Hearing Lucia accept Solus's proposal so quickly has been a delight for the ascian. There were countless mortals he met before whose reaction would have been that of emotion and disdain. Fordola seemed to be of the sort, Emet thought that sending her in as an envoy had been a horrible decision strategically, but the sundered have been much more entertaining when left to their own devices.

Lucia was not happy about this choice, even though she didn't show signs of anger; it was another feeling akin to shame brought by having to accept this alliance. It was clear why she made her choice. Emet looked over the camp, which was filled with wounded soldiers. Their carers barely had time to attend to everyone, not to mention the pile of corpses, the trail of which had been imprinted on the snow.

"These warriors hail from all across Eorzea and beyond." - Emet noted with a semblance of pride. "They must have given in to the sheer excitement of invading Garlemald."

"Our concern is to stop the cataclysm Fandaniel is orchestrating and help the survivors, nothing more." - Lucia responded sharply.

"And is that true? Do you truly not think that a single one of those warriors enjoys seeing the garleans brought to their heel and exterminated like vermin? That they are oblivious to the sense of sweet retribution?"

"I put faith in my men, something you never seemed to learn. Still, I am hardly in a position to blame anyone for feeling relief at the fall of the Empire that killed thousands and was created by a man who killed millions." - She spoke dismissively, continuing to lead Emet towards the command center.

"Must you be so unnerved? We are allies; for now, you might as well think of being charitable." - Solus sighed and shook his head.

"I believe I have been quite charitable by not inquiring on how you found out about our losses even before we met."

"I have always enjoyed observing my surroundings." - The ascian shrugged. "Speaking of the evil Empire, were you not a part of it? Why did you defect, was something from Eorzea that charmed you? Someone, mayhap?"

"I believe this is hardly relevant for our current situation."

The two have reached a large tent with another garlean patrolling the gates. This one was young and already a defector.

"Here you are, Lucia." - He spoke with relief. "The whole camp has been talking about our guests; are they truly of the remaining garleans…" - He looked at Emet's third eye suspiciously, changing his focus. "I shouldn't be asking that question…Is this their envoy?"

"Is Lyse here? "- Lucia asked.

"Yes, she's been inside." - The garlean replied.

"No reason to wait, then. Let's go. There's some planning to do."

The trio walked inside the tent, and Emet got to see the last representative, a blonde-haired woman versed in the art of a monk; Hades could sense impatience in her soul simply by looking at her.

"Lucia, Maxima… Who's that?"

"Is that the whole company?" - Emet asked and saw Lucia nod.

"Yes, we will hear you out, but first, I believe you should introduce yourself." - Solus was consumed by the anticipation, shock, and anger that the mortal's reactions will exhibit; they were horribly predictable.

"I am Solus zos Galvus, and I have a sense that you know which titles this name brings with it." - The ascian said and watched Lyse recoil. Maxima was surprised as well, though his reaction was not nearly as averse as that of the woman. "If you have any questions, you should get on with them."

"By Rhalgr's fist…"The" Solus zos Galvus?" - Lyse's lips quivered.

"Indeed."

"The first Emperor and the founding father of Garlemald?"

"Yes, that is me."

"And the ascian that manipulated the Empire's conquests for his own gain…"

"Yes, yes, yes. Can we get on to something that truly matters now?" - His careless disposition seemed to affect Lyse. The woman clenched her fist and looked at the ascian with anger. He couldn't predict whether she would attack him on sight. Mortals that brought some degree of unpredictability were always of the most enjoyable sort.

"You were behind what they did in Ala Mhigo, then…That might be simple words for you, but do you know how much our people suffered? How many died for freedom?! My father, my sister, my friends…They gave their all, and you have no care whatsoever!"

"Their shattered souls are of little worth in such a state; there is no need for care."

"You…"

"Please, not now." - Lucia interrupted. "Let me remind you that we are here because we have a common enemy and knowledge to share. We should focus on that. Solus, what do you know of Fandaniel?"

"Everything except his latest exploits." - The ascian began his tale, garnering the trio's attention. "He was one of the ascians Lahabrea and myself have imbued with memories and raised to their position. He has made quite a name for himself even before that, however, being the genius Allagan technician Amon." - As he spoke his words, Emet once again realized that leaving Fandaniel without supervision was a mistake. In their arrogance, Elidibus and himself believed that they would be able to deal with the First as quickly as possible when in reality, this brought them to failure on both fronts.

"Wait, Amon…" - Lyse pondered. "That name's familiar. Wasn't he stuck in the Crystal Tower when Edwin explored it? Did he not kill him?"

