, at least. 'Experience' was rather broad after all and could be obtained outside of battle in the world through intense training, sparring, and more.
The easiest way to tell if someone reached the threshold was simply to see if they resonated with a Seal. If they resonated with the seal, then they were capable of using it to ascend to another class.
Garreg Mach also had another condition for students to undergo a class change, one implemented themselves- students had to take a test to demonstrate that they truly understood the class they were planning to ascend into.
Personally, I didn't see a problem like that- in a world with supernatural powers, they didn't exactly want to hand over strength to someone who didn't know which end of a spear was the correct one.
If only the modern world was so sensible with firearms...
The classes also didn't have such heavy restrictions like they did in the game. For example, a Myrmidon could still use Magic and so could a soldier, however their spells would be limited. They would only be able to use them half the amount of times that a magic based class would be able to use them.
The most important thing about classes, however, was that using a seal to transform into a class didn't erase your previous class. You could simultaneously be both a Myrmidon and a Monk for example- however, Seals had a cooldown of one week. Once you used a seal, you couldn't use it again for a week.
"Excited for class?" I asked Levy, looking down at my own clothes. Before, in the guild, I was wearing far simpler clothes... Now though? Well, I wasn't wearing the standard Garreg Mach uniform- it seemed Rhea had splurged a bit when it came to my uniform.
I was dressed in a fine black suit with a crimson tie and a brown vest beneath my jacket, a short blue cape with gold trim adorned over my shoulders that reached down to the middle of my back. A pair of black, smooth gloves fit snugly on my hands.
I was a bit surprised by how nice my 'uniform' was compared to everyone else but, upon thinking about it further, I found it made a bit of sense. I was, after all, an angel- a being who was about on par with Rhea as far as divine hierarchy went.
On top of that, I also had the Dragon Lord class- so it was no wonder Rhea perhaps had the desire to spoil me and let me stand out compared to others.
I glanced up at the Halo above my head and rolled my eyes... I was already going to stand out thanks to my Halo; she really didn't need to go this far.
"Of course I'm excited," Levy smiled slightly, "A whole new magical system to dive into! Even if I do miss home, I'm really excited! I'm glad I recently stocked up on Gale-Force Reading Glasses before we started our mission."
I chuckled softly and pat her head, "I'm sure you'll catch up to the others in no time," I told her.
During the couple of days Levy was still lying in bed recovering, I had made several trips to the library and had started my own reading to better understand Fodland and its history as well as begin my initial studies into their magic.
During that time, using Time Magic as a basis, I was able to put a speed-reading ability into my Eye Magic. It was similar to Levy's Gale Force Reading Glasses, though the principle was different. As a result, mine was superior due to utilising the power of Time.
I'd gone through dozens of books and had already started to pick up the Magic of Fodland in theory, I just needed to put it into practise.
"I'd recommend you start with Reason Magic," I told Levy as the two of us began to head to the Black Eagles Classroom. "Faith Magic seems to be more directly tied to worship and belief in a deity."
"Hm, that's tricky," Levy admitted. "But I'll take your word for it!"
I smiled at her and, soon enough, the two of us arrived at the Black Eagles Classroom.
Walking inside, I was greeted by the sight of the Black Eagles in the classroom. Instantly, it felt like the classroom became silent as everyone's eyes landed on Levy and me as we walked in together.
More specifically, their eyes focused on the halo of azure fire spinning lazily above my head.
"My eyes are down here," I said in amusement.
Everyone quickly snapped their eyes back to me, silence reigning between us. And then, finally-
"Can I touch it?" Caspar asked.
"No," I responded calmly.
Of course, that single question seemed to open the floodgates as everyone stepped forwards- introducing themselves and asking questions. They had held back while Levy and I were in the infirmary, but now that we were both out, they were eager to get to know the two of us.
"Alright, that's enough," Edelgard clapped, the sharp sound piercing through the noise and causing everyone to immediately fall silent, calming down. She stepped forward, smiling warmly- especially at me, "It's good to see you both in the Classroom. Allow me to formally welcome you both to the Black Eagle House."
"It's good to be here," Levy smiled back kindly. "I'm Levy McGarden, I hope to become a Mage Class."
