There was no time to waste; the success of their coming endeavor was dependent on if an agreement could be reached. Neither Quintus nor Jullus took pleasure in the presence of Lucia and Nerva here, yet there was no other way for them to form a temporary alliance. The Legatus was not eager to agree to their terms, which led Jullus to believe that he would make his own demands to both of them while he had the chance.

Once all of them descended into Tertium, all eyes turned towards them. The whispers echoed throughout the station as the refugees Quintus swore to protect were questioning his decision. Jullus could hardly blame them. They were tired of living in a snowy wasteland fighting for survival every day, facing challenge after challenge with little hope of prevailing.

"Isn't that…" - A shocked voice rang from the nearby cart; Jullus was quick to notice an angry Garlean man sitting on the iron floor. "What the hell is she doing here?"

"Have no worries. All your questions will be answered in time." - Jullus reassured him.

"Are you trying to sell us out to them? To Eorzean savages?"

"No, we would never do that!" - The soldier interrupted him. "There is a problem that needs to be fixed before it spreads all across Garlemald."

"Aye, listen to him." - Quintus spoke in a stern tone, finally forcing the dissident to quiet down. "We would need a secluded place to talk without interruptions." - The Legatus noted, pointing at his cart. Nerva and Lucia had no objections. They followed him along with Jullus, escaping all the eyes turned towards them. There was, however, someone who waited for them at the door. Cid Garlond looked at them with relief, especially upon seeing Lucia.

"Hello, Cid." - She welcomed him. "I hope you're doing alright here."

"Good enough. I and Jullus are scouring for resources every day, though that's still only barely enough for everyone here…"

"Not now." - Quintus interrupted them with a glint of anger in his voice. "When we're done, we will a talk, Garlond. I don't believe I gave you any permission to disclose this information to your allies."

"I know, but I'm not waiting. With that kind of undertaking, you needed all the help you could get, as did they." - Cid responded with confidence and certainty. It was certainly brave on his part to stand up to Quintus, but Jullus wondered if his desire to see them unite would eventually be of detriment to himself.

"We'll see about that…Not give us the room." - Quintus ordered as he entered the cart, followed closely by Nerva and Lucia. The latter threw a sympathetic glance at Cid, even if she couldn't keep her eyes on him for too long. The engineer remained outside until everyone else found themselves in the cart. There were but a few seating places, most of them scattered and cracked from the outside onslaught, but it would be enough for three people.

"Take a seat." - Quintus told his guests before Jullus pointed at the places they could take.

"I hope you have a productive discussion; I'll go…" The soldier was about to say, but he was interrupted by his Legatus.

"No need for that; I'd like you to stay." - Quintus responded, much to Jullus's surprise.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes. After all, people might have doubts about the three of us 'conspiring' away from their eyes. In this, you can be a representative of the common man who will convey our decision to the masses." - This made sense. Jullus interacted with the people of Tertium much more often than Quintus did; they might be more willing to listen to him.

"Very well, then, I'll listen."

"Now, to the topic at hand…" - Quintus spoke with gravity in a sore voice as he looked at those who he once called compatriots. Jullus understood his feelings, his tiredness, and his wavering resolve, he knew that at his heart, Quintus did not wish for any more chaos or strife between the Garleans, but they were far too divided to simply go back on what occurred between them. "I assume Garlond told you everything about the situation in the tower."

"Most of it, yes. A blasphemy that found its form out of Nerva's servants."

"Oh, much more than that." - Nerva was quick to deflect. "What rests inside is essentially a Proto-Anima, a conscience flawed and complete, yet something that may exert its will upon the tempered all around Garlemald."

"That doesn't make it sound any more relieving…" - Lucia sighed.

"There is one matter I am still intrigued by." - Quintus looked at Nerva. "I was told that an essential component for Anima's creation were body parts…Of our fallen Emperor Varis. Fandaniel used it to create his image in the minds of other Garleans, thus imposing control over them. How is it that your scientists replicated the effect?"

"Because we discovered your combined forces never found during your onslaught." - Nerva smiled. "My cousin's heart, locked away in the city's vaults…A perfect tool for fueling the creation."

"So, you have chosen to desecrate his body even further…A deed one can hardly call honorable." - Quintus scoffed quietly, looking at Nerva with a focused gaze and a faint frown.

"For the greater good, yes. He is dead and gone forever; there's no 'legacy he left us apart from the Empire itself and Zenos, and both are gone now. I intend to leave a legacy far greater." - Nerva said with pride, catching Lucia's attention.

"So, Cid didn't exaggerate at all. You really are obsessed with getting your throne."