"That was a clone sent there at my behest. The real Amon left Allag to serve amidst the ascians in our work of the great rejoining."

"Has something gone wrong?" - Maxima wondered.

"In a way. Among all of our overlords, he was the most…Troubled. His soul was tormented from within, and he was often reluctant to follow our plan. There were a few times when he attempted to separate himself from the ascians, but we have forced him back into place. He has been obedient for thousand years since then, until now…"

"If he is just your former underling, how is it possible for him to create those towers?" - Lucia asked.

"That has been a question that made me yearn for answers, as well. Considering its effects, I assume an eikon is involved, a powerful one at that."

"If only we had Edwin with us…" - Lyse said quietly.

"Do not fret, girl. As long as we remain cautious and precise with our actions, Fandaniel and even Zenos will fall."

"So it's "we" now? How good to know." - Lyse said with mockery.

"Lyse." - Lucia gave her a cold stare.

"Fine, sorry… Let's just carry on." - She allowed Lucia to speak to Emet.

"I assume this has been Fandaniel's most daring attempt to challenge your brethren."

"Indeed, though the endgame still eludes me. If he wanted to destroy the Empire I have built, then he must know that I can always start a new with a new clique of test subjects."

"I don't think that is it." - Lucia shook her head. "From what Cid recounted to me when Fandaniel appeared in Ala Mhigo, he said that he wanted to reenact an ancient catastrophe which he called 'The Final Days.'"

Those words had Emet shudder. What he saw as a madman rebelling against their cause to stroke his own ego has suddenly become something way more malicious and vile. But how could he know?

"The Final Days?"

"You know of it?"

"Better than you can fathom…" - Now was the time to shed some light on history, though Emet did not wish to waste valuable time, not while Elidibus was in Fandaniel's grasp. "How to explain…I am led to believe that while I was away, the Alliance parleyed with my grandson, yes? And what was the Empire's goal that he stated that day?"

"He wanted to rejoin our worlds…" - Lyse responded. "To 'bring mankind to the state it was.'"

"He referred to the ancient times, where my people, whose last survivors you know as the ascians, lived our lives in a paradise." - He heard his own voice experience a small break as the images of Amaurot and its beauty returned to his head. There was nothing Emet would not give to see it once again. "That is until the Final Days began. Truth be told, they are the very reason why any of you even exist in the sundered state. It was a dreadful time when the sky turned red, and chaos erupted when our deepest despair and fear run unhinged and manifested into the most terrible of beasts." - The monster's roar echoed in his ears, followed by the scream of a running Amaurotine who tried to defend herself with creation magic, only to have it manifest even more beasts. There were many horrific scenes Hades bore a witness to, wishing that he could intervene, that he could save as many lives as possible. "They were only forestalled by a sacrifice which brought forth Zodiark, our god and savior."

"Are you saying that your dark god is not any different from a Primal?" - Maxima wondered.

"He is a primal. The eldest and the most powerful, even if sundered. His protection brought forth dissenters who wished to see him shackled; Hydaelyn was the being that arose from their prayers. In their battle, a terrible tragedy occurred as Hydaelyn sundered Zodiark's being into ten and three reflections, along with the world's essence. Only three escaped, and ever since have we been toiling to fix this mistake." - He finished with the story, watching Lyse's intrigued expression.

"But…Why? Do you not see what every calamity does? You only hurt this world further; why?"

"To see the souls of our sundered comrades rejoined, first of all. That is also the only way to restore Zodiark's power, so we can bring back those who sacrificed themselves for him. And then…We will rebuild. There is a reason why I clung to my memories for thousands of years." - He caught a glimpse of disbelief and misunderstanding in Lyse's eyes, although this time it was hiding another emotion, pity, and even some sympathy. "Oh, don't look at me like that. Did you believe your people the only ones who yearn for the good old days?" - He wondered, but Lucia interjected.

"It's quite a tale…If that is true, that has certainly given me much to think about, but I do not see how this helps us with Fandaniel. Perhaps he…His "older" self knew what caused it?" - Lucia suggested.

"That is out of the question. None have been able to figure out the cause of the Final Days, no matter how hard we tried. Amon knows no more than Hermes, the man who possessed his unsundered soul knew unless…" - A chilling thought plagued Emet's mind. "Hermes was a talented researcher versed in the fields few would dare to tamper with…It was he that made the connection between the aether currents in our world and the cataclysm, which allowed the convocation to use Zodiark to forestall them. He has also theorized about our god's other characteristics…Among this, there was a theory that if Zodiark was to be killed, the protection he offered our star would be forfeit. I admit, we rejected such a notion at the time, but that is the only way Amon might restart the Final Days."

