After a good night's sleep, although Robyn had a bit of a struggle of sleeping, they began to depart. Corrine, and the kids saw them off.

"Thank you for everything." Pyra said.

"Pyra dear, I don't know what you have been through before, but you should know that you are not alone anymore. Rex is a strong boy. You can depend on him, no matter wherever or whenever you need him." Corrine said to her.

"…I know. I'll try." Pyra said.

"We will take care of them both, Lady Corrine." Mayonaka said.

"Hey…" Robyn said while gaining Corrine's attention. "I'm very sorry about last night." He continued.

"I was already told about what happened. It's alright. Just remember, you can talk to others about how you feel. Don't shut them out." Corrine said.

"I will…try." Robyn said. Theory and Vale held his hands, aiding him mentally. Jacu, on the other hand, held both of his shoulders.

"Thank you for your hospitality." Lilika said.

As they were leaving, Pyra gave Corrine a slight bow before joining them. All the while, the kids were having goodbye to them.

"How did you find it, visiting your hometown after so long?" Fan asked Rex.

"It comes naturally to me." He answered.

As they left the village, they saw another port above them on a titan. There was a pathway that led towards it.

"Guys, I'm sorry I made you all worry from yesterday." Robyn said.

"It's alright." Pyra said.

"No it's not…" He said. This caused them to stop when he said that. "Maybe I should just go off on my own." He said while looking away.

"Robyn!" Lilika yelled while slapping him on the back of the head, causing him to look back at her with an angered look. "Get yourself together! If you go off on your own, you'll be endangering not only yourself, but your Blades." Lilika added.

"That right! Tora all against this. Think of Torna!" Tora yelled while jumping.

"They're after us both, so going off like this will make you an easier target." Lilika said.

"But-" Robyn was saying before Mòrag cut him off.

"She's right. And given your track record, you'll be caught before you ever make your first move." She said.

Robyn didn't say a word after that. He was working on conserving his frustrations from those words they gave him. He was able to keep his cool, but not for much longer.

"Finally, you took your sweet time!" A familiar voice spoke out, causing them to look. It was Zeke and Pandoria.

"You're the…" Mòrag was saying while her eyes were widening when she saw who she was seeing.

"Hey Shellhead!" Nia said.

"Hey." Zeke greeted them.

"You just don't give up do you? C'mon, out of the way." Rex demanded.

"More like stubborn leech than turtle." Tora said with an unsatisfied look.

"What brings you here today? Trying to take us again?" Robyn asked with a bit of anger.

"Heh! This time, I'm here for something different." Zeke said while he and Pandoria did a squat.

"Like what?" Lilika asked.

"I want to see just how strong you are. I've been waiting here for three whole days already." Zeke answered.

"Three days? Seriously? You know what, no thanks. I don't pick on idiots." Nia said while pointing at Zeke.

"Well then…" Zeke was saying until he pulled out his sword. "Fight me and we'll see who's the idiot." Zeke finished as he aimed his activated sword at them.

"How'd you know we'd be here?" Rex asked.

"I'll tell you if you beat me." Zeke said.

"Let me guess…someone tipped you off?" Jacu asked with her hands on her hips.

"Ah…damn." Zeke whispered angrily.

"Hmm." Mòrag said to herself.

"You want to join the fun too?" Zeke asked.

"No. You all go ahead." She said while looking away a bit.

"What a shame. Looks like the illustrious Flamebringer won't be helping you this time." Zeke said to the others were a confident smile.

"Thanks for the concern and all, but maybe you should be worrying about yourself." Nia said while pulling out her twin rings. "Big tree to your right, big rock to your left, and a cliff right behind you. Which one's gonna get you this time, eh?" Nia asked while taunting him a bit.

"You and your Blade don't exactly have an impressive track record when it comes to battling us. Your fault this time should be quite humorous." Mayonaka said.

"Not this time furry ears and goth woman. Check this." Zeke said as he prepared to strike.

They waited for a moment until electricity was channeled in his body. Suddenly, he struck at them as fast as lightning, not only catching them off guard, but he sent them flying. They landed with a loud thud. They slowly recovered from the attack.

"He wasn't pulling any punches." Robyn said while readying his sword Theory gave him.

"What the…how'd he do that?" Nia asked while looking at him.

"Thunderbolt Zeke. Tantal's most powerful Driver…and its Crown Prince." Mòrag said while she saw him in a proud stance.

"Crown Prince of…Tantal?" Nia asked with disbelief.

"Seriously!? He's a prince? Akhos is more prince than this man." Lilika said while imagining Akhos governing a kingdom.

