Repede drew the group's attention away from the door as he barked and scratched at a chest nearby. Rita kicked it opened and was stunned by its content, "Wh-what the?! These are all blastia cores!"

Karol was next to her, amazed at how many there were, "What're so many cores doing here…?"

Rita was checking some while shuffling through the chest, "I have no idea. We don't even have this many at the laboratory!"

Yuri quickly asked her, "Is the core from the lower quarter mixed in there?"

Rita quickly shuffled through the pile of glowing gems, "Sorry, none of these are big enough."

Estelle turned to the others, "Do you think this is related to the core thief?"

Aile was willing to accept it, "Possibly, but from what we know the mastermind behind that was a huge guy with one eye, right? That doesn't fit Ragou's profile."

Deesh knew all too well what that meant, "Then this 'giant' may be a pawn to Ragou or worse a partner. Until we learn more about this situation, we should…"

Before Deesh could finish more mercenaries started to come out of the ship and surround them. Karol didn't need to speculate anymore, he knew who they were, "It's just like I thought. These guys are one of the five master guilds, the Blood Alliance!"

Ragou ordered these men to attack as one of them tried to lunge at Karol only to be thrown off the boat by Yuri's fist. Deesh blocked another's sword with just her armor, throwing him overboard afterward. Rita blasted two more off as Aile created a small hurricane to throw the rest.

With the deck clear Aile disengaged from her Megamerged form as Yuri, Karol and Deesh moved to the door. Yuri hid in the shadow while Karol attempted to pick the lock quietly. Unfortunately for him, the occupant inside kicked the door open, "Outta the way!"

Karol was almost sent overboard from the force. Shadow managed to catch his bag with her staff, "Got ya!"

"Karol!" Estelle rushed to him to see if he needed healing.

The unknown man huffed, "That Ragou's such a coward, running from a bunch of kids!"

Yuri and Deesh had swords out to the man's back, "A one-eyed giant…" the man has gray hair turning white wearing a red coat, a gold eye that replaced his missing one and a gold mace for a left hand while holding a large sword in his right. "So, you're the one getting people to bring you all these cores?"

"Maybe I am…" Despite his size the man was surprisingly fast, swinging his sword around to try and kill Yuri and Deesh. Deesh easily ducked and roll in time to avoid the attack. Yuri barely managed to jump away. "You're quick and you've got guts, too." The man rolled his right shoulder, "My arm's gonna feel that… Wish I had both of you in my guild."

Deesh was just snarling as Yuri snarked, "What an honor."

"But you've got too much ambition in your eyes. Upsets the harmony of the guild, see? Nothing personal…"

"Barbos! What are you waiting for? Dispose of these brats!" Ragou had already gotten himself into a lifeboat, waiting for the giant man.

Barbos heft his large sword onto his shoulder as he confidently moved to the lifeboat as if the intruders weren't there, "I've done the work you paid me for. Besides, the Knights are on their way. It'll be trouble if they catch up to us. Rather not have those guys following me around." Barbos glanced back to them, "Next time we meet, you kids won't be getting off so easy."

As Barbos jumped into the lifeboat, Ragou turned back to the cabin, "Wait! He's still inside…! Damn! Zagi! We'll leave the rest to you!" Barbos cut the lines holding the lifeboat with a single swing as they splashed down and left.

Rita rushed to the side yelling at the fleeing villains, "Wait!"

Someone suddenly kicked Rita back, "Who should I kill first?" a strange fella with spiky hot pink hair was yellow highlighted bangs as he licked his dagger with murder in his eyes. His strange outfit had leather belts around his chest and shoulders with metal tipped shoes that pointed up making the kick from the sole lucky for Rita.

Estelle gasped in shock at seeing him, "You're the one from the castle!"

Rita turned to her, "What, you know this nutcase?"

"Seems like we're linked by fate…" Yuri sighed to himself knowing now that Zagi's attack on the castle had even bigger implications than just some random noble hiring an assassin to kill Flynn.

"My blade, it aches to…kill…I've got to kill something!" Without even thinking, Zagi lunged at Yuri who dodged only for Zagi's blade to end up damaging the ship's engine controls and starting a fire that was slowly spreading.

Now Zagi! Just like we planned!

Aile was speechless, "No! He can't…" Zagi pulled out something similar to one of Aile's Biometals, "How does he have a Biometal?"

I don't know, Aile. Other than Model W, there shouldn't be any other Biometal.

Zero didn't seem to agree with X. And what about Omega or Model A? Ciel didn't make them.

The Biometal in Zagi's hand started to glow, I told you, X and Zero, I would haunt you two until the day you die! And I will make it so with this human. Now Zagi, activate the Vilemerge!

Zagi did as he was told, screaming, "Model V! Vilemerge!"

