The portal took G'raha, Lyna, and Beq directly to the Crystarium plaza, to the city shrouded in light that prevented ascians from entering. When he saw a familiar azure tower, the Exarch breathed in relief as he felt his strength getting restored.
"Is everyone alright?" - G'raha looked at his companions; Lyna was breathing slowly, recuperating after their chase, while Beq has finally shed their magical form, appearing as a nu mou the Exarch remembered.
"More or less." - Lyna said and stood up.
This swift transportation alerted the few citizens enjoying the morning nearby. They quickly ran towards them, garnering even more attention from others as a result.
"My lord, are you alright?" - One of the men gasped when he saw the Exarch. "Do you need help? We can bring some reagents from…"
"Thank you for your concern, but there is no need. Pray tell the others that my journey was a success and there is no need for worry."
"Yes, right away!" - They left the trio alone, and Lyna watched them carefully.
"I think some questions might arise about the company you keep and what for." - Lyna noted. "I'd calm their worries when they arise while you can discuss your plan."
"Much appreciated. And when we have a course of action, I promise to share it with you; I've left my days of keeping Crystarium in the dark behind." - The Exarch said before Lyna set off on her task. Speaking of Beq, they were looking in awe at the pale yellow sky above Crystarium. It must have reminded the sorcerer too much about the tyranny of the light.
"This place is shrouded in light, just like Norvrandt was months ago…Is that his work?"
"It's a necessary countermeasure, though we can't hide behind it forever, and that's why I called you."
"But if the city is covered in the light once again, this means that a powerful sin-eater must be nearby."
"Well…" - G'raha pointed at the sky behind the tower where Eden rose over Crystarium. The first sin eater to be created, and the last that remained, a source of their deliverance. "You can figure out the rest."
"Another lightwarden? Who created this one, I thought…I have too many questions, Exarch." - Beq said with intrigue.
"I'll answer all of them, but let's head inside first." - G'raha led the nu mou to the tower. The journey has not gone entirely as he expected, but at least Emet's attempt to strike them down has given Beq a distinct demonstration of why it is in their best interests to help. "Practically speaking, this sin-eater is under control, and its shield protects us from ascians coming inside the city. We call it Eden. Speaking of how we got to this point…"
Before G'raha finished, a portal of light opened before them, and the girl's silhouette emerged. She still retained familiar features such as long ginger hair or a white dress, but there were some differences. Ryne's eyes were constituted of pure light with iris barely visible, and the hair had a number of white spots; occasionally, rays of light would flow through her arms and legs, looking like chaotic cracks. Making a perfect recreation of her body would have taken up more energy and allowed less time for them to talk; such deviations were understandable to the Exarch.
"Thank the stars!" - Ryne smiled. "I sensed some disturbance and didn't know whether this was in accordance with your plan and expectations, but when you sent me a signal, it was all clear…How did it go?" - Despite her phantom appearance, she still managed to maintain emotions Ryne expressed before her transformation, though at times, they became fainter.
"Better than it could've, as you can see." - G'raha threw a glance at Beq, who has been enamored by Ryne and her nature. "We encountered Emet-Selch, and he has been less than friendly, hence the need for portals." - He explained, only to have Beq step forward.
"You are Eden's creation. I can sense your link!" - The sorcerer was intrigued. "I had seen some sin eaters when they tried to invade my palace, but you are sentient and possess qualities of both mind and heart." - They approached Ryne, examining the girl closely.
"I…" - She responded awkwardly, G'raha knew that this wasn't Beq's intention, but their conflation of her with a beast might open some old wounds.
"She is no sin eater, merely serving as a vessel for Eden's energy for now."
"So she was mortal once? And retained her conscience? This keeps getting better…You have to tell me all about her!" - Beq exclaimed.
"Well, if she doesn't mind, of course." - G'raha turned towards Ryne.
"I don't…But let's focus on our task after that."
"Naturally." - The Exarch nodded and led Beq and Ryne to the tower's crystal ocular. There were not many mortals in Norvrandt who could help in the battle against Emet and Elidibus; Beq Lugg was one of them. For all their eccentricity, the sorcerer's experience with working on souls would be invaluable.