"This guy!?" Rex yelled.

"It is quite the rare opportunity to see his…swordsmanship first-hand." Mòrag said while complimenting him.

"Now this is more like it. Ooh, come, yeah! Keep it coming!" Zeke demanded as he and Pandoria were getting excited. But…it was a bit too far, causing Mòrag to look away and Brighid covering Fan's eyes.

"That looks wrong." Lilika said.

"I think I'm gonna throw up." Vale said while cringing.

"That's it? That's all I get!? Ugh, fine. Anyway, ready to concede defeat to the Zekenator?" Zeke asked while everyone was getting up.

"As if! We're only just warming up, you pompous arse!" Rex yelled.

"I'm right with you. Let's show him what we got!" Pyra yelled while channeling her power to him.

"En garde!" Robyn yelled.

They commenced the fight, and this time Zeke was not holding back. They surrounded him and begun to bombard him with attacks. Fortunately for Zeke, he was prepared for this.

"NOW! ULTIMATE LIGHTNING FURY SLASH MAX!" He shouted as he jumped up and began to slash his sword down onto Lilika. The attack struck her, causing her to scream in pain as she was being electrocuted.

"Dromarch! Let's aid her. Healing Halo!" She yelled as she swirled her ring around, causing a blast of healing water to restore her teammates.

"While he's distracted! Now Pyra!" Rex yelled.

"Right! Flame…NOVA!" She yelled, causing a wave of flames to shoot out from her as she spun around with her sword.

"Nice try, but not for long. Pandy!" Zeke yelled.

"Right! Lightning Force!" Pandoria yelled when she took the sword, and captured lightning with a wand that she pulled out of the sword. She then threw it right at Robyn, causing him to grunt from the attack.

"Dromarch! Aqua Wave!" Nia yelled as she threw her rings at him.

"At once, my lady!" He yelled while shooting out water from the rings, causing damage to Zeke while healing the others.

Robyn slowly began to stand up with a look of rage. He then took the sword and looked back at Theory. She looked back at him, smiled, and nodded.

"Alright…give it to him." He said to her while tossing her the katana.

"At once, dear Driver. REBEL SISTER!" She shouted as she slashed at Zeke and summoned a large ice pillar on top of him. The pillar shattered on contact with his head, dealing combo damage to him.

"Dromarch, switch! Finch!" Nia yelled.

"Huh!? Finch's turn!?" Finch yelled while running to her and Nia summoned her hammer.

"Poppi! Use your drill!" Tora yelled while tossing her the shield.

"Roger, roger Masterpon! Poppi Spinning Drill!" She yelled as she charged up the drill and jumped up. She then dove right at Zeke, only for him to shake off the attack.

"Alright…my turn. OVERLOAD THUNDER BEAM!" Zeke screamed as lightning charged up from his sword. He then aimed it right at Tora and fired a beam of lightning at him.

"MEHMEHMEHEMEH!" Tora screamed while being electrocuted.

"TORA! Pyra!" Rex yelled to her.

"No time like the present! Blazing End!" Pyra yelled while throwing her sword like a boomerang at Zeke. The sword then spun at Zeke, dealing additional damage to him.

"NOW FINCH! PERFECT STORM!" Nia shouted.

"Okey dokey!" She yelled when Nia swung the hammer at Zeke. Finch then caught the hammer and spun at him with it, only to accidentally let go of it and the hammer was sent into the air…and landed on Zeke.

Rex saw an opening and took a powerful swing at Zeke, sending him backwards onto a railing. Everyone aimed their weapons at him.

"Not bad, chum." Zeke said while adjusting himself.

"Right back at you. Impressive. Didn't think I'd ever see another Driver and Blade on Mòrag and Brighid's level." Rex said.

"I agree." Robyn said while putting his sword away.

"You're still holding back. Where's the Aegis's true power?" Zeke asked.

"Mythra's power is for only fighting bad guys." Rex answered.

"She would use it if she had no other choice." Lilika said.

"And you wouldn't stand a chance." Roc pointed out.

"Aw, that's so sweet. So I'm a good guy now, is that it?" Zeke asked.

"Am I wrong?" Rex asked while standing down.

Zeke slowly smiled to the point when he began to laugh.

"I like your attitude there, chum! Well, that's an Aegis's Driver for you." Zeke said when he, too stood down and Pandoria joined him.

"How did we do, Your Highness?" Fan asked.

"Sure, you pass. I think we can just about let you into the Praetorium." Zeke said while putting his sword away.