Metalink Established! V.A.V.A. System Online!

Zagi was glowing now as purple and gold armor started to take form around his legs, arms, and feet. A purple vest was now on as a fiendish helm with insect like mandibles took place around the front. His entire head was covered except for a portion for his eyes and mouth, though a black visor formed to cover the T-shaped opening. On the forehead of the helm was a red V crest with a yellow horn sticking out. Zagi's two daggers were now charged with a strange energy that made them look like they were set ablaze.

"Such power…I can feel it!" Zagi tested his newfound strength with a slash against the ship's rail guard, splintering the section and part of the floorboard while leaving scorch marks.

Aile, hurry and Double Megamerge with us before the others get hurt!

Aile didn't know who Zagi was or that unknown Biometal, but she wasn't going to stand around, hastily pulling out both models, "Model X! Model Z! Double Megamerge!"

Biolink Established! M.E.G.A. System Online!

Aile quickly transformed into red armored with long flowing blonde hair. "If you're going to fight anyone, then you're going to fight someone who also has Biometal!"

That's what I wanted to hear! Zagi, finish her and destroy all of her Biometals!

"Shut up, Vile! Your power will be used to destroy Yuri first! Then that little girl and her toys."

NO! I've waited centuries for this! You can wait a few minutes!

Aile didn't hesitate as she used their argument to shoot Zagi with a charged shot to the chest, sending him over the ledge and into the water. Unfortunately, that would not be enough to stop him. Zagi's new armor included a jetpack as he flew back onboard. "Oh, you want some too? Then bring it!"

Aile threw her hand out in front of Yuri and Deesh, "Leave him to us. This isn't your fight any longer. He's using Biometal, just like me. I don't want you guys getting hurt." Her pistol changed it shape, the grip extended to become a handle as the main body shifted up 45° to be aligned with the grip. The top now started projecting a giant aquamarine arrowhead shaped blade.

Yes! Come to your own death! Vile knew only Zagi and Aile could hear him, but so too could Aile's Biometals. Aile's blade was capable of clashing with Zagi's new daggers, but the insane assassin was relentless in his highspeed assault, managing to push Aile back despite her vigorous effort.

Master X, Megamerge with me! My flight and second blade will be able to counter against him.

I've told you, I am not your master, Harpuia. And this is something from our past. We must see it through until the end.

Aile managed to finally create an opening, knocking Zagi's blades away. "I won't allow you to abuse the power of Biometal!"

"Abuse!" Zagi surprised her by quickly recovering his stance to deliver a swift kick to her stomach and trying to slam both daggers into her eyes. Aile just barely managed to block them with her sword, but she was at a disadvantage now trying to push him back, "Power is all there is! If you don't have power, you're dead!"

And we're more powerful than you'll ever be X!

Zagi slapped the side of his helmet, "Shut up Vile! Your chatter is starting to annoy me!"

Rita had enough from this idiot, but Deesh's tail slapped her hand away. Deesh's right hand started sparking with electricity as it turned into a blue ball of energy. She wasn't going to even attempt to warn Aile or get her away from the blast. So, Shadow rushed in with her glaive knocking Zagi's back and opening her wings to push Aile away just as Deesh unleashed her spell.

Zagi was reeling from the surge of electricity suddenly running through his body as Shadow did her best to try and hold him down. Aile turned to Deesh, "What are you doing?"

"Eliminating a problem before it festers…"

"And killing an ally?"

Deesh continued channeling the magical energy, "Acceptable collateral. Especially her."

"Not for me!" Aile then wrestled Deesh's arm away from Zagi, knocking her aim toward the damaged console and spreading the fire even faster.

Yuri followed through trying to finish what Deesh had started. Vile recovered quickly allowing Zagi to just barely evade the blade aimed for his neck. Though they weren't quick enough as Yuri shifted his slash to Zagi's left arm. Yuri immediately followed through with a spinning kick to Zagi's helmet as he was pushed back further from the others. "Looks like that fancy new armor didn't help all that much."

Shadow was left smoking on the deck as Zagi clutched his injured arm. Despite holding it down, the wound was bleeding profusely. A red eye started to glow within the helmet, as Zagi started to laugh hysterically. "You're tough! Yes tough! You're definitely tough! I certainly won't forget that girl! Or you lizard! And don't think I'd forget you, Yuri… I'm going to kill you all! Gonna carve you into little pieces! Don't move a muscle…!"

Just as Zagi was about to rush Yuri, an explosion rocked the boat, momentarily causing everyone to brace. The damage to the control console was too much as the fires eventually spread to the munitions below deck. A series of explosions soon rocked the ship, breaking the ship apart. One of these explosions even blasted Zagi's backpack, destroying his jetpack as it sent him flying.