"To claim what is mine by right, yes. Wouldn't any of you do the same? In times like these, our people need a strong leader. A strong leader I am willing to be for them." - Resolve in his voice grew, and there was no shame or doubt in him whatsoever.

"I see…" - Lucia looked to Quintus and Jullus. "Well, I bear another proposition for all of you. And before you say anything, it is not from the Alliance."

"And how could we trust you that it isn't?" - Quintus spoke with suspicion.

"Is the fact that I am still a Garlean and I want to offer my people some respite not enough? As I said before, the communication between the city-states is breaking. Each and every one of them is reeling from its wounds and is not concerned about any other place. That said…There was certain news from Sharlayan that none could ignore. The true cause of the Final Days is discovered, a creation from ancient times which hides at the edge of the universe and sends its song of decay towards our star." - An uncontrollable creation of eld, unsurprising. Something that brought this world to heel once already is out to destroy it, this time completely. Jullus could only wonder if this creation had something to do with the ancient people Solus was a member of. Nerva was the first one to respond.

"I presume if you're telling us that, the Sharlayans have discovered means to reach it and are now gathering warriors from all around the world to take the fight to her?"

"I'm afraid not; the creature is too far from our from our star and, according to the Forum, unreachable." - Lucia spoke with disappointment.

"Then why are you wasting our time?" - Nerva crossed his hands.

"There is something else they told us. While they do not have the means to traverse the sea of stars to such an extent, they have a vessel that can drift away from the planet and discover others…The moon itself is a vessel, a secret they have kept for generations. They plan to begin evacuation as soon as possible. The people would find refuge on the moon and leave our homes for another, the one that lies yet undiscovered."

"A mass evacuation from the star?" - Quintus asked.

"Indeed. They were reluctant to accept Garleans due to past transgressions, but seeing how Limsa Lominsa was completely lost…They said that if your people are able to be convinced, they may take place on board." - She sighed, finishing her tale. Jullus was intrigued to hear of cosmic plans the nation of knowledge had, but something in her story made him hesitate and even recoil in disgust.

"Reluctant, you say?" - Jullus spoke up, having everyone else look at him with interest.

"I don't have to explain that one, do I?"

"But this is at the core of what you are proposing to us." - The solddier clenched his fist. "That's all we are to Eorzeans and Sharlayans, the 'conquerors' who have taken everything to them and brought all the misery into their lands, the ones that do not deserve sympathy or help. Our third eye will forever be a mark of shame to them…And you want us to join you?!"

"The end of the known world is upon us, and I have faith that people know better than to maintain their grudges."

"And if not? Are we to accept that we are to become subservient to those who despise us?" - Jullus knew that this was true for some of the provinces Garlemald subjugated, their hands were far from clean, yet there wasn't a fate they were willing to accept, better to die fighting for your homeland and people than run away and lose everything that made them who they are.

"There is me, Cid, Gaius, Garleans they respect. If we would have to stand by your side in the coming conflict, we will." - Lucia said, but Nerva shook his head at her.

"The boy's right; it is a coward's path. To run away from this decaying song for the rest of your life until it reaches whatever star you have found…Pointless."

"Then what would you propose?"

"I propose to endure. To rebuild Garlemald together, to adapt, and to learn to laugh in the face of despair, no matter how many sacrifices it will take. And when the time comes, using all the world's technology to find the way and reach this reclusive creature, ending it once and for all."

"And do you believe you can survive this ordeal?"

"It would be better than dying after running away for nothing." - Nerva scoffed. "There's nothing that can better bring hope to the hearts of our people than unity and restoration that I can provide!"

"Spoken by a man whose last "provision" was of chaos and ruin."

"I do not deny my part in it, but there is nothing that cannot be fixed."

"Is there? Our people were crushed, and everything they believed in was squandered! If you continue this pointless fight, there is nothing you will find but despair! I'm trying to help you here, help that you're all too eager to reject." - Lucia put her hand on her forehead, sighing with disappointment. She believed in the ways of the Alliance, even if those ways did not suit many Garleans.

"It's a fake promise, nothing but a lie!" - Nerva scoffed. "You may be earnest in your support, but I would never believe the Sharlayans to be eager to help us." - Their became heated, but there was something none of them accounted for yet, something Jullus decided to bring up.

"We are yet to hear what the people themselves think of it…" - He mentioned.

"Do you expect that many would choose to be cowards? I doubt it." - Nerva replied; Lucia was quick to follow.

"You'd be surprised by how many would choose life over certain doom."