When the trio had gathered inside, finally getting a moment of serenity, they could get to their discussion. G'raha never mentioned this to anybody, but returning to ocular after Edwin and others have perished has filled his soul with crippling loneliness. Perhaps it was because of his memories when all of the scions gathered here during their mission to save Norvrandt. This place has seen better days, and those days have felt all too recent to G'raha's mind.
"So…" - Beq began, still looking at Ryne. "Apologies if I am intruding, but I can't help but be curious about the nature of you and this Eden. How could this symbiosis come to pass?" - They wondered.
"It's all about Eden's nature." - Ryne began. "This is the first sin eater to ever be created, and unlike others, it hasn't developed a will of its own or a perfect fusion with its mortal vessel. For years, the man that became Eden has remained sentient within its body, buried in the wastes…That's until the ascians came and tried to flood this world once again with its aid. They almost killed us all after destroying the old vessel, but he created a void that allowed me to…Well…To take his place." - The last words were spoken faintly, and with doubt, the ramifications of this sacrifice still weighed heavily on Ryne.
"And how does it feel? Have you changed since then? Are you feeling its influence?"
"Right now, I'd rather not…" - She shook her head, and the Exarch decided to interfere.
"I am sure there will be plenty of opportunities to discuss Eden and its effects, but for now, let's discuss why I asked for your aid."
"Ah, yes…" - Beq nodded. "I take it that this "Emet-Selch" is one of the ascians you spoke of."
"Indeed. There is another one, Elidibus, and we have found ourselves amidst a conflict with them." - G'raha explained.
"Only two?"
"Of those that pull the strings, yes. They are among the most powerful creatures in existence, however, so I would not be too relieved just yet." - G'raha thought back to his excruciating battles with Emet. "Though I assume you've seen that much already."
"Oh, that's for certain…And they want to destroy our world?"
"Yes, to transform it into energy that will fill another star, and especially their dark god, Zodiark."
"I take it you need me to find a way to destroy them? To trap their souls, perhaps? I am afraid I won't be able to do much more than you in an open battle." - Beq asked.
"We already know of some ways, but they are hardly within our reach." - G'raha shook our head. "Both Eden and the Tower could be used, but ascians can teleport between worlds. Nothing stays out of their gaze. They certainly won't approach the tower and expose themselves. That's not to mention the drastic collateral damage battles against them would bring." - It was not always simple to rationalize the decision G'raha made; at times, its sheer insanity was so evident that the Exarch doubted his plan. However, Ryne seemed to believe in it, and there was a good reason for this. Risking everything to save as many lives as possible was Edwin's way.
"Then what is your plan?" - Beq asked; Ryne spoke afterward.
"Sharing some of my essence with the previous Eden's vessel, who was an ascian himself, has allowed me to find out something else…It's about their god, Zodiark. He is sundered and weakened with the Source's moon as his prison." - She spoke with some reservation, and G'raha continued.
"Zodiark is a source of their power and their entire reason to fight. This will make them vulnerable and eventually weak." - Even after everything he's gone through, G'raha felt no pleasure in doing what amounted to destroying someone's race and stripping the two ascians of what they fought for across centuries. Some things, however, simply had to be done.
"But is that not…On another world?" - The sorcerer seemed shocked.
"Indeed, and that is why I ask for your help. Ryne will grant me enough strength of pure light to strike Zodiark when I am there, but there is the matter of transportation itself. Both the tower and I have certain…properties, as we aren't of this world." - G'raha noticed Beq's surprise, but there would be time for explanations later. "I'll tell you once we've set a course…And that is only half the problem. My connection to the Crystal Tower keeps me tied to it. I have been working on the way to either enhance it or to break it down completely; your help would be much appreciated."
"If you have the resources, then I can try to create something for you, though it will take time."
"A luxury we now have due to Eden's protection, all that matters is the result and that ascians do not find out about this."
"But if this insane plan succeeds, having you imbued with light and all…What will happen to you on the other side? I have to be honest, having a number of energies having such an influence is something that might very well utterly burn out your soul." - Beq warned him. They seemed to understand the merits of G'raha's thinking while still focusing on its risks.
