Maybe he knew he was going to die? Like I said, he would not be someone to go up to the Conservatory willingly, considering his...ability. But he was probably not dragged there either-- Battler's the type of person that can probably handle himself in a fight.

[ if that one moment battler was angry at him is of any indication, at least.

he pauses, thinking. ]

So maybe he went up there feeling like he had to go there.