"And the towers?"

"They absorb aether, do they not? Such amounts may be enough to break Zodiark's shackles in his prison on the moon's surface." - The ascian concluded. Lyse was the next to speak.

"Are you saying that the only way for us to survive is to defend your dark god? That is awfully convenient for you."

"It is your choice whether to believe me, of course. I imagine this choice might haunt you till the very day you are torn apart by rabid beasts brought by the Final Days." - The ascian dismissed her, and Lucia continued.

"Zodiark or not, this does not change our course. We need to attack the tower and deal with Fandaniel and Zenos before they enter the next stage of their plan."

"Agreed." - Emet nodded. "We will need a considerable force for that. The two of them were able to imprison my comrade Elidibus, the last of the unsundered except me; when I free him, hopefully, he will lend us his might. As for now…I will have Quintus gather his best men. He also made a mention of other Legions whose return he is expecting. They might be of use."

"That was another matter." - Lucia said. "The envoys of those Legions made contact with Eorzean Alliance saying that their ranks are depleted, and they are in no condition to fight, and they requested aid from us."

"Poor Quintus… You'd better not tell him about it, that will wound his pride even further, and it's already a lot." - The ascian exuded mild sympathy. "That means that this is it. Once you make contact with the Ist, it is our time to strike."

"I wasn't planning on waiting. I would have to meet the Legatus to negotiate and plan our united advances."

"Then let us be on with it." - The ascian said.

"So we really are doing this, huh…" - Lyse said awkwardly.

"Would you rather fight Zenos by yourself?" - The ascian shrugged.

"No… I've already tried that, and I understand the necessity of our alliance. Still, to work with a bloody ascian who is behind the garlean Empire… That's insane. I still have to grasp with it." - She looked up at the ascian with her determined eyes. "Answer me this, Solus, and be honest. Once we are done, Fandaniel and Zenos are no more, and Zodiark is saved, what will you do?"

"I will give Elidibus a speech about how to be responsible and careful instead of rushing into the fray. And then it will all become like it was before. We will retreat into the shadows and enact a calamity that will destroy the civilization as you know it, and then five more. Does that satisfy you?"

"Seven hells…And that's the man we're helping."

"If I prevail, some of your souls will still have the chance to live their lives in a restored paradise once the storm is over. If Fandaniel prevails, there will be nothing but oblivion."

This clearly was enough for Lyse, for she didn't say a word. At least now they knew their course of action, thought mentioning the Final Days has certainly struck dissent and worry into Emet's heart. Now, more than ever, Fandaniel needed to be stopped. And this time, there will be no second chances.

…

After a tumultuous visit to Quintus van Cinna, Estinien's hopes of a productive negotiation waned. Fordola's outburst was not helping their matters, but he would not cast any judgment on her. After all, Estinien did not know how it felt to be a slave to Garlean rule and authority. It was clear that this inflicted horrific trauma on those that it overshadowed, whether they resisted or complied.

However, following this fallout, the situation was stabilized, and each of the envoys found something useful to do. Cid was still eager to help his people with everything he could, even though it was quite clear to Estinien that they did not want any aid, not from the "savages." He oversaw the technicalities and heating machines, helping the garleans fix some of them and enhance others. From what he said, they weren't reluctant to accept his help; some asked questions about his betrayal, none of which Cid dignified with a response. Discussing the past would do no one any favors, and Estinien tended to agree.

The dragoon himself enlisted to aid with patrolling along with Fordola. Spending time outside fighting the tempered seemed like the most relaxing way to spend their time, as ironic as it seemed. Jullus joined them, still distrustful of their motives. Fordola voiced her reluctance, but the young garlean has been eager to follow in their footsteps. Considering their stated goal here was to aid those in need, it was difficult to deny that he deserved the opportunity.

As they ventured to the northern border with the city proper, the place where tempered would hail from most often, Estinien picked a moment when Jullus moved further away from them and looked at the disgruntled woman with sympathy.

"How are you feeling?" - The dragoon spoke with concern.

"Fine." - Fordola responded snappily as she avoided eye contact. "Sorry for that damn show…I know how bad the time and place are now." - She spoke with regret, showing that her anger had been somewhat pacified.

"I never had to live under masters that were so oppressive and cruel; perhaps it's not something all can understand."

