A/N: Hello guys! I bring to you all the new update for the story. I can only apologise for the late update.
With that, let us get to responding to you awesome reviews!

Tony Anderson: Hehe, thank you for your kind words. I hope I will be able to continue to maintain your interest

Roxas Blaze: Hehe well sorry, but that won't be happening. Well I think for me that's the appeal of Ludger's character. He suffers because he's the only one who can and still push forward.
-Well in the original game, Elize never got the chance to ever truly be with Jiao so I aim to change this and see how the relationship can develop. And while I do ship Ludger x Fractured Milla, I've so far only put them as close friends in this story. Ludger X Fractured Milla ship is for my other story, hehe
-Steiner still has a role to play in the story, so he'll appear in future chapters.
-Whether Jude will ever be able to help Ludger, we'll just have to wait and see :)

SkyRune: That's what I'm trying to do. I know I'm not the best writer and definitely not perfect, but things I introduce in the story, they tend to serve a purpose later on or at least be brought up later.
-Unfortunately while I do understand the need to show the characters resting/upgrading the shop in-game, I feel that's a waste of writing space. Unless they serve some sort of character development or advances the plot, I don't think I'll be writing those parts.
-Hmmm that's an interesting idea of having Julius show his point of view of Rieze Maxia. I might add that in.
-Again the Rollo filler mention sounds like a good idea. I feel it can introduce Lara Mel Marta into the story without making it feel like a filler. It sort of broadens more plots in different areas.
-I'm not sure yet as to how Lara will play in this story but I will definitely have her apepar since she is now related to one character in the story (Steiner). As for romantic pairings, I've probably decided Ludger not to have any pairings. The most he has is close friendship with fractured Milla so far.

randomkuma: It's okay. Let the tears flow
-Don't worry, Ludger is strong at heart. He will be okay

Project Yota-Hachi: Well Steiner will still play a role in the story but he won't be appearing too much in a couple of chapters.
-Ah yes, Muzet. She'll appear later on, so you just have to read
-Well I'm not sure if I've displayed any Tsun characters on fractured Milla, but right now, she is one of the cloest friends to Ludger considering they're both the only ones from the original timeline.
-You shall find out what happens at Fennmont in this chapter

Jakezero: I see everyone enjoyed the touching moment between Ludger and fractured Milla, hehe :3
-Steiner will still play a role in the story, just not at the moment

P-bomb: Uh... what? I'm not sure I get you

ElementalSoldier9819: Read on and find out my friend

SonicProdigy55: W-Well, I think you're jumping to conclusions now. I've not officially paired Ludger with fractured Milla. What she did in the ending of the previous chapter was console Ludger. I agree it was an intimate moment but I'm trying to only portray how close they are in this story
-Aye, Milla will reveal the truth in this chapter. Uh, Alvin and Jude won't be able to fight because you know, Alvin is with Gaius's group.
-Oh yeah! 50 chapters. That's a lot O_O thanks for the wish! :D

Ryuu von Einzbern: Yeah. He finally reunited only to have them snatched away :( While it's true he's not the only one having a hard time, he doesn't know that. He's only thing of himself at this point
-Fractured Milla is the closest friend to Ludger at this point, considering they're both from the prime dimension
-Thanks! I hope you'll enjoy this chapter as well

alex: Well you won't be seeing me respond to your review until you reach this chapter, so... uhhh
-Yup, that's the same fractured Milla

JdkLeBleau728: Damn! I'm sorry for making you feel bad but I guess that means I did a good job? I'm not sure how to feel :S

Well that's it for responding to reviews. I hope you guys will enjoy this new chapter and do let me know your thoughts of the new chapter or how the story is coming along. Till next time!

CHAPTER 50: RESPECTIVE AGENDA

Leia Rolando was already awake in the early hours of the morning after a great night's rest at the Sharilton inn. Since the party was still asleep, she decided to use this opportunity for some alone-time, walking out of the inn. She decided that she would apply some basic exercises that she did everyday back at Leronde. It was something she had not done ever since joining Ludger and Jude on this journey.

While she did some basic stretches, she was genuinely surprised to find the city already busy so early in the morning. This was probably because of the recent Elympion attack on the city, since most of the inhabitants were busy repairing the damages around them. For the next few minutes, while doing her stretches, Leia watched the people of Sharilton working together in repairing their damaged city.

After Leia was finished with her basic training, she returned to the inn. Upon entering, she instantly sniffed the sweet aroma of food coming from the dining room of the inn. She walked towards the dining room and found Jude, the two Milla and Rowen. It was even a little awkward to see Nachtigal, the King of Rashugal and a large man, sitting behind a small dining table.

"Where's Ludger and… um… 'Milla'?" Leia asked as she took a sit.

As if to answer Leia's question, fractured Milla appeared from the kitchen entrance carrying a tray of bowls. It smelled like chicken soup. Fractured Milla noticed Leia standing and gestured for her to sit, which she did. Now that everyone was at the table, fractured Milla served each of them the chicken soup before returning to the kitchen.

Rowen took a sip of the chicken soup and released a blissful sigh, "Ah, just having a taste of Ludger and "Milla's" cooking… I think I can die happy."

"Rowen, come on. Aren't you exaggerating a bit?" Jude said with a smile.

"I think I see the light." Rowen said, staring off into the distance.

"H-Hey! Rowen!"