Shadow surprised the others as she got back up, "What the hell Deesh? Warn a girl when you plan to use her like that." She was fumbling something behind her back, though everyone was too busy trying not to lose their footing as smaller explosions continued to occur.

"We're sinking!" Deesh's stalkers quickly jumped into her satchel, fearful of the water coming up.

Yuri yelled to the others, "Everyone, get to the water!"

Shadow carefully looked over the edge, "Not really sure if I can…"

Deesh made sure her satchel was secured before shoving it into Shadow's hand, "Don't open it. It should keep you buoyant." Before Shadow could retort, Deesh quickly kicked her off and into the water.

Before Yuri jumped off, someone was inside the ship coughing, "Is anyone there?"

Aile managed to stop Yuri, transforming her red armor to blue with the two metal ponytails appeared as mouth cover and goggles sealed her face, "I can breathe while underwater. Go!" Yuri was reluctant, but he had seen her do it back in the Shaikos Ruins. Yuri then jumped away from the ship, swimming out to avoid being sucked in by the sinking vessel.

Estelle cried out seeing her run off into the ship, "Aile!" Deesh hissed and snapped her tail against the deck before turning around and rushing after Aile.

Rita grabbed Estelle before she ran into the fire too, "Estelle! No!"

"But…but…"

Rita pulled Estelle overboard with her, "Shut up and jump!"

Rita was holding onto Estelle as Repede, and Strider jumped out next. Yuri dragged Karol by his bag while Shadow was trying to keep her balance with Deesh's satchel. Everyone did their best to swim as far from the ship to avoid being sucked in with it.

After swimming far enough away to not fear being sucked in by the sinking vessel, they turned and watched the ship going nose down. "Aile…Deesh…"

Shadow was the first to spot the reinforcements, waving them down as Flynn shouted, "Are you all right? Lady Estellise!"

"Flynn…We're saved…" Karol was waving to him joyed they weren't going to be floating out in the ocean for long.

Estelle looked back to where the tip of the other boat was as it started to rapidly sink, "But Aile and Deesh, they…"

Yuri didn't seem sure about them either, but Deesh floated to Estelle to comfort her. Before anything could be said, something surfaced behind Rita and Karol. It was Aile and Deesh as they were both holding an new person with a plastic cone device over his mouth and nose, "Help us out here! This guy lost consciousness from smoke inhalation!" Aile removed the device as she helped keep the person's head above water.

The young man who had been saved looked as young as Estelle in regal green clothing. Deesh was more focused on cleaning her eyes for some reason as she moved away from the others to let them see the young man's face. Estelle and Flynn immediately recognized him as they both shouted in shock. "Ioder?"

"Master Ioder! We'll pull you up immediately! Sodia, give me a hand."

After a few more shacks of her head Deesh's nose picked up a recently acquired scent, looking straight up to find someone watching them from the sky. Everyone else was distracted by this mysterious Ioder boy that Flynn and Estelle knew and being rescued. But Deesh saw the Dragon Rider as he left once Flynn and the knights started pulling people out of the water. She could tell that the rider wasn't a merciless individual, but there was more going on with these blastia than even the 'genius mage of Aspio' knew.

Zagi was swimming his way toward the continent of Tolbyccia as he was screaming to the air in frustration, "Damn it! What the hell was that lizard! Why couldn't we move when we got zapped?"

Vile was even more frustrated than Zagi. This new form has more weaknesses than I imagined. Your fleshy body being one of them.

"What did you say!?"

You organics are completely worthless. And you didn't listen to my advice to use any of my weaponry beyond your blades. Not to mention you didn't listen to me when I warned you about that last attack. Now you're going to need a replacement for that dead arm. Guess that explains that mechanical arm.

"What about a mechanical arm?"

Forget it. Vile suddenly went quiet as he picked up something interesting. He immediately disengaged, leaving Zagi behind.

"Hey!"

Get back to your base. Fix that arm. I need to investigate something. I'll be back as soon as I can. Vile ignored Zagi's angry yelling as he floated off well beyond his reach to do anything. When Vile realized where he was, he sought out Zagi by design. It was sheer dumb luck he found him so quickly, but with how different he was it felt like a different person.

But now this strange feeling, this alluring sensation compelled Vile to seek this presence out. It wasn't Vile's will to do so. That witch must have put in a hidden program within the Biometal to kick in once it found a suitable host for a Model W.

At first Vile was furious about this unwanted desire, but after a bit of reflection, he started to come around to the idea. This would allow him to speed up finding potential hosts, and if he was lucky, they could be compatible with himself and Model W.

But on the flipside, the new user could be strong-willed like Zagi and overwhelm Vile's drive for revenge. Or worse make him subservient to their goals… No, there must be more to this Biometal form that he doesn't know about. Vile had to figure this out before meeting this new entity that was drawing him in, or before Vile's next host as he was starting to have his doubts about Zagi.