"Now you're going soft on me? Don't, I know our intent here and how my words did nothing but set our cause back." - She scoffed at her own failure. "And it's not like I'm blameless, either. Lyse will attest to that. And for all the pain, there were some benefits to joining them…" - Fordola's eye gleamed with crimson, channeling the power of the resonant. "That's why I try not to hate the people themselves, just those bloody puppeteers."

"That's all in the past now, as is our talk with Quintus. We should focus on the present if we are to make any difference."

"We've always agreed on that."

Their conversation was interrupted by Jullus's voice. As the group reached the charred city ruins, the young man gave his command. Estinien could hardly recognize this place; there was nothing left of the power and vibrance that this city brimmed with only months before.

"We can search for more resources here. The thralls will be here, no doubt, but you know what to do." - The boy looked at them with his usual distrust, though there wasn't as much disdain as when they first met. "And don't hesitate; if you want to focus on the present, then prove it." - He said and led the two further into the city.

"I take it you've heard us." - Fordola stated.

"Unfortunately. At least you recognize the mess you've made back there."

"Can't keep out of others' affairs? How daft."

Jullus did not respond and bid them enter the nearby house, or at least the broken structure distantly resembling one. The place was filled with old cutlery and broken furniture. There was even a cracked radio stashed near the grey wall. Jullus began his search, picking some of the fuel batteries and supplies.

"Quintus told me what happened." - Jullus continued unexpectedly. "You are blaming us for learning the lesson when you could've done the same generations ago."

"A lesson?" - Fordola wondered.

"Unity is a glorious dream, but it is not one you can attain without bloodshed. That's what my grandfather always said about our past and future." - Jullus's voice broke for a moment before he continued while still gazing away. "You will not get your opponents to yield by talking and compromising; you have to be ready to fight. To force change unto them, even if it has to break the spirit of an entire generation."

"As if it would get any better for our sons and grandsons." - Fordola shook her head. "Even if it did, it's hollow to the people you are torturing and beating to death right now, ain't it?"

"That was our nation's choice. To bring enlightenment and progress, always ready to do anything to achieve our dream of unity, that was the only way," - Jullus said with grief for his lost home. Estinien joined the conversation, distracting himself from searching the stashes in the house.

"Don't forget that other nations will have to make a choice, too." - The dragoon spoke sternly. "If you choose to rule with fear rather than respect, your subjects will seek an opportunity to rise up and turn the tide, and no Empire lasts forever. One day you will be left at the mercy of those you once subjugated, and what then? The choice will be theirs this time." - The elezen said, and Fordola was eager to continue.

"And if you haven't noticed, that day is today."

"We know!" - Jullus snapped, desperately trying to stop himself from punching the wall with his fist. "We're not fools. That's exactly why everyone is so bloody happy that Solus returned…" - Jullus stuttered, overtaken by his thoughts. "And I'm happy, too. I'll never say it to the bastard's face, but his help was invaluable, and I'm not even talking about the heat. Now there is at least something to be hopeful about."

"And how long will that friendship last, huh?" - Fordola added, and Jullus didn't seem to know the answer.

"I don't think about it. We prayed for a miracle ever since Emperor Varis was slain; now that it's upon us, it is better to just accept it along with the blasted truth…"

"When did he come to you, exactly?" - Estinien still tried to inquire. "From what I gather, Solus has left the Empire and has only shown himself recently."

"That's true, aye. It was after the tower had risen, and everyone was tempered, no more than a week ago, really. I encountered him in the woods and had to bring him to Quintus."

Estinien's suspicions were confirmed. The all-seeing ascian has somehow missed the cataclysm that has been unraveling on the Source despite its apparent importance. Either this meant that Solus was playing a long-term game and he was allied with Fandaniel, but the dragoon could find little reason for them to distance themselves from each other if that was the case. There was another option-that; the unsundered ascian was preoccupied somewhere very far away. Not a continent, perhaps even another world. Fandaniel's ominous words loomed in Estinien's mind.

"A dagger through lord Zenos's heart, an unexpected twist in the plot! The warrior of light and his companions have been dragged to a distant shard to prevent another calamity…But they died!"

A distant shard.

"Look out!" - Fordola's shout interrupted his musings as she sensed someone's approach with the resonant. Estinien and Jullus have immediately gone up in arms and charged to the entrance.

The two tempered soldiers emerged, lurking in the shadows, ecstatic that they had finally found some prey. One of them jumped at Fordola, who blocked the man's strike and tried to hold her position. Estinien rushed to her aid, wounding one of the tempered with his spear. The soldier screamed in rage and attempted to fight the dragoon. Fordola did not allow him to scratch Estinien, piercing the rabid warrior with a blade.

