Author's Note: Hi everyone! Welcome to Chapter 35 for End of an Era! In this chapter, Milla and her party infiltrate the isolated capital of the Rolance Empire, Pendrago, in an effort to rescue Gaius. Upon arrival, they soon learn that Gaius's execution has been expedited to the very next day, forcing the party to act quickly. Yet as they plan their rescue, Milla and Jude are soon confronted by a mysterious individual, one that makes them question the very battle that will determine the course of this current era. What is it this person wants, and can the party rescue their friend before he is executed? Find out all this and more in this chapter of End of an Era!

Let's get back to the story!

Chapter 35: Remembering the Forgotten

Milla could only breathe a sigh of relief; she had been worried sick since coming to this strange land. It wasn't like her to become homesick, but this land, this world, was very different than theirs. Their task was complete however, and now they were finally able to return home, to their world.

"Is this…?" the medical student questioned as he observed the light before them faded.

It was just as they left it; desolate, barren, and dying. Though their travels in that strange land were brief, Milla knew for certain that she and Jude had returned to their world, they had returned to Elympios just before they had entered the portal to the Temporal Crossroads.

"There's no doubt about it, this is indeed Elympios," the Lord of Spirits surmised. "We've finally returned."

"Yes, I must thank you again for testing the mettle of the Lord of Calamity," they turned around to find an orb of light in front of them. "I cannot thank you enough for leaving behind your current quest for my selfish test."

"It's fine," Jude could only shake his head.

"I must say that your world was certainly fascinating," Milla admitted. "I never knew there could be living beings similar to Great Spirits that could live amongst humans."

"You claim that it is my world, but in truth, it is actually yours as well," the orb admitted.

"Wait, you mean to say that strange land was a part of our world too?!" the young medical student exclaimed. "So there are more land masses than just Elympios that exist across the sea?"

"I must admit, I have come from millennia past to find you in the first test to save our world. As the Harbinger of the End of the previous era, it was my duty to find the one who may end the cycle of destruction and rebirth, the one will face off against my successor. This cycle, it has to end, it must end, and to that end, I pray you will be able to end this cycle set forth by our predecessors."

"What do you mean 'the cycle of destruction and rebirth'?" the Lord of Spirits questioned. "And just how are we involved?"

"Our time together is now coming to a close," the orb of light began to disappear. "Your memories of my continent and the events that occurred therein shall disappear once I have taken my leave. However, one day you and your comrades will return to the lands to which I brought you, returning in the present of your own time and era. One day, your mettle will once again be tested in the true final battle to determine the fate of our world. Only then will your memories of your time in the other land begin to resurface. Memories of the era that I brought you to will most likely be lost and forgotten by the time you return, the true role of the first Lord of Calamity will become little more than myth, but through you, it is my hope that you shall remember when the time comes when you stand at the peak of your era, when you shall face off against my successor, when you shall face off against your self one final time."

"Wait, you're not making any sense!" Milla exclaimed as the light began to further fade. "What do you mean facing off against myself? What does the first Lord of Calamity and her friends have to do with this final battle?"

"All shall be revealed in due time, Milla Maxwell…"

With the light enveloping her vision, the former Lord of Spirits began to open her eyes. As expected, she found herself staring into the canvas of the wagon she and her friends borrowed from the Shepherds stationed in Lastonbell. Turning to her side, she found her spouse also beginning to open his eyes, his expression somewhat groggy at first. Without even saying a word, she could already tell what he was thinking, what he had just experienced while they were both still sleeping.

"Milla…?" he called in his still sleepy state.

"Jude…"

"You saw it too, didn't you?" he seemed to read her mind before she could say a word.

"That ball of light called himself the 'Harbinger of the End'," the former Lord of Spirits recalled. "That is the same title Maxwell was bestowed in Glenwood; but its power was not that of the Lord of Spirits, but rather that of the Lord of Time and Space."

"So was that ball of light the previous Maxwell or the previous Sekundes?"

"I don't know, but… Could it be possible that we really were here in these lands ages ago? Before our final battle with Gaius in the Temporal Crossroads eleven years ago, we were the last ones to go through the portal after the rest of our comrades, right?"

"…I think so," Jude tried to recall. "But I don't recall ever coming here, or even first meeting the 'Harbinger of the End' before entering. But then again, it's like either of us could easily recall our first meeting when I was a baby either until a few months ago. It could've been a dream, but that look on your face is telling my otherwise, isn't that right?"

"Yes, it is," Milla nodded. "It was too vivid to be a dream, too clear in fact, almost like a memory we had long forgotten, just as the 'Harbinger of the End' described. If what he said is true, that our memories of this place will slowly return, then what is it specifically he wants us to recall?"

"He mentioned a woman, the first Lord of Calamity," the young researcher remembered aloud, "but I can't seem to recall anybody like that. I wonder what she has to do with our current battle with Amilla."

The first Lord of Calamity, it was another memory the former Maxwell could only vaguely recall. For a brief second, she recalled someone, a woman who was driven by anger and hatred. Milla remembered the ice that hung from her voice, the fire within her eyes, and the tenacity of the wildest of beasts. She was indeed someone who invoked the image of chaos itself, her prowess in battle as unrefined as the ragged clothes she wore, her blade and arm tearing the battlefield with little regard for precision or grace. Milla remembered the pain that the Lord of Calamity inflicted upon herself during their battle, how she cared not for the wounds that were inflicted upon her, focusing only on trying to kill the former Lord of Spirits and the man that would later become her husband. Slashes to her limbs were ignored, strikes meant to crush and smash her joints seemed to be little more than an itch as she continued to charge forth, and every drop of blood that was shed only seemed to fuel her resolve further. She was like a mad beast whose bloodlust could not be sated, a mad beast who only one goal in mind, a goal to murder, to destroy.

Yet there was but a brief moment their foe showed compassion, she showed mercy. Though it was clear it was her intent to finish the former Lord of Spirits, she hesitated for but a moment, halting her blade as Jude jumped before her path. Both had believed she would run her blade through him and end both of their lives, but instead, she stopped altogether. It made little sense as to why one who claimed to be an agent of chaos and destruction would even consider mercy, nor did their battle to begin with. There reason as to why they fought, but at the moment, it seemed lost for both the savior and her husband. Even as they thought in the present, these images, these dreams, they were becoming all the more hazy as more time passed.

"I'm not making any sense of this either," the former Lord of Spirits admitted. "That dream, or memory, is only presenting more questions than answers."

"Good, you're both awake," the visitor from another world poked her head into the wagon from which Milla and Jude slept. "Milla, you should put this on," she ordered, giving her a brown wig and case of colored contact lenses Leia had given before their departure. "It should make things easier when we get to the checkpoint."

"Thank you," she said, taking the items for herself. "It's also certainly a lot less suspicious then just trying to cover myself with a cloak after all."

"We should be arriving within 10 minutes," the Sparrowfeather driver of the wagon called from the other side. "You should all get ready now."

"All right, thanks," the young researcher replied. "Guess it's almost time."

"Indeed," Milla simply nodded.

'The Lord of Calamity, Velvet Crowe,' the raven-haired woman entered her thoughts once more. 'What role did she play that the former Harbinger of the End wanted us to eventually remember?'

From a distance, Pendrago looked like everything Elle had imagined a castle town would be when she was growing up. It was surrounded by lush greenery, large pristine stone walls that went up as high as the eye could see, and the streets were full of merchants, travelers, and pilgrims. It was almost like Kanbalar she thought, that is, if Kanbalar wasn't on some ice cold mountain top overlooking Auj Oule.

Of course, reality and fantasy were much different from one another.

Upon closer inspection, some of the greenery was in fact covered in thorns; the roses that Elle witnessed certainly kept up with the illusion of her fantasy at first. If anything, these thorns looked like they were acting as some sort of primitive barbed wire, almost as if to deter anyone from trying to get close to the castle walls. The walls themselves also had several inlets within, with what Elle immediately recognized as having guards with crossbows at the ready. The streets were still packed as she first thought, but much like Lastonbell, it was due to a checkpoint at the front gate. Security was definitely tight, almost similar to the security details she once had to go through every day she went in and out of the DOGS Training Academy to ensure no students brought in or took out anything dangerous from the facility.

"You're curious about the strict security, am I right?" the fire seraph questioned the young agent, almost as if she were reading her mind.

"Seriously, I understand the concept of being safe, but isn't this a bit much?" Elle snorted as she watched two guards begin to rummage through a civilian's sack of belongings.

"Perhaps they're being overly cautious because the 'Harbinger of the End' has made themselves public," Rowen proposed.

"Even if knowledge of Milla's coming has become public knowledge, I'm afraid security here would still be just as strict," Lailah explained. "I'm afraid the Rolance Empire, or more of Pendrago in particular, has been rather xenophobic of the outside world for the last fifteen years."

"Fortunately the Shepherds are still allowed within its walls," the wagon driver explained. "Although admittedly, it's more of just the Sparrowfeathers; after all, what kind of empire can truly prosper if it is truly cut off from the outside world?"

"So then what exactly happened fifteen years ago that made them afraid of the outside world?" Sophie inquired, having just finished placing her own colored contacts into her eyes.

"It was in Glaivend Basin wh-"

"Why we're here already!" the Prime Lord quickly interrupted, her timing perfect as always. "Is everyone ready?"

"I suppose we're as ready as we can be," Milla replied, poking her head out of the inside of the wagon, revealing herself wearing Leia's brown-haired wig and blue-colored contact lenses.