"What happens to me after Zodiark is destroyed is of little importance as long as the plan succeeds." - The Exarch declared without a shade of doubt. The mission he followed for over a century now has worn him out. Perhaps this is where he will find his final blissful respite.
"It is not." - Ryne cut him off sharply as the Exarch noticed her distressed gaze. "We talked about this already; I'll give you enough energy to survive. This is your world, G'raha. You have friends to return to. You must live at least for their sake." - She said with a voice filled with affection and purest hope.
"We will all try our best, of course…" - G'raha would go to great lengths to survive for Ryne's sake. But what she still didn't quite understand was that this was not "his" world. This was the Source of another timeline, the one where the calamity of light never came to pass. Cid, Nero, Rammbroes…They were not the ones he knew in his own time. There was even another G'raha, likely still slumbering within the tower, waiting for someone to awake him. Was there a place for the Exarch on this star? This wasn't the question he was eager to ask. Not before they have saved both of their worlds.
"So, Beq, will you help us with this?" - G'raha pleaded, knowing that the sorcerer had little choice after all they knew.
"I might not have been convinced, but seeing who we're up against…Leaves me no choice, I'm afraid. Now that the ascian has found my refuge, he will no doubt return there."
"Then I am glad we are in agreement." - The Exarch's face was graced with a joyous smile, for they have gathered another ally in their battle.
One step closer had they become to making the dream a reality.
…
Estinien's expectations and hopes for the project in Thavnair have soon proven to be worth the visit. While in Great Work, the dragoon could witness the most well-coordinated and profound effort he had the pleasure of exploring in a long time. The alchemists may not have seemed as much at first, but their dedication has driven them to success.
Krile ended up working with Nidhana closely, telling her about the nature of the echo and how it might be possible to transfer its properties to an object. At least, that's what Estinien assumed; he did not spend much time with them. As he promised, the dragoon has found much to do with his own skills. Helping alchemists in the wild would put him against the fiercest beasts in Thavnair.
When the scales had finally been enhanced and turned into protective talismans, it was Estinien who volunteered to test them out. The dragoon set out to the isle of the tower, which the locals called "Tower of Zot," with one of the amulets. Krile advised against this, but Estinien remembered that it took some time to temper a mind, at least his. This time was enough for him to break the core in the Ala Mhigan tower. It will be enough for him to escape its influence if the amulets falter. In the end, those fears turned out to be unwarranted, for the experiment was a resounding success.
It was surreal, being hailed as a hero when Estinien returned from the tower, for he hadn't done much at all, but for the alchemists, it meant that their efforts had not been for nothing, a cause to celebrate. It did not take long for Krile and Estinien to receive an invitation from the Satrap, who wished to meet with them in the city of Radz-At-Han. The two agreed, finding such a quick proposal curious in some ways but also a perfect opportunity for them to discuss the next stage of their plans.
While in the capital, they were guided by Varshahn, who gave them a tour of the place. Even Estinien was impressed by the mysterious city of gold and alchemy. Krile would try to gain as much knowledge as she could, often asking questions with the frequency that made Estinien feel that she was interested in every single rock. Varshahn would often have stories to tell. For someone so young, he had an impressive knowledge of history. However, there was still lingering suspicion in Estinien's mind. They had left the Great Work behind; there were no dragonscales in close proximity, yet when near Varshahn, Estinien couldn't shake off the sense of a great wyrm's presence.
He had to put those musings to rest, however, for they have been brought into the Satrap's hall. They were met with a giant curtain with a royal table standing before it. The interior radiated much of the Thavnairian style, filled with vibrant colors and decor. The man in question was an au ra dressed in a blue costume, prepared for the important meeting.
"Your excellency, I bring you our most honored guests." - Varshahn announced to the Satrap. The man stood up from one of the colored chairs and looked at Estinien and Krile with a smile.
"Ah, splendid! Allow me to introduce myself. I am Ahewann, the Satrap of Radz-At-Han." - He announced. He seemed sincere enough, but there was something wrong. The dragon's presence just grew exponentially, and Estinien could not think of anything else but this phenomenon.