Jullus has taken up to the second thrall. His formidable fighting skills were evident as he slashed one of his arms, cutting the limb entirely off the body. While the wounded soldier recoiled, Jullus pressed on with his onslaught.

"Die, weakling!" - He cut the soldier's neck wide open mercilessly, drenched in crimson blood as the mutilated corpse fell to the ground. He looked at the fallen garlean with disgust and arrogance, despite them sharing a nation. To him, those who got tempered were of weak will and deserved to be purged; at least, this was how Jullus explained it. Estinien had no doubt that there was still some pain in his soul as he had to fight his countrymen, but when there was no other deliverance but death for those tempered, it was easier to imagine that those he killed were mindless animals who were always failures.

"We're done here…" - Jullus spoke. "Let's go; there is much to search."

…

"Let us celebrate the path we have walked, let us commemorate those we have lost, and pray for those we can yet save. I invite all of you to Musica Universalis to spend some time together and allow ourselves a reprieve. I would be honored to be in a company of people so resilient this night."

Those were G'raha's words he conveyed to the people of Crystarium shortly after the course was set. Beq has taken his staff to fuse the core of Tycoon with it, creating an ultimate soul vessel for G'raha, the one that will allow him to travel back to the source and eliminate Zodiark. The Exarch knew this to be the right course, but his heart ached at the thought of having to leave his friends in the First. They have expressed gratitude to him many times, and he wished to repay them in kind.

The feast began with dozens of Crystarians coming to commemorate their leader, who many of them saw as ancient and wise, even though the images of this tower arising and G'raha waking up to see a world consumed by light. The city around him has been a testament to how much time has passed and how far they have gone. The Exarch could see people of all nations and races, be it elves, mystels, or even dwarves. The latter was especially swift to take notice of the bottles of ale the bartenders had prepared. They laughed and smiled, telling each other stories of their past.

"…That one time I nearly lost a hand to a big sin-eater…"

"…I heard my mother was chosen to ascend Vauthry's paradise; it was so fortunate the Warriors of Darkness arrived in time…"

"…My brother died in Ahm Araeng, fighting off sin eaters. I always told him not to waste his time caring for the infected, but he was adamant…"

G'raha noticed that many of these tales were of loss and agony that those people suffered, yet there was no fear or pain in their voices, at most some shades of regret. Their voices brimmed with relief and hope, all of the tragedies were discussed as something distant and past, a nightmare that next generations will not endure. G'raha knew this to not be entirely true, for the root of the problem has still not been fixed. The ascians were both imaginative and cruel; there was no telling of what they might conjure in a few more decades. Thoughts like this made Exarch all the more determined to end this. Fortune has not been on his side across those centuries, but if it allows as much as a single fateful victory, today will be the last day they will have to suffer from ascian machinations.

"My lord, may I have a moment?" - An old woman's hopeful voice rang from behind. G'raha looked behind and saw a familiar silhouette that he often saw in the crowd. After so many years, you begin to learn as much as possible about your people, both their appearance and identity.

"Of course, you may, and please, call me G'raha."

"Thank you. And I am not sure if I will ever be able to switch. My children certainly won't."

"I think after about a century of "lordship," it is about time to shake things up. It's quite liberating to be among the people." - G'raha smiled. "Alina, right?"

"You honor me, G'raha. I wanted to thank you for everything you have done for us, and for my family especially." - She smiled warmly as her eyes pulsed with memory. "My husband, Ronin, has led me and our son and daughter here as we sought refuge from Kholusia…I am eternally grateful for this chance. You were a beacon of hope for us, we were finally able to live without fear, and our tears have not been without hope…Ronin served Crystarium with honor and died defending Lakeland from sin-eaters, but he would've been proud of what we achieved." - Her eyes swelled with tears. "He would've smiled if he saw our children become the proud and joyous people they are. And this would not have been possible without you, Exarch."

"I am sorry to hear of your husband's demise…" - G'raha spoke with care and empathy. "But there is no need for "ifs." I know that he is watching you and your children. The stream is boundless, and its bonds unshakable…His soul has found peace, and I have no doubt that he is proud of what his family accomplished. And you deserve to be proud, too."

"You're too kind, my lord…" - The woman showed G'raha the plate with a few deliciously-smelling cherry pies and allowed herself a smile. "I wanted to give this to you to show our gratitude, even the smallest part."

