"Anything?" Rex asked Mythra as the elevator propelled them upwards. It was quite a sight, but one he had seen before. Right now, he was more concerned with keeping everyone safe.

"Nothing. You're sure that the World Tree was supposed to be less active?"

"Yeah, outside of a few robots, hardly anything seemed to move. Do you think maybe that's normal and it's just when we showed up?" Rex asked hopefully.

"Maybe, but that level of activity seemed like more than just a little maintenance," Mythra looked upward, "I wonder what we're going to find up there…"

"Why would it be different though?" Rex struggled to think of a reason, "Who could have gotten here before us?"

"I don't know," Was all Mythra could respond with. Afterwards she switched to Pyra both to think and to give them a moment. This did not sit right with her, and whatever happened, she wanted them to be able to talk first. She just hoped she was being melodramatic.

When the elevator finally came to a halt, the room did not look any different than Rex remembered. It was still eerily quiet with minimal lighting giving it an eerie feeling overall. Rex did wonder what this place looked like in its prime. Was it bustling with people like Argentum? Did people laugh as they walked past the amazing view as if it were nothing?

"Well, this place is certainly dreary," Zeke scowled at the sterile and empty room after taking in the view, "Where do we go from here, chum?"

"Up top. Should be the only door that works."

"What do you think is behind the others?" Nia eyed the sealed doors.

"Non-essential facilities, perhaps?" Morag suggested, "In an emergency, perhaps only key areas were left open."

"I think the Architect was leaving us a path," Rex answered, "He led us to him in a way."

"So, is the path still open?" Brighid asked.

The door in front of Rex did open just like before, "Seems so, but stay on guard. We don't know what's up just yet."

"Understood," Morag nodded, "Everyone, stay alert."

Despite Rex's warnings, none of the others were quite ready for the sight of the ruined Elysium. Even Rex was not unfazed by it. It still represented the seeming futility of his dream. The sheer decay was not easy for the others to take in either. The others knew to expect it, but seeing it with their own eyes, no one was unfazed by it.

"Let's get going," Rex eventually pulled them away. There was no point in dwelling on it. They just had to hope there was a solution.

Shielding his eyes from the sand, Rex led them to the secret passage that he hoped would lead them to the Architect. The moving staircase led them down further below with even Tora remaining silent. There was not much for them to say. No one felt quite at ease as they descended into the depths of this unfamiliar place.

Rex hesitated as he approached that corridor. However…nothing happened. Rex opened his eyes and looked around noticing the odd looks he was getting. Well, this was different. Not that he wanted to face those tricks like that again, but the change unnerved him all the same.

"Um, something was supposed to happen there," Rex explained.

"What was it?" Pyra asked.

"Oh, uh, don't worry about it. Nothing I want to relive, that's for sure. Let's keep going."

Pyra sent him a concerned look but followed after him all the same as they ventured deeper into the complex. It was not a long trek until they reached a very dark room illuminated by several small lights. However, Rex ran forward and started looking around frantically upon realizing that the room was empty.

"Where is he?" Rex turned around, "He was here the last time! Are we too late?"

"Calm down for a minute," Mythra scolded as she tried analyzing the room, "We don't know-huh?" Mythra could feel an energy build up as she approached the center of the room. She only had enough time to get out of dodge or push Rex away. The choice was obvious.

"Huh?" Rex tumbled forward a bit as a forcefield surrounded Mythra in the center of the room, "Mythra?"

"Ngh, can't…get out…" Mythra grimaced as Rex activated her sword to try and break her out, but he was not able to pierce the barrier before Mythra was lifted up through the ceiling. Rex called out to her, but to no avail.

"A pity," A voice rung out through the room. It sounded familiar to Rex though, but it was different somehow, "I had hoped to capture both of you at once. No matter. You, boy, had better bring that processor to me promptly. Alone."

"Klaus?" Rex's eyes went wide, "What are you doing?"

"There's a name I hadn't heard in a while," The voice sounded almost bemused, "But do not waste my time. The processor. Now." Some of the lights turned red to signify the path he was to take.

Rex's fist clenched together around the hilt of his sword. His teeth gritted together as he felt uncharacteristically angry. He was confused, and he felt betrayed. Why? Why would he do this? Why not just ask if he needed their help?

"What are we supposed to do now?" Nia asked first as no one really knew what to make of what had just happened.

"I'll go," Rex answered firmly.

"Seriously?" Zeke scoffed, "Chum, this has all the makings of a trap, and a rather obvious one at that."

"I know, but…I won't leave them behind. Besides, I want answers."

"Very well," Morag relented knowing arguing was pointless, "Bring them home, Rex."

The salvager nodded before following the lights, "Hold on Pyra. I'm coming."

A/N: Well, Pyra is off to a fairly strong start. I do have a contingency for if they tie. I plan to keep it open at least until this story wraps up which should not be too long now.