From the kitchen, Ludger and fractured Milla could hear the lively atmosphere emanating from the dining room. The two could even hear Nachtigal cracking a joke, almost like the King had integrated well into the party. For fractured Milla, she felt this was a nice change of pace after what everyone went through at the fractured dimension – especially Ludger. She took a quick glance at Ludger next to her, focused on finishing up his specially-made tomato omelette.

"Sounds like everyone had a good night's rest." Ludger said with a chuckle, "They're all so lively in the morning."

Fractured Milla saw the genuine smile Ludger had and nodded, "Yeah. After experiencing their first fractured dimension, they needed it."

Ludger finished up his preparations and placed the five plates of tomato omelette on a tray. "Let's go. I'm sure they're all starving – especially Milla."

Fractured Milla rolled her eyes, "That's the only difference we share: her love for food and my love for cooking."

"They're still closely related anyway." Ludger pointed out with a laugh. Ludger hurried out of the kitchen before fractured Milla could retaliate.

When Ludger emerged from the kitchen, Milla saw the tray of food he had in his hands. She had been anticipating for her food to arrive and the wait was becoming too much for her. While Milla waited for Ludger to serve her portion, the four Great Spirits within Milla were having their own little conversation.

"I don't like this. I don't like this one bit!" Sylph grumbled.

"There's nothing you can do about it. There's no use complaining." Gnome retorted lazily.

"You say that because you weren't involved." Sylph retorted. When Gnome didn't respond, Sylph turned towards Undine, "You feel the same way too, right?"

Undine however was rather nonchalant, "There's no helping it. If Lord Maxwell – I mean, Milla prefers to eat the Kresnik and her sister's cooking, then I will respect her wishes."

"You're lucky the other Milla didn't hear you call her Milla's sister." Efreet pointed out. Undine also just noticed her mistake.

Sylph released a defeated sigh, "Am I the only one that missed feeding Milla? I remember Milla relied only on us for nutrients when she lived at her shrine. Now all she does is crave for the Kresnik human and her other-self's cooking."

"It's for the best." Undine said, "Milla is a human after all. We fed her nutrients in the past was only because we wanted her to think she was Maxwell. But now she knows she's a human. She should get used to consuming human food."

That ended their little discussion, although Sylph still hated the idea that Milla didn't have to rely on him or Undine to be fed. In a way, Milla was slowly starting to adapt to human life than being portraying the role of the Lord of Spirits.

While Ludger served Rowen, Nachtigal and an anticipating Milla their food, Leia was watching him. She was worried about him ever since they returned from the fractured dimension but she saw Ludger had a small laugh when Milla started gobbling her food at light speed. It looks like Ludger was back to normal.

"You should slow down and enjoy the food." Ludger said to Milla but his advice sort of fell on deaf ears as the golden-haired woman continued to chow down her food. He then noticed Leia staring at him, "What is it? Is there something on my face?"

Leia shook her head, "No. I'm just glad you're back to normal. You were so depressed yesterday and I – we all we worried about you."

"…I'm sorry for making you all worry. I'm fine now." Ludger said with a soft smile. After that, he grabbed the two remaining plates of tomato omelette and served it to Jude and Leia. Then he returned to the kitchen with fractured Milla.

Jude took a spoonful of the tomato omelette and while it was delicious, his mind was replaying the event of what he witnessed last night: the scene of Ludger being comforted by fractured Milla. Ludger had been repressing his emotions because he didn't want the others to worry, but fractured Milla saw through his façade. He was glad that fractured Milla was able to help Ludger. At least maybe from now on, Ludger would rely on her more. And Jude swore to himself that from this point on, he would also do his very best to help ease Ludger's burdens. After all, he made this promise to fractured "Jude" as well: his future self.

So in the end, Jude chose to not tell anyone else about what he witnessed last night. Besides, he could tell Ludger was telling the truth. He looked much better than the day before, thanks to fractured Milla.

Ludger and fractured Milla returned a minute later with their own meal and joined the party at the dining table. With the whole party gathered at the dining table, they all enjoyed a lively breakfast.

While the party was finishing up with breakfast, the Great Spirit Celsius within fractured Milla formed a link with the Great Four spirits that resided in Milla. With this, the Great Spirits were now able to speak with Celsius even without physically materializing and without separating from their human hosts.

So the four Great Spirits briefed Celsius about the current events, starting from when Ludger first appeared until the part when they defeated Gilland and entered the fractured dimension. They also brought up the topic of Origin's Trial, fractured dimensions and most importantly, the fact that Ludger was a descendant of the Kresnik clan – and that he was from the future.

"I've been gone for around five hundred years, but I'm still aware of Origin's Trial is. You didn't have to remind me." Celsius remarked, "And I have no doubts about that human being a Kresnik descendant. They're the only ones with the power to enter fractured dimensions." Celsius paused for a moment, "But I'm rather skeptical about what you've told me of the Kresnik human."

"What is it?" Undine asked.

"You don't actually believe the Kresnik human's claims, do you? That he's from the future?"

Undine and Gnome did not answer and instead looked to Efreet and Sylph. The Great Spirit of Fire and Wind were the ones that knew Ludger the most, considering the pair was with the party since the beginning.

Efreet folded his arms on his chest, "In the beginning, we were skeptical as well. But after travelling with the Kresnik human, he seems to know too much that we do not. You'll understand it better if you see it for yourself."