"What the hell!?" Nia yelled as she put her rings away.

"I've been working for Indol for a while now. A kind of…special envoy. They asked me to keep an eye out for the Aegis. Actually, I volunteered to. You know how it is. I'm jolly sorry for testing you like that." Zeke explained his purpose.

"So then..." Robyn began saying until… "WHY DIDN'T YOU SAY SO BEFORE!?" Everyone shouted at him, causing him and Pandoria stumble backwards from the shout.

"We were planning on getting this done in one encounter. But His Highness has the most awful luck, so…" Pandoria said before cutting herself off.

"Yeah, I think I got that." Rex said.

"What are you talking about? Everyone has bad days, right?" Zeke asked while he was leaning on a bench while Pandoria was skipping in place out of fear, especially since the ledge was weakened from a loud crack.

"Strange man leaning too far…." Finch said.

"He's falling." Robyn said.

Zeke began to lose his balance and he fell backwards into the Cloud Sea.

"WHY MEEEE!?" Zeke shouted as he fell until he disappeared.

Everyone looked down after he fell.

"There he goes." Nia said.

"Strange man go bye-bye." Finch said.

"Hmm. Bad luck indeed." Dromarch said.

"Good thing the sea seems like a soft landing…I think." Jacu said.

"Uh…should we go rescue him?" Pyra asked Pandoria.

"Naah. He'll find his own way back up somehow. Let's just board the ship." She said with no hesitation.

As they began to board the ship, Lilika and Robyn looked down again and saw Zeke laying on the clouds with Turters on his head. They hopped aboard and they set sail.

As night fell, they were making their final approach to Indo. They saw a wonderful settlement that was very advanced, and royal-like. The titan itself had long wings, towers, and other weapons around the shoulders.

"This all looks like a dream world!" Lilika said while they exited the ship.

"Aah! So pretty!" Tora said.

"Amazing!" Poppi yelled with disbelief.

"Whoa…" Nia was able to say from the amazement.

"It's so grand." Pyra said while placing a hand on her heart. Inside her mind she heard Mythra's voice. 'Sure, because they're trying too hard.' She said. 'You don't have to be like that…' Pyra whispered out loud accidentally while speaking to her.

"Hmm? Did you say something?" Rex asked her.

"Oh no…nothing." Pyra said.

"Your audience with the Praetor is scheduled for tomorrow. Before that, maybe you'd like to have a look around?" Fan asked.

"Corvin will likely not stay still, so you know what he'll do." Lilika said while looking at the raven scout.

"See the sights of Indol? Sounds like a pretty rare opportunity." Rex said.

"I suppose a little look around wouldn't hurt." Jacu said while she was actually getting excited herself.

"Yeah! Let's look around city! Tora want to see everything." Tora demanded while he and Poppi were mimicking their movements.

"What are we, tourist?" Nia asked.

"There's no harm into that, is there?" Dromarch asked her.

"This would be a first for me, too." Azurda pointed out.

"Right. You were a bit big to go running around Indol before now." Rex said while looking back at Azurda.

"Considering that he was probably the size of one of the titans at Leftheria, wouldn't surprise me." Robyn said.

"Robyn…try to behave." Jacu said while holding his shoulder.

"Now that's a funny image." Nia said while she was chuckling a bit.

"So…where to?" Vale asked.

"No idea." Lilika said while thinking.

"Perhaps those stairways may have more to show." Dromarch suggested while looking straight ahead.

"Let's go check it out." Nia said while they began to make their way towards the stairway.

As they made their way up, they saw many shops, settlements, and more. Just then, they stopped when they saw a campsite with signs all around them.

"What's that?" Praxis asked.

"'No More Blades, No More War.' What does that mean?" Nia asked while looking down at them.

"That, my fuzzy eared friend, is an anti-Blade protest." Zeke's voice spoke from behind, startling them.

"Whoa! Where'd you come from? What'd you do, swim here?" Nia asked while regaining her stance.

"Did Blades do something wrong?" Tora asked.

"We aren't just living weapons for war and stuff!" Praxis yelled.

"Perhaps we would know more if we let him speak." Theory said to her.

"The Praetorium is single handedly responsible…for doling out Core Crystals to other countries. Though…sometimes the likes of Dughall and Bana grabbed a piece of the pie." Mòrag explained.

"Therefore…Indol has the power to control war itself?" Dromarch asked.

"That's one way of putting it." Mòrag said.

"But war's about more than just Blades and Drivers." Nia said.

"I know that, and you know that, but that doesn't mean they're gonna accept it." Pandoria said.