"Enough." - Quintus spoke up with his tired yet commanding tone. "You've made your points. I assume that whatever comes after, it is in all of our interests to free the tower from the blasphemy created by Nerva's meddling?"

"Yes…" - Nerva replied with caution.

"It is. I would gladly offer what few forces I have to assist."

"Good, then that is our prime concern to which we should dedicate our time and energy." - Quintus announced. "We will need a plan and a strategy, as well as a squad strong enough to storm it and succeed."

"And what of my proposal?" - Nerva demanded.

"Prove that you care about the safety of the Garlean people more than your own power, and I will see what we can do…"

"That is not good enough."

"That is all I will concede as of now." - Quintus cut Nerva off before looking at Lucia. "As for you, I would request the information about the moon and the evacuation to be kept secret until the tower is freed from the blasphemy's influence. Then, I will make the announcement and offer everyone at Tertium a choice. Those who want to follow you can do so; I won't stop them. After that is done, you are to withdraw all remaining Alliance forces from Garlemald."

"And is that right to keep the truth away from them? I think many of them wouldn't want to risk their lives fighting for the tower." - Lucia questioned him.

"Those are my conditions. Accept them or leave."

"Very well…I'll do as you say."

"Than we reached an understanding? For now, at least?" - Quintus asked. Neither Nerva nor Lucia had it in them to deny it. "Then accommodate Lucia's troops, and then it will be time to discuss our plan." - He said dryly, nodding towards the exit. Lucia was the first to stand up and leave the room, likely eager to rejoin her men and talk to Cid.

"This conversation isn't over." - Nerva said before following her.

"I did not expect it to be."

Soon only Quintus and Jullus were left in the cart, and both led to ponder on where it is they should guide their people. For the first time since the fall, their people got opportunities presented to them, hope for a better future than simply freezing to death.

"Never easy with them, is it…" - Jullus sighed. "What do you think you'll do, milord, once all of this is done?"

"I wish it was clear…" - Quintus sighed. "I will give people the opportunity to leave, but I will not. This is my home, and I shall never abandon it. And what about you?"

"I'll stay, too."

"You do not have to."

"But that is my choice." - Jullus said firmly. "This is the only home I know, the home I grew in, the one to which I owe everything." - Upon saying those words, Jullus could notice a smile form on Quintus's face. Was this something he wanted to hear, or was he proud of Jullus for making his own choice? The soldier couldn't tell, but he was grateful that he could serve the people of his own volition.

And he would not fail them.

…

Preparation was quick to come underway. Quintus, Lucia, and Nerva had to toss their differences aside for the time being as they began their discussions of the tower's infrastructure and figuring out the best route to the heart. Nerva was its most recent visitor, so he had a reasonable understanding of what they could await there.

Jullus, meanwhile, had to attend to some other preparations. Seeing Licinia get better with every shot, seeing her pierce the wall, not unlike an expert marksman, brought a proud smile upon Jullus's face, a rare and fleeting occurrence in the dread that they lived in. She was a quick and eager learner, fueled by her disdain and righteous anger, wishing nothing more than avenge her family and friends, and Jullus wanted to aid her in this endeavor.

"Damn it…" - Licinia sighed after one more gunshot stung the room; this one didn't turn out nearly as precise as she wanted it to. The woman looked down with disappointment in her running eyes. "That wasn't a good one. Maybe again?"

"I think you just need a break." - Jullus reassured her. "You've been practicing for almost an hour now; that'd wear down the most skilled of machinists."

"But I need to get better! What of the coming battles? I can't just stand aside and…"

"You won't get far if you don't allow yourself a respite." - Jullus retorted. "I get it; it can be painful…To fight and train without end when you're trying to be the best soldier you can be…Might seem like the right, but it isn't, trust me."

Licinia stood in silence for a moment before taking a deep breath and finally putting her firearm aside. The woman sat on the cold floor near the wall, putting her hands on her knees and looking down; she wasn't happy with the outcome, not yet. Jullus didn't want to leave her, Licinia needed company, and anyway, he was not needed at the assembly just yet.

"How do you know that isn't right? How do you know when to stop?" - Licinia looked up at him. Jullus sighed and moved towards her, taking a seat beside the woman.

"I've gone through it myself when I only joined the Ist." - He said, thinking back to his endless training in the military, a ruthless competition between him and his peers, in which each sought to prove that they were the most skilled to earn a position beside Quintus. "Lord Quintus is a fair leader, but he is also strict when needed. It's not easy to be up to his standards, but the reward was worth it. In the end, after his training, we were the best of the best. Each of us a warrior in the making, perhaps even a leader, each with a part to play…" - If only this was enough to live through the nightmare imposed on them by Zenos. To Jullus's knowledge, none of his friends from service survived; some might have been tempered, though he didn't wish to know the truth here.