"Krile Baldesion, my pleasure. Pray allow me to express my sincerest gratitude for the work you and your alchemists have done; this might as well be a turning point in our battle." - Krile spoke with praise.
"It is I who must thank you for your assistance and for answering my call. However, there is still much work to be done, and I believe that it warrants planning. I am hoping for us to coordinate our efforts on the matter. Come and sit at the table, mistress Baldesion and…Estinien Wyrmblood, I presume?"
"Aye…" - Estinien replied coldly, unable to pretend anymore. "This charade ends now!" - The dragoon looked at the curtain, to Krile's surprise. "Show yourself."
"Forgive me, but who are you talking to?" - The Satrap tried to show surprise on his part, but Estinien knew better. "Perhaps you were expecting musicians? An arrangement could be made with performers if you would prefer…" - After the Satrap said those words, he became quiet for a moment. Estinien noticed doubt forming on his face, but eventually, he gave the nod, looking at the curtain. "Very well."
Varshahn pulled the mechanism connected to the curtain, with it rising above the floor. Finally, Estinien received his answer; he knew the moment he saw claws and scaled legs on the other side.
"Thine organization is known to me, scions of the Seventh Dawn. Even in those lands have heard of your deeds…And the fate that has befallen your comrades." - A dragon emerged before them, with his voice echoing in Estinien's head.
"Is that…A great wyrm?" - Krile spoke with shock.
"I am Vrtra of the first brood, the last of the Midgardsormr's spawn to hatch."
"I was told of a lawful pact made with a dragon, but to have one sitting in the Satrap's seat…" - Estinien said as he examined the creature, Ahewann would step into their discussion.
"A necessary subterfuge that has played its role throughout our history, for it has demonstrated the need for such measures most effectively." - The Satrap said with a shade of regret. "At the beginning, the rock upon which this city stand was home to Vrtra alone. Then, the ancestors of the matanga came, though they have left the great wyrm undisturbed. The next to settle was the au ra, and they treated Vrtra with reverence and respect, following the example of their allies. For generations have lived in peace and prosperity…Until the marauding hyurs came. The battles raged on as the kingdom was consumed by chaos, and eventually, Vrtra came out of hiding to bring an end to this conflict. When we began to restore our home, the great wyrm has signed the pact, becoming the ruler of our newly-formed nation."
"But if he has been here throughout all these years…" - Krile wondered. "Than your position as a Satrap is solely for the public?"
"Aye, a charade my family has faithfully performed for generations." - Ahewann clarified, and Vrtra continued afterward.
"Many envy the great wyrms their power, thus hath the truth of my rule been concealed. The few that joined me in the beginning, when we laid the foundation of this city, have sworn to secrecy for the sake of our people. Was the truth to come out, I shalt not be the flame that extinguishes our peace." - The dragon explained.
"And what of your eye? Has it been taken from you?" - Estinien asked, but instead of hearing Vrtra's voice, Varshahn was the one to speak.
"Tis right before thee, buried inside this vessel of flesh. It is but a work of my finest alchemists, with my eye making it an inconspicuous manifestation of my will."
"That explains the presence I felt upon our first meeting…"
"You felt something?" - Krile wondered. "I could barely discern any difference until now!"
"I have wards to avoid detection." - Vrtra explained. "It would seem that thine fusion with my brother has changed you, as short-lived it was. From our first meeting, we knew each other's nature, yet neither has bared his fangs." - Vrtra had the right of it. Estinien's perception was forever altered after being a part of the vengeful wyrm, both physically and psychologically.
"Now that you know the truth, must I discuss with you our next step." - Vrtra stated. "The talismans you bore hath been created from my scales, and they are to be used once we assault the accursed spire. Were the famed Warrior of Light here, I would have no qualms asking to storm the Tower of Zot directly…"
"Yet he is not here." - Estinien crossed his hands. "And sending an army of men to fight in a place like this would bring many sacrifices."
"And that is why I have requested for thine council. Extinguishing the spire has been a priority for us, yet we are oblivious to what lies inside. I hath no wish to throw my men's life for this cause, not until we know everything about it, yet I cannot abandon the prisoners that have been forced inside the spire. You have been inside another tower, Wyrmblood, which I gather has been destroyed. I would hear the tale from you." - The dragon requested, and Estinien couldn't help but respect the care the wyrm had for his subjects.