"If this kinda stuff helps Leia do her investigative journalism, then I guess it'll do wonders for you," Elle sighed upon seeing the former Lord of Spirits' appearance.

"You there, what brings you to Pendrago?" an approaching guard questioned now.

"We're with the Sparrowfeathers," the driver replied, handing the soldier his travel permit. "We're simply delivering this week's goods to the royal surplus; our inventory consists primarily of herbs such as red saffron. I can assure you that we aren't carrying any weapons other than the ones on our belts for self defense."

"Your companions wear strange clothes," the guard pointed out. "Is there a reason for that?"

"Uh…," the driver found himself unable to answer.

"We're advertising a new fashion," Elle quickly replied. "I mean, there isn't anything else like what we're wearing in all of Glenwood, right?"

"A new fashion? Are you sure that's wise after what happened in Ladylake recently; I'm sure the guards of any other city would also find such clothing suspicious. I'm afraid I'm going to have to ask all of you to step out of the wagon."

'Crap! I thought that would've worked,' the young cadet thought to herself.

Not wanting to start a ruckus, everyone stepped out of the vehicle as ordered. Luckily Milla and Sophie were wearing the wigs and colored contacts that Leia had provided them before they all departed from Lastonbell the other day. It was certainly strange seeing them both with brown hair and blue eyes, but if it prevented any form of suspicion, this was probably best. However, a disguise could only go so far, and Elle knew how impatient Milla could be when it came to fulfilling her duties. Luckily however, it seemed this time Jude was doing his best to keep her impatience in check, gently holding her hand as the soldiers began to rummage through the contents of the wagon.

"What was it you said that you were carrying?" the guard questioned once more.

"Herbs mostly," the driver replied.

"Are you sure about that? Because it looks like you're transporting nothing but wilted vegetation," the soldier said, revealing several dried herbs that crackled and broke when he closed his fist.

"Wait, but how is that-?"

Now they really were screwed Elle thought. It seemed Milla's child was doing more than just affecting nature that was still in bloom, but also that which had already been freed from the earth. Already she saw the former Maxwell's hand tightening over her husband's, the look in her eyes the same expression she wore whenever she was ready to swing her blade. Even her husband looked ready to fight, but fortunately, another's quick thinking would ease the situation.

"Oh dear, perhaps I accidentally had the men load the tea leaves instead of the fresh herbs before departing," Rowen faked a sigh. "My apologies, but I'm afraid at my old age, it's becoming more and more difficult to remember what exactly we are to transport and to where."

"Er…, yeah, that's twice this month already," Elle continued to go along with the former butler's act. "You really need to retire already, Rowen!"

"Tea huh, I suppose you're in luck then," the guard sighed. "His Highness never can seem to wait until the newest batch of tea leaves comes in. You're all free to enter."

"Yes, thank you, sir," the wagon driver said as the others returned to the vehicle.

"Good thinking you two," Jude complimented Rowen and Elle once they were a safe distance away.

"Yes, we couldn't have hoped for a better outcome," Lailah added.

"But what happened to the herbs?" the driver questioned. "They were still fresh when we departed Lastonbell a week ago."

The party could only remain silent as to the driver's inquiry, the answer already known to the rest of them. Even if the Shepherds were aware of Milla's true identity, not all were aware of what her child was capable of. If all the Shepherds had known the truth, they couldn't even begin to fathom what they might try to do, regardless of what Head Shepherd Natasha ordered.

"Well I suppose we can simply 'leave' the matter alone since we were able to pass through regardless," the fire seraph broke the silence with one of her puns.

"Seriously?" the seraph's joke made Elle's eyebrow twitch.

"In any case, now that we've arrived, we need to find out where they're keeping Gaius captive," Milla proposed, removing the wig from her hair as she spoke.

"If what the soldiers in Lastonbell said is true, I believe Gaius may be held in the castle dungeon," Rowen proposed. "After all, he dared confront this land's emperor in his own court."

"If that's the case, we should try and scout out the castle and city," Jude proposed. "We'll need to get a layout of the exterior and probably the guards' patrol routes."

"We may also need to plan out several escape routes as well in case our initial plan fails at any certain point during the mission," Rowen proposed.

"That would be wise, but I would think it would be pertinent to rescue Gaius all the more quickly in case we are compromised," the former Maxwell continued. "We may need to also need to come up with alternative routes if…"

Everyone's words started to meld together now; it was just like when she was a child, a lot of what her comrades were saying weren't making a lot of sense. However, Elle felt that when the actual mission would start to go down, it would all make sense. It was almost funny the young agent thought having remembered their quest ten years ago; it used to be His Majesty that would come to Elle's rescue whenever it came to a monster trying to gun for her, if she needed a shoulder to cry on, or someone in general if Ludger or her Milla were preoccupied. Back then he was always there for her, almost like an older brother, and as she was growing up, she wished to return the favor, and now finally, it would seem she would finally have that chance.

'Your Majesty…,' Elle thought as she turned to their destination. 'Now it's my turn to save you.'

Cold, dank, musty, and most certainly empty; these were not lodgings befitting a king, but Gaius was never the type to be so picky. After all, a warrior could never be picky regarding his lodgings if he were in the middle of battle. For that matter, a prisoner also cannot have any say in where he is to stay. Still, the most Gaius could do was make most of the silence this cramped, stone cell had to offer.

Oddly, being here brought the Rieze Maxian king a sense of armistice; it was certainly a change of pace compared to having to look at hundreds of emails, sitting on meetings after meetings, and supervising his armies prepare for their march on this strange new land. This was one of the few opportunities in which Gaius could truly be given time to meditate and reflect on the situation thus far, but every time he meditated on the situation, he always came to the same conclusion.

"Think he's asleep?" he overheard one of the guards whisper to another.

"Could be," another replied. "The guy often sits in the cell with his eyes closed; as far as I know he's been asleep this whole time."

"Or maybe he's just making peace with himself, knowing full well his execution is coming up soon."

"It's called 'meditation'," a third, more resolved voice interrupted the men, a voice that quickly caught Gaius's attention. "It's when one reflects upon the world around him and enters a state of nirvana and bliss."

"Your majesty!" Gaius opened his eyes to find his captors kneeling before the man before him.

Agravain Pendrago, the emperor of the Rolance Empire. The man certainly had a presence, dressing differently than the very people he served. Instead of wearing their raiments, he wore clothes that looked to be from a different land altogether, wearing strange robes with baggy sleeves and pleated pants. The robes themselves were colored white, but the lining of which was colored a bright red shade, similar to the color of his country's banners. The pattern of the lining seemed to emulate the appearance of swirling flames at first, but upon closer inspection, the ends of the pattern looked to form the figure of a griffin in flight. The emperor also did not wear any boots like his peers, instead opting for what looked like wooden sandals with heels in the center of the footwear.

The man's hair was almost as white as his robes, bordering slightly into a blond color when reflected in the sunlight. His hair was also long, longer than Gaius's in fact, but tied in a low ponytail. He even grew out a beard and mustache, though not as pronounced as Rowen's, but it was just as well groomed, appearing to be a perfect collection of grown stubble that did not reveal the skin underneath. His very skin was also as pale as his hair, almost like bleach in Gaius's opinion. On the contrary to the rest of his appearance however, were the color of his eyes, which were a very dark shade of brown, almost black in fact.

And then there was the sword he carried on his back; it was a rather long, curved blade, almost similar to Gaius's in fact, but certainly much thicker and wider. The weapon was encased in a scabbard made of black lacquered wood that perfectly reflected what little sunlight was within this dungeon. The guard of the weapon was shaped like a square, with gold embroidering its perimeter. It looked like no ordinary man could hope to wield such a weapon, but Gaius knew upon first setting his eyes on this man that Agravain Pendrago was no ordinary man.

"So you've awoken?" the emperor addressed Gaius, his voice carrying a weight of dignity and chauvinism at the same time.

"Have my words reached you, perhaps?" the king questioned, remaining where he sat. "Will you not heed my warning, or have you simply come here to gloat before you are to have your men silence me for speaking the truth?"

"The latter I must admit," he replied, opening a paper fan in his hand as he spoke. "I just wanted to get one last look at the so-called King of Rieze Maxia before I depart to meet my latest candidate for a bride. They say the strongest women come from Lohgrin; I suppose surviving in a desert land such as there would certainly build a person's character."

"So you will simply stand back and let your people suffer once Amilla Sekundes rains down terror and destruction?" Gaius was quick to question. "What kind of ruler would allow-?"

"For one, I would not simply stand back if such an event were to occur," the blond man replied, snapping his fan as he spoke. "You may not know this, but I was not named emperor simply because of the blood that runs through my veins. Fifteen years ago, when my people tried to intervene in that conflict in Glaivend Basin, it was I who led my people to safety when all hell broke loose; it was I who ordered the retreat after my father had fallen, I was the one who made sure all of the injured were saved, I was the one who remained behind as those hellions tried to break through our ranks."

The man's words did not falter as he spoke, nor did they seem to have cause any sort of apprehension within Gaius. The king was one who had heard many lies within his days, both as a warrior and as monarch, but the emperor's tale did not raise any suspicions. This man truly did care for his people, but at the same, Gaius could only question why he would write off his forewarning of the Demon King.

"You're wondering why I refuse to act now, are you not?" the emperor seemed to read his mind. "The answer is simple; you claim to be a king of a land that I have not heard of, yet you provide me with no proof of the lands from which you came. You may wear raiments foreign to this land, wield a blade that is manufactured differently than our continent's, but your story simply sounds preposterous; you may as well have simply stolen your tale from one of Magillanica Lou Mayvin's books the Scholars of the Crowe so religiously follow."

