The C.S.E.V. Maelstrom, the excellent salvaging vessel of the Argentum Trade Guild, rarely ever used due to expenses of maintaining the ship and hiring a crew for it to be used. But mostly because of it being mainly being used to haul shipwrecks or large amounts of great salvage. A large crane was on the Stern and having titans at the corners of it were the main features.

Next to it, however, was the black ship from yesterday that belonged to the clients. It looked amazing when compared to the Maelstrom, especially with the golden sheeting on its bow with a face of a carp or some type of Igna. But during the night, it looked like some black mass drifting in the Cloud Sea distinctly, in spite of it being an amazing piece of engineering. Not using a titan to make it move like the Maelstrom.

The Cloud Sea during the night was always a pretty sight to behold. Watching the clouds tossing and turning against each other by the blowing wind, sometimes seeing a mass of clouds that got rolled up together and taking various shapes with some of the ones in the air. It was made beautiful when the skies are clear and the stars shone down from on high, the dark blue night sky. Then, topping it off, was the World Tree itself, standing tall from the horizon. Shimmering with emerald lights appearing almost like its leaves, with streams of either orbiting it from top to bottom.

Rex looked on to the view, almost forgetting that he was supposed to be on watch since he was just tagging along for this job. Being brought back from the noise going on from inside of the ship. Cries of laughter and joy rung out like a bunch of Vangs in a cave. The cold wind didn't help that much either, breezing through the more exposed parts of his suit.

"Salvager's code and all. How did it go again? Uh… 'Swim like a fish, drink like one too'?" He was tempted to reach the booklet he had, but was distracted when he started seeing other salvergers leak onto the deck drunkenly, "Yeah, that sounds 'bout right."

He went back to staring out into the Cloud Sea, specifically the World Tree. The tales surrounding it had always interested him since he was little: humans living together with their divine father, the Architect, in a paradise on top of the tree. They say that it was a bountiful land and that the people there had the power to control the heavens themselves. "Elysium".

However, for one reason or another, they were cast out into Alrest where they struggled to survive. That was when the Architect sent his servants, the Titans for them to live on. Since then, those who remained have been living in harmony on the Titans. Some worshiped and some feared them, like if they the eyes of the Architect himself or because they respected and were thankful to these creatures.

"You find all sorts of things digging through salvage. Trash, treasure… but all of it from people long gone. All of it can be found on the corpses of dead titans." Rex spoke to himself, "There's titans dying off, but there are other titans being found each day.. Living space is growing day by day. Sooner or later, we won't have to worry about sinking into the Cloud Sea."

The crew continued to cheer and celebrating in a drunken stupor. Thankfully, the people in charge of steering this weren't in on it, he could tell that the clients in the other ship were a probably a bit annoyed at the prospect. It gave him a bit of a laugh.

"Up there… I wonder if "Elysium" is waiting for us." He held out a hand as if he could bring himself up there like that, "If there is a way up there, maybe it's hidden below the clouds. Having no need to worry about losing our homes. Everyone could have peace and security. A dream like that… isn't that still worth believing in?"

"Everyone", huh?

Later...

Rex had taken some rest after he was dismissed from watch. Saying "He needs all the energy he needed for this job". Then it was raining outside.

The Maelstrom had been lifted a couple of peds above the Cloud Sea. The titans that were on its side were dispatched to get into formation, and the crew got prepared for the haul. They were told that the salvage was in a shipwreck 450 peds below. Needing to use cranes of the ship and floatation devices to lift it up to the surface, then to split into teams to explore the interior to retrieve their target.

It couldn't have been more than 10 minutes when the ship to come to the surface. When it did, it looked like a much bigger version of the black ship but appeared more like an actual battleship of a navy. However, comparing the two, it was very clear that the larger ship was much older than the smaller one. Could be from Torna too.

Boarding the ship shortly after, Rex saw Jin and Alior come on as well. One was clearly impatient for this to be done, but Rex understood seeing his reward was a short while away. Exchanging a few words they walked to the ship's entrance.

"Whoa!" But instead, the entrance popped open suddenly, doors flying off into the air. One of them flew Rex's direction but managed to dodge it in time. A large Lysaat readied itself for battle, "Here I thought going in was easy." Rex drew his sword.

In the blink of an eye, Aloir drew his sword, runes on the blade and the crystal at the hilt glowing, and pierced the isopod"s back with ease. In that same instance, a stream of ether appeared in a faint glow from Fenrir to his Driver.

"We're not here to play games. What is inside here is far more worth our time than these pests. Do all of you understand?" Digging in more into the Lysaat that wailing in pain until Alior twisted his sword to let it end

Unanimously, "Yes, sir!" The crew were frightened at his little display as he headed deeper into the ship.

"Is that how Blades and Drivers fight?"

"So ruthless… it's like they're monsters themselves."