'I just wished that Indol existed back then to end the war…both of them.' Robyn thought to himself while he continued to look down at the campsite.

"There's a lot of…Gormotti here." Rex pointed out.

"They fled the Gormotti war ten years ago. And here they are…refugees still." Azurda said.

"Gormotti? Is that what these people who have cat ears are called…? Oh man, was that insensitive? Sorry about that Nia!" Lilika yelled with worry, thinking if that was a racial slur, to which Nia shook her head.

"People like me didn't exist in your time?" Nia asked.

"No. If there were…well let's just say people will be all over you. Not in good ways." Robyn answered.

"Do I want to know?" Nia asked while getting worried.

"Many humans have a thing for…catgirls." He said.

"Cat-people only existed in fictions…before we woke up here. Trust me." Lilika said.

"OKAY MOVING ON!" Robyn shouted in a demanding voice.

"We feed them, we water them, and this is the thanks we get. Don't these ruffians know that manners cost nothing? I swear, you lend these people a hand and they want the whole bloody arm." Zeke said with frustration.

"Talk about biting the hands that feed you." Theory said.

"It's easier to disregard things beyond your control and direct your anger at targets close at hand." Azurda added on to what Zeke said.

"Still, if it's Rex, or people who harp on about justice with no solutions…I'm betting on Rex." Nia said while looking back at the Aegis Driver.

They began to make their way up further within Indol. Robyn did one last look at the protesting Gormotti before catching up with the others. If Indol controlled war itself, then things would be different over 2000 years ago.

Just then, Pyra was in thought.

"Mòrag, can I ask you something?" Pyra asked.

"Go ahead." She said as they came to a stop.

"Rex is the one who woke up Mythra. And I think he appreciates what that means." Pyra started.

"And?" Mòrag asked more.

"It's just that, well…you're not doing anything to stop us. Why is that?" Pyra asked the Inquisitor.

"Because of Addam." She answered, causing her to gasp a bit.

"The hero from 500 years ago?" Robyn asked.

"Yes…we celebrate that hero even to this day. But I only knew him through legends. A chance to see his Blade is capable of for myself? I confess, I was intrigued. So here I am." She explained.

"Your wish was to see what this beautiful Blade is capable of?" Mayonaka asked.

"That's right." Mòrag said.

"You know I'm not Addam right?" Rex asked.

"But you are the Aegis's Driver. The second you're under imperial control, you won't be that hero anymore." Mòrag pointed out.

"I…don't think I follow." Rex said.

"People with great power should be their own masters. Is that what you mean?" Pyra asked.

"Close enough. You can interpret that way if you like." Mòrag answered.

"Heh! Even the mighty Flamebringer can be bloody hard work sometimes. Can't you just admit the real reason?" Zeke demanded.

"I don't like what you are implying." Mòrag said with no hesitation as she and Brighid turned away and walked ahead of the group.

That quote that she said made Lilika and Robyn raised their eyebrows in confusion. They were curious as to what her real reason was with all of this. By the time they reached the top, they stopped, and Fan turned towards them.

"The Inner Praetorium is beyond this gate. Here you will find the main administrative facilities. With your permission, I'll show you to your lodgings." Fan said to the group.

"Lead the way." Robyn said.

"This is Seoris Plaza. Many people arrive in Indol with each coming day. And the building you see ahead is the Indoline Sanctum. Rooms have already been made ready for you. You'll find them to the left as you enter the sanctum. Shall we go?" Fan asked.

"Yes! Tora getting tired in legs." Tora said.

"Perhaps you should get out more Tora." Roc said.

"Meh-meh…" Tora said while looking down.

Upon arriving at their lodgings, Fan stayed behind.

"Your audience with the Praetor is scheduled for tomorrow, in the Sanctums Audience Chamber. If there is nothing else, I shall take my leave." Fan said while smiling at them.

"Okay. Thanks for your held." Rex said while they looked back at her.

"My pleasure. Good night." Fan said before turning away and walking towards the sanctum.

After they settled down into their rooms, Robyn and Lilika shared a room while their Blades were nearby. Robyn was playing his torigonda, while Lilika was writing in a journal/diary.

By the next morning, Robyn went off on his own for the moment. He then saw Rex, Nia and Fan talking amongst themselves. He decided to head back to the campsite to check on things, and maybe do some shopping since he had lots of gold to spare. From a distance, Mòrag and Brighid watched as he left, but chose not to go after him.

After a bit, everyone met up with each other.

"It's almost time…" Pyra said.