"It is certainly an impressive one…" - Krile added before looking at Estinien, as did Vrtra and Ahewann.
"The tower's destruction has been nothing short of a miracle and, as ironic as it may sound, a byproduct of another battle." - Estinien thought back to the weapons clashing and Nero's heroic sacrifice. "The tower housed many imprisoned tribesmen and tempered imperials. It was draining the energy from the land into the core at its top, the core which I destroyed; afterward, the tower simply disappeared."
"So, our goal is clear, then?"
"Not entirely. While I have dealt the killing blow, my ascension has been aided by a weapon of untold might that the Alliance no longer possesses. The primal that guarded the tower has also been destroyed by the weapon's might, and I am sure there is a similar creature within this spire."
"Then it will be a costly endeavor…" - Vrtra said with concern. "And what of the prisoners inside the tower? Have any survived?"
"From what I've been told, most did not survive the fall, and others were consumed by a frenzy which could not be cured."
"And so it is…" - Vrtra spoke gravely. "Twould seem that the even were we to succeed in breaching the tower, the fall will take the lives of our men and Arkasodara prisoners alike, not without a powerful mage to assist them."
"If I may, your excellency." - Ahewann spoke. "You could join the fray yourself; this would have been a wondrous boon for our soldiers. Alas, it would also betray your disguise, but…"
"Nay, I shall not risk the exposure. If what Wyrmblood says is true, then it is not worth it…"
"There is another option." - Estinien spoke, once again attracting the wyrm's attention. He remembered what Raubahn told about the Alliance's plans, and it would seem that the talismans were the last ingredient they needed for this plan to succeed. "The last I visited Alliance forces, I have been informed of their plans. An invasion to Garlemald." - He noticed Krile nodding; she must have understood the benefits of this plan.
"An Empire to the north?" - Ahewann wondered. "But what for?"
"It's no longer an Empire." - Krile interjected. "The Alliance has spies there, and the picture they paint is rather jarring. Many people have been tempered by a tower which now rises above the ruins of their city, and it exceeds any other in size."
"This is also where Fandaniel resides, no doubt. The sorcerer that created those towers in the first place." - Estinien added.
"And what is it the Alliance requires from us in their battle?" - Vrtra asked.
"The talismans, of course. They would not risk having their soldiers tempered, just like you wouldn't risk the lives of your men without a good reason. Destroying towers one by one would avail naught but splinter our forces and cost many prisoners their lives."
"All while the others continue to draw aether from the land for some horrific scheme in Garlemald." - Krile said.
"We need to strike at the heart and neutralize Fandaniel before he can enact his plans, which include the annihilation of our entire world. If fate has it, we will be able to interrogate the ascian and find a way to remove the prisoners from their vessels without harm." - The dragoon concluded. He saw Vrtra close his eye and look down at the floor.
"I would advise caution, your excellency…" - Ahewann said. "However, there is merit in this course of action. It is much risk, but it also gives a chance to save our people along with the prisoners in the cursed spires."
"Aye…That, I can't deny. Tis not a simple choice, but it was not the first one in my time of watching over this isle, nor shall it be the last. I hath dedicated myself to maintaining peace so that the isle will not be consumed by flames, and I shall continue on this path. You have my blessing and my scales. I shall order a delivery to the place of your choosing, and from there, they are yours to use in the expedition to Garlemald." - The dragon spoke.
"Thank you, great Vrtra!" - Krile's face was brightened with a smile. "Rest assured, we will not be forgetting your kindness."
"All I ask for is to deliver on y our promise. My people are imprisoned inside the spire, and I shall see them freed, one way or another."
"Of that, you can be sure." - Estinien said with pride. "The Alliance will send their best."
And they will, as this was a battle for the survival of an entire star.
…
Beyond majestic mountains, across the emerald dale…
Those were the Garlean lands once, occupying territory across all 3 continents and bringing a multitude of nations to heel. Many decades of tireless toil for its people and just another experiment for Emet-Selch. Truth be told, he wasn't that surprised to see this one fall. Unlike Allag and some civilizations that came before, Hades largely gave up on trying to put his "soul" into those creations. The ascian couldn't let go of his dreams and attempting to recreate Amaurot with the sundered. Perhaps with the ancient's guidance, they could've…Alas, those were empty dreams, and Emet had to learn it the hard way.