"It's not like I have a choice." Celsius replied, "I cannot survive on my own now and require a human host to provide me with mana to maintain my physical form. And for now, 'Milla' is my human host." Celsius then looked at the party from within fractured Milla, "Besides… I think I've gained an interest with humans again. At least, with these group of humans anyway."

The last time Celsius held any interest in humans was with the first human who discovered the existence of spirits, Doctor Howe. Now five hundred years later, a new group of humans have sparked her interest once more.

The party finished their breakfast and the Great Spirits ended their second discussion then. After grabbing their belongings, the group walked out of the Sharilton inn and started their journey for Fennmont. To do that, the party would have to take the Talys Highroad. Now that Ludger was back to normal, he was leading the party again.

While the party was focused on reaching Fennmont, everyone had completely forgotten about Milla's promise the previous day – to tell them the truth that she was actually human. Milla wanted to let them know first thing when they woke up but she couldn't gather enough courage to do so.

Fractured Milla however remembered Milla's promise and noticed she was troubled. Fractured Milla reached out and placed a comforting hand on Milla's shoulder, "Don't force yourself. You can let them know another time."

Milla smiled and shook her head, "No, they deserve to know. I appreciate your concern."

"You can hide from the others, but you can't hide from me. I'm another "you" after all, so I can sort of understand how you feel."

Milla looked straight ahead and replied, "…Fennmont. I'll tell everyone the truth at Fennmont."

Fractured Milla nodded at Milla's resolve. "Don't worry. I'm sure everything will work out fine."

After that, the two Milla followed the party in silence. It would take the party a couple of hours before arriving at their destination.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Meanwhile, Gaius's group was just leaving the Lakutam seahaven and entering the Lakutam Highroad. Their destination was the capital of Auj Oule, the city of Kanbalar. Gaius had been away from the capital for quite some time and the King wanted to quickly return to his people. Their first stop would be Xian Du.

While Ludger's party was much more relaxed since everyone has formed bonds with each other, Gaius's group carried a rather awkward and tense atmosphere. This was mainly because of Alvin travelling with the group. Presa suspected Alvin had ulterior motives while Agria never liked the idea of having outsiders into the Chimeriad – even if only temporary. As for Wingul, he had reserves about actually letting Alvin travel with them but he had no choice, considering he owed Alvin his 'reward'. The only ones that weren't affected by this rather tense atmosphere was Gaius, who was nonchalant about the whole thing along with Elize, Teepo and Jiao. Elize has spent the entire journey asking Jiao what he did when the group separated at the fractured dimension.

Alvin travelled under this atmosphere for a while but halfway through the Lakutam Highroad, he could not bear it any longer. He turned towards Presa, "You've been eyeing me the entire time since we arrived at the seahaven. You know you're welcome to start a conversation with me, right?"

"I simply don't trust you." Presa replied, "You've always been the kind of guy who has his own secret intentions. It's just a matter of time before you reveal yourself."

"Didn't I tell you I've changed my ways after meeting Ludger? I'm not the same guy." Presa didn't respond to that and a short silence ensued once more in the group. The mercenary sighed, "How do you guys even travel these long hours without talking? Except little Elize and big man Jiao over there, they've been chatting since we were on the ship."

No response. Elize didn't hear what Alvin said and continued showering Jiao with questions.

"I'm beginning to regret my decision to join you guys." Alvin said with a sigh.

"You're always welcome to leave." Agria said with venom.

"Sorry to disappoint you little missy, but I still want the 'answers' that Wingul owes me. So until we reach Xian Du and he tells me what I want to know, you're going to have to tolerate with my presence just a little bit longer."

Agria's left eye twitched but she chose to ignore Alvin, walking ahead of the group. Alvin smirked to himself, taking this as a small victory. Regardless, he was beginning to regret actually joining this group. He wanted to know how Ludger, Jude, Milla, Leia and Rowen would do next. But with Elize joining this group, he felt it was for the best. He could at least keep a watchful eye on her and he'd get the 'reward' that was long overdue.

Alvin continued to follow Gaius and the Chimeriad through the Lakutam Highroad in silence.


Skit: Big brother's love
Present: Gaius, Wingul, Jiao, Presa, Agria, Elize, Teepo & Alvin

Jiao: So Elize, did Alvin and his friends treat you well while you were with them?

Teepo: They were super nice! Right, Elly?

Elize: *Nods* Y-Yes. They treated me well and became my friends. Jude was always concerned about my safety. He also taught me about Fennmont's night clime.

Teepo: He's like the big brother Elly never had.

Presa: So little Elize got a big brother? *Smirks* so what sort of brother-sister things did you do?

Elize: H-Huh? We didn't…

Agria: Maybe she's even prepared him a boxed meal for his lunch?

Elize: N-No! Jude's just really… nice to me. That's all.

Teepo: That's right!

Presa: We're just teasing you Elize. It's nothing to get worked up about.

Gaius: I am positive Jude sees you as a little sister as well. I can understand how he feels.

Wingul: That's true. If Gaius was not King, he'd be doting on his sister, Karla. And he also…

Gaius: *Unsheathes katana* Wingul, if you value your life, you would not say anymore.

Agria: *Snorts* what does it matter? All four of us know that you dote on your sister.