"Is the Praetor like some kind of priest? It sounds like a religious title, but I've never heard of it before." Lilika asked.

"Kinda like that." Mòrag said.

They made their way towards the audience chamber to meet with the Praetor. They saw a large hallway that lead to a throne where they saw a man standing in front of it with large robes, a crown. Like other people they have seen, he had blue skin, pointy ears, black sharp nails, and yellow eyes. On both his sides stood a few guards with pikes and were heavily armored.

"So…you must be Rex, Robyn and Lilika. I've heard much." He spoke with a kind, rather soft voice.

"Hi…er, you're not the Praetor, are you?" Rex asked.

"We're honored that you know our names, sir." Lilika said while slightly bowing to him.

"The pleasure is all yours. I am Amalthus. I understand that you are surprised. I imagined you expected someone older." Amalthus assumed.

"We heard you were Cole's Driver…your Eminence! Sorry!" Rex stuttered while remembering his place.

"There's no need for formalities. I a merely a representative of the Praetorium. The name 'Praetor' is simple a…decoration is you will." Amalthus explained.

"Just a title?" Lilika asked. 'Like the members of the royal family back in our time. Doesn't mean a thing.' She thought to herself.

"Yes. Like with Lady Mòrag and Lord Zeke as they are representing their kingdoms. In any case Rex, we are the same, you and I. We are Aegis Drivers. I call us…equals." Amalthus said while looking back at Rex.

"I feel a whole lot better when you put it that way." Rex said while feeling more at ease.

Amalthus then turned towards Pyra, who he noticed was different.

"You're different somehow. I seem to recall a more forceful personality." Amalthus stated about Pyra's lack of Mythra's straightforward trait.

"You must refer to lovely Lady's Pyra's true self, Mythra." Mayonaka said.

"Oh! I almost forgot…here." Rex said while pulling out Cole's dagger. This caused the guards to aim their pikes at them, but Amalthus raised his hand, ceasing their movements. "I got this from Cole. He said it belonged to you. Please." Rex continued.

"Ah Cole. That brings back memories." Amalthus said while looking at the dagger.

"You…climbed the Great-I mean World Tree, right? How did you do it?" Lilika asked.

"That will take some time to explain." Amalthus answered before sending one of his guards to take the dagger. After he retrieved the dagger, he begun to examine it.

"I have to reach Elysium! To…to save Alrest in any way I can. I mean…we won't know for sure what we can do until we get there. I suppose. But if the stories are true, it's somewhere we can all live safely! It has to be real." Rex explained his motivation.

"Before I answer…Lilika, Robyn. Are you connected to with the Architect?" Amalthus asked when he turned to them.

"I…I'm not sure if we are or not." Lilika answered.

"The reason I asked is that when I discovered the Aegis crystals, I looked more into the systems there on how to reach Elysium and meet the Architect. Your names came up: Lilika Brown and Robyn Stargrass. Those are your surnames are they not?" Amalthus asked.

"They are yes, but…what!? We are still in the system?" Robyn asked when he realized what he said.

"Does this mean the Architect is one of our ex-colleagues?" Lilika asked while thinking.

"That is impossible. How could we be in the system? It's like comparing that to a dog denying a treat biscuit. I don't get it." Robyn said.

"The World Tree must be some space station we were in while doing our project. So…perhaps it makes some sense…" Lilika said.

"That's exactly what it is." Amalthus said.

"WHAA!?" Lilika and Robyn yelled with shock at what they learned more of what was new. It was almost hard for any of them to process.

"And Elysium is there…?" Lilika asked.

"Indeed. Long ago. Too long ago, I used to think like you. Indeed, it led me to climb the World Tree. However…I did not find Elysium. Or the Architect. I believe…it was because I was unworthy." Amalthus explained.

While Amalthus was talking, Rex began to see Malos speaking to them. He kept his cool for now though, but it was still rather unsettling.

"Is that so?" Mayonaka asked.

"Not worthy? Perhaps maybe, if our names are still registered, me and Lilika could be wor…wait a minute." Robyn said as his eyes widened as he began to remember something. But then…he gasped loudly. "GALEA!" He shouted, startling everyone.

"Do you think the Architect is her?" Lilika asked with eyes wide as well.

"It won't surprise me if it was. I mean, she helped us out so much. In fact, the three of us were very close. It was thanks to her that we helped with the higher ups. But…she was also close to Klaus." Robyn added.

"I do remember you mentioning that name." Mòrag said.

"The Architect could be either of them." Lilika said.