"Flavia and I always looked up to you…" - She spoke quietly and warmly, making Jullus look up at Licinia, slightly caught off guard. The woman was quick to notice his reaction and looked at the soldier awkwardly. "Oh, sorry, I didn't mean you; I mean…The warriors that protected us. The men who marched into the foreign lands to bring us both glory and safety the ones that protected us from the savages. I learned a lot about the legions…"

"A lot?"

"Yes, I used to study our history and literature before…Before all this." - Licinia's lips quivered. "It's so strange to think of it now, as if, as if…You know how they talk about Solus rising up from his ranks and becoming the leader Garlemald desperately needed? How he launched his conquests to expand our reach and…" - She could barely form words as she looked at Jullus with shame and disappointment.

"And now it all turned out a lie." - He finished her thought. "It's…Yes, you know. At least he came back at some point…Without his help, we would've been left between groveling before the Alliance or dying. At least now we can stand our ground…Somewhat." - Jullus sighed. "Although that remains to be seen when we go into the tower yet again."

"So it's true? You're going to fight that blasphemy Nerva spoke of?" - Perhaps it was too early to reveal their plans to others, but it was too late to deny anything now.

"Yes, we are. Need to deal with logistics and with deciding who is going to be there."

"Do you think you'll be there?"

"I will. Along with Nerva and Lucia, I suppose." - Jullus replied. He knew that Quintus would voluntarily join the battle had him the opportunity, but his scars have left him too weak and depleted to survive in the coming battle; it would be better for everyone were he to stay with the people of Tertium.

"I want to be there." - Licinia said with resolve, putting the soldier in a surprising and rather uncomfortable position. "I want to fight with you!"

"But you're…You're hardly experienced enough for this!" - Jullus exclaimed.

"That's why I've been training. I want to help you all bring some justice to my sister by protecting those that still remain." - She was eager to join the fray, even if it would be as what amounted to being a sacrificial lamb, and this wasn't something Jullus could allow her.

"It's…It's out of the question." - He tried to sound firm. "You wouldn't last too long there; it's a hellish, dangerous place. I've been there already, and trust me, I would never come back there if not for the strictest of necessities."

"And why does that matter?" - Licinia scoffed. "I…I don't care if I die, just as long as I die fighting! It means that I would die while doing something, while finally fighting…What good is there in living in a ruin…" - Tears fell down her eyes as Licinia's hands shook. "Even if it would be restored one day, we will never see it! We are bound to live with memories of this and without our…Without our families, our friends!" - A dark aura began to emerge around the pained woman as she entered the brink of her despair. Jullus knew what this meant. Cid told him as much when describing what happened in Ul'Dah. Trying to maintain his own calm, Jullus held Licinia's hand, trying to share his warmth. The girl looked at him once again with tears still descending from her eyes.

"I know…Nothing, no one will replace your family." - Jullus's voice quivered. "No one will replace mine, too, not even Lord Quintus…Do you think I didn't consider ending it when the city fell? It would've been easier than watching everyone around me suffer, suffering myself without an end…It would've been easier, but I didn't do it. I am not sure why. Maybe I was a coward who couldn't do the deed, but…I wasn't meant to survive, yet I did. With all the odds stacked against me, with all the suffering and death I felt and witnessed…I am still here. Somehow, for some reason, I persisted…I don't want it to be for nothing." - Jullus clenched his fist, holding back his tears. "I don't want our people to die and be remembered as mere tools for Solus and his failed plans of rejoining. We have so little left now; all hope seems futile…But we have the truth, all of our strings have been finally cut. There is the only way for us to persevere, to survive the Final Days…To become a new family, perhaps not as close as the ones each of us left behind, but a family nonetheless…The one forged by fire, sharing bonds of iron and blood, just like the Garlean standard. I am hopeful that Quintus, Lucia, and Nerva make the right choice, but in the end…It is we who are going to forge Garlemald's future. The people themselves. I want to see us do it, to see us prevail over this nightmare; I know we can do it…"

At some point, Jullus stopped picking out words and simply began to pour the hopes and fears that rested deep within his soul. This path seemed like a never-ending spiral of torment, but he truly believed that there was a future for them. Their people have always remained strong in the face of oppression and tragedy, and this was no different. Eventually, he saw Licinia wipe her tears as the aura around her fades. The girl breathed heavily, trying to calm down. Jullus continued holding her hand, giving her the time she needed.

"It's…It's true." - Licinia admitted. "And that's why I want to fight! I want to see it, too, and there will be no other opportunity like this."