Gaius: *Light blush* let's continue on. We don't have time for idle chatter.

*Gaius, Wingul, Agria, Jiao & Presa leaves*

Elize: His highness must really care for his sister.

Alvin: Yeah. Although I'm surprised Gaius actually got involved in the conversation. I guess everyone's changed a little since returning from the fractured dimension.


Several hours have passed since Ludger and the party left Sharilton. They were currently at the Bernauer Highroad and just a short distance away from Fennmont. Nothing unusual happened during the journey, with the party only experiencing the occasional monster attacks. So after some time passed, the party finally arrived at the main entrance of Fennmont.

Upon entering capital city of Rashugal, Nachtigal was actually expecting the city to be still under repairs from the assault made by Cline's army. However to his surprise, the city was back to normal. The central district, which was also the central square, was booming with people, merchants and the patrolling soldiers. The city was back already back to normal.

Rowen saw Nachtigal was speechless and commented, "Lord Cline isn't the kind of person who'd just wait for us and do nothing. He saw the people of Fennmont needed a leader and took action."

Nachtigal looked at the state of the city and said, "He's a better leader than me. Instead, I used my subjects to fuel my ambition. I don't deserve to be King."

"…Do you ever wonder why I chose to remain at Lord Cline's side after he took me in?" Rowen questioned his old friend.

Nachtigal turned to his friend, waiting for his answer.

"It is because he reminded me of you." Rowen revealed, "Lord Cline possesses the same aspirations you had in the past, and that was why I always saw you to one day be a great leader. Unfortunately, the war for the throne under the "Sleepless Night" completely changed you. I should have remained by your side when you needed me most… but instead, I abandoned you. Your actions are partly my fault."

"Ilbert…"

Rowen smiled, "That is why I believe you can still be the King you should have been. Ludger travelled into the past to help us. Is this not a second chance for you? For us?"

Nachtigal looked at the people buzzing around in the central square. They were all his subjects, and in his darkest hour, he would have used their lives to feed the Lance of Kresnik. But Rowen was right. After discovering his fate in the original timeline from the fractured party in the fractured dimension, Ludger had given him a second chance.

"Thank you, Ilbert." Nachtigal said gratefully. Rowen simply stroked his beard in response, enjoying a small chuckle.

So the party's destination now was Orda Palace, so that Nachtigal could relieve Cline from his duties and return to being the King of Rashugal. As the party entered the central square, it wasn't long before they garnered the attention of the people around them. It was actually impossible to not attract notice since they had Nachtigal, the King of Rashugal, with them.

Finally a trio of soldiers approached the party and when they confirmed Nachtigal was amongst the party, the soldiers all saluted their King.

"Y-Your highness, we were not aware you have returned." The soldier in the middle said.

"I've only just returned." Nachtigal answered and looked at the soldier in the eyes, "Where's Cline Sharil? Is he at the Palace?"

"Yes, your majesty. He's been in charge of the city ever since you and Chief of Staff Ilbert left."

Nachtigal nodded in thanks and gestured for the party to continue onwards to Orda Palace. The trio of soldiers of course noticed that Nachtigal was travelling with Rowen and started whispering amongst each other. Unknown to the party, there was a rumor spreading amongst the Fennmont and Sharilton soldiers in Fennmont about Nachtigal having reformed from his old ways. A majority of them never believed these rumors but now seeing Nachtigal in the flesh with Rowen, it was clear that the rumors were true. From here, the gossip spread like wildfire.

When the royal guards spotted Nachtigal with the party, they quickly spread the word that King Nachtigal has returned. Upon entering Orda Palace, the royal guards have already assembled and saluted their King. Nachtigal returned the salute and proceeded to ascend to the throne chamber, which was located on the fourth floor. By then, Cline and Driselle were already notified that Nachtigal, Rowen and the party have returned.

A minute or so later, the party arrived on the fourth floor and entered the throne chamber of Orda Palace. Once inside, the first thing the party saw was Cline standing on the opposite end of the throne chamber but he was standing on his feet. It was probably to respect and show Nachtigal he never intended to take the throne of Rashugal. Next to Cline was his beloved sister, Driselle Sharil. And scattered around the throne room were Sharilton and Rashugal soldiers, probably wondering what was going to happen now that Nachtigal has returned.

Instead of an expected tense situation, the soldiers were wrong. The moment Cline saw Rowen with the party, he quickly walked up to his friend and mentor.

"Rowen, I'm so glad to see you've returned safely." Cline said the moment he reached Rowen. He greeted the party behind Rowen next, "Jude, Milla, Ludger, Leia and… um… 'Milla', I'm happy to see you're safe too."

Rowen nodded, "I'm glad to see you too, Lord Cline. I see you've managed to run the capital splendidly while we were gone."

"What happened?" Cline asked, "You and Nachtigal left to check on the flying ship at the Bernauer Highroad but when we went to reinforce you, the ship was gone."

"It's a rather long story, Lord Cline. I'll tell you what happened when we have the time. Right now, we have much more pressing matters to attend to."

But before they could proceed, Driselle had followed her brother and when Rowen saw her, he moved towards the young woman and hugged her. Cline was not surprised by this since Rowen was essentially a father-figure to the Sharil siblings.

"Lady Driselle, I am so relieved to see you are safe. When I arrived at Sharilton and discovered it had been attacked, I feared the worst." Rowen said, carrying the tone of a worried father.