G'raha did not feel himself deserving of any gifts, but he would not reject something that had a lot of hard work put into it.

"It's I who should be grateful." - The Exarch smiled and took the plate.

"Think nothing of it; it's a pleasure for all of us."

"If that is so, I hope this evening will be one of happiness."

"It already is."

Soon after, the woman left, likely to meet with her children. All the while, G'raha realized that he had not yet picked up a place to sit. Many had already begun feasting while the Exarch stood awkwardly, not quite sure where to move. This seemed par for the course when becoming one of the people rather than another lord, and G'raha was certainly happy to feel it once again.

"Hey there!" - He heard an eager voice from behind; G'raha turned around and saw Giott calling out to him. She claimed one of the tables along with all her friends. Granson, Taynor, and even Reeq were there. "I know your legs are part-crystal, but you'll still get tired over there!"

"Oh, if only being crystal made it so easy…" - G'raha sighed before smiling at his friends. He walked towards them and claimed his place near his comrades. "Anyone wants some pies?"

"That was a gift to you, so you should have all of it." - Taynor noted, and G'raha looked at the collection of pies which was one step away from becoming a full-blown pile.

"If I eat all of it in one go, I might as well collapse…Not the best beginning to my operation."

"And we'll be here to carry you back to the ocular if that happens." - Lue-Reeq winked. The blue-haired mystel still wore bandaids around his legs and right arms; the wounds were still aching at times.

"How are you feeling? I was worried after that fight." - G'raha asked with worry.

"I'm feeling wonderful, actually." - He was quick to declare before catching Granson gazing at him.

"The nurse doesn't seem to think so." - He shook his head.

"Oh, don't be a bore! I know I still haven't recovered completely, but I couldn't miss G'raha's party! Especially when it's set during this time o' night." - Reeq smirked and looked at the light above them.

"Not that pun again…" - Giott sighed.

"I'll never get tired of it."

It raised an interesting observation, however, one that seemed to go along rather well with other citizens letting go of their past. The light above them has been the same as it was when lightwardens reigned over this shard. However, today people knew it to be a protective shield, their hope rather than a bane. The day when the ascians came to Crystarium certainly changed perception for many of them, especially as they came so close to annihilating this world.

As he gazed at the sky, G'raha saw a ray of light emerge from Eden. It charged towards them, emerging before their table amidst the feast. All of the nearby people were immediately enthralled by this, knowing that one of their heroes had decided to visit them at such an hour.

"Look, it's her!" - One of the men shouted as Ryne's avatar formed itself before their gazes. G'raha watched her attentively, and it was incredibly relieving to see a smile forming on her face. G'raha sent her a message about both the feast and their plan shortly beforehand, and it seemed Ryne had gathered enough power to visit.

"Hey, if it isn't our magical girl! "- Reeq exclaimed with joy. "Finally, this party's complete!"

"I couldn't miss such an event." - Ryne said quietly but happily, happy to see her friends having fun. "I'm glad to see you all."

"Are you feeling better?" - Taynor asked with care.

"I think so. It hasn't been easy, but I think I've got it." - She shook her head slightly. "You know, let's not talk about Eden too much; it's not like anything's changed." - Ryne sat at a table with them and looked at the sky. "Except maybe…How about we make it a little more authentic?"

She closed her eyes, and the girl's body gleamed with light, attracting the attention of the people around her. Moments later, the small fragment of the sky above them was cracked, forming an opening just enough for the night to tower above the feast. This was a lone dark spot amidst the light, unique in its beauty.

"Now that's how I like it!" - Giott said, followed by multiple cheers from the people around her.

G'raha gave Ryne a caring look, almost as if reminding her of the talk they had last time. The girl did not look away; she seemed to have let go of her troubles and pain for this night, even if none of them had perished forever.

"I'm glad you're better." - G'raha said with pride.

"Well…Nothing shameful in wanting to live for a night, you know?" - She replied and watched the Exarch's eyes swell with relief and joy. Lue-Reeq, Giott, and Taynor have been quick to join them, as it has been a while since they got a chance to talk with Ryne.

"I agree, we shouldn't talk about Eden; let's talk about you." - Reeq suggested. "I heard Beq Lugg will try to free you once G'raha does his thing. I've seen the fellow once. They look like someone who will spend a decade alone in the swamp and invent a cure for sin-eaters there, so I wouldn't doubt them." - A very optimistic outlook, but something that Ryne needed at the moment.

"The question is, what will you do then?" - Giott wondered.