"I said it already…"

"I don't want to die, but I'm not afraid to." - Licinia interrupted him. "Isn't that the same for you?"

That much was true; it was true for Jullus. If he feared for his life, he would not have ventured into the city or the tower itself, wouldn't have risked his life fighting the lunar primal Fandaniel unleashed on them, wouldn't have fought for his people and his legion bravely. He was on the brink of death many times, yet still, he volunteered. Perhaps it was only right to allow a such opportunity for Licinia as well.

"It…It is."

Before they could continue, Jullus noticed his newfound companion walking towards them from the opposite side of the small room they stayed in. Cid Garlond looked somewhat annoyed yet also relieved.

"Oh, here you are." - The engineer spoke with faint joy, but upon noticing the watery eyes of both Jullus and Licinia, slowed down a little. "Oh, sorry, did I pick the wrong time?"

"No, it's alright." - Jullus said. "What do you want?"

"Just had a 'talk' with Quintus…Far from the most exciting thing, that's for sure."

"It's deserved. You did tell the Alliance about our inner workings, after all."

"Yes, because I want us to work together and neutralize that bloody tower. Is that too much to ask?"

"You should've asked Lord Quintus." - Jullus said sternly.

"He would've denied me the opportunity, so what's the point? When you know what's right, you don't care for someone's permission…You just do it. Not like anyone can deny that a temporary alliance is the only way with our situation." - He wasn't wrong, although Jullus wasn't interested in giving the defector too much credit. He could agree, however, that there was no point in musing on what could've been. "Is there anything you wanted to tell me?"

"Quintus said to forewarn you that he'll need you with him soon enough. Other than that…I suppose I'll wait for when the time comes to begin our assault. You can count on me." - Cid sighed before turning around. The engineer was about to leave but got interrupted by Licinia.

"One thing."

"Yes?"

"That mech of yours…It's very impressive. It's Allagan, right? Where did you get it from?" - The woman spoke with wonder in her voice. "Was it Azys Lla?"

"Yes, the Fractal Continuum; Allagans surely left a lot of toys there…" - Cid raised an eyebrow. "Wait, how do you know what's left in Azys Lla?"

"I was just wondering if those prototypes are the same the VIth Legion brought to Garlemald when Regula van Hydrus was still alive. I studied some of them in the academy. They are the same that got used for the weapons project…I never expected us to have a weapon like this at our disposal once all the others got destroyed…" - Licinia smiled. "Thank you for using it to aid us."

"You're welcome…" - Cid responded, though his mind was occupied by something else. "If those are the modified prototypes coming from the same source, perhaps…I'll have to check it out, thank you." - Cid spoke hastily before walking away, leaving Licinia and Jullus alone.

"What is he thanking me for?" - The girl was puzzled.

"He can be a bit…Mysterious at times." - Jullus shrugged.

"I thought you trusted him. I still find it hard, considering he's a defector, but…He deserves thanks for what he does for us." - Licinia sighed.

"I didn't want to trust him; it just felt so…Treacherous for me to do. He is a defector. He shouldn't…Shouldn't deserve it. But I know he lost much, too, including a dear friend. He's in this battle just like the rest, and he chooses to fight…It's worth something, isn't it."

"And I choose to fight, as well." - Licinia smiled.

"Is that what you truly want?"

"Yes. Yes, it is."

There was no point in debating on this anymore, they all had to make their choice in the coming battle, and Licinia made hers; he couldn't tell her the opportunity.

"I'll discuss it with lord Quintus, and he will decide." - Jullus promised.

"Thank you…It means a lot to me."

Perhaps the time will come for them to fight side by side, and it will be far sooner than they expected.

…

"So, to go over the basics…"

As expected, it didn't take long for Jullus to get summoned by his lord, for he needed to be present to bear witness to the formation of their plan. As Quintus's second-in-command, it was Jullus's duty to lead the troops of the Ist into the battle alongside the remaining forces of Lucia and Nerva. When he came to them, Jullus witnessed the trio focused on their work and the coming battle. Despite their differences, their shared calling and mission were enough for them to put their distrust aside until the blasphemy was no more. Jullus dreaded to think what would happen after that, but he hoped that we're they were to achieve a victory, their disposition would change to a more welcoming one. As for now, all they needed was to stand their ground. Soon after the soldier arrived, Nerva met him, eager to fill Jullus in on their details.

"…When my soldiers and I entered the tower of Babil, we avoided the parading grounds; there were too many tempered there. We did, however, discover another way from behind, the one that required quite a lot of effort to unlock, but now that we've done it, the path remains open." - He explained with pride. "A few halls away lies the Anima's chamber, the one I've been told you visited already."