Rowen released Driselle from the hug and the young woman smiled at Rowen. "It's nice to see you as well, Rowen." Driselle then looked at the party, "Jude, Milla, Ludger and Leia! You're all here as well!" She took a step towards the party to hug them when her eyes landed on fractured Milla. She blinked a couple of times, wondering if her eyes were playing tricks on her. "H-Huh? There… there are two Millas?"

Unlike Driselle, Cline has met fractured Milla before – which was when he and Rowen invaded Fennmont during the civil war and entered the throne chamber to find Jude, Milla and fractured Milla.

Fractured Milla openly revealed herself, "I guess this is the first time we meet. I'm Milla."

Driselle was utterly confused at this point, "W-What? Y-Y-Your name's Milla too? What's going on? Are you her Milla's twin sister or something? You look exactly alike! Only your outfit is a little different I guess, but… oh! But even if you're twin sisters, how come you share the same name?"

Fractured Milla sighed. She knew explaining would just take too long and resigned to a simpler explanation, she responded, "Yes. I guess you can say I'm Milla's twin sister."

Driselle almost giggled in excitement, "Oh my! I've never actually met identical twins before!" Driselle was going to ask more questions but Rowen stopped her.

"Lady Driselle, I'm afraid we don't have time to discuss that now. I need to tell you and your brother a lot of things after this is over, but first we have a more important matter to attend to."

At this, Nachtigal stepped forward. Driselle eyed the King and turned to Rowen, "So what's going to happen to him? After all he's done to his people, it's time he pays for his crimes!"

Nachtigal was not surprised by Driselle's words because he knew he deserved it. He was a terrible King that lusted for more power. But now his eyes were open and he wanted more than anything to be the King that he should have been.

Rowen spoke to Driselle, "Lady Driselle, I agree that Nachtigal has committed heinous acts against the people of Rashugal. However I am also partly at fault. And I believe now that Nachtigal has seen the error of his ways. All I ask is that he be given the chance to correct his wrongdoings."

With the exception of the party, everyone else in the throne chamber was rather shocked by Rowen's words. Cline sort of expected it since he did witness Nachtigal's change of heart back when they invaded Fennmont and defeated him, but still he didn't know Rowen would go so far for his old friend.

"Rowen… do you know what you're saying?" Driselle said slowly, "Even if Nachtigal it's true that Nachtigal has changed, he still deserves to be put on trial for his crimes. He must pay for making his people suffer."

"Lady Driselle…"

Cline offered nothing to say and simply watched in silence. He trusted Rowen's words but Rowen was asking he and his sister forgive the man that toyed with his subjects lives. This was the man that took his parents life! How could he forgive a man that has done so much wrong?

Rowen now sensed that maybe they were far too optimistic. There was probably no chance now for Nachtigal to redeem himself and his only choice was to be put under trial for his crimes. But then before he, Driselle or Cline could say something, Nachtigal did something that no one was expecting him to.

Nachtigal got down on his knees and lowered himself, his forehead touching the cold floor. He was prostrating to Driselle and Cline!

"Your highess?!" The Rashugal soldiers in the throne room blurted in surprise.

"Nachtigal, what are you-" Rowen tried to ask but was cut off.

"Everything you said about me, I won't deny it!" Nachtigal exclaimed loudly, his voice thundering through the throne chamber. "I've been a horrible King and leader. I deserve nothing more than to be punished heavily for my crimes. And I have no intentions of running from them. I will gladly stand trial for my actions but… please, all I beg of you is to let me fix all my mistakes. I want to do that at least. After that, I shall answer to my crimes." Nachtigal got up on his knees and looked at Rowen, "Ilbert, thank you for believing in me. But I must do this. I must be an example that even as a King, I am bound to the laws of this country."

Cline, Driselle and the soldiers in the throne chamber were stunned speechless. This was a display by the King of Rashugal, who many knew him as a man with pride. For him to lower himself and beg for his request, it was truly a sight that no one else would probably ever see in their life.

"Nachtigal…" Rowen whispered. Now moved by Nachtigal's determination, the Conductor turned to Cline and Driselle, "Lord Cline, Lady Driselle… I implore you, please consider Nachtigal's request."

Driselle looked towards her brother to see what his reaction was. Cline was rather torn about the whole thing, having mixed feelings about what was the best choice. But in the end, he felt the best choice was to believe in Nachtigal's words. Rowen seemed to have trusted him and Nachtigal appears to have truly reformed his ways. Also the King never asked to have his crimes ignored – no, he specifically said that he would gladly accept a trial for his actions.

Cline turned to his sister and gave a small nod as a sign of him approving to Rowen's suggestion. Now the decision was left to Driselle. The young woman trusted her brother's decision and turned to Nachtigal.

"Don't make us regret our decision, Nachtigal." Driselle warned.

Still on his knees, Nachtigal lowered his head once more, "Thank you."

After that issue was resolved, Rowen helped Nachtigal back to his feet and everyone could feel the tension in the throne chamber dissipate. Nachtigal then started walking towards his throne to officially signify him returning to his throne. Rowen followed his old friend and the party followed behind the pair. The soldiers looked to Cline for orders if they needed to stop Nachtigal but Cline made a gesture for the soldiers to stand down. The message was clear: Nachtigal would return as King of Rashugal.