"I know your desire all too well. I shall help you on your quest. And Robyn, Lilika…I pray that you are indeed worthy to reach Elysium." Amalthus said with a smile.

"Really? Oh thank you so much." Rex yelled.

"No need for thanks. This may be my destiny. The reason I lived all these years. And now…" Amalthus stopped himself when he faced Pyra.

"Pyra. My name is Pyra." Pyra said.

"I would be honored to be alone with Pyra. I wish to…reminisce a bit." He said.

"Very well." Mayonaka said.

"We go bye-bye now!" Finch said.

As they left the audience chamber, they stopped while processing all that went down.

"You think Pyra will be okay?" Rex asked.

"He's the Praetor, dimwit. What's he gonna do, eat her?" Nia asked while looking back at him.

"Back there, I felt something weird for a second." Rex said.

"What?" Nia asked. Rex looked down for a moment trying to figure out how to say it. "Rex?" Nia asked again.

"It felt like we were talking to that Malos guy." He said.

"You're imagining things. You know he's Malos's Driver, and it's messing with your head." Nia pointed out.

"They not seem alike to me." Poppi said.

"No I know. It was just for an instant. Just that one moment where I couldn't tell if we were talking to the Praetor or Malos…sorry I'm not explaining it well." Rex said while looking ashamed.

"There are Blades who are influenced by their Drivers during resonance. Their appearance, their personality…that's probably all it is." Azurda explained more for Rex.

"Anyone mind if I rant for a bit on something I've learned concerning Blades and Drivers?" Lilika asked.

"We're all ears." Mòrag said while they faced her.

"From what I know, a Blade's personality is influenced by the heart of the Driver upon awakening, right? Hear me out on this…Malos is an Aegis, and by extension a Blade, and awakened by Praetor Amalthus, correct? Anyone remember what Malos's personality is like? Think about this…what might that say about Amalthus's heart? I think it safe to say that he isn't as gentlehearted as he leads us to believe." Lilika explained her theory.

"That's one way of stating it." Mòrag said.

"Yeah, especially since this is the other Aegis Driver we're talking about." Robyn growled a bit while looking back. 'And I don't trust him.' He thought.

"Learning to trust those warning signs inside yourself can be a valuable tool. Listen to what you feel inside." Mayonaka said to him.

"Perhaps it was due to your bond with Pyra. That could've heightened your perception of such things." Dromarch said.

"Oh! I got something for everyone." Robyn said as he remembered something.

"What've you got, Robyn?" Nia asked while they faced him.

He pulled out strange devices from his pocket and showed them.

"Ah! Core Chips!" Mòrag exclaimed.

"What are 'Core Chips?'" Lilika asked.

"Equipment for the Blade's weapon. They heighten their attack power, include secondary effects, and change the appearance of the weapon." Mòrag explained more about them.

"Go it." Lilika said.

"Ah! Sphere Chips!" Corvin yelled with excitement.

"So…how do we use them?" Lilika asked.

"Allow us to show you. Pandy? Ready for an upgrade!?" Zeke yelled.

"You know it!" Pandoria yelled.

He then took the chip and attached it to his sword. The sword glowed and it begun to morph. It grew in size a bit, and it now had a more silver-like appearance. The blade is slimmer, and had a smooth ridge and the grip changed a bit.

"BRINGER OF CHAOS!" Zeke shouted while showing off his power. The ether of the sword emerged, making it bulkier, and sharper.

"Whoa!" Lilika yelled.

"Gimme…gimmegimmegimmegimme!" Vale demanded when she saw the power changes.

"Let's try this out." Lilika said with excitement as well.

"Once they all equipped their chips, their weapons transformed into new and upgraded forms. A majority of them were amazed by their new looks.

"Neat!" Robyn yelled.

"Now this is hydro powerful!" Jacu yelled while examining her new cannon.

"Sorry to keep you waiting." Pyra said as she joined them after her meeting with Amalthus.

"Welcome back!" Poppi yelled.

"How was it Pyra?" Rex asked.

"Mostly he was just talking to Mythra." Pyra said.

"They knew each other before, right?" Nia asked.

"Yes…" Pyra said.

"Honored guests. You must be tired after today's events, so please rest here another night." Fan said as she joined them as well.

"Oh, Fan." Rex said while they faced the Goddess.

"We did not do a lot, but that sounds like a good idea. Thank you." Agate said.

"Agate may have a point. All we really did was talk to Praetor Amalthus, but I feel a bit worn out. Let's take them up on their offer." Azurda suggested.

"Yeah, sounds like a plan." Rex said.