"I would not jest of your lands, no, this world being in danger!" Gaius replied, his hands now grasping the bars of his cell. "I care not if you believe the existence of my homeland, but I implore you, for your people's sake, that you-!"

"You're beginning to bore me," the emperor yawned, having quickly returned to his haughty demeanor. "You know what, I'd like to cancel my latest travel arrangements. Consider yourself lucky, I've decided to move up your execution to tomorrow, Gaius of Rieze Maxia. In fact, I'm challenging you to a duel; a king against an emperor, I'm sure it will be quite the spectacle. For that matter, it's been a while since Stormhowl has seen combat."

Gaius quickly noticed the glimmer in the emperor's eyes; to any other person, it would appear as cockiness and arrogance, but a warrior as experienced as Gaius saw something more. This man was also most certainly a true warrior first and foremost, and his boasting was nothing more than act to make the unwary drop their guard.

For a swordsman like Gaius, he knew as well that the best conversation one could have with another was through their swords. If he were to be taken seriously, perhaps diplomacy with words would have to be put aside; of course, he would have to be of at least equal skill if he Gaius's beliefs were to even be considered.

"Very well, I look forward to tomorrow then," the Rieze Maxian king could only say as his opponent began to walk away.

"Do your best not to die within the first ten seconds," the emperor said, his back still facing the monarch as he spoke.

"We're here," the tiny creature announced.

With the ride now over, her companions quickly got off of the ancient floating device provided to them by the normin. Although her vessel seemed somewhat impressed by the velocity and surprisingly level of comfort of the geoboard, Symonne was hardly entertained. If anything, the whole situation had her bored, even though she had not stepped in this once tiny village centuries ago. To her surprise, this place was no longer a tiny village.

Much like Elysia, this once isolated village had vastly changed. The non-existent roads were now paved with tile and brick, almost like the streets of Pendrago and Ladylake. Housing was now much more abundant, so much that some homes consisted of several stories with each of them conjoined to one another. The entire area was also bustling with many civilians, many of whom were either or adorned with the black capes of the Scholars, as well as what looked like graduation gowns and caps.

Nature was also rather abundant here now, with the once barren area now adorned with many flowers, trees, and other plant life. For that matter, Symonne noticed many seraphim interacting with the civilians, at least those who wore capes. Upon closer inspection, it looked as if these seraphim were acting as teachers and the humans they were speaking with were their students.

Finally, the illusionist's eyes turned to the one structure that was at the epicenter of the once isolated village. It was the old school building, now having been expanded at least ten times larger than its previous size. It seemed that over the years, the school was had several additions added to it, including several large hallways that were each the same size of the original building, at least three floors added to the top, and even the tower where the school bell rang had been extended further upward into heavens.

"So this is the University Town of Godaddin?" Melrose questioned, observing their surroundings rather cautiously. "It's a bit more lively than I expected."

"Seems rather boring if you ask me," Zoe groaned, her eyes drifting to several passerbys who had their noses deep in books. "I mean seriously, whose idea was it to open up a school up in the middle of nowhere?"

"It was my ancestor's in fact," a rather dry voice replied, catching the entire party's attention. "Lady Olivia Diphda helped turn this town from a quaint village to the home of the most prestigious university in all of Glenwood."

Turning to the source, the companions now found themselves staring at a woman dressed in what were essentially rags and bandages, along with a blond young man in a dark coat standing beside her. Though a majority of the party was quick to ignore these serious looking individuals, their attention quickly fell upon the familiar woman standing beside them.

"Seriously, why were you guys able to take the easy way here?" Amilla sighed with a shrug. "You would think as this land's so-called savior I wouldn't be asked to do anything but maybe lift a finger every once and a while."

"I'm guessing you didn't take any decent pictures on your way here then?" the Lord of Monsters questioned in his usual sarcastic tone.

"I can assure you that we didn't take any time to paint any of the landscape or its people while traversing here," the woman in black replied, the mockery flying over her head as it always did.

"Lady Ana, it's good to see you again!" the normin jumped, practically flying toward the strange woman's arms.

"I'm assuming you are Sekundes' party?" the Head Scholar stepped forward, ignoring Bienfu's advance as if he were simply not there.

"Biiiieeeennnn! How can you ignore me of all people, Lady Ana?" the tiny seraph cried.

In that very moment, the illusionist felt a slight quiver running down her spine. Quickly her attention fell upon the leader of the Scholars and the former Squire. The two of them simply looked at one another, their gazes locked on one another, their eyes practically not blinking whatsoever. Neither moved a muscle as they looked at one another, neither one even saying a word.

Was this tension Symonne was sensing emanating from the two? No, this seemed to be something else entirely perhaps. It certainly wasn't attraction, that much was certain, but at the same time, they were not glares and no feelings of contempt or negativity whatsoever. There was something else going on here, curiosity maybe? Whatever it was, Symonne thought it would be meaningless to investigate further.

"If I may intrude, but do you have any lodgings we can use?" the silver-haired young man's servant interrupted. "I'm afraid the trip has left my young master rather tired."

"I'm fine, Kaon…," Gilford tried to assure her, the young man strangely unable to look at her in the eye as he spoke. "I mean, I can inquire myself if I have to, so please, don't worry."

"I'll have my men prepare you some rooms," the Head Scholar replied.

"Huh, I don't think I remember you being in our happy little entourage," Amilla noticed the former Squire within her comrades' ranks. "I'm sure you can guess by now, but I'm Amilla Sekundes. And you are?"

"Melrose," the young man replied bluntly, "Squ-, I mean, former Squire of the Order of the Shepherds."

"The young man will be valuable to our cause," the dark seraph spoke on behalf of her vessel now. "He has a certain 'spark' as you would put it."

"Melrose you say?" it was the Head Scholar said with a slight scoff in her voice, her previous curiosity now replaced by what seemed like scorn.

"You have a problem?" the former Squire's eyebrow twitched at the woman's change in tone.

"Named after that whore of a Shepherd, are you?" Anastasia's normally stoic demeanor began to flare.

"And your descended from the woman that-!"

"Enough, both of you!" the seraph in a dark coat quickly came between them. "Ana, if I recall correctly, didn't the council request to see you regarding some information Grimiorh learned recently? I think you should deal with that matter while I tend to our guests."

"Very well," Anastasia replied. "I'll leave you to it then."

Again the dark seraph's curiosity got the best of her. During that brief argument with her vessel, she sense another 'spark' as it were; it was a sensation she had not experienced in so long, a 'spark' that she may have passed off as a dream if she had not experienced it once again. It was a familiar sensation, similar to that found in another she met so long ago, one she willingly pledged her life to.

"Yeah, great job on making a first impression," Amilla sighed over the events that just occurred. "You sure this kid's not gonna try to torch the place down seeing how he's practically in enemy territory now?"

"I can assure you that I can keep the boy under control," Symonne assured her current master.

"Yeah, like that'll happen," the red-haired young man scoffed as he placed his hands behind his head.

"You may be Ana's guests while you're here in Godaddin, but I won't hesitate to kick any of you off this mountain if any of you cause any problems," Meizen warned.

"Did you listen to that young man's words, Zoe?" the plush questioned the magician now. "I think it would be beneficial if you were on your best behavior during our stay."

"Yeah, yeah…," the red-haired young woman groaned. "Anyway, what happened to the 'lodgings' our companion here asked for?"

"My apologies, but I'll go ahead and take you there now. Please, come this way."

The party began to walk in the direction the earth seraph had pointed them toward, his violet eyes focused on each of them as they stepped forward. At least, he tried to focus on each of them at first, but then Symonne caught his gaze concentrating on a single individual. His gaze was completely locked on her vessel, possibly wanting to make sure that he wasn't going to try anything while he was here. However, his eyes seemed to be more than just scouting her vessel. That look in his eyes was a bit more relaxed than it should have been, along with a strange pique of curiosity added in. It was clear that the earth seraph was keeping a close eye on Melrose, but as to what that was, the reason started to intrigue the illusionist.

"And you," the aforementioned seraph turned to Symonne suddenly. "Don't think I don't know about you, Symonne. I've heard the stories from my mother and father growing up. I've been blessed with two eyes after all, so I'll be keeping one on you and your vessel."

"Two eyes you say?" his words made her lips stretch. "Yes, you can gaze upon myself and my vessel during this act, however, with only two eyes focusing on us, how do expect to view the whole performance? Sometimes the more interesting pieces occur within the background, acted out by those who are not at the forefront of the stage. What is it you hope to see if you focus upon my vessel and I? Perhaps you should stand back and not so close to the stage if you intend to experience this recital at its fullest."

"I don't believe in your so-called stage, performance, prophecy, or whatever the words of the ancients claim to predict," the young seraph surprised her further, quickly turning his back as he spoke. "Should you or your comrades even lift a finger to bring harm to Ana, I swear I'll run each of you into the ground."

"Funny you should say that," the illusionist said with a slight giggle. "Isn't the one you wish to protect already 'into the ground' as you would say? I'm curious, just how old is the Head of the Scholars of the Crowe?"

"…that's none of your concern…"

With nothing else to say the child of two of her foes began to walk away. Perhaps her coming here wasn't as boring as she had thought. Again she was filled with delight, anticipation of this latest act swelling as quickly as the smile on her face. Yet that simper she wore soon melted, her attention reverting to the one that remained behind with her and having overheard her entire conversation.