"Ash Crestfall," I introduced myself after, "Though some of you already know that, of course. I plan to take the Soldier Class."
Yes, I had no interest in choosing the Mage Class in this world. The reason was very simple- the Dragon Lord Class which I possessed already possessed the capabilities of using Magic. Picking the Mage Class would be redundant, so it was better for me to choose a different class.
I chose Soldier to help with physical training, and also to help me learn to wield a weapon. A spear was one of the easiest weapons to learn, and one of the hardest to master.
For a being with an infinite lifespan, such a weapon was a perfect fit.
"Soldier?" Edelgard blinked, "For some reason, I had you pegged as a mage."
"Levy and I are a team where we come from, as well as partners," I responded calmly, "Some spells can have quite a long 'charge' time. During that period, they need to be defended. That is where I come in. Besides that, I prefer to study magic in my own time anyway- if need be, I'll take the test and become both a Mage and a Soldier."
"Fair enough," Edelgard smiled kindly. "I hope you both enjoy your time at the monastery."
"Since introductions are done," Byleth spoke from behind her desk, "I believe we should settle down for today's lesson."
Everyone quickly snapped to attention at Byleth' words, and we all took our seats in the classroom- ready to study. Levy, in particular, was eager to study this world's brand of magic.
I quickly took a pen out of my requip space and got to work taking notes.
.
.
.
Despite having only taught for a short time, I had to admit that Byleth was rather good at her job.
The first half of the day had generally been a study session about tactics, identifying terrain- practical skills she'd learned during her time as a mercenary with her father. She had a remarkable ability to translate her practical experience to words the others could understand.
The second half of the day was a practical one, during which we were basically training in our chosen specialities- or whatever Byleth thought suited us better. I had already noticed that Dorothea was training in Faith Magic, though struggling a decent amount.
Had Byleth already seen Dorothea's hidden talent in that area, this early on? As expected of a protagonist.
It was during the lesson that Byleth would go around from person to person and personally help guide and instruct the ones she felt needed the most help at the time. She'd started by helping Levy with Reason Magic and also suggested she take classes in regard to commanding large groups.
It seemed that she believed Levy had the potential to become a Mage Commander... If Team Ragnarok continued to grow in the future, having someone capable of giving orders would definitely be required.
She also spent time with me, helping me get used to using a spear.
I immediately noticed that Byleth was much more 'hands on' with me compared with others she was helping. Her face remained its usual blank the whole time, as if even she didn't notice that she was being so touchy feely while helping correct my spear forms.
Finally, after classes, we were free to do as we liked... Six classes a week (except for special occasions) while having Sunday off.
It sounded bad, but classes wouldn't always be like they were on Monday. Some days would be shorter; some would be longer.
Levy and I, of course, stayed after class and spoke with our classmates during and after lunch to get to know them better. Levy easily fell in with the girls, even getting Bernadetta- who was extremely anti-social- to warm up to her rather quickly.
The boys were a different matter- Linhardt left immediately after class, likely to read or sleep in the library. Caspar invited me for more training- which I politely declined- before he left too. Ferdinand also excused himself with noble grace.
And Hubert? The guy was just lurking in the corners, making himself look busy while secretly acting as Edelgard's Bodyguard.
I just smiled and decided to let Levy get some interaction with the girls as I slipped out of the classroom and went to the gardens to just sit and relax for a while.
I slowly lay down on the grass in a quiet corner of the gardens, slowly bringing my hands behind my head and closing my eyes... Just allowing myself to truly and utterly relax for the first time since I had arrived in this world.
I felt today had been a good first day at the Monastery, and I was glad that Levy was getting along so well with others and had even begun to slowly develop the ability to use 'Reason' Magic.
However, even as I relaxed now, I didn't forget the things I would need to do in order to try and steer things towards a better ending.
To reveal the truth of her past to Edelgard, so she could break free from the shackles of the Agarthans and truly become the hero that Fodland needed.
To make sure to tell Rhea that I believed that Tomas was an Agarthan once I'd visited the library a few times, so she could move against him in secret.
And, most importantly... To try and recruit the right talents into the Black Eagles to better prepare them for the eventual war that could break out in a few years.
And with all of that, there was also one question lingering in my mind...
Where the hell was BB?