AN: Hello guys, this is to bring in the new update! Overwhelming number of reviews in the last chapt and absolutely loved reading them. It pumps me up to write more to deliver the new chapter! Now then, let's respond to them (although this is going to be a lot)

Time Heals All: Haha, I just manage by recalling their skits and making sure they do not go out of character. But if there was a job just for writing skits, well... let's not go there hahaha. Well for me I felt that while Jude seemed to hold Ludger as a close friend, I felt the game could have emphasized more about that in the game thus I created that part in the last chapter.

GroundZeroFirework: Oh thanks for pointing that out. I'll correct that mistake on Trigelph. Haha, well I'm not the best in creating fluffy moments so I time to create ideas and even then, they are not the best

Riku Uzumaki: mmm so much questions... and I can't answer them :( spoilers for there

Haseo55: Yes, this story will advance in plot but I wish to have the characters interact more... Yes, give more time for the Ludger x Milla to develop. As a matter of fact, this chapt will slowly bring that out

chronotimeguard: Yeah I try to keep the skits interesting and in character. As for Ludger's condition, well... that will be for future chapters

Mr. AE Hachi-Roku: You'll have to wait until we reach that arc... which isn't too far of

Kazane Hime: Haha, I know what you mean. That's why I mentioned that little bit in the previous chapter about them being twin sisters. Ah yes, I guess 'Milla-san' and 'Milla' will make sense in differentiating them. As to addressing them again in the future chapters, I have not thought that far ahead. Perhaps. The other couples... I have not given too much consideration into them but perhaps there will be small subtle hints later on.

U-know Yunho: Well we will never know what she said. For me the game had very little build up for Ludger x Alt. Milla although that possibility could have been there if she survived. Thus I felt a 'Thank you' was much more appropriate. In any case, what she said is just open to interpretation

13TheAce: Mmm... No idea which review to respond since you did it all for each chapt... so I'll just respond to the latest. Glad you enjoyed the fluffs where I could and as for the blood coughing... that you will have to wait until future chapters.

ForteEXEMaster: Yes I know what you mean. I too liked fractured Milla. Thanks, I definitely will try to keep them in character

Nameless Knight: Ah yes... I already knew from the beginning that my plot had some loopholes but I tried to cover them as realistically in game canon as I could. Of course that required certain changes.
1. As for your mention of how Victor could just enter the prime dimension since Ludger easily allowed both Millas to exist in the prime dimension, Victor cannot do that. As I have already hinted in the last chapter, the use of Chromatus can lead to... certain problems. Thus since Victor is 8 years into the future and experienced in the Chromatus... well, you get the idea... if not, you'll have to wait until further chapters.
2. As for the ritual to summon Maxwell, if I recall from the bonus chapter, the 'sacrifice' was never truly necessary to summon Milla Maxwell. Each spirit simply needed a 'proof'. For the old Maxwell, his proof was the hymn of proof and the idea of the sacrifice was only conducted by the Kresnik clan. Their idea was that the sacrifice was the proof... so for how I feel it, the moment fractured Milla was thrown into the hole to be 'sacrificed', that was all it needed to summon Milla. Thus before fractured Milla was completely gone from existence, I had Ludger save her before that happens. Of course I know this still does not solve the issue 100%, but that's what I only can do.
3. Ah yes, I am aware that Ludger's use of the Chromatus results in Elle being harmed. However I forgot to mention this but I might be changing that... or maybe not. I'm still considering it.
In any case, I am aware that this story has its loopholes but this is the best I can do.

Welp, that is all for reviews. Hope you guys will enjoy this chapter!

CHAPTER 4: BURDEN

"Is everyone ready?" Ludger asked everyone.

The whole party was already assembled at the Spirius Corporation. With everyone ready for the journey, Ludger transformed into his Chromatus form and created a portal to enter. The others went ahead first and Ludger followed in last. In just a split second, the group was in another whole new dimension and no longer in Elympios. They were now in Rieze Maxia, in the hometown of Jude.

Jude took a second to check his surroundings. There were the familiar buildings, the roads and even the trees. It was exactly how Jude remembered it. "Yeah… We're definitely in Leronde."

"So what's our first order of business?" Gaius inquired.

"Let's speak with the townspeople." Ludger suggested, "We need to first find out what is going on in this dimension. There should be a major difference between the prime dimension and this dimension."