"I did, yes…" - Jullus sighed. "I'd rather not return, but if we have to…"

"We do." - He heard Quintus's stern voice echoing behind him. "One last time, to cleanse Garlemald from this plague." - It truly was inevitable, and Jullus was already bracing himself for this journey. Lucia was the next one to talk.

"All the Alliance soldiers I brought have agreed to help with it. Most of them are mages of different varieties. I assumed they would be of most use for us." - No one would deny that having assistance from those that could manipulate aether was a great boon for all of them.

"My men stand ready as well." - Nerva reassured the others. "I will lead them personally; it's long past the time to slaughter that blasphemy and avenge my fallen brethren. But, to reiterate…I am expecting an answer after we are done there, Quintus. I hope you remember that."

"I do…" - The Legatus sighed. "And I hope your thoughts of the throne do not distract you from the coming battle."

"You don't have to worry about that." - Nerva smiled. "I know when the time comes to claim what is mine."

"Let's not waste our time on those discussions now, shall we?" - Lucia continued. "We still have to find a way for Cid and his N-Warrior to get inside the Anima chamber. He can do it through the breaches he left the last time, but that would undoubtedly attract attention."

"When the squad is already inside, they can call him forth." - Quintus suggested. "By that point, it would be a matter of guarding the exit and not losing track of the blasphemy; it will be cornered."

"Yes, that seems like the best way." - Nerva spoke out in support.

"Jullus." - Quintus looked at his soldier sternly, yet the man displayed genuine concern. "You are to lead the charge along with Lucia and Nerva…Are you ready to do it?"

"Any day, milord, all for Garlemald. I will not disappoint you."

"I know you won't." - Quintus replied with faith.

"There was something else, my lord."

"Yes?"

"The woman Cid and I rescued from Victor's spoils recently…I spoke to her, and she said that she desires to take part in the infiltration."

"Truly?" - Quintus pondered for a moment. "She is a civilian as far as I know. As loyal and patriotic as one might be, I rarely see someone rushing into what might be their demise so quickly."

"Her sister died because of the tempered." - Jullus recounted. "As did her other family…She said she wants to fight by our side to protect our people, to see the dream of restored Garlemald a reality." - Jullus spoke, making the trio wonder. Nerva was the first one to break the silence.

"Let the girl fight, I say. If that's her choice, we would both honor her wish and a slightly higher chance of success." - He suggested, only for Lucia to shake her head.

"It's highly irresponsible to send civilians into the fray like this. Why would we endanger her life when there are enough soldiers at our side?"

"I see no reason to deny her…" - Quintus said. "But the question is if she is ready and can wield a weapon."

"She's good with a firearm, and her resolve is remarkable." - Jullus explained. Some part of him was ashamed of recommending Licinia, as he knew that he was putting her in great danger by doing so, but he would feel more shame has he denied her the choice he made himself once. "The choice is yours, my lord; she would abide by your decision."

"Perhaps there is no reason to deny one's passion…And yet, we have lost many." - Quintus sighed. "If there is a need for more warriors in the squad, then I shall…"

The Legatus could not finish, for the piercing sound of an alarm rang throughout the station, immediately forcing everyone inside the cart to freeze and to listen to it with attention.

"What now?!" - Nerva spoke with annoyance, but Jullus was far too focused on the present to say anything. The alarm meant that there were other uninvited visitors, and it was unlikely for them to be so lucky as to get even more allies…

Soon, a lone soldier entered the cart. He breathed heavily and brought some news.

"My lord, the tempered are attacking!" - Jullus's fears came true, as was expected. Under the command of an unhinged blasphemy, the tempered had nothing to hold them back; now, all they sought was the complete annihilation of everything around them, just like the monster in charge of them commanded them to do. "There are a lot of them…Some magitek reapers as well."

"Get as many men as possible to the entrance. Kill everyone that comes close!" - Quintus commanded. "I will send reinforcements as soon as possible."

"Yes, my lord."

The soldier ran outside, clutching their blade, while Quintus looked to his companion.

"May I count on you?"

"Of course." - Lucia promised. "We are not going to shy away from a battle."

"For once, we're in agreement." - Nerva said. "Let's force those wretches to go as far back as that tower!"

Lucia and Nerva left the cart, ready to call their soldiers and lead them into battle. Jullus looked at Quintus but received nothing but a faint nod. It was time to fight on.

The soldier rushed out of the cards, immediately seeing dozens of soldiers running to the surface where the battle had already begun. If any of the tempered get inside, the civilians will be endangered, and they could not allow that.