"What is it you want?" she questioned the metallic boy that stood behind her.

This child from another world, Symonne found him curious at first, now he simply bored her. Other than his name, Psi, she knew little else about him; he was difficult to read, but he was as predictable as the sunrise and sunset. The boy never once said a word since their meeting, his expression always blank and empty, even when mentioning the name of his now deceased master. At first the dark seraph thought he may have some use in their journey, but thus far, he had done little than act idle, having practically become invisible since their arrival in Glenwood. Still, this boy did have the 'spark' as Symonne called it; perhaps now was not his time to take the stage, after all, the more interesting pieces do occur within the background as she had stated.

"Now I am bored once more," the illusionist said with a sigh, turning away from the mechanical child. "Perhaps it would best to retire for now."

A strange feeling was swelling within Milla; though they were deep within enemy lines, she was not feeling a sense of dread or worry, but instead, curiosity and some form of excitement. It was hard to keep the latter emotions in check, but this was possibly this time she could recall that she was truly somewhere new. True the architecture and technology of Pendrago was certainly outdated by Elympion standards, but it still fascinated the former Maxwell no less. To think that another civilization so far from their own could thrive without the blessings of the Great Spirits, it truly did impress Milla. However, the moment her mind started to wander too greatly from their task, the savior could only pull herself back and remind herself as to the reason as to why they were here and what was truly at stake.

"Hm, these stones seem rather tough," her husband's words returned her to reality, his fist lightly knocking against a wall. "It doesn't look like we can gouge any holes in here so easily if we were to try to climb them."

"Breaking through the front and side entrances also looks to be suicide," Milla observed, watching guards continuing to enter and exit each of the doors. "I've lost count of how many guards come through those doors after twenty. What's the term humans use; 'it's like a revolving door'."

"Something like that," Jude lightly scratched his head.

"Obviously breaking the windows to enter is also a bad idea," the former Lord of Spirits added, finding another set of guards patrolling the inside from the other side of the glass. "If I still had the Four, then maybe-"

Milla quickly stopped herself before she say another word. Her teeth practically bit against her tongue at the very mentioning of them. To think that the Four Great Spirits would side with the Lord of Time and Space after all the years spent together, how they were willing to bring about the end of this era despite their vow to protect the human and spirit realms. Efreet, Undine, Sylph, Gnome; they were like family to her, always by her side and at her beck and call for a majority of her life. For them to have betrayed her as they did back in Ladylake, the very thought had never crossed her mind until that point, but the fact remained that it was Milla's job to protect the human and spirit realms regardless of who stood in her way, even if she was Maxwell no longer.

"Hey Milla, are you-?" the young researcher tried to ask.

"…it's nothing," she quickly brushed away her husband. "We have a task to complete, I can't afford to waste any time dwelling on the past. We must look forward to the future."

"It is important to look toward the future, but one must also look toward the past in order to understand where the future may lead," a third voice suddenly interrupted.

"Who are you?" the two quickly turned to the source.

Sitting behind them was a single individual, a man draped entirely in a white cloak, the hood covering his eyes. In front of him was a small table with a small crystal-like device, its shape unlike anything they had seen before. It was not a crystal ball like they had seen in many movies or books, but instead its shape was like a large green crystal that was translucent from within. This man must be a fortune teller they both concluded, just someone trying to make a few gald by taking advantage of superstitious civilians.

"You have come," the aforementioned 'fortune teller' spoke once more. "Please, have a seat."

"Sorry, but we're not interested," Jude gently turned the man down. "I'm afraid we have other things to attend to."

"Things such as trying to save this world?" the man questioned as the two began to turn away. "Is it truly your intention to prove this continent's old prophecy wrong and that you are not the ones that shall bring about the end of this era? Are you truly adamant in that the prophecy from your part of the world is correct?"

The man's words had quickly caught the former Lord of Spirits' attention, her hand instinctively reaching for her sword, only to be stopped by the man's next words.

"I am not your enemy," he assured her, "yet at the same time, I cannot claim to be your ally."

"If you are neither, then who are you?" she questioned.

"A messenger from times past," the man replied. "A messenger of one long forgotten, a messenger for a voice that has become deaf in the ears of humans, spirits, seraphim and everything beyond."

This person was speaking in riddles, but there was something peculiar about his presence. It was a familiar aura, an aura Milla was becoming less and less sensitive to as time went on. It was similar to that of the spirits, of the seraphim, but at the same time, it felt different, it felt greater.

"Is it truly wrong to end this era?" he then questioned. "How does the Demon King wish to end this era?"

"Of course it's wrong!" the former Maxwell quickly replied. "The countless civilizations that have been created, the many souls that were born, the peace that has been hard fought and paved with the blood and corpses of many, it cannot be for nothing. We cannot allow such injustice to fall before the human and spirit realms!"

"Is that so?" the 'fortune teller' simply replied.

"I agree with Milla," Jude added. "Many people suffered and died so that the world could reach its current state; from the wars that were fought between Rieze Maxia and Elympios, the sacrifice of the Fractured Dimensions so that ours could live on, and the many other lives that were lost in conflicts fought prior and thereafter, we can't let their sacrifices be left in vain simply so that everything could be thrown into chaos again."

"Chaos you say? Is that truly what you think the end of this era will bring?" the cloaked man questioned.

"What else can it bring?" the former Lord of Spirits questioned. "It happened before, several times over the eons, with countless civilizations falling and new ones taking their place, whether by the hands of humans or spirits, the truth remains that in the end, an era falls into chaos and a new one will eventually take its place. It is our intention to stop this process, no matter what!"

"So you say, but do you not realize that no matter what, this era will reach its end?" the mysterious man questioned.

"So you're saying we should just succumb to the chaos and allow evil to prevail?" Milla questioned.

"I am not implying that outcome, nor am I implying that outcome is not the solution to your current predicament. Let us try another approach," the 'fortune teller' changed the subject. "What if I were to ask you 'why do birds fly?' How would you reply?"

"Well if they didn't they wouldn't be able to catch food. Or escape from predators," Jude replied.

"A valid answer," the cloaked man replied. "And yours?"

Jude's answer was on point as always, a simple answer to a simple question, a response that was straight forward but also true in the matters of science. However, the reply the former Maxwell had come up with was entirely different.

"I think that birds fly because they must," Milla gave her reply. "Why else would they have wings if not to embrace the sky?"

"Different answers to the same question; that is not uncommon. However, can you tell me why your answers differ?"

"The two of us looked to have read that question in a different context," she replied. "Jude answered in a more scientific and logical way, whereas my answer was more of a philosophical response."

"However, neither answer is wrong either," the young researcher added. "Both are equally valid, especially considering that the context of such a question can be interpreted in different ways."

"Precisely, words can have very different meanings based on how you perceive them," the 'fortune teller' replied. "Inquiries, statements, and phrases can have an infinite number of interpretations, and in turn, the responses for such are also as equally infinite. …unfortunately, our time for now must come to a close," the man changed the subject once again.

"Wait a minute, just what were you trying to imply by asking us these questions?" Jude inquired.

"I am not in liberty to say," he replied. "I'm afraid you must both come up with your own answers. When you have found your answers, when you are ready to overcome your trials, we shall meet again."

"Wait, what do you mean-?"

"Milla, Jude!" the voice of their youngest companion suddenly interrupted them.

"Elle, what's wrong?" the former Maxwell inquired as she and her husband turned around to greet her.

"It's His Majesty," the young agent huffed. "They're moving his execution to tomorrow; they're forcing him to fight the emperor in the middle of the Town Square!"

"Tomorrow, but why so suddenly?!" Jude exclaimed.

"I don't know," Elle replied. "All I know is that they're setting up some kind of makeshift arena right now. Rowen, Lailah and Sophie are checking the place out right now."

"That may be why security around the prison is extremely strict at the moment," Milla surmised. "They want to ensure nobody will be able to help Gaius escape before tomorrow. I'm afraid this will only make our rescue more difficult if the entire city's eyes will be on him."

"At the same time though, if the entire city is going to be in a single area, we may be able to cause several large enough distractions throughout the city to loosen security enough so that we can rescue Gaius," Jude proposed. "Although I don't think we can enact that plan right now with security as tight as it is; the soldiers might put two and two together and execute Gaius on the spot instead."

"I'm afraid you're right," Milla agreed. "It seems all we can do is wait until tomorrow; we'll need at least one person blend into the crowds in the Town Square tomorrow so that when the distractions begin, they can assist in Gaius's escape."

"We better get back to everyone and get everything together then," Elle advised.

"Now as for you-!" Milla turned back to the mysterious man, only to find no one sitting where he was once present.

"Huh, where'd he go?" Jude questioned.

"Where'd who go?" the young cadet asked.

"The fortune teller," the young researcher explained. "There was a man sitting here in a cloak and hood; he was right here the whole time. You saw him when you were running to us, didn't you, Elle?"

"What are you talking about?" their young companion replied. "When I found you guys, it looked like you were just looking at a wall."

Their comrade's words had left both speechless. It was already strange how the man seemed to appear out of nowhere, but for him to suddenly disappear in the same manner was truly peculiar. Milla did not fully grasp what the man was trying to say, but she understood the concept of words having different interpretations. However, she could not so easily agree with his notion; Amilla's actions were simply unjust. Even if she was not intending to end this era as described in the Old Myths she was taught, the fact remained that she was still causing harm and destruction in an effort to reach her goals. As a former Maxwell, as another form of her self, Milla could not stand for it. She had to kill Amilla to prevent any further atrocities from being committed.