Muzet beamed excitedly, "Oh this is like a treasure hunt!"

In order to gather information faster, the group separated into two. Ludger, Elle and 'fractured' Milla moved as one group and the other were Jude, Milla, Gaius and Muzet. Ludger took his group towards the harbor to gather information and Jude decided to remain at the town center. Jude approached a middle-aged couple.

"Err… Good afternoon… do you guys have anything about the latest?" Jude asked.

The man, whom Jude presumes to be the husband, turned to Jude, "Huh? What do you mean?"

Gaius cleared his throat and stepped up, "Has there been… any major events occurring?"

The woman gasped, "Oh my, King Gaius! What are you doing here?"

"Answer the question."

"Oh, of course! Well… nothing is happening much. Elympios has been at bay for quite some time, but the war between Rieze Maxia and Elympios is definitely far from over. But we have the spirit artes on our side and it will only be a matter of time before Elympios surrenders."

The mention of 'war' was more than enough to startle the group. "What do you mean a war?" Jude demanded.

The middle-aged woman nodded uncertainly, "Y-yes… well the peace attempts made by both sides a couple of months ago failed miserably with the assassination of Chancellor Marcia of Elympios and Rowen Ilbert, the Prime Minister of Rieze Maxia."

"Rowen… is dead…?" Milla repeated in disbelief. Gaius had a brief glimpse of pain but it was quickly hidden.

The middle-aged man then continued, "Yes, it was a horrible incident. I remember how it caused uproar everywhere. Elympios accused Rieze Maxia of it but King Gaius denied their accusations. The result… well, it brings us to where we are today."

"And no one ever found out the true culprit?" Gaius questioned.

"W-well… We were hoping you'd tell us that." The middle-aged man replied. The stern look of Gaius made the man change the topic, "A-anyway… there have been certain battles between the armies of Elympios and Rieze Maxia but neither side gained an advantage. But… while Elympios holds the better technology, they have limited resources so I believe… that Rieze Maxia should… emerge the victor…"

Jude nodded and then said, "Well, thank you for the information."

The middle-aged couple smiled and the party went off. As they walked away, the group could hear the couple wondering why King Gaius was asking them for information when King Gaius should have all the information. Gaius realized there was another 'him' in this dimension that was leading a war against Elympios. He wondered how he was faring in such a situation.

"Let's go meet up with Ludger." Jude suggested, "Maybe they have picked up something else."

Milla agreed with the idea, "We still have no idea who or what is the divergent catalyst yet. Hopefully Ludger picked up something useful."

The party moved on towards the harbor of Leronde. Now that the group was aware of the situation in this dimension, they definitely could see hints of war. The whispers among the people when they saw Gaius (which they probably assumed the 'King' was doing an inspection), the high number of soldiers patrolling the town's streets and even the atmosphere was tense. The happy people of Leronde were replaced with worried, frightened and baffled citizens.

The group found Ludger speaking with someone at the harbor. 'Fractured' Milla and Elle were speaking with another. After a while, the three were done speaking and spotted the rest of the party.

"Did you find out anything?" Jude asked.

"I'm guessing you guys know about the war?" Ludger replied. Jude nodded so Ludger continued, "What about what's going on at Fenmont?"

Jude raised his eyebrows with interest, "Something's going on in Fenmont?"

"What did you find out Luger?" Milla questioned.

"Hey, I and Elle were the ones that got that bit of information." 'Fractured' Milla stated. Ludger chuckled and stepped aside. "Apparently before the whole 'war' thing broke out, Spyrite technology was heavily researched but… the research stopped once the war broke out."

"They stopped Spyrite research?" Jude muttered in disbelief.

"If the two sides are at war, it'd make sense that they took this course of action." Gaius said, "However, Spyrite research is a shared venture between Elympios and Rieze Maxia. What does this have to do with Fenmont?"

It was Elle this time that contributed to the conversation, "That guy said something about the head of Spyrite research changing to something… err… he's doing weapons research now in Fenmont."

The words of Elle stunned most of the group. 'Fractured' Milla and Elle did not know why but the rest of the group knew. They have already probably got the biggest clue of who the divergent catalyst was. The person who was in charge of Spyrite research had abandoned his cause in this dimension. And they all knew who the head of Spyrite research was.

"So are we going to Fenmont?" Elle asked.