When Nachtigal arrived at his throne, he did not sit on it immediately. Instead he stared at it for a while and remembered the last time he sat on this throne, he was the King that used his people's lives. So now when he sits upon this throne, it would be different.

Nachtigal turned around and looked at Rowen and the party. "Thank you all for opening my eyes. If not for you all, I'd have remained as the monster I was before."

"It's nothing. We only did what we thought was right." Jude humbly said.

"So what's going to happen now?" Leia asked.

Nachtigal finally took a seat on the throne and eyed the party, "I'm afraid this is where we part ways. I cannot afford to travel with you as I must remain here as King… to make amends to my people. But don't be mistaken. You've helped me so if there is ever a need for it, know that you if you ever need assistance, I will lend whatever aid I can. I promise you that."

Milla nodded in gratitude, "We'd appreciate that."

"Actually… I believe I shall remain here as well." Rowen declared.

The party turned to the Conductor in shock.

"What?" Ludger managed to blurt out.

"You're staying behind?! Why?" Leia demanded. Jude was a little loss for words to say anything. Milla and fractured Milla were silent and composed although it was clear from their expressions that they wanted to know Rowen's reasoning.

Rowen stroked his beard with a gentle smile on his face, "Because before I served Lord Cline, I was supposed to have been at Nachtigal's side. As I've said before, Nachtigal straying from his path was my fault as well. Now that he's come to his senses, I wish to help him forge the way we envisioned for Rashugal to be. At our age, we should do what we must with no regrets."

Jude blinked and shook his head, "W-What about Cline and Driselle?"

Before Rowen could respond, Cline answered instead, "We'll be fine. Rowen is needed much more here than at Sharilton. And I believe with Rowen watching over Nachtigal, we won't have to worry too much over Nachtigal."

"I agree." Driselle added, "I'll miss Rowen and the delicious tea he makes, but he'll be vital in helping Nachtigal restore Rashugal."

Rowen bowed in respect towards the Sharil siblings, "Lord Cline, Lady Driselle… thank you."

Driselle smiled, "This doesn't mean we won't see each other again. If you forget us, I'll never forgive you!"

Rowen could not help but chuckle, "Lady Driselle, I wouldn't have it any other way."

Ludger, Jude and the rest of the party were rather surprised by this turn of developments but saw that this was for the best. Rowen would stay behind in Rashugal to help Nachtigal as an advisor.

Now that another issue was resolved, Nachtigal turned towards the party and directed his question towards Ludger and Milla. "So what will you do next? The Lance of Kresnik is destroyed and you've helped me return to Fennmont."

"If I'm not wrong, I think we should-" Ludger started to say but Milla stopped him.

"Ludger, I apologize but before that, there's something I need to talk about." Milla said rather quickly.

Ludger was confused by this and wanted to ask Milla what was so important but just before he could, fractured Milla made a quick hand gesture to signal Ludger not to ask anything. Ludger saw this and obeyed, remaining silent.

Milla continued, "I'd prefer to have this talk where no one else can listen."

"Let's go to the inn at the central district. You can tell us what you want there." Fractured Milla suggested.

The party agreed to fractured Milla's suggestion and after saying their goodbyes to Nachtigal and Rowen, made their way for the exit of the throne chamber. After the party was gone, Cline approached Nachtigal and Rowen.

"Now that you're back, I need to return to Sharilton. I've been gone for too long." Cline said and then turned to the Conductor, "Rowen, thank you for everything you've taught me. But just so you know, the doors to Sharil manor are always open. If you ever wish to return, you're always welcome."

"Thank you, Lord Cline." Rowen replied gratefully.

Nachtigal got up from his throne to speak, "Thank you for giving me a chance."

Cline merely nodded. Even though he allowed Nachtigal to correct his mistakes, it never meant he forgave him. After all, it didn't change the fact that Nachtigal had his parents executed.

When Cline didn't verbally respond, Nachtigal spoke again, "Do you really have to return immediately? You should rest in the city for today and make a fresh move tomorrow."

Cline declined Nachtigal's proposal, "No. I really should head back to Sharilton. And it's not just because my people need me. I owe a great debt to someone and I promised I'd help him. I have to go."

Nachtigal and Rowen blinked, wondering what Cline meant. But before they could ask, Cline excused himself and turned around, walking away with his sister. The Sharilton soldiers that were in the throne chamber followed after Cline. Their purpose for remaining at Fennmont was over. They were going home.

Once they were outside the throne chamber, Driselle turned to her brother, "Julius said he was waiting for us on the second floor, didn't he?"

"Yes. We'll fetch him and then we can leave for Sharilton."

Meanwhile Ludger and the party just only arrived on the third floor of Orda Palace. Every time a royal guard saw the party, they made an exaggerated salute of respect and stepped aside. The party was already relatively well-known now amongst the soldiers of Fennmont for their actions.

The party made a left turn and started climbing down the fleet of steps that would bring them towards the second floor. And just as they arrived on the second floor, a figure in a white coat passed by the party, climbing the stairs towards the third floor. The man was drenched in a familiar white coat and while the party paid no mind to this person, Ludger and fractured Milla almost instantly thought of one the person: Julius! But when they wanted to call out to the person or stop him, he was already gone.

Ludger's instinct told him to give chase but then he heard fractured Milla say, "That… can't be him, right? The schism is still up… he should be in Elympios."