"Tora not object! Want to sleep on fluffy-puffy bed every night!" Tora yelled.

"Then let's return to the Sanctum." Mòrag said.

"Here Pyra. A chip for your weapon." Rex said while showing the Core Chip.

"Thank you, Rex." Pyra said while attaching it to her weapon.

Later that evening, a soldier visited Brighid. He informed her of a situation that was happening elsewhere.

"I see. Very well." Brighid said before going back inside and met up with Mòrag. "It appears that Senator Roderich paid a visit to the Praetorium last night, off the record. Did you know that?" She asked her Driver.

"No. I haven't heard anything from His Majesty. Why now, I wonder? I can't imagine he was just paying his respects." Mòrag wondered.

"Do you think it's something to do with the excavation? Temperantia?" Brighid asked.

"Hmm. The issue His Majesty mentioned? If that's the case, he must be making covert deals with the Praetorium. Curse that man…" Mòrag sneered with anger.

Meanwhile, everyone else, minus Lilika and Robyn, were sleeping. The two of them were starring out to the distance in thought, thinking if Galea was the Architect, then things will be so much better for them, and Klaus would be gone for good. This brought a lot of hope for them.

"Severe apologies to everyone! I come with an urgent request!" Someone yelled out, causing everyone to wake up, and Robyn and Lilika to look back. They exited and saw an Indoline standing between the doorways. "Please go to the Audience Chamber at once!" He yelled.

"What's going on!?" Praxis yelled.

"A dire situation has risen. His Eminence will fill you in. Go!" The Indoline demanded.

"By your command!" Robyn yelled as they raced to the chamber. When they got there, Amalthus and Fan were waiting. "Your Eminence, what's going on?" Robyn asked.

"Getting to the point? Wonderful. As many of you know, there is a demilitarized zone between Mor Ardain and Uraya. Temperantia. Think of it as a buffer between the two nations. We've received word of fighting in the area." Amalthus explained.

"WHAT!?" Mayonaka yelled.

"Mor Ardain is in possession of a Titan weapon. They are advancing as we speak to the Urayan garrison." Amalthus added.

"Impossible!" Mòrag yelled with shock.

"Well, the two countries' are at their closest right now." Amalthus pointed out.

"So that would mean…they wouldn't." Jacu said while clenching her heart.

"A war is going to escalate." Vale said with venom.

"What do you suggest we do?" Agate asked desperately.

"Our people would never go to war against His Majesty's will!" Mòrag yelled.

"At any rate, we must investigate." Brighid said.

"Yes, you're right. Praetor, I beg your leave. We need to find out what's going on. Your Eminence." Mòrag requested.

"Thank you." Amalthus said before Mòrag and Brighid stormed off.

"Your Eminence, we…" Rex was trying to say.

"Might I ask you to assist Special Inquisitor Mòrag in her investigation?" He asked the others.

"We have no reason to refuse. And you needn't worry about me." Pyra said.

"I am grateful to hear that." Amalthus said.

"Let's go after them, hurry!" Rex yelled before they dashed off.

"Lilika, Robyn, wait a moment please." Amalthus said to them, causing them to stop dead in their tracks and look back.

"What is it?" Lilika asked.

"I know you two have been through all uncharted territories ever since your reawakening. I also would advise extreme caution because I believe…Torna could be involved." Amalthus explained.

"You might be right. We've encountered them three times already." She pointed out.

"If you are uncomfortable of going, then you are welcome to stay here." Amalthus offered.

"We appreciate that Your Eminence, but I'm afraid we must decline that offer. We owe them our lives for reawakening us." Robyn said.

"Plus, Special Inquisitor Mòrag and her Blade allowed me to awaken Mayonaka. So, we owe them all." Lilika said.

"In that case…Fan, will you please act as their guard? Be ready for anything. Especially for…him." Amalthus said to his Blade.

"Of course, Praetor Amalthus." Fan said while bowing to him.

"You are free to use any method necessary. If it's Malos, show no mercy. If it's Jin…be cautious." Amalthus said.

"I…don't think we've seen him before." Lilika said before Fan joined them.

"He is the leader of Torna. At any case, if you are going, Senator Roderich of Mor Ardain is here with a transportation. Fan will take you to him." Amalthus said.

"Thank you, Your Eminence." Lilika said before they departed.

They departed to track down the others. It took some doing but they eventually caught up with them. They saw Brighid and Mòrag interrogating a man with a few guards. He was wearing a fancy suit with patches of armor on it.

"Inquisitor." Robyn said, gaining their attention.