And yet, what were these trials this man mentioned? Haven't they been tested enough? Surely there was more to this battle than Milla initially thought, but one thing was for certain; whatever trial they had to face, no matter what battle they had to fight, they had to win, for the sake of this era and for the child that was growing within her.

It was already dark; however, it wasn't anything new for Ana. It was her decision to have always been a hands-on type of leader, even if it would gain the ire of the very few who actually cared for her, her as a person and not her as the Head Scholar of the Scholars of the Crowe.

"Going somewhere?" the sound of a familiar coin flip was always the first thing she heard upon exiting these meetings.

"Grimoirh spotted the Harbinger in Lastonbell while we were away," Ana replied. "She has learned that members of her entourage are planning to go to the islands in the Eastern Seas. I plan to intercept them while they attempt to retrieve a seaworthy vessel."

"Haven't you already done enough?!" the earth seraph's temper immediately began to flare. "You've done more than your fair share to prove yourself to these people, Ana! You can't let them continue to step all over you like this!"

Once again Meizen was giving her his speech, the argument that he always presented whenever she volunteered to complete a dangerous task for the Scholars. She always took note of his concern, she appreciated it in fact, but that remained that she had not fulfilled her 'fair share' as Meizen would put it. Once again she had to prove herself and honor the role she unwillingly inherited.

"You know I must go," she simply said. "The title of Head Scholar, it was never meant for me, we both know this. My birth, my life, it was all a mistake; I was never supposed to-"

"Don't even go there, Anastasia Diphda!" her loyal servant spat, practically slamming his palms on her shoulders. "You know for a fact it was no mistake. There was a reason why you were put on this earth, and it was to take up the mantle your ancestor, Olivia Diphda, left for her descendants. Even if you were not originally named the rightful heir, the responsibility fell upon your shoulders when-"

As always, the earth seraph had stopped himself before he could speak further of that incident, but also as always, he was too late. Once again she felt her heart contort, her eyes searing from the memory that was still fresh, like a wound that would never close. In her left hand she still felt his, how it clung so tightly and desperately; how she wanted to return the gesture back then, but her fingers could barely even close. It was pathetic she thought back then and even now. No matter how much she pushed, no matter how much strove, she could never fulfill the role she was given; instead of him relying on her, it seemed to always be the other way around, and on that particular day, when she thought she could finally fulfill that task, it also ended up in failure.

"…you're right, it is my responsibility…," the dark-haired young woman said. "And as per that responsibility, I must go."

"Ana-!"

"'I watch the world with measured gaze as moments turn to history. The world, a lute the people play, and history its melody. Venture on. Venture on. Let your actions turn the world. And I shall watch, and I shall watch. Until the final star winks out. If solitude must be my fate, then people are my heart, my heart. I know your sins and shrieks and joys, for people are my heart, my heart.'"

"…the Oath Poem of Magillanica Lou Mayvin…," Meizen recalled. "Her most famous work that even the Mayvin Tribe of the present continue to sing. It is a poem borne from a broken heart, but also hope for the future. It was always your favorite, but that doesn't mean you need to always do this yourself, Ana. You can't continue to live-!"

"I was not meant to live a long life, Meizen, you of all people know of this fact," she replied without hesitation. "Even to this day, I await my final hour. With Khebexaré Rakpom and Sigikara Kugobyuk walking amongst us, it is only a matter of time before the Gates of Paracelsus will open and the world shall be reborn, and with that rebirth, I can finally rest. Please continue to aid me until that day, Meizen."

She didn't need to ask him for his aid, even when she was but a child, he was always there for her. Often he would watch her until she fell asleep, he was always there with a wet cloth whenever her fevers ran high, he would always offer to carry her when she could walk no more, and on that fateful day, it was him that came to her aid and- Regardless of this was his duty, she was grateful to Meizen, she was grateful for his loyalty, she was grateful for the Oath he swore to her and her family.

"…as you wish, Ana…"

"Bienfu!" the Head Scholar called the normin.

"Yes ma'am!" the tiny seraph suddenly appeared at her side.

"Gather some able men, normin and seraphim for our trip south," she ordered. "We will need to utilize your Geoboards if we are to meet with the Rakpom's forces as swiftly as possible, especially if they are being aided by the Shepherds."

"Aye, aye, Lady Ana!"

Not much longer, just a little longer, she thought, and finally, finally Anastasia Diphda could rest.

No matter how many years have passed, these kinds of moment always put Lailah on edge.

The plan was supposed to be simple enough, Milla, Jude, Elle, and Sophie would each cause various distractions simultaneously throughout different parts in the city, from simply having Milla making her appearance known to the public, to Elle screaming at guards that she needs help from a perpetrator that didn't exist, to even Sophie destroying part of an empty building, all of these things should catch the soldiers' attention. Before they could take Gaius away, that would be the moment both Lailah and Rowen would act. Lailah would create a wall of flame around the Rieze Maxian king and Rowen would use his binding artes to prevent whatever remaining guards he could from intercepting them. Once Gaius was secured, they would all rush over to the city's entrance where the Sparrowfeathers had 'conveniently' left an empty wagon and take off posthaste, all of them later reconvening several miles away from the city. Granted it was all sounded simple on paper, but the actual execution, that was another story.

"Five minutes," the former butler's voice returned her to the matter at hand.

Though Rowen was also normally composed, she could see the slightest trickle of sweat fall upon his brow. He too was nervous, and rightly so; the man they were attempting to rescue was his lord and his friend. Yet he was not as nervous as most would be in this kind of situation; it was clear he had faith in his friends, that they would not let him down. Seeing this reinvigorated Lailah's confidence, reminding her of the many trials and tribulations the Shepherd of Order overcame a long time ago.

"Citizens of Pendrago, welcome!" a well-dressed knight stepped out into the middle of the ring now. "Today's spectacle has been granted to us by the emperor himself, Emperor Agravain Pendrago!"

The sound of his name was enough to gather the entire crowd's cheerful roar, their voices echoing throughout the entire city. It was clear that there was nothing but love for their ruler, the man who singlehandedly led their soldiers to safety after the passing of his father in battle. It was clear how much they all adored him, how they worshiped him just by hearing the sound his name. If it were not for the gesture of the announcer, the cheers would have echoed for eternity.

"As you are aware, several days ago, a man claiming to be a king dared entered His Highness's court," the announcer's words quickly gained the ire of the audience. "He dared question our emperor's rule and our city's safety. Not willing to let this accusation slide, our emperor has challenged this so-called king to a duel, in front of us all, his loyal subjects. Bring out this so-called king!"

Again the crowd's voices coalesced into a single cry, one of anger and hate. From within the crowds, a single man in chains was being pulled into the center of the makeshift arena, his hands and legs bound in chain, but oddly, his head held high. Despite the cries for his death, the foreign monarch simply remained composed, his eyes looking forward as he drew closer to the arena. Even the guards that surrounded him looked to be in a sort of unease as they escorted him, as if they were prepared for him to break loose at any moment despite the chains that bound him.

'So this is Gaius,' Lailah thought to herself as she observed the man who was clearly not of this land.

He certainly did not look to be of Glenwood based on the clothes he wore, being a suit similar to Rowen's, but black in color. He also wore what looked like a violet vest underneath his dark jacket, along with a long-sleeved, buttoned white shirt. Strangely, his long, dark hair was worn freely, almost unbecoming to a man of his stature, but it still gave off the air of one who demanded respect and held authority.

Behind the foreign king stood a guard who was carrying what looked like a sword, long, yet slender in nature. It was clearly also not native to this land, and it looked rather heavy too considering how much difficulty the solder was having just carrying it. When they finally stopped in the center of the arena, it looked like the soldier could finally breathe a sigh of relief, planting the sword into the ground and using it as a device to lean on.

"Come on, let's cut him loose," one of the accompanying soldiers ordered his companions.

"There is no need," the king said.

Before the people of Pendrago, the foreigner swung both of his arms outward, the bonds that kept breaking almost as if they were glass. Even the iron shackles on his legs broke in similar manner as he stretched his legs outward, much to the complete shock of the civilians and soldiers alike. Upon witnessing such a spectacle, the soldiers that had been observing him were now paralyzed by shock, unable to do anything as he withdrew his sword from the earth with a single hand.

"Leave it to Gaius to put on a show for his captors," Rowen could only sigh at the monarch's actions.

"I had no idea your comrade was this powerful," the Prime Lord commented. "I'm sure this will be a 'tough act' to follow."

"Hm hm hm, truly," the elder man chuckled at the seraph's pun.

"I, um, that is…," even the announcer found himself speechless of what had just occurred.

"…there's no need for anymore words, good sir," the sound of an authoritative voice said, the entire crowd roaring once again as another stepped out of the masses.

"Emperor Agravain!" a civilian suddenly cheered.

Turning to the source, Lailah and Rowen found a single man dressed white robes. He too was escorted by several guards, but his limbs were not bound by any forms of shackles whatsoever. The man walked with his head held high, his arms extending outward, his fingers gliding against the hands and fingers of the civilians who pushed and tackled against one another just to feel his touch. The smile on his face was wide, his ivory white teeth gleaming from the reflection of the sun, his lips only stretching further as the citizens chanted his name. At the same time however, his eyes continued to look forward, his vision locked on the foreign man before him.

"Your people certainly love you," Gaius remarked as the emperor took his place before him.