Ludger realized fractured Milla was right and slowly nodded, "Y-Yeah, that's true. Sorry."

Fractured Milla shook her head, "It's okay. It surprised me too. Come on, let's go."

Ludger nodded and followed the party. However he just couldn't shake that uncomfortable feeling and glanced backwards. Nothing. He shook his head to clear his thoughts and concluded it was just his mind messing with him.

However unknown to Ludger and fractured Milla, the mysterious person was indeed Julius Bakur. He was tired of waiting for Cline and Driselle and was going to find them, climbing to the fourth floor.

XX

A few minutes later, the party arrived at Fennmont's inn at the central square and fortunately for them, there were not a lot of people at the inn. So they moved to a rather isolated area of the inn for Milla to begin her talk.

"So Milla, what was it you wanted to tell us?" Jude asked.

Milla looked at the party and took a deep breath, wondering how to begin. "Do you remember what Nachtigal asked before we spent the night at the inn in Sharilton?"

"He asked why you were still with us even though you've completed your mission." Ludger answered almost instantly. He now knew what Milla wanted to tell the group.

Leia remembered now, "Oh, that's right. The Lance is destroyed and that was Milla's mission. Wait, don't tell me you're going to leave us? Is that what you want to tell us?"

Milla shook her head, "That's not it, although I can understand why you'd think that. Because if I was still the 'old' me, I would have done exactly that – If I was really Maxwell."

"Milla, what do you mean?" Jude asked. He and Leia did not understand what Milla was trying to say.

Then to the party's surprise, the Great Four Spirits appeared by revealing their physical bodies, floating just behind Milla.

"Milla, we can tell them for you if you can't handle it." Efreet offered. Sylph, Undine and Gnome nodded in agreement.

Milla again shook her head, "No. I must do this on my own. But I'd appreciate if you stayed with me like this."

The Great Spirits understood and stayed behind Milla to support her. This was their choice. They have already betrayed the real Lord of Spirits so they may as well go the whole mile for it. Milla could almost hear her heartbeat thumping on her chest, her nervousness at the peak. But she was ready.

"Jude, Leia… all this time you've always thought that I was Maxwell, the Lord of Spirits. The truth is I'm not. I'm not the Lord of Spirits. I'm actually just a normal human with the name Milla Maxwell."

Jude was rather unsure about what he heard, "Huh?"

"Milla, what are you talking about?" Leia asked.

"I'm not the real Maxwell. I'm not the Lord of Spirits." Milla repeated strongly, "I'm a human. I was created by Maxwell twenty years ago and was made to believe believe I was Maxwell. He sent the Great Four Spirits to my side to further legitimize that fact. That's why humanity lost the ability to summon the Great Four."

"You're saying that… there is another Maxwell? And that's the real Lord of Spirits?" Jude asked. Milla slowly nodded and Jude asked another question, "If… if what you're telling us is true, then why? Why did he make you think you were Maxwell? What's the point?"

Fractured Milla was rather surprised that Jude was quick to believe Milla's words but she reasoned that it was probably because it was Milla telling him this that he believed it. Milla was the kind of person to tell things as bluntly as it was because she was still not fully accustomed to human interactions.

"…It was because of Exodus." Milla answered.

"Exodus?" Leia repeated.

"What does Exodus have to do with Maxwell making you think you're the real Maxwell?" Jude questioned.

Instead of Milla, it was fractured Milla that answered this time, "Because Exodus's objective was to destroy the schism. And to destroy the schism, they'd have to eliminate its creator: Maxwell himself. Maxwell knew the only way to get rid of Exodus without endangering himself was by creating a double – a being that could act as 'Maxwell' in his stead."

Jude's jaw widened in horror, "So… he created… Milla?"

"That… that's horrible." Leia exclaimed.

Milla looked away, "My whole life, I've always thought I really was the Lord of Spirits. From the moment I could think, I knew my mission in life was to destroy spyrix technology in Rieze Maxia and to eliminate Exodus. The Great Four, under orders by the real Maxwell, stayed by my side to help me with my task but also to enforce the belief that I really was the real Maxwell. But it was nothing but a fraud. I'm just a human that possesses the Great Four."

Jude and Leia were silent again, processing all this new information. Leia then had a question and asked, "So how'd you find out? Did one of the Great Spirits tell you the truth?"

Milla shook her head and gestured at fractured Milla, "It was 'Milla' who finally decided to tell me the truth. Because in her world, she destroyed Exodus when she was still a child. And after they were gone, the four Great Spirits of her world told her everything – and after that, returned to Maxwell."

Fractured Milla continued then, "After that, I slowly lost my powers. Ever since then, I've just become a regular human living in Nia Khera. After that, I guess I picked up cooking as a hobby and protecting the village. I already lived up to my usefulness in that world." Fractured Milla said the last line with a hint of bitterness.

"So… Milla and 'Milla' are essentially the same. The only difference is that 'Milla' already knew the truth of her existence." Leia said in disbelief.

Fractured Milla shifted her posture, "That's why I felt Milla needed to know the truth. It's for the best."

That was the end of Milla's revelation. She already revealed the truth of her existence and now waited for Jude and Leia to say something. Ludger also learned a lot about Milla's identity because before this, he only had some idea about what happened. He never asked fractured Milla for details and the Milla he knew in the original timeline was already the Lord of Spirits.