"We were hoping to take you on our adventures!" - Taynor added.

"Are you even asking? Of course, I'll go!"

"That's the attitude. We'll find everything this world has to offer." - Giott was eager.

"Other than that…". - Ryne thought for a moment. "I'd like to see more of Il Mheg. It's one of the most beautiful places of all that is left. And then maybe go to Eulmore; I haven't seen how it changed."

"It's been getting better and better." - Reeq said. "My parents say that they have a new leadership that will move away from all the stuff Vauthry did, so there's that."

"I'd still see it for myself. For that and…" - She stuttered as if trying to explain something but was unable to form her words.

"What else?" - Giott nudged Ryne.

"To find…Someone. You know, to spend time with and…" - As she said those words, Lue-Reeq giggled playfully.

"I know that tone. You were just like my cousin when she was your age. Started to think about boys, have you?" - He seemed happy for Ryne.

"Well…"

"You shouldn't worry about that; you're kind, heroic, generous, smart…Countless men would love to be your knight in shining armor." - Reeq encouraged.

"I don't know that many people…"

"Well, many people know you by now, and they'd love to meet you in person once you're free."

"And I am not that confident…"

"Confident enough to stand up to Vauthry and the ascians, how is that not enough?"

"And I actually like girls."

"That's fine, too. Might have to spend more time looking, but hey, we found Eden somehow, won't get worse than that."

Ryne looked grateful for all of his words of encouragement, yet G'raha still witnessed some doubt in her eyes.

"It's not about this, to be honest. I am not sure how to explain…" - Ryne began.

"Everything alright?" - Taynor said.

"Yes, there is just someone in Eulmore who I'd…You know, never mind. Just something I've thought about, nothing important. Better tell me about adventures you've been planning." - She beckoned to switch the topic, and the others seemed to go along with this idea.

It was a pleasure for G'raha to listen to them talking about visiting the ruins of the Ronkan Empire or going up to the mountains of Kholusia to learn about dwarves. For him, all of these adventurers have been youngsters who never had the chance to experience the careless and happy childhood everyone deserved. Now, they could finally give in to their excited, more playful side that yearned for adventures, for something more. This was a feeling G'raha himself understood too well.

"How's the preparation going?" - Granson, who maintained his distance from others, asked G'raha. "I suppose that if you decided to host for all of us so suddenly… That's it." - He said with a tint of sadness; G'raha nodded in response.

"We've devised a method and are almost ready to utilize it. I am leaving tomorrow." - The Exarch responded with a heavy voice. At times he had doubts about whether the people of Crystarium would persevere as well as before, but he would reject those suppositions. They have done nothing but prove that his hopes were well-found.

"Traveling across the rift to destroy a god of darkness on the moon…" - Granson recounted G'raha's goals as he breathed slowly, processing the scope of this endeavor. "Too exciting for my tastes, but I know it's necessary. Good luck to you."

"Thank you. I am hoping this will only take a few minutes. Zodiark is sundered and unlikely to fight back."

"That's good if true, but what are your plans for whatever comes after? I assume you will not just die there."

"I have not had any plans yet, to be frank."

"You must have something in mind. A hundred years in this tower, and now you get to be free, and in your world, no less." - He said, causing G'raha to ponder. There was something that he wanted, though the Exarch hid this desire for years.

"Ever since I was a boy, my dream has been to go on an adventure, not too different from what your friends are planning." - G'raha smiled with hope for a moment, but his expression changed as he once again remembered the danger of their current situation. "In a way, I fulfilled this dream. But every time I go on an adventure, it seems to end with the world being brought on the brink of destruction, and I'd rather not pay this cost."

"It will be different once all of this is over."

"Perhaps…Though the company I wished to have alongside me on those adventures is no more." - He spoke with pain, reminding himself that he would never see Edwin again. For so many years, he waited only to see his hero die again.

"I'm sure they would love for you to find a new company. Just like Milinda would wish for me to find another woman I can love with all my heart." - He said warmly, making G'raha remember that he was not the only one who suffered loss, far from it.

"It has been a long game Emet-Selch, and I played, one that transcends timelines and generations…But tomorrow it ends. For Edwin, the scions, Milinda, every single soul who was harmed by the ascians."

"We'll drink for you, at least." - Granson sighed. "I know you've heard this a dozen times today, but thank you for all that you did for our world. Times change, history gets rewritten, but we aren't ever forgetting the Crystal Exarch." - Granson spoke with pride. "While we're at it, I thought about taking having a drink in memory of Cerigg…"

"G'raha!" - Lyna's voice emerged from behind, the guard captain had been looking for her lord among those tables, and she finally found him.