"Is something the matter?" Brighid asked.

"We have reinforcements." Robyn said as Fan stepped forward.

"Who are…wait a minute. The ancient ones. Robyn and Lilika if I recall. I am Roderich, Senator of Mor Ardain. What can I do for you?" The man asked.

"The Praetor feels like Torna may be involved in this affair." Lilika answered.

"It would make sense since they have been known to attack transport vessels carrying Core Crystals. But why there?" Roderich wondered.

"Perhaps it's best if we investigate." Dromarch suggested.

"That sounds like a good idea." Praxis said while gripping her lance.

"Mòrag…is Mor Ardain really attacking?" Rex asked.

"They are, as much as I hate to admit it." Mòrag said. She then began to explain more of the events of what's happening at Temperantia.

"What?" Lilika yelled while having hand close to the mouth.

"Tricky indeed. If this escalates into an all-out war…" Dromarch was saying.

"Mor Ardain could very likely be at war against…all of the kingdoms." Jacu stated.

"The timing is all wrong. We can't win this fight." Roderich said.

"Say that again? Did you intend to go to war eventually!?" Mayonaka yelled.

"Mòrag!?" Robyn yelled in anger.

"Robyn please, this is not what me and His Majesty wanted!" Mòrag said with fear.

"Maybe save the accusations for now." Rex suggested just before Pyra switched with Mythra.

"But the Empire never wanted a war, did it?" Mythra asked.

"That Core Crystal? Don't tell me you're the-" "Answer me!" Mythra interrupted Roderich with more anger growing.

"Y-you're right." Roderich said.

"ENOUGH!" Robyn exploded out of pure rage, causing everyone to freeze up in fright. Even Mythra was terrified of Robyn's behavior. "Enough!" He growled.

"Robyn?" Mythra asked while taking a few steps backward out of fear when he looked back at her. She hasn't been this horrified since the aftermath of the Aegis War 500 years ago.

"If we continue to be at each other's throats like this, another war will happen, many lives will perish and Torna will win!" He yelled.

"I'm with Robyn's side for this. Torna will use this to their advantage. If Torna is involved, then this can't be a coincidence." Corvin said while stepping forward.

"So should we put a stop to all of this?" Mayonaka asked.

"I agree. We must stop this, however we can." Roderich said.

"This is now an Imperial matter. We can't ask for aid in this affair. Brighid!" Mòrag said while she was about to leave.

"I'm just going to say what I know Corvin wants to, so…are you sure you won't need assistance?" Lilika asked the inquisitor, causing her to stop.

"I am certain." She said.

"If Torna are really involved, doesn't that make this our problem, too? Think of it as compensation for the water tower! How's that?" Rex asked.

"I knew you'd go there." Nia said while shaking her head and looking down.

"It's so noble, it hurts." Zeke said.

"What do you say, Lady Mòrag?" Mayonaka asked while Mòrag was in thought.

After Mòrag finally made up her mind, she turned towards them.

"Very well. Can I ask you to help me again?" Mòrag asked.

"Yep! We're on the case." Rex said.

"I'll accompany you." Fan said while readying her staff.

"Fan?" Mythra asked.

"What's happening in Temperantia right now…it's being led by a weaponized Titan, right? My power doesn't only affect Blades. It also works against Titans. I'm certain I can be of assistance. Besides…I have the strangest feeling that I'm somehow meant to be there." Fan explained.

"Fan la Norne, you…" Mythra was saying until she cut herself off.

When they left, they began discussing how to get to Temperantia. All the while, Robyn just kept his distance for now.

"So how we get to Temperantia?" Tora asked.

"If Senator Roderich is here, I assume there must be a Ardanian military vessel stationed at the port." Mòrag said.

"Then we go to port and get on Ardanian Titan battleship." Tora yelled.

They made their way towards the port. It was then when they realized that Zeke and Pandoria was still with them.

"Hey, remind me again why we're bringing this spanner?" Nia asked.

"Because this sounds like fun." He said.

"We're not on holiday here." Nia pointed out to him.

"These Torna people that Robyn mentioned earlier really got me interested." Zeke answered.

"They're the ones collecting Core Crystals yeah?" Pandoria asked.

"And besides, I can't pretend this doesn't concern us, too. Not when they're calling themselves Torna." Zeke said, causing some confusion to Nia.

"Shellhead?" Nia asked.

Once they have a plan ready to go, they began to board the ship that will lead them to Temperantia. Little did they all realize that this would be a fight that will be no other, especially for Robyn and Lilika. How will things play out? Find out more next time as the story continues.