When entering shipwreck, an important thing to note was to ready yourself for the stench omitted from inside. The thick fog and atmosphere building up for however long, humidity in there was heavy enough to make you nauseous. Adding to that was the structure of the place might of also degraded over time, rusting or even being crushed by the pressure for being down there. One wrong step, you would plummet to its base or to your death.

Which was why all of the Salvagers chose to have their helmets on to block off the stench, but Rex didn't, seemingly used to much worse. The same was said about Jin and Alior.

Although Rex was able to hold his own, Jin and Alior kept fighting the enemies coming at them. Jin slicing through them like butter and Alior aggressively killing them off like cattle. Whether it be a surprise attack or just head on, Rex bore witness to the slaughter of the Ancient Ship.

Rex became more like their errand boy, watching out for enemies from behind, checking small areas they couldn't fit in, and carrying an ether cylinder that Alior managed to find in the ship surprisingly. Being told to fit inside a fuel tank around the ship's control panel they've just passed. It was in fine condition and didn't seem to cracked at all, it could be worth a lot if they weren't going to use it.

"Remember, you're hired help…" Pressing a button on the control panel, Rex opened a sealed door. It's like the Cloud Sea actually. Dark and murky, but quiet and peaceful. It's like going through the Cloudways.

It would've been an easy if it weren't for an Aligo blocking their way. A giant, damp, elasmobranchii (It's a shark) creature with two forelegs to drag itself around. But we know how the song and dance goes; Jin and Alior made easy work of the creature. Every pierce and cut was delivered with precise movement, handicapping the Aligo by its kneecaps and being finished off by Rex. Who decided to contribute by cutting into its head with his scrap sword.

Continuing a bit further in, they encountered another door that had an engraving on it. A flame with a distinct pattern that reminded him of something.

"Addam's Crest… After all this time…"

"Indeed." Fenrir responded. Looking around for a scent of any more enemies nearby, "That Aligo seems to have been the last one."

Adjusting his mask, "We're almost done here. Rex, go and open that door for us."

"Wait, why me? What about you two?" Is this why I was was brought here? Opening a door? Really?!

"Stop asking questions and move! We are not wasting money on you asking questions!"

"What the-!?" Rex caught himself in time.

"Remember those tests that were mentioned? This door will only respond to someone like you. Go on and open it."

"But that-! Fine, I'll go open it." Walking to the symbol, he inspected to see if there was a hatch or a lever or even a button. Rex wasn't able to find one, and assumed to place his hand on the symbol itself, making it glow a blue shade of silver. The door slid open afterwords and opening their path up and releasing a thick fog dispersing.

Rex, out of curiosity or of a gut feeling, went further in to find a dim short path. Any feeling of hesitation was thrown away as he was felt a pressure exert on him, ignoring Jin telling him to do something. Encountering another door that was opened in the same fashion as before.

Before him was a chamber with little light emitting from the floor. It was mostly empty, an ominous and powerful presence filled the air. The only thing that was there was a golden pedestal holding an amethyst crystal.

"A… Core Crystal…?" It got brighter the closer Rex got to it. He started losing control of himself, focusing solely on the amethyst Core like it was the only thing in existence.

"Rex! Don't touch th-!"

The Core Crystal reacted to his touch, shining a blinding light. Washed in purple edges surrounding a white hot center, the chamber lighting up completely.

Until he felt a chill run through him. The light dispersed and he felt himself go numb as became aware again. He grew colder and colder. He looked down to find a blade coming out his chest, its runes glowing brightly.

"W-what… the…?!"

The blade slid a bit deeper, "You already served your purpose in life. Blame him for placing the burden on you."

He removed the sword, releasing Rex to fall like a rag doll.

He felt nothing. Everything was getting darker, his senses disappearing and his life was flashing before him. The ones who raised him, his time in Leftheria, and his short time as a Salvager, finally living an honest life.

At least I tried.

The storm outside had intensified a bit, the ship had started rocking back and forth. The winds were getting fierce.

The other Salvagers had gotten out earlier, carrying around the loot they've gathered. Treasure chests, crates of valuable trinkets and some jewels that were inside.

"That's most of the teams. Those four better hurry, 'less they want this sunken again." The leader of the crew said.

Footsteps echoed from the entrance. Alior carried a small regal box with Fenrir and Jin following.

"Oi, Good to see you fine and well. Where's Rex? Still in there finding treasure or something?"

"The boy's dead." Alior bluntly said, "He was too reckless in this endeavor. A beast attacked him trying to protect us, a noble death I would say "

"Wait, you… you're not serious, are you?" Disbelief, "Rex wouldn't let something like this be the end for him!" His face contorted, wanting this to be a some sick joke.

The three continued their walk. The rest of the Salvagers left in confusion to their discussion and murmurs came about.

"Then where's his body?! Are you just gonna leave him down there?!"

"An Aligo was the one that killed him. His corpse was consumed by it. You can go down there and get it back yourself "

The crew took a step back when hearing what happened. A kid died during their expedition to retrieve something for them, powerful warriors of Torna and left him behind like trash. To them, no matter what the grounds whatsoever, no one dying is the the mark a job well done - not on their watch.