Now he saw a nation that was buried beneath the snow and its own excessive pride. A race that considered themselves superior based on nothing except propaganda Hades has carefully woven into the structure of their society. They have risen high in their conquests, but their destiny has been to fall like all that came before them, according to Emet's plan. A nation turned into a soulless machine of conquest, only to have their only source of pride snatched away from them and their glory buried. A tale wrought with tragedy and many memories that Hades would rather forget…If there were any upsides to the situation, that would have been the fact that his firstborn son never had to witness this.
Scouring amidst the thin aether of the tempered thralls, Emet would sense the tower's demonic energy, and he could see it from almost any corner in Garlemald. This was where the faint aether of Elidibus still glimmered occasionally, twisted by these dark powers. The Emissary was right to travel here, but Emet was wrong in letting him go alone. This was a structure of a cosmic scale, and the convocation was not even involved; going there alone would facilitate the same fate Elidibus had to suffer. First, Emet needed to know his enemy…Who could have done such a thing?
Hades tried to reach out and look for the souls that were distinct from the sundered, and he found two in close proximity to the tower. Both were familiar. One of them belonged to his descendant, a twisted soul that has only recently gone through rebirth. To Hades's surprise, it has been very faint. There was no joy or desire for anything in his life; so devastating was Zenos's desperation that his soul grew weaker.
The other was colored in red and was one of the convocation…Fandaniel. This forced Emet into shock, for he believed that sundered ascians were to remain at their posts in Chrysalis and beyond the rift, but here he was. Was he trying to stop this chaos from ensuing, or was he taking an active part in it? Emet knew this particular reincarnation of Fandaniel to be a rather depressive and reluctant man, formerly known as Amon. He has not been the simplest to work with, but his expertise and skills often proved invaluable. Hades felt the temptation to teleport towards them and uncover the truth for himself, but that would amount to traveling into a trap laid for him. He needed to prepare.
This led Hades to search for allies. Garleans have been known for their resilience and organization; someone must have found a way to avoid tempering and continue the fight. Emet would cross the frozen tundras and scorched ruins of Garlemald to find any evidence of this, trying to find large gatherings of souls that did not behave in a chaotic manner. Eventually, this led Emet to the southeast, where it did not take long for him to be spotted.
"Stop right there!" - He heard a loud voice of a young man that attempted to hide his fear with aggression. Such people were of weak-willed breed, usually perishing young due to their own recklessness and foolishness. Alas, this seemed like Hades's only option if he wanted to find survivors. The ascian turned around and saw a garlean soldier with dark blue hair and eyes burning with astonishment.
"Finally, someone who kept their mind relatively intact." - Emet sighed and examined the soldier before him.
"Are you…Are you not a thrall?" - He asked with wonder. He didn't seem to believe in having found anyone free of the tower's curse.
"Do I look tempered to you, boy?" - Hades spoke with annoyance. In retrospect, he understood the soldier's surprise. If there were any surviving garleans, the last garments they would wear were royal robes. Perhaps he even recognized their former Emperor, though judging by his age, this one was of a younger generation that was much more prone to see Emet's unfortunate grandson as a symbol of what Garlemald stands for. "I take it you are one of the survivors? Where are your allies?"
"I am Jullus pyr Norbanus of the Ist Legion. We didn't know there were other survivors; we're gathered…Wait." - The young man looked down before shaking his head frantically. "No, no, this isn't right…How did you survive? Where did you get this robe? Who are you?" - He started to go through every question on his mind, causing Emet to smile. At least he wasn't as foolish as some denizens of this world and would simply give away their location to the stranger just because he shared the same racial trait. For a moment, Emet contemplated lying; this wouldn't be the first time he tricked garleans, but spending time with Edwin and the scions had left a bitter taste in his mouth, especially the day he killed them…The taste made the thought of lying again repulsive to him.