"But of course, they know who has led them to peace and prosperity for the last fifteen years," his opponent boasted. "However, we both know that neither of us has the patience for small talk. 'A true warrior speaks with his sword and not with words,' that is why you were willing to wait until today to restate your case, is it not?"

"'A true warrior may only speak with his blade, but a true monarch also knows many wars can be resolved with words, without the spilling of blood,'" the Rieze Maxian king stated as his opponent drew the large sword from his back. "After all, what is a man who cannot sheathe his sword in times of peace? He is merely a criminal who threatens the very peace many had spilled their own blood to attain."

"Heh, you truly are a politician at heart, but I'm afraid the time for words has passed. Have at thee, I'll show you the power of my Rangestu Style!"

In a single stroke, the time for negotiations had passed, the sound of ringing steel taking precedence over all else. Both were fast, the foreign king and the emperor locking blades with neither one gaining advantage over the other. Not willing to share the stage, Agravain struck again, his left hand releasing the hilt of his blade as his body stepped forward, his left arm extending outward with a single punch. To his surprise, Gaius had telegraphed his punch, stepping to the side at the last moment, ducking slightly as he evaded. Quickly he countered, only for his blade to meet that of his opponent's again.

The two exchanged blows thereafter, each movement more swift than the last, the flashing of metal blinding all those that watched. Clang, clang, clang, the steel blades continued to ring into the heavens, the noise only muted between the battle cries of their wielders.

"Swallow Fury!"

In an instant, it seemed that foreign king disappeared before everyone's eyes, the gleam of his blade the only instance of the path he traveled as he charged forward and sprang into the air. Yet with every reflection of steel came another crashing of metal, the final clash causing Gaius's form to appear once appear. Thinking him vulnerable, Agravain struck downward with a mighty chop from above, only for his blade to meet with the air as the Rieze Maxian monarch evaded the strike with a roll, his sword rising upward in time to block the subsequent strike.

Again they were in a stalemate, but Gaius would not hold it for long, his leg soon sweeping at the emperor's ankle in an attempt to throw him off balance. Surprisingly, the attack had worked, causing Agravain to fall toward the floor, leaving him vulnerable it seemed. Yet Gaius did not take advantage of the opportunity, knowing it was a trap as he saw a certain gleam in his opponent's eye.

In that split second, the emperor drove his blade into the ground, using it as a lever mid-fall, pulling his body into the air with a single arm and prying it from earth as his left hand took hold of the hilt. His body weight then shifted forward, his back still facing Gaius, his body then curling inward to turn his jump into a flip, his giant sword in turn acting as a shield and weapon at the same time as he moved. This attack had nearly caught Gaius off guard, his opponent's blade barely missing his shoulder as he stepped away to avoid it. Despite the close call, the Rieze Maxian king then charged forward just before the Rolance emperor could land on the ground, only for him to turn around in time to cross blades once again, the ringing of their steel blasting throughout the arena, quickly drowned by the cheers of the city's people.

Such a spectacle also amazed the fire seraph; in the many millennia that she had existed, it was rare for her to see such skill. The power behind each blow, the last second thinking that occurred with every swing, and the accuracy of each cut, it was almost as if Lailah were watching the Four Lords playing a game of chess with one another, with each move occurring faster than the blink of an eye.

With a final ring, the two warriors jumped backward after the failed cut. Despite the tenacity they both displayed, neither was injured nor showing any signs of fatigue. Both were still focused and as determined as ever, the grip of their swords as firm as ever.

"You really are something," the emperor smirked. "I never thought I'd actually meet someone who could go toe-to-toe with me. Of course, that just means it's time to get serious."

The man's arms then raised above his head, his blade pointed slightly behind him, angling the sword in an angle as he stood. To everyone that was watching, it appeared as if Agravain was ignoring all forms of defense; even Lailah found herself perplexed at the change in the emperor's stance. Even from her observation, she knew that the Rolance emperor was leaving himself wide open; if anyone else were fighting, they would have quickly charged forward at the opportunity, but from Lailah could see, she knew Gaius was afoot with his opponent's change in tactics.

"Gaius…" she could only continue watch.

"What's wrong, are you going to just stand there?" the emperor taunted the foreigner. "Come on, we both know I'm wide open."

It was clear the Rieze Maxian king would not fall for his Rolance counterpart's goading. Any experienced warrior knew too that if he had waited long enough, any opponent would strike after becoming impatient. It would be in this split second that Lailah knew Gaius would have a chance, where he could end this stalemate with a single swoop.

"A true warrior also does not strike when his opponent is at a disadvantage," Gaius replied. "I shall await a turn in which you may also dodge should your strike miss."

"I don't even need to dodge," the emperor began to approach his opponent once more, his pace gradually hastening with every step. "It'll be the same every time!"

Both warriors began to charge again, their blades slicing against the air as they sprung forth. As the Rolance monarch cut downward, so did the Rieze Maxian ruler divert his sword's edge upward, the two of them crying the name of their mystic artes as they struck.

"Rangestu: Eagle!"

"Absolute Domination!"

This was to be the pinnacle of the match, this was to determine the victor, regardless of what Lailah and the others were planning. In this single strike, it was to be over, and yet, it was not meant to be, the fire seraph's eyes turning away from the match and toward the source of a presence she had hoped she ever experience again.

Before the deathblow could find its target, the sound of an explosion suddenly echoed from outside the city gates, the earth itself suddenly shaking soon after. Cheers were quickly replaced with confusion, the civilians' attention now turning elsewhere instead of the spectacle that was supposed to be displayed before them. Even the participants of the match had brought their blades to a halt, both of them now lowering their weapons as their attention turned to the source of the sudden chaos.

"What was that?" Rowen questioned.

It wasn't obvious to everyone at first, but the answer was one Lailah did not wish to answer, nor was it one in which she can feign obliviousness to. Before she could give her reply, she felt a cold embrace begin to envelop her, followed by a faint, dark whisper that spoke intangible words. Though she did not wish to comprehend the syllables they uttered, she could feel their malicious intent and the burning, yet frozen touch emanating from within. With every passing second, she felt the tingling within her growing, the sensation similar to needles at first, but then expanding into daggers and fuller blades.

"Lailah, what's wrong?" her elder companion now noticed as she found more and more difficult to fight off the pain. "Lailah!"

Everything was falling into chaos; though it was much weaker than what she could recall, it was a sensation that still revealed much of the past to Lailah, a past she had hoped to never look back on. Turning to the source, she saw a familiar violet haze, as well as tiny spheres of black that floated upward into nothingness. A flash of red emanated from within the panicking crowds, as well as an inhuman cry that was quickly drowned out by the screams of the fleeing civilians. As the masses dissipated, she soon recognized the source, a single hellion, a lizardman armed with a sword and shield to be exact, a monster that had not been seen since the Age of Chaos.

"Gods, what on earth!" the former butler shouted in disbelief.

"It's a hellion," Lailah tried to regain her composure. "Specifically it's a soldier that's been transformed into the creature before you. They haven't been seen for centuries, so why are they now-?"

"Milla, what's happening on your end?" Rowen interrupted, having picked up his GHS amidst the chaos.

"Rowen, Lailah, if at all possible, rescue Gaius now and get out of the city!" the former Maxwell said on the other line. "We'll reconvene later, right now the entire city is-!"

"What the heck?!" Jude's voice interrupted now. "Milla, watch out!"

Another loud crash followed, the sound soon being accompanied by more panicked screams and fleeing footsteps. Though they could not see what was happening, Lailah already knew based on the source of the burning sensation that was enveloping her. Turning to the entrance to the city, she knew that the era that she and her companions once fought for was now coming to an end.

"Sorey…," his name escaped her lips as she peered into the growing masses that consumed the innocents. "The Age of Chaos, it has begun again hasn't it?"

Her lunge was fast, all of her weight pushing forward as she struck with a single punch. Normally she would hold back so that she would not kill her opponent, but in this case, Sophie couldn't afford such a luxury. Her punch was powerful indeed, it should have ended the fight quickly, but much to her shock, the creature before still stood, her fist instead making contact with the rounded metal it had equipped in its left hand.

The lizardman retorted not with a swing, but an inhuman screech, its voice enough to shatter all of the windows in the immediate vicinity. Its high-pitched cry was enough to stun the visitor from another world momentarily, causing her to step back and forcing her palms to press against her ears. By the time the pain from the cry had settled slightly, it was already too late, the hellion now swinging its blade downward.

Yet its sword was quickly stopped by another, the former Lord of Spirits having jumped in front of Sophie with her sword drawn.

"Sophie, get back!" Milla ordered her comrade.

Though the two were locked in a stalemate, it was clear that even the former Maxwell's strength was not enough to keep the hellion back for long. It was a losing battle, her arms struggling to simply keep their foe's steel from falling further. To their relief, another comrade had come to their aid, a blunt force striking at the beast and forcing him to crash into a nearby structure.

"You okay?" Elle questioned, resting her sledgehammer on her shoulder as she offered aid to her friends.

"Elle, watch out!" Sophie warned.

The same hellion had recovered quickly, already leaping at his last attacker. Not wanting to rest despite what just occurred, Milla met the creature head on, lunging her sword forward and impaling the beast's right hand. Another deafening cry escaped its monstrous lips, but the former Lord of Spirits would not falter, swinging again soon after, this time cutting across it's chest before delivering a spinning standing kick to knock to the floor. The monster would recover quickly however, immediately trying to stand after the ground struck its back, but before it could return to its feet, the young researcher and moved in, delivering a final punch to its chest, ensuring this time that it would not rise thereafter.