Jude gave a nod, "Yeah… it looks like the person we're looking for… will be found in Fenmont."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

A day's journey was spent before the party finally ended up in Fenmont. The beautiful city covered in the grand darkness, yet brightly lit on the streets was truly a breathtaking sight. Milla smiled at the sight. She recalled the first time she viewed the city. It was definitely much different than Nie Khera village. A huge difference actually. Jude as well remembered his times here as a student. It was unbelievable that just last year, he was still a student and now he was a well-renowned doctor. It was not just him. Everyone had changed in the span of a year. Jude was amazed at the human's will and determination if they set their heart to it.

As the group viewed Fenmont, Milla and Jude thought of the same thing. The two stared at one another and smiled. This was the city where their adventure had begun. Unconsciously, the two held each other's hand. They did not need to say anything. It just occurred to them naturally. No one noticed this but Elle. However Elle was smart enough to not say anything. It was a shared moment between Milla and Jude. No need to embarrass them.

Skit: Opinions
Present: Ludger, Elle, Gaius & Muzet

Gaius: Ah Fenmont… this truly is a magnificent city…

Ludger: Yeah it is…

Gaius: So tell me Ludger, now that you've seen the places on both sides, where do you prefer living? Elympios or Rieze Maxia?

Ludger: Huh?

Muzet: You better choose your answer wisely Ludger… Gaius IS the king of Rieze Maxia after all *giggles*

Gaius: Do not worry Ludger. I may be the king but I merely wish to hear your opinion since you're not of Rieze Maxia. If you say you prefer Elympios, I won't hold any grudges. *Unsheathes his katana*Choose wisely Ludger…

Ludger: Uhh…

Muzet: Oh Gaius… Isn't this a little bit unfair for poor Ludger?

Gaius: What do you mean?

Muzet: If you give Ludger more time, I'm sure he can give you the answer you want. He's probably still attached to his hometown but once he spend more time here…

Gaius: Yes I see… a very good point… I guess I was a little rash there.

Ludger: *Sigh of relief*

Elle: Hmm… I don't know… I think I'd prefer living back in Elympios. I'm sure Ludger feels the same way, right?

Ludger: Uh…. Elle…?

Gaius: Is that right? Ludger, let's have a little one-on-one talk.

*Ludger moves away in a panic but Gaius follows quickly

Elle: Even grown-ups still like to play tag huh?

Muzet: They do, don't they? *Smiles*

XXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"Alright we'll separate into three groups this time." Jude suggested as they entered Fenmont, "I and Milla will head to Fenmont's research facility. Gaius and Muzet, you can try finding 'him' at the commercial distrct. Ludger, 'Milla' and Elle can try the tavern."

The group nodded and went on their separate ways. Jude and Milla headed for Fenmont's research facility. As the pair entered the area, Jude was greeted with the familiar sights of Fenmont. Students catering around the region, researchers moving quickly to a destination and local citizens. And of course the place where he and Milla first met.

"It really has been one year ago when we met here huh?" Milla commented with a nostalgic smile.

Jude nodded, "Yeah… I remember wondering who this mesmerizing person was."

"And I thought why this little human was trying to stop me." Milla replied with Jude chuckling. "But who'd have known that this human would be the one to teach me more meaning than just being the Lord of Spirits. If I hadn't met you Jude, I think I'd have just continued living thinking spirits and humans could never live together."

"Milla…"

"But now I have more meaning… while I can't do anything to help you with Spyrite research, I will always continue to watch over you Jude. I will try and convince the other spirits that humans and spirits can one day live together… and I will be waiting for the day you and I can be together."

Jude smiled, "Yeah… I'll perfect Spyrite technology so that we can have that future together."

The two stared at one another. To them, it felt like they were alone, in their own little world. But attention was already drawn upon them. After all with a person of Milla's beauty and Jude's reputation, it was no surprise when everyone was staring at them at this point. Jude and Milla realized they were too caught up with each other and decided to not forget their objective, pressing forward.

Inside the research facility, the place was different than the prime dimension. In the prime dimension, Fenmont's research facility mostly contained research on spirit and then recently, Spyrite. In this dimension, there were researchers everywhere working on weapons. No doubt for their war effort against Elympios. Jude was sickened to the core that a prominent research facility had become a tool for war.

As the pair continued exploring the facility in search of their target, a soldier approached them.

"Doctor Jude Mathis?" The soldier began.