"I am Solus zos Galvus, and I have come here to destroy this tower once and for all." - Hades declared, immediately witnessing Jullus recoil. The newfound hatred emerged in his gaze, and the soldier immediately took his sword, ready to attack. His legs shook as he tried to convince himself to strike Hades. The ascian could not deny that there has been some bravery in the boy's nature, but it was overshadowed by the horrors of the realization.
"DIE, MONSTER!" - The soldier screamed and charged at the ascian. Emet sighed in utter disappointment and teleported behind the boy. Before Jullus could turn around, he launched a dark arrow that was just powerful enough to force him to the ground.
"Why must it always be so difficult with your kind?" - Emet shook his head as he towered above the fallen garlean at his mercy. "Can you not imagine how much better would this world be if only some people listened?"
"I know that face from the chronicles, but…it can't be; you died! I know who you are! You are the demon that possessed our prince; you are the one who brought this upon us. It's your fault!" - He spouted his angry drivel while Emet was hardly affected. The ascian couldn't help but feel irony's sting as he listened to his furious ramblings. He never imagined there would be a moment when he would tell the truth about his nature to the people of Garlemald, but if such an occurrence would ever come, he couldn't have imagined it to be so pathetic. One hysterical boy trying to bark his hateful venom as if he was in a position to do so.
"Quite the opposite, I wish to put an end to those mischievous deeds, and I have some knowledge of the real demons that planned it. We could come to a mutually beneficial agreement if only you would stop behaving like a child." - Hades stated, though that hardly did anything to soothe Jullus's disdain.
"Lies lies! If you think that I will believe a single word…"
"Had I been behind this tower, what reason would I have to wander around as aimlessly as that?"
"You want to kill us all!"
"And yet, I haven't ended your life despite all your apparent attempts to push me into this."
"That's…that's because you want me to give my people away so you could slaughter us!" - Jullus stood up and grabbed his blade, getting into the battling stance. He was able to let go of fears; Hades could sense the righteous fury filling his heart and soul. He chose to be a true patriot, but at the wrong time. "At a loss of words, monster? What reason do I have to believe you?"
"To be quite frank, none but my word." - Hades admitted. He could have explained the benefits of having an ascian on their side, but reason meant little for people filled with pride and patriotism, like Jullus. Authority was another matter entirely. "Did you not say that you were of the Ist? Quintus van Cinna is known for his unyielding loyalty to the Galvus bloodline, not to mention his friendship with my grandson. I imagine Varis's death is a tremendous loss for him, the one that he won't recover from anytime soon."
"What…How do you know this?" - Jullus was on the brink of attacking once again, but he clearly didn't want to get wounded again. His hands shook as his eyes expressed an utter failure to understand as if his entire world had turned around. Hades sympathized to an extent. To live your entire life believing in one unquestionable and holy truth only to learn that it was nothing but a facade used to manipulate you for years…How painful was it to be mortal?
"Perhaps because it was I who bestowed him with the title of Legatus? Perhaps because it was under my command that his Legion carried our ivory standard? Or was it the oath of loyalty he swore to me? I know Quintus much better than you do, boy, and he would not turn down the offer of his former Emperor." - Hades said, seeing Jullus's gaze go empty as the young soldier gave up his attempts to understand. "Might this change your perspective?"
"And…What if I refuse?" - Jullus said with barely any emotion.
"Then I will force you into helping me. You have seen the magic at my disposal, and there is more. However, I would prefer if it didn't come to that." - The ascian claimed, leaving Jullus little choice. Perhaps this was the cruel treatment of those who have proven so useful to his plans; Emet acknowledged it. However, with so much on the line, there was only that much patience the ascian could have. Elidibus was trapped, and he would need an army before storming that tower.
"Fine, Sol…No, whatever you are." - Jullus said with utter spite and disdain, once again being full of emotions. "But should you as much as raise a hand in there…We will kill you, like any savage that has dared to trick us." - Oh, the irony.
"Finally, we arrive at some conclusion." - Emet sighed with relief. "I will play the role of a benevolent guest to perfection, and you will guide me to Quintus."
"That's Lord van Cinna for you."
"As you wish…"
The ascian was consumed by the anticipation of this meeting.