"So much for so-called warriors of Torna!" Someone shouted, "'specially if the Paragon was helping you lot. I thought we was supposed to be the greatest Torna can offer! What good being called that if he let a kid die?!"

Drawing his sword, Fenrir sent ether to his Driver who struck the ship and sent a wave of electricity to the crew. The bright blue stream growing brighter and taking a stance.

"Enough if this drabble! We have what we've hired you Salvagers to help us recover. What we retrieved is far more than anything you all can ever earn!"

Jin grabbed the hilt of his sword. Merely threatening the crew, but hesitated to draw it out than needed to.

"Now, all of you, wait here while we get your rewards. As soon as you do, get off Tornan property." Sheathing his weapon, the crew were stunted in their movements for a bit. Nothing but a tingling sensation ran through their bodies.

The ship was getting unbalanced, the waves and winds were getting violent. Thunder roared in the skies as the clouds started to rise.

Alior turned around to finally bored his ship, having a small triumphant smile. Satisfied with returning to Torna as the man who recovered the "Hero's Blade".

The regal box he carried shined from the inside, the Core Crystal was being awakened. Alior quickly opened it and held out his finger to it, and became a blinding light. The outcome was a tall masculine figure, strong and defined, radiating power from his presence alone. A golden crest that surrounded an amethyst crystal centered on his chest.

He held out his hand, "My name is Malos."

The air was suspended in disbelief. The salvaging crew backed off further from Alior, who held out his own hand in response. His face twisted into a smile. Believing that he became the Driver of the most powerful Blade in history.

Suddenly tremors had started and a pillar of black erupted before the entrance making the ship unstable. Malos grabbed Alior and flung him towards the pillar as it dispersed leaving a single figure descending, Rex.

"Now kid!"

Rex stepped on Alior midair, sending the knight to the deck as the boy landed before Malos. Drawing a sword from his lower back, Rex aimed it at Alior. Malos rolled his shoulder in response like it was extraneous for him

"It's kinda a low thing to stab a man in the back…! You bloody psychopath!"

The crew watched as the boy, who was claimed to be dead, stood before the black ship. Having just as, if not more, life than previously. Wielding a large sword with an shining crystal at the hilt and another one centered on his chest.

"You… how did…" Alior struggled to stand, from afar he saw that Malos was missing the middle of his Core Crystal. The crystal Rex had was in the same shape as the missing part on the Core Crystal.

"No. It can't be…!" Alior stood defiantly, Fenrir coming to his aid and activating his weapon, "You have just made yourself the Aegis' Driver!"

Alior flung himself to the boy to strike, but Malos blocked him from hitting him with an ether shield. Falling back, Fenrir generated more power to his Driver.

"Thanks, Malos."

"Just doing my job. Now focus!"

"What are you all standing around for? Get out now!" The crew hesitated for a moment but eventually got on bored of their ship, "It's me that they're going to hunt down anyway, hurry!"

"Do you have any idea what you have done, boy?"

"All I know is that I just became a Driver!" The sword awoke and sprouted dark energy from the tip like a flame, "And I've got to keep my word to Malos; we're going to Elysium!"

Alior dashed to Rex and started a flurry of strikes between them. Neither one letting the other have the opportunity to gain an advantage. Rex evaded each of Alior's strikes, while the other simply blocked.

"What are you talking about, boy? Elysium is just some fantasy children like you believe in. Even so, Torna and our allies will stop you from achieving your 'goal'."

Their strikes stopped to an impasse, "Not too afraid of that actually. You guys haven't even caught up to me anyway!" Breaking the hold suddenly, Rex stepped aside and landed a punch to his face, "Remember nothing is ever that far out of reach!"

With that Rex and Malos rushed over to bored the departing ship. Alior tried to regain his balance and looked to see where Jin was to stop them.

As soon as he got on, "Don't worry! We'll be sure to get someone to come and get you!" Taking a deep breath, "Now listen here: MY NAME IS REX!"

"Fenrir."

"Understood."

Alior readied himself for an attack as Fenrir generated large amounts of ether to him, radiating a golden aura. His sword surged with powerful electricity until it was focused on the edges of the blade. The runes and crystal shining brightly enough to illuminate the space around him.

"From now on you'll have the entire world after you! As soon as I warn them: YOU'LL BE NOTHING MORE THAN A CRIMINAL!" Alior slashed the air and sent a wave of intense electricity towards the ship.

However, blades of ice struck his attack. Dispersing it into the air.

"What?!"

"See you later!" I'd rather that than have you go after them.

Rex and Malos left toward the Cloud Sea leaving Alior behind on the shipwreck. Alior's screams echoed as the storm began to calm down and struck the sword against the deck like a lightning bolt.

On that night, the Aegis was reawakened by a boy drifting among the clouds. The world's most powerful force was now in the hands of a child, at least in the eyes of the world that is.