When a short moment has passed and neither Jude nor Leia said anything, Milla assumed they were upset and apologized, "I'm sorry for deceiving you all."

"N-No! We're not angry at you Milla." Jude said quickly with his hands.

"That's right!" Leia added, "This isn't your fault at all. You didn't know at all."

Ludger and fractured Milla didn't say anything they already knew the truth about Milla being a human. It was Jude and Leia that Milla wanted to hear from.

Jude clenched his fists and looked Milla in the eyes, "Milla… I didn't choose to follow you to destroy the Lance because you were Maxwell. I made that choice alone. Don't you remember what you told me when we first met after we had to escape from Fennmont? You told me to make a choice: to follow you or wait until you complete your mission so I could return to being a student. I chose to follow you. I'm the one that decided that I wanted to help you. I wanted to travel with you and Ludger to destroy the Lance." Jude paused and took a step towards Milla, "I don't care if you aren't the Lord of Spirits. I've always looked up to you because of you – not because you carried the title of Maxwell. To me, you're Milla. That's what important. That's all that matters."

Milla heard every word Jude said and realized she had been holding her breath. With a great sigh of relief, she felt like all her worries were for nothing. Fractured Milla saw Milla relax and smiled. This was what fractured Milla didn't have when she was faced with this: friends. Fractured Milla was alone when she destroyed Exodus, the only close relative being Muzet but Muzet was withdrawn after Exodus's destruction. But at least here, Milla wasn't alone – and her friends accepted her, which would allow her to gain back some belief in her own identity.

"That's right Milla." Leia said after Jude finished, "It's true that when you said you were Maxwell and your mission was to destroy the Lance, I felt I was fighting for a greater purpose. But even if you're not the Lord of Spirits, it doesn't change anything. We helped destroy the Lance of Kresnik, which was harmful to spirits. We travelled together and became friends. It doesn't change the bonds we developed with each other. You're still you. You're still the Milla we know. Actually, I think I'm happier to find out you're human."

Milla was surprised by this, "Why?"

"Because that means you won't be leaving us, right?" Leia asked rhetorically with a wide grin.

Leia's words carried the biggest weight and the most divergent fact between the original timeline and this new world: the fact that Milla was alive and didn't have to return to the spirit realm. In the original timeline, Milla was the Lord of Spirits and if the party had completed Origin's Trial, Milla and Muzet would have to return to the spirit realm. But in this world, once everything was over, Milla didn't have to leave. Because here, she was a human.

"Jude… Leia… thank you." Milla said in relief, a tear actually escaping from her eyes. This marked the first time Milla actually shed a tear.

The four Great Spirits were happy things turned out this way and returned to their host, disappearing inside Milla's mind. Jude, Leia, Ludger and fractured Milla all smiled at one another. It was nice to see Milla having gone through one of her obstacles.

A minute later, Milla finally composed herself and was back to normal. And she looked much more determined than ever.

Milla turned to the young Kresnik, "Ludger, do you have any idea what we should do next?"

"The Lance of Kresnik is destroyed, so what else is there for us to do?" Leia wondered aloud.

Ludger smirked and addressed the party, "There's still one last thing we'll have to do."

"What is it?" Fractured Milla asked.

Ludger looked from fractured Milla, to Leia, to Jude and then finally at Milla. "We have to dispel the schism."

"Dispel the schism?!" Leia exclaimed in surprise.

Fractured Milla turned to Ludger, "But doesn't that mean…?"

Ludger nodded and finished it, "I know. To dispel the schism, we have to find and eliminate Maxwell, the Lord of Spirits."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

As for Gaius and his group, they have travelled for several hours and were finally just about to reach the city Xian Du. Once inside the city, Alvin would be able to properly get the answers he wanted from Wingul. He didn't have much time considering Gaius would probably only take a short stop at the city before making a move for Kanbalar.

The group continued onwards when suddenly, a medium-sized black sphere void appeared from above the group and was aimed at the group. Gaius was the first to notice it before the others.

"Everyone! Get out of the way!" Gaius ordered before leaping to the left.

Wingul, Presa, Agria and Alvin quickly jumped away while Jiao grabbed Elize before he leaped to safety. The black sphere crashed at the spot where the group was earlier, blasting the ground into smithereens.

"Who's attacking us?" Wingul demanded, looking up in the sky.

Everyone looked up and saw a womanly figure floating in the sky. They all instantly recognized her as the Great Spirit that was with floating around Ludger after he reunited with everyone from Fezebel Marsh: Muzet.

"What do you think you're doing, spirit?" Gaius demanded, unsheathing his katana.

Muzet slowly descended until she was just a few meters above the party. "I'm afraid I can't allow you all to live. My existence solely rests on eliminating anyone who knows about the schism."

"If that's true, then why didn't you kill us the last time we met?" Wingul questioned.

"Unfortunately Maxwell treated the Kresnik human as a special case and ordered me to spare you." Muzet replied with a giggle, "However I don't see him with you, so Maxwell's orders don't apply to you."

Alvin pointed his gun at Muzet, "So you've wanted to kill us from the start eh?"

Muzet gave an innocent smile, "Naturally. It's my mission after all."

There was no talking sense to Muzet now. Alvin knew that avoiding a battle against the Great Spirit was inevitable at this point.

CHAPTER END