"Where have you been?" - G'raha wondered. "We've almost got to the best part without you."

"I've checked in with Beq Lugg, and they have a present for you." - Lyna was carrying G'raha's staff, though this time it was different. It gleamed with primal power; the blue light of aether was pulsing at its heart, reminding G'raha of Tycoon's heart.

"They are done, then."

"Everything is ready. You need to only say the word."

Nothing was keeping him here, then. Tomorrow as the sun rises, he will do what he must. Being among friends that cared for him and supported him in the direst hour was bliss, but every second he would be pierced by the creeping feeling of inevitability. That with each second, his moment of departure was getting closer, and he will never see his friends again. A world once alien and distant to him, which G'raha saw as means to save the source and his people now became the home and a source of memories he would never trade. They were his people.

"You can begin drinking… I'll join a little later." - G'raha told Granson.

"You sure?"

"I need to speak to them, to announce my departure." - The Exarch said with a heavy heart, standing up and leaving his table so as to be more visible to everyone present. He carried the newly created vessel with him, and everyone seemed to follow him, as was evident by the myriad of gazes. All of them hopeful, if only a little worried. Ryne and adventurers knew exactly what he was planning to do and offered him the look of consolation and pride. There were no words to express G'raha's gratitude to them.

"If I may have everyone's attention." - He spoke softly, yet this was enough to garner people's gazes, and focus, so strong was his authority in Crystarium. "I concede that this moment has been planned rather hastily and that I have not prepared a speech. Still, there is something I wanted to confirm, and not as a lord or a hero, but as your friend and equal. I know that rumors are spreading quickly in any city, and I imagine many of you already know that I will leave this world tomorrow, for we have a plan to open the gateway." - He announced, immediately hearing a lot of doubtful sighs and whispers in the crowd, they were not pleased with him having to go so soon, even if they understood the reasons. "My goal will be to eliminate Zodiark, the god of the ascians that attempted to annihilate this world and the very reason they seek to cause calamities. This will be a perilous task…And this is a path of no return. If I ever return to Norvrandt, I believe generations would pass, and so this is the last time I get my chance to spend time with the people of Crystarium." - The public was devastated, losing a man that has guided them ever since birth was akin to destroying their perception of the world.

"But…What will we do without you? "- A young boy asked from the crowd.

"What if the ascians return?"

"But you're our hero! You cannot leave so soon!"

"If only there was another way…" - G'raha sighed; the last thing he wanted was to get into a sword fight with the people he cherished.

"Please, there is no need for fear!" - He heard Ryne's voice echo in his ears. The girl stood up and was quick to join the Exarch. "I will still use Eden's power to shield Eden until we know for certain that Emet-Selch, Elidibus, and Zodiark are no longer a threat, I promise you." - She wanted to reassure them.

"I will make sure the ascians do not return." - G'raha stated with determination. "You and all people of Norvrandt deserve to be free and build a bright and glorious future for yourself and your children. You may think that your path is clouded without my guidance, but that is not true. I have but given you a glimmer of hope that allowed you to spring; those were the hands of your ancestors that have built this city. They lit a torch that was passed down to their descendants and eventually to you. You have lived in a dying world, able to experience joy despite never knowing if saving Norvrandt was even possible. Just think of how much we have done! Edwin and the Warriors of Darkness have given their lives for this world. They knew that there is hope for you, as do I." - G'raha smiled with pride. "You have walked a road that was lost in the flood for many years, but now it has finally surfaced and become as clear as it could ever be. So let me bless you with one final gift, Zodiark's bane will be the birth of your hope!"

G'raha raised his staff as his eyes swelled with tears. He saw many eyes get wet and pained; this goodbye was a moment of pain for everyone involved. But he imagined the future of those people. Imagined the children growing to see their world restored and people unified, allowing them to feel the joy of childhood and seek out adventures. Imagined their parents looking at them with pride, remembering how challenging of a path was. Families will be created, and love will spring as wounds heal. He caught Ryne looking at him with admiration. The girl walked towards him and looked at the Exarch's staff.

"May I?"

"Of course."

Ryne grabbed the staff near where G'raha held it, symbolizing the unity and peace that Norvrandt would usher in. People's cheers that burst in their souls have made this moment as bright as it could be. This was why G'raha fought even now so that all of those people would have a life he never could. That is what Edwin would have done, and the Exarch was following in his hero's footsteps.

The hour approached.