"Did that do it?" Jude questioned.

"Maybe that was enough for one, but…," Sophie's words trailed away as she turned to the remaining opposition.

The purple-haired girl was in a loss for words from what she was witnessing before them. A purple haze was surrounding several civilians, each of them clutching their ears as if something was screaming into their ears. Many had frightened looks on their faces, some were even crying, but others would drop their clutching hands altogether, their expressions slowly melting into mad smiles which later turned into incomprehensible cackling. This happened to civilian and soldier alike, but the madness simply did not end there.

Before each of them, some of these individuals became engulfed by the violet haze that filled the air, covering their forms entirely in black. Upon being covered, they struggled, as if they were trapped within a cage, desperately trying to break free. Within seconds, that darkness would then lift, and emerging from it was something else entirely. The men, women, and even children would emerge in a different form, one that was no longer human. They had turned into beasts, into monsters similar to the one they had just killed.

"W-what the heck is this?" the young cadet stammered. "Why are these people turning into monsters."

"These aren't merely monsters," Sophie replied. "These are hellions, and they look much stronger than the ones we encountered when we first arrived in Glenwood."

"Ugh…," the former Maxwell suddenly fell to her knees.

"Milla, are you all right?" her husband rushed to her side. "Milla?!"

"…this sensation…," Milla tried to speak, covering her mouth as if she were ready to vomit. "It's similar to that from one month ago, when Lady Julia-"

"'Lady Julia', I didn't think you would actually have the courtesy to address me as such," a familiar voice soon echoed.

Looking up, the four found the aforementioned Elympion noblewoman standing before them. Her very presence was shocking, not just the fact that she was here in Glenwood, but her very appearance as well. Though she still dressed in her upper class garments, the skirt of her dress was now in tatters, torn unevenly from the ankles and up to her knees, with a slit even cut on the entire left side should she need to raise her legs up hire. Her gloves were also equally ruined, even missing a fabric on a few of her fingers. Her was also completely disheveled, almost as if it had dried unevenly in the rain. Two belts were also worn in a crisscross manner on her waist, with each belt holding a holstered revolver, as well as several bullets throughout.

What was more disturbing however was the aura that surrounded her. It was hazy like fire, yet violet, bordering on black. The tresses of her hair seemed to twitch with this strange energy, its presence cold, yet burning to the touch. Upon closer inspection, it seemed that it was this very aura that was infecting everyone, transforming the people into hellions before the party's very eyes.

"This power, there's no doubt about it, it's malevolence!" Sophie surmised. "She's the one causing all of this!"

"No way," Elle found herself in disbelief. "She's supposed to be human; I mean, her family's pretty high up back in Elympios, there's no way she could blend into society so easily if she was a hellion this whole time."

"The malevolence in these lands must have altered her to transform into one," Milla hypothesized, raising her sword once again as she struggled to stand. "And if she is indeed the source of this chaos, then we must destroy her."

"Destroy me?" the noblewoman scoffed. "What makes you think you even can if you struggle to fight even one of my spawn? Your sister already tried and now look where we've ended up."

"My sister? What did you do to Muzét?!" the former Maxwell questioned.

"I'd tell you, but unfortunately you won't live long enough to find out," Julia replied. "Come at me, Milla Mathis, Sister of Muzét Maxwell!"

Upon hearing the challenge, the former Lord of Spirits rushed forward, her sword slicing upward as she charged at their foe. She would travel no further than a few steps however, her body suddenly being pushed back by the haze that surrounded the noblewoman, knocking her backward several feet, as if it were mimicking the movement of its owner's arm as she pushed it forward.

"Milla!" her husband cried.

Upon seeing his wife injured, the young researcher now tried to spring forward, taking to the air as his leapt forward with a kick. Instead of using the aura to her advantage, she allowed him to come forward, evading his kick with a mere step to the side. Upon landing on the ground, Jude continued his assault, delivering a flurry of punches and kicks, but each blow had either been deflected or evaded with a mere step.

"Cerberus Strike!" the young researcher tried to attack with one of his artes.

Despite his fervor, his assault was for naught, the noblewoman switching from the defensive to the offensive as the crutch of her left arm caught his final kick, her right arm lunging forward as the rest of her body pushed itself in the same direction. The single strike was enough to also knock the young researcher backward like his wife, the two of them laying on the floor as they struggled to stand once more.

"Cross Fire!"

The young agent opted to strike from a distance upon seeing her comrades' failed attempts to fight up close, firing her two pistols simultaneously as streams of golden mana escaped their barrels. Responding to the projectiles, the hellion then reached for her own guns, drawing and firing them in what seemed like the same split second. Much to Elle's shock, Julia's bullets had collided directly with her own, each of the shots falling to the floor in the same instant they were fired.

"No way!" Elle could only exclaim.

Not wanting to succumb to the shock, the last descendent of Kresnik then reached for her watch, its contents quickly enveloping her into a blinding light. The sudden illumination stunned their foe momentarily, the visitor from another world now charging forward to take advantage of the moment.

"Dragon Dash!"

Two consecutive jump kicks followed, both attacks having met their foe perfectly, launching Sophie backward a few feet backward thereafter as the young agent charged forward with her spear, lunging it with all of her might as she chanted her mystic arte's name.

"Form Destroyer!"

The noblewoman's eyes widened as she was still in shock from the recent attack, but her surprise quickly disappeared as her hands wrapped around Elle's spear. It was clear that Julia intended on pulling Elle inward to deliver another blow, but the young agent quickly released the grip on her spear, the contents of her watch then returning therein, instead allowing the purple-haired girl to follow up on the attack with her own mystic arte.

"Release!" Sophie chanted as she charged forward once more. "No escape! Critical Blade!"

The charging punch that followed slammed into the open wound Elle's spear had left, the force behind the blow shoving their enemy backward several feet even after Sophie released the tension in her arm, forcing the hellion to crash into the stone wall that bordered the west side of the city. The sudden crash created a large cloud of smoke, the aftermath catching the attention of both humans and hellions alike.

"Did we get her?" Elle questioned as she looked on.

The noblewoman was strong, even Sophie knew that when she first laid eyes on her, despite her haughty nature. Even after succumbing to malevolence, the purple-haired girl surmised the dark power could only increase her strength by so much; even a hellion that they fought just recently shouldn't be able to stand after the blow she just landed. However, if any of her past experiences taught her anything, it was always to expect the unexpected.

It was just as Sophie predicted, but it happened so quickly that she could not react. The noblewoman had quickly launched herself forward from within the dust cloud, her own fist retaliating in the same manner as Sophie's, the hellion's hand's pulsing through her abdomen as she was pushed backward. Despite her will to counter in that very moment, the visitor from another world's body remained paralyzed, the sensation of pain and swirling within her as a strange darkness began to cloud her mind, a darkness that consisted of the memories that jump started her recent journey.

The warmth of her husband and daughter's blood became fresh in Sophie's hands again, the scorching intensity searing in her eyes and running down her cheeks burning her very flesh once more, and the sight of her loved ones' lives fading before her were replaying before her as if they were the present. As if she were still living that same day, she felt the fire of anger consuming her, her fists tightening as if they were crushing skulls, and her throat becoming coarse, only wishing to be quenched with the blood of those that stole her family away from her. This anger, this hatred, she swore she would not let it consume her again, and yet, in this instant, in this very moment, she was succumbing to it once more, but why?

"I'll kill you…," the purple-haired girl began to seethe. "I'LL KILL YOU!"

"Sophie stop!"

The visitor from another world felt her body suddenly being whisked away, finding herself once again save by the savior of this world. As she remained wrapped in her arms, she felt the surge of anger and hatred begin to dissipate, her head becoming clear once more.

"Don't give into the malevolence," Milla ordered. "Try and stay focused on the task at hand."

"Right," Sophie could only nod.

"Milla!" her husband called as he charged at their foe once more.

Upon hearing her name, the former Maxwell returned to the fray, her blade slicing against the air as her husband led the charge. Immediately Julia's attention turned to the duo, her hands now reaching for her pistols again as she fired another pair of bullets from each gun.

Yet each projectile met with only a crash of metal, both the young researcher and former Lord of Spirits deflecting the shots with their weapons. She fired again as they drew closer, the pair this time opting to change the course of their charge as they ran, her aim unable to keep up until finally both were within arm's length, the hammers of her guns simply clicking as she attempted to pull their triggers once more. She was out of ammo now and there was no time for her to retaliate as the two commenced their attack once more, the young researcher leading the charge with a flurry of punches.

"My fist!" Jude chanted as he delivered two strikes with his fists, followed by a roundhouse kick.

"My sword!" Milla quickly followed with three slashes of her sword.

"And all creation…," her husband continued as he struck the ground, causing a shockwave to launch the hellion into the air.

"…will be one!" the two chanted as Milla took to the air with a sphere of mana enveloping her. "Tiger Blade Sigma!"

The two were in sync with their strike, the spyrite researcher and the former Maxwell both charging toward their foe with their arms raised. This was to be the final strike, this was to be the end of the battle, but again, Sophie knew that things would not go according to plan.

"Impossible!"

Before the final blow could come and much to everyone's shock, the noblewoman dropped her weapons, instead opening her hands so that she could stop both of her opponents' attacks. With her left, her fingers clenched on the blade of Milla's sword, stopping her in place, and with her right, her palm had brought Jude's punch to a sudden halt. Despite their efforts to break free, their foe's hold remained firm.