Jude turned to the soldier, "Y-yes? What can I do for you?"

"No, it's nothing. I'm just surprised to see you return so quickly."

"What do you mean?"

The soldier cocked his head to the side in confusion, "Well, you said you needed a little break from your work and left a few minutes ago. I didn't expect you to return for a while. Not to mention you cleaned yourself up."

Jude realized they have already got a clue where the divergent catalyst was. And it wasn't here.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"So what are we looking for again?" Elle asked when the trio entered the tavern.

'Fractured' Milla looked around the place as she answered, "The head of Spyrite research guy… or at least that's what he is in the prime dimension. Here, he's the head of weapons research apparently." 'Fractured' Milla then turned to Ludger, "What makes you guys so sure that he's the divergent catalyst?"

"…You don't know who the head of Spyrite research is in the prime dimension?" Both Elle and 'fractured' Milla shook their heads. "It's Jude. Jude Mathis."

'Fractured' Milla widened her eyes in surprise, "Jude is…? So… that means the divergent catalyst in this dimension is…"

"Jude…?" Elle finished the sentence.

"Well, so far he's our prime target. In the end, we will only know once the catalyst reacts near me." Ludger said while they walked around the tavern, "But it should be Jude anyway. While the war is a big difference in this world, the fact that Jude is no longer head of Spyrite research is another. We'll find out once we find him."

The tavern was filled with people enjoying their time after a hard day's work. There were students in booths socializing, some tired middle-aged locals enjoying a stiff drink as well as some researchers sharing a table conversing with one another. Ludger looked around for the 'Jude' but so far there was no sign of him.

"…Can you actually… do it?" 'Fractured' Milla asked suddenly.

"What do you mean?" Ludger asked.

'Fractured' Milla hesitated for a moment, "I mean… if the divergent catalyst is really Jude… even if he's not the 'Jude' you know… he's still Jude in the end."

Ludger chuckled, "Is there anything I can do? I have no choice… I'm the only one who can get the job done… Every fractured dimension, there is something related one way or another and… it hurts me… It really hurts me that I have to destroy something that holds a lot of value to someone… I'm sure you were devastated when I killed your 'Muzet' in your dimension." 'Fractured' Milla said nothing as Ludger continued, "But it also kills me inside that I am the one responsible for that… I have no excuse… I want to say 'it's my job' but I can't… It's not who I am… I have to carry that weight for the rest of my life." Ludger shook his head and smiled sadly. "Maybe this is why Julius never wanted me to become an Agent… he knows I'm too soft for this…"

"Ludger…"

Ludger moved on as he continued the search with Elle. 'Fractured' Milla though saw Ludger in a whole new light. His tone carried so much sadness and guilt. It was not just because he was ending millions of lives. It was because each divergent catalyst held a special connection with his friends. Ludger had destroyed a world where it was Gaius's ideal world once. A world where Alvin was on good terms with Yurgen. And those were just examples. The guilt he carried was something no person should bear alone. Yet he could still commit to his job. It was just like Julius said. Ludger was just too nice. Too soft.

"Milla, what are you doing? Keep up slowpoke!" Elle teased.

'Fractured' Milla released the troubling thoughts and caught up with Ludger and Elle. It was just that now, 'fractured' Milla held Ludger with a better view of him.

Ludger looked around once more when he finally gave up, "Let's meet up with the rest. Maybe they found the target already."

Elle agreed, "Let's go to-"

As the trio was on the way to the entrance of the tavern, a figure entered. The person was a young fellow, around his mid-teens yet he carried a matured atmosphere around him. He was wearing a lab coat and underneath it a black shirt. Ludger, Elle and 'fractured' Milla instantly recognized him.

"Jude…?" Ludger said, surprised to find him here.

The person looked at them with confusion and instantly, the party knew this was the fractured dimension's Jude. While the Jud they knew was dignified, this one looked exhausted. His hair was the same style as Jude but it was dirty. He looked like he had not taken a bath in days and the group realized his lab coat was drenched with splatters of oil.

'Jude' looked at them for a moment and then, his jaw dropped. "Mi-Milla…? I… I thought you…" 'Jude' had a tear roll down his eyes and then he turned to Ludger. "And… L-Ludger…? You… I thought you died…"

Ludger narrowed his eyes, wondering what the hell had happened in this dimension.

CHAPTER END