Jullus quickly found his place among the others. Everyone was eager to fight and protect the few compatriots that still remained alive and dared cling to hope. Once they were at the surface, a bloody picture emerged before Jullus. Dozens of tempered soldiers charged towards the entrance, pushing everyone and everything in their way aside. As before, those thralls screeched with hatred and showed no mercy, but this was mutual. The Garlean soldiers battled ruthlessly, forcing the thralls to the ground, cutting off their limbs, and piercing their necks. They were not seeing them as brethren anymore but as mindless beasts that existed to be put down, or at least it seemed so. Perhaps they harbored the same doubts Jullus had about them, yet they would not dare to show them. Nerva, Lucia, and their soldiers were among the fighters as well, fearlessly defending Tertium.

"Charge!" - Jullus shouted as he rushed into the fray. He was quick to encounter one of the tempered thralls who attempted to cut Jullus's neck with his blade. The soldier was quick to evade his strikes and allowed him to create an opening and an opportunity for him to strike. When the time was night, Jullus pierced the tempered's shoulder, making the man scream in agony. Before the tempered could get up, his throat was sliced by the soldier's blade, making the fiend shake and choke on his own blood as all life left his body.

"There are a lot of them; stand your ground!" - Lucia commanded as she continued to battle two tempered at the same time. Her resilience allowed the knight to maintain her defense and slowly wear down the thralls, and when they were weak enough, she would strike them down.

Nerva, on the other hand, was much more aggressive in his approach. The proud warrior would fearlessly charge into the heat of battle, slaying one temper after another, his armor withstanding the vast majority of the strikes. We're those fiends of sound mind; they would've thought twice before attacking Nerva.

"Here they come!" - Nerva shouted as the new threat approached. Three magitek reapers emerged from the veil, all firing at them. Were it not for the machines, it would've been relatively easy to squander the tempered hordes, but now the tide has turned. The fire immediately wounded some of the Tertium's defenders, forcing them to fall on their knees and become victims of the unhinged thralls. It was time to fight for their lives…

Luckily, before the reapers got too close, a wave of blue flame pierced them. The shadow rose up above the ground as the N-Warrior was activated and ready to rejoin the battle. Jullus breathed with relief when he saw Cid's machine above them.

"Can't even take a break…" - The engineer's voice echoed from the N-Warrior's dynamics as he stood between the soldiers and the reapers. "Take out all the tempered. I'll deal with the reapers!"

Finally, the much-needed aid. Everyone was already far too busy to spare their time fighting the machines. However, before Jullus could rejoin the fight he noticed an opening that was left when the reapers shot down a few soldiers. This allowed four tempered thralls to sneak inside, disappearing within the Tertium's darkness.

"They're inside! Someone, you need to…" - Jullus was quick to realize that everyone was amidst a battle of their own and could not simply abandon their positions. This was a duty for him. The soldier charged back towards the station, barely catching any breath as he attempted to outrun the tempered before they reached the civilians. Most of their forces were on the surface, while the people below would remain defenseless.

As Jullus descended, he could only pray that he would be quick enough and no one would get hurt. Not only would they lose their friends and compatriots, but such distress might cause others to turn into blasphemies on the spot, making their ordeal even worse than it already was.

"They are here, they are here!" - The soldier tried to shout to forewarn others, but as he reached the lower parts of the tunnel, he felt someone watching him closely. Could one of them stay behind to ambush? They should not be that advanced. Jullus mused on whether he was safe for a moment, but he was too late. As the soldier was on the brink of the main entrance, someone assaulted him from behind. Jullus felt a knife in his shoulder, causing the soldier to let out a scream and fall to his knees. A tempered thrall attempted to claw Jullus's back and push him to the ground. Without looking back, Jullus charged forward with this heavy burden on him while trying to cut the fiend with his blade. He was elusive while his nails and hands wounded Jullus with vigor.

"Damn you…" - He couldn't concentrate, all Jullus could think of was lord Quintus and the safety of their people. He needed to protect them while the others were still fighting, this was the only chance they got. Yet the claws have gone deeper, making Jullus scream in agony and pain. He could not even turn around; the heavy burden would prevent him from doing so. His only hope was to slice it from behind, praying that the blade won't strike his own flesh. As he continued to resist, Jullus heard this growl once again and felt the tempered breath behind him.

Eventually, he fell to his knees and grunted in pain. Jullus tried to turn around and push the tempered aside, but the moment he attempted to gaze back, his cheeks got scarred by the unhinged monster, pushing him down once again. His sword fell beside him, Jullus attempted to reach for it before the tempered would notice, but it was too late. The thrall screeched once again, raising his own blade.