"Did you think I didn't see that one coming?" the hellion gloated as they struggled to break free. "You're too predictable, you're too weak!"

Moving her arms inward, husband and wife soon slammed into each other, only to quickly be released by the noblewoman as she hurled them back toward the floor. Instead of merely falling after them, the violet haze surrounding Julia began to grow, the aura swelling until it appeared to become one with the darkened sky above.

"Hatred, despair, greed, conceit, obsession, lust, cowardice, selfishness, give unto me your sins so that I spread its maliciousness unto the world," she began to chant as a familiar purple glow began to emit from her right hand. "True Lion's Howl!"

In that same moment, her body quickly plummeted toward the earth, flying past both husband and wife as her fist struck the ground below. A powerful shockwave followed thereafter, the blast knocking back both humans and hellions alike, forcing them all back into the nearest wall or building, filling the atmosphere with a purple smoke in its wake, pushing back everyone close its vicinity backward with great force.

The sudden explosion attack had even caught Sophie off guard; despite having not been hit with the brunt of the mystic arte itself, her body had quickly become numb from the initial strike, a dull pain that shot through her back and the rest of her body. For a moment her vision began to blur, everything within her eyes appearing as double, the two images swirling before her. Even without being able to focus, she could already see the corpses of humans and hellions alike lying around her, just as the muted cries of the surviving civilians and the howls of the monsters barely sailed into her ringing ears.

"Please, have mercy!" she heard one man scream.

"Get away from me!" a woman begged as she found herself backed against a wall as several lizardmen approached.

In spite of her injuries, the purple-haired girl tried to stand, only to find her body unable to move upward. A giant weight was pressing against her back and lower half of her body; turning to the source, the visitor from another world found what looked to be a collapsed building know resting against her, having also crushed several innocent bystanders and several monsters. If it weren't for her extraordinary strength, Sophie knew she would have shared the same fate as them. But then there was the fate of the survivors as well, their tragic destinies playing before her very eyes.

The hellions showed no mercy to the few that remained, their numbers increasing by the second. With every new monster that appeared, another civilian would die. Witnessing these events, Sophie began to recall the final battle she partook in prior to coming to this world, the memories of her friends' descendants fighting one another amongst the backdrop of many people slaying one another. She remembered the cries for help, the fear that swept over the battlefield, and the endless sea of tears that drowned out the earth. Sophie could not bear to watch any of it on that fateful day, nor would she stand to see it happen all again in the present!

With her resolve tested once more, the purple-haired girl struggled to her feet, only to realize that a fallen structure had been pressing against her this whole time. The weight of the debris continued to push her down as she attempted to free herself, preventing her from lifting herself no more than inch off the ground before slamming her to the floor as quickly as a human would swat a fly.

"Come on, get up!" she screamed as she struggled. "Get up!"

The images of the onslaught only fueled her strength further, but despite it all, the results were always the same. Yet as she watched the chaos playing before her, a single figure stood above the rest. The Elympion noblewoman continued to remain in the center of the beasts, standing proud as she watched the slaughter around her. Even though she was responsible for all of the destruction, she harbored no compassion for her fellow man, yet at the same time, she felt no pleasure from watching the scene before either. From the screeching cries of the harpies that shattered glass with their voices, to the ruby rivers that ran down the blades of the lizardmen, to even the choking shrieks of the dying humans, Julia Leonhart merely observed it all and nothing more.

"Spread forth my spawn," her foe ordered. "Spread unto the masses our grief, our pain. Let them realize what is truly in their hearts."

"I-I won't let you!"

In that instant, the rubble shoving against her began to crumble, the visitor from another world having gathered enough strength to stand once more. A burning fire was searing within her now, her fists balled so tightly that they could crush steel itself. Without her input, her legs began to charge a quickly as she could, her arm pulling backward before launching itself forward, her legs quickly pushing her into to the air as her voice cried from the top of her lungs.

"JULIA!"

Despite her bravado, the purple-haired girl's body suddenly stopped mid-jump as a blunt force pushed against her ribs. The fire that was burning inside of her had been extinguished in a single second, her body curling inward from the single taloned fist that was now embedded within her. The numbing sensation was beginning to sweep over her quickly, her narrowed eyes turning to the single foe that stood in front of her with neither pleasure or discomfort.

"I sense your anger…," the noblewoman simply said. "I sense the hatred brewing within you. Give it to me, give me your pain. Succumb to it all!"

It would be easy to submit, it would be simple to throw it all away and give into her will. This fury burning in her veins, this steam boiling in her eyes, she could give into it now as she was about to moments ago, but…

"…Mommy…" the voice of her little girl echoed within her ears.

…but she promised that day, that no matter what happened, no matter how angry became, no matter how much she despaired, she could never bring herself to do so ever again.

"So you refuse to submit? Very well, then I'll just have to take it all for myself!"

Skit: What's Cooking?

Milla: (sniffs the air) Mm, something smells delicious, what is that?

Jude: (sniffs the air too) That does smell good, it doesn't smell like anything from back home.

Lailah: That's the aroma of Pendrago Stew; it's a dish quite famous in all of Glenwood. Many pilgrims attempt to travel to Pendrago just to try it once in their lifetime.

Milla: As tempting as it sounds, I'm afraid we're not here merely to sate our culinary curiosities, we need to- (stomach grumbles) …w-well I suppose I could have bite; after all, we don't know when we'll be here next, and our little girl may never have this opportunity again.

Jude: (sighs) Really Milla? Still, it does sound tempting. So what exactly is in it?

Lailah: Honestly, I'm not sure, the ingredients for Pendrago Stew remain a mystery to but a few. However, there are many rumors of the meat within; some say it's the brisket of wild boars that roam around Elysia, others claim its actually tofu marinated in beef fat, and then there's more outlandish tales that it comes from the tails of lizardmen or the hind muscles of dragons.

Milla: The tails of lizardmen? The hind muscles of dragons? Aren't those poisonous to consume?

Jude: (face grows sour) That doesn't sound too appetizing.

Lailah: Come now, they're only rumors. After all, only a wonder chef could even hope to turn those things into anything-

Milla: …I think I'll pass as well. Come Jude, perhaps we can find something more delectable. (Milla and Jude walk away)

Lailah: (sighs) Mystery meats, wonder chefs, whenever I told this story to anyone else in the past, they would be hungry for more. Now that I think about it, I don't think I can stomach the truth if I were to ever learn what was truly in there, as good as it might be.

Author's Note: And with that, this chapter comes to a close. We've got a bit of ground to cover, so let's get started.

Regarding Milla and Jude's dream at the beginning of the chapter, I did mention in an earlier chapter that I did make the cameo battle of Tales of Berseria canon to this story. In this case, Milla and Jude were brought to Desolation (Glenwood during Tales of Berseria's timeline) shortly after passing through the portal to the Temporal Crosswords before the final battle with Gaius in Tales of Xillia. As we know, Milla and Jude do fight Velvet's party, but in between those battles, what exactly did Milla and Jude do? In later chapter, I'd like to lightly touch upon this and how it relates to the current events of the story; for example, is it a coincidence that Milla (or in a broader term, Maxwell) is called the "Harbinger of the End" by Glenwood's citizens; after all, this was the title for Goldipen in Tales of Berseria. For that matter, how are Velvet's actions related to the current battle between Milla and Amilla? I'm afraid you'll just have to read on and find out.

Speaking of Tales of Berseria, I'm sure a lot of readers instantly recognize the question 'Why do birds fly?' that the fortune teller asked Milla and Jude in this chapter. People may be wondering now who is this mysterious man and what role will he play in the overall plot. I'm afraid we'll have to find out in a later chapter, but I will say for now that his role will fit into the larger, overarching story. I can also say that he is a canonical character in the Tales of lore, and I will also give a hint as to his identity; he is not Artorius Collbrande.

While we're on the subject of Tales of Berseria (and to an extent, Tales of Zestiria) people may be wondering why Milla and the others are struggling when it comes to fighting the hellions. Well as I said in the past, the party does not have the power of purification that the Shepherds wield, and as such, it is much more difficult for them to fight off against hellions, especially those within a domain of malevolence. The power of purification is meant for the Shepherds, and as I said before, the party will not obtain it as that should be left for the Shepherds I believe.

Readers may also recognize Emperor Agravain Asgard's sword's name, Stormhowl, from Tales of Berseria, as well as him being a practitioner of the Rangestu Style. People may be wondering if it is the same sword Shigure used, but I'll reveal the truth in the near future. As far as his character goes, I figured Gaius needs a sort of rival like the rest of the main cast, and who better else than a fellow monarch that's just as skilled with the sword. Though Agravain appears to care for his people and is looked up to by them, there are some key differences to the way he treats his people compared to Gaius. Their differences will be explored in later chapters. As far as his name, much like most of Tales of Zestiria's locations and names, Agravain also comes from Arthurian legend, namely one of King Arthur's knights of the round table. Upon researching his name, readers can get a better idea of what kind of person Agravain might actually be.

In any case, next time on End of an Era: While the City of Pendrago struggles to fight off the menace that is Julia Leonhart, Milla and her party are caught within the chaos as they continue in their attempts to rescue Gaius. Yet as the Elympion noblewoman continues her assault, an unexpected ally appears and directs the party toward an escape route from the city, a route that has not been ventured in more than a thousand years. Will the party be able to escape and make their way out of the city using this ancient path, or will they be caught up within the spread of malevolence that continues to consume the city? Find out all this and more in the next exciting chapter of End of an Era!