Noctis' group proceed to go further down into the tunnels alongside Sora , Donald and Goofy. They still appear a bit nervous now seeing for the first time the horrors of Eos for the first time. The creatures that lurk in the nite. Further until the tunnel seemed to level out but into a labyrinth of sorts , not overly complex but the unknown made for slow progress.
So far since the day the car broke down there had not been any sightings of heartless. Donald and Goofy wonders why , perhaps those creatures had been warded off my some mystical force unknown to them like Noctis' Royal Arm. Or perhaps they are in a way similar to the Daemons of this world that are also creatures of darkness. They cannot think but fear what a Daemon warped heartless will be like or a heartless daemon.
In these tunnels , there could be daemons or fiends lurking around every corner or hidden in every shadow, neither desirable encounters. On the bright side, if one could call it that, the mood seems to have lightened ever so slightly. There was a chance things may begin to straighten out, though much like the tunnels, they could diverge and lead to… Dead ends. Both figuratively and literally. In the end, despite being filthy and exhausted, they found the next tomb. A few encounters with goblins and arachne along the way but what could they expect from a dark, dingy system of out-of-commission tunnels, it was perfect for daemons to hide from the sunlight.
Upon exiting the underground maze, the light was blinding. The mood of Noctis' group seem a bit lifted. Perhaps is because of Sora's confidence and enthusiasm. Sora has even been trying and bring others to his side if he feels he can connect with him.
Sora herd the pain that Noctis' group feels from Cor , the man that is called the immortal by Lucis. He can only imagine what Noctis feels as he had felt the same pain as he did many years ago as a young child reaching out to Ventus when he was lost.
After acquiring another royal arm, Cor informs Noctis that the empire is blocking all travel to the Duscae region by calling him on the phone. Rendezvousing with the group, Cor helps them take out the army within the Norduscaen Blockade, and defeat Loqi Tummelt of the Niflheim military.
Afterwards, Cor departs, confident that the future king can reclaim his throne. Noctis is doubtful of his duty, but is relieved and reassured of the friends that travel with him, and they continue their journey.
" There is going to be a lot for us to do "
The group then agrees , getting back into their two cars and prepare for the long drive towards Lestallum to meet Gladiolus's younger sister Iris Amicitia. Along their way they have a chance to visit the Disc of Cauthess, an ancient crater where a meteorite is said to have fallen eons ago. Legends tell of the Astral god Titan still holding up the meteorite on his back. Astrals, also known as the Six, are legendary beings the people of Eos view as gods, but no one has seen one for a long time. When the group tries to visit the crater, they find the area blockaded by Niflheim.
The group seeks Iris out at Lestallum. She had been in Insomnia when Niflheim attacked, but escaped with help from the Amicitia family butler, Jared Hester, and has taken refugee in Lestallum with him and his grandson, Talcott. Iris tells the group that Lunafreya made it out of Insomnia safely, and had visited them recently. Noctis experiences a headache-inducing vision of the Disc of Cauthess, and decides to take a rest. The next day Iris takes Noctis to see the local sights, but the mysterious headaches continue. Talcott tells Noctis of the legend of an ancient sword lying behind a waterfall. Suspecting it to be a lost tomb, the group investigates and Noctis acquires another royal arm.
Returning to Lestallum, the group decides to investigate the Disc of Cauthess. On the Lestallum outlook they encounter a stranger , who introduces himself as
' A man with no consequence '
The stranger informs them through poetry that the Astral Titan is calling out to Noctis, and until he heeds the call he suffers severe headaches as a result. He claims to be able to take them to the Disc.
" He looks a bit shady "
Sora then remarks to his travel friends. Or rather Sora sees Noctis' group as friends. However they are still unsure of what Noctis' group think of him or Donald and Goofy. After that last battle Noctis and his friends seem more at ease with Sora's group despite a lack of trust sometimes. Due to Sora's group hiding stuff , to Ignis they are just as shady but in a different way.
" but we do not have any other choice but still be cautious of him " Ignis then tell Noct.
They then accept the stranger's aid. The stranger is Ardyn Izunia , the imperial Chancellor. Ardyn is a middle-aged man with red-violet hair, amber eyes, and strong facial features. He dresses in a black trench coat and pinstripe trousers. He wears a red scarf and a hooded, gray and white flower-print mantle. Ardyn also wears a black fedora.
Ardyn then makes a demand that Noctis drives eyeing him with amber eyes
" I have a few rules before we depart. First, you'll stay behind me, no over-taking. Second, no tailgating. Third, do keep up."
Noctis was not really paying attention to what Ardyn was saying. Much like his companions , just wanted to get this over with as soon as possible. The sooner they stopped Noctis' headaches and figured out the source of the earthquakes. The sooner they can get rid of this creepy guy and continue with their journey. Even Sora was put on edge on the sight of the guy and he is not even from this world.
The party take two cars with Noctis driving one with Ignis and Prompto in the passenger side. Noctis' shield driving the other car with Sora , Donald and Goofy sitting in the back seat.
With Noct behind the wheel this time, Ignis clambered into the backseat with obvious reluctance, brow furrowed in thought. Ignis appears nervous but did not openly show it , trying to stay as calm as possible. Noctis has not driven at all and for all they know this stranger could be their enemy or perhaps the leader of them. The ones that had taken their homes and families from them, all for the sake of power.
" Hey Iggy , what do you think of this stranger who is helping us. To me he seems kind of creepy. "
" Indeed "
" He does not seem to be from Lucis and does not sound to be a local either. If anything he is giving me the same kinda vibe i get from Donald and Goofy with all that world order nonsense. "
" World order nonsense ? " Prompto then asks
" You do not really have to be concerned with that right now , we should focus on the task at hand for now " Ignis then responds.
Prompto knew better then to push the king's advisor so he dropped it but he noticed that Ignis is a bit nervous so he asks " something wrong or is it you are nervous because it is Noct driving "
" yes , I am no stranger to his highness driving habits. Also this stranger puts me at a bit of unease. "
" it is getting hot here are you guys ok ? "
Ignis and Prompto both said that they can manage , realizing what Noctis meant. Ignis just prefers his world to be crystal clear it is the reason why he wears glasses. While Prompto puts his camera back into its case so he does not lose it.
The two cars pull up beside Ardyn at the blockade but the man didn't spare them a glance, instead he put down the roof of his car and started waving.
"Yoohoo! Hello! It's me! Be a dear and open the gates!" He shouted, whoever he was talking to wasn't visible that's for certain. But that being said, the gates began to slide open with a grating sound, doubtably they received regular maintenance.
Only then did Ardyn turn to face the boys, an innocent looking smile on his face as he gestured to the road ahead.
"This is where we part ways I'm afraid, I'll only take you thus far and I have other business to attend to. Do be careful, the paths can be… Perilous at times."
The two cars continue on and True to his word, the roads were indeed perilous, one mishap or slip of the wheel and they'd be at the bottom of the crater. Or at the very least stranded on a stray ledge and in need of serious medical treatment. The two cars then come to a point where they cannot continue and forced to walk the rest of the way. However just past the opening what did they find ? A royal tomb , or , what was left of it.
Unfortunately once Noctis acquired the royal arm , Titan decided to make himself known and cause a horrendous headache for Noctis, and a powerful earthquake.