A gunshot interrupted him, forcing the lone soldier to fall to the floor after taking his last breath. Jullus immediately reached for his sword and jumped up, only to notice Licinia standing in front of him. The smoke arose from her firearm as she gazed at Jullus with both confusion and relief.

"Thank his radiance you were here…Thank you." - Jullus sighed with relief. "Where are the others? There are three more down here; we can't let them go deeper!"

"They already are! They reached the rooms near the train…I was sent here to call for help."

"Damn it! All the others are protecting the entrance; I'm the only one. Let's go!"

The two immediately charged further into the station, Jullus had to cling on to hope that they will be able to stop them before anyone gets hurt.

"Who's protecting them? Are there any soldiers left?" - Jullus asked.

"It's…It's just Lord Quintus."

"No…" - Quintus was a legendary warrior before the fall of Garlemald, yet his age and the injuries he received during his previous encounters with the tempered have scarred his ability to fight, making the man feel immense pain when applying too much physical force. "We need to aid him!"

Jullus could feel running twice as fast; even Licinia had to fall behind slightly. The thought of losing Quintus, the man who was his leader and an idol whom he followed for years and continued to do so after the fall, the last person who was close to him from the better times…It made Jullus rage.

When he approached the room, the soldier could finally see what was going on.

"Lord Quintus!" - He shouted as he witnessed his Legatus swinging his greatsword with tired and weakened hands; the clenched teeth and the pain in his eyes were enough of an indication. There were people behind him, powerless survivors, including a mother with her two young children. They had nowhere to run; all of them cowered in dread and fear, and only Quintus stood between them and certain death. Jullus noticed that one of the tempered lay lifeless by Quintus's side drenched in blood.

The Legatus himself didn't look much better; he was already wounded, with his hands and legs shaking as he desperately tried to stand up.

"No…Not like this…" - Quintus let out his faint words before clutching his greatsword. As the second tempered attacked, he managed to pierce Quintus's side, making Legatus recoil and grunt. The thrall prepared another strike, but it ended in failure. Quintus blocked the strike and, in one fell swoop, cut the tempered's head off. The stream of blood-drenched Quintus's face and clouded his sight for a moment as the lifeless and mutilated body collapsed before him. Jullus was close; just a few more steps, he was getting within the range…

And then, right before his eyes, a blade emerged from inside Quintus's body; someone pierced the Legatus from behind. This horrible picture made Jullus freeze in horror for a moment as he saw Quintus coughing out his own blood, mixed in with that of the fallen thrall.

"Ah…I…" - He attempted to speak, but moments after he was pushed to the ground, the Legatus collapsed as blood clotted from his stomach, leg, and shoulder; he was occasionally flinching, although his armor restricted his movements. He could not get up.

"You…You bastard!"

Jullus screeched as he rushed towards the last tempered. After blocking a few strikes, the young soldier pierced his eyes with his blade. The lone friend screamed and shook, but it didn't stay alive for long. Jullus forced his sword to the side, immediately cutting off half of the tempered's face. After the foe was dead, he immediately rushed towards his Legatus as other people watched with fear.

"My lord, can you hear me?" - His voice quivered as he grabbed Quintus's hand and shoulder, trying to help him get up. "My lord, please…Just a little more, I'll get you help, I'll…"

"I…" - Quintus tried to speak as he turned towards Jullus, barely able to breathe. The blood flowed down his mouth, and his eyes grew red. All attempts to breathe ended in a wheezing cough. Jullus knew it was the end back then, but he refused to accept it, not while he was still here. "I'm…Sorry…"

"No, you did everything you could, my lord…Someone get help! We need the medics, now!" - Jullus screamed as he looked at the people around. "Anyone, please, where in the seven hells are they?!"

"Ju…" - Quintus coughed as he raised his hand up, grabbing Jullus's gently. He could glimpse Licinia running into the room, standing there, frozen in shock as she witnessed the wounded Legatus.

"Don't speak, my lord, it will make it more painful, I…I…" - Tears began to stream uncontrollably, tears of a heart that understood that the worst has come to pass, even if the mind could not accept it.

"Ju…llus…Save…Them…Save…O…ur…pe…" - Once again, he coughed; this time, there was too much blood to continue breathing. Quintus's head fell to the side, absolutely stale and motionless, and an expression of agony and broken hope froze on his face. He stood there in complete silence, watching his mentor exude his last breath as his lifeless body lay before him.

The darkest hour was here. The day when he failed his Legatus.