In Capua Torim, Flynn, Ioder and the others were gathered at the inn as Ioder bowed to Aile, "You have my gratitude."

Aile never dealt with nobility before, but her professionalism was a sharp as when they first met. She was the only one to bow to Ioder, as she calmly responded, "It was no trouble sire. However, could we indulge you to explain who you are."

Estelle was fidgeting a little, "This is…"

Before she could finish the door to their room opened as an oily voice called out, "…Well, well, if it isn't Lord Ioder. What a surprise, meeting you in a place like this!"

"You…!"

Rita was ready to charge at Ragou, but the magistrate had an overconfident smug smile on his face as Yuri stopped Rita. "Oh…? And who might you be? Have we met somewhere before?"

"Convenient time for amnesia," Yuri glanced to Rita and Deesh as he was squeezing Rita's shoulder to stop herself from acting, "I know somebody who can fix that for you."

"Such nonsense…" Ragou continuing to ignore them, "Is this not the first time we've met?"

Shadow drew a pistol to Ragou's head, "I'm not one to lose her cool easily, but you're making me want to shoot you really badly."

Ragou turned to her without fear, "You really believe you can threaten a member of the Imperial Council without consequence? Especially in front of a member of the Imperial Knights?"

"Oh, trust me," edging the barrel closer to Ragou's eye, "none of your punishments is really a deterrent to me. Hell, I'm not even a citizen of your empire, but I'll serve the punishment gladly if it means I get to blow your brains out here and now."

Flynn moved to Ragou, ready to draw his sword, if necessary, "Magistrate, your crimes are undeniable. These people have seen everything."

Ragou fixed his glasses, gently moving Shadow's weapon aside, "As I've said before, clearly someone had assumed my identity and was trying to ruin my reputation. It was most upsetting."

"Liar!" Rita had enough of this charade, "I saw those people you fed to the monsters with my own two eyes!"

"Well, Sir Flynn?" Ragou smiled to them, "Are you going to take the word of these young ruffians and a monster, or me, a member of the Council?" Ragou's words seemed to pierce Flynn through his armor as he stood there, unable to move.

"Monster? I'll show you a true monster!" Deesh let out a roar, "I'll rip off your head and eat your heart!" Aile was barely keeping Deesh back not even having time to use her Biometals.

"…Flynn." Yuri wanted him to step up, but, all Flynn could do was lower his head in shame at how powerless he was now.

Seeing this as an answer, Ragou continued to strut past Flynn, "It seems you've decided. Well then, I bid you all good day." Ragou paid his respects to Ioder before walking out the door, making sure the others could see his wicked grin.

There was more than one angry person ready to blow up as the door shut behind him, "Damn! Who the hell does he think he is?!" Rita turned back, "And who the hell is this guy?!"

Estelle calmly walked between Rita's finger and Ioder, "This is his Royal Highness Ioder, candidate for the imperial throne."

Karol started to laugh halfheartedly, "Yeah right, good one, Estelle!" Much to Karol's shock, no one else in the room was laughing with him, "…Really?!"

Ioder nodded, "I am only one of the candidates."

Yuri was starting to see why Flynn was so powerless, "An alleged imperial heir captured by a so-called magistrate. That's interesting."

Shadow nonchalantly looked back to where Raogu left, "So he's twisting the arm of the knights by painting you lot as incompetent."

"…I see." Estelle turned to Flynn, "Then this incident means that I…"

Aile finally released Deesh, as she huffed, calming down, "It sounds like things have become far more complicated than what the politic of your empire would like leaking outside their ivory halls."

Estelle turned away, feeling Ioder's situation was partially her fault, "I…I just…"

"It's got something to do with why you came with us, though, doesn't it?" Yuri got his answer from Estelle's hesitation. He started to leave them now, "Do whatever you want. I've got no interest in an empire that ignores people suffering right in front of it."

"Yuri…" Flynn stomped his foot down getting his friend to stop, "And what have you changed by turning your back on such an empire? We need just laws laid down by the government to ensure that people live lives of stability and peace."

Yuri wouldn't turn back, staring at the door, "Those same laws just let Ragou walk out that door!"

"We became Knights to change things like that! If we couldn't make it happen by yelling about it from below then we said we'd gain honor and trust and fix the empire from within! Remember?"

"So, in order to get ahead in life, I should just stay quiet while kids get fed to monsters? Is that it?! We're supposed to just overlook how the people in the lower quarter are being bled dry by taxes?! It's because I couldn't do those things that I-!"

"I know. But what have you changed since you quit the Knights, Yuri?" Yuri didn't respond, marching out the door and slamming it behind him.

"Yuri!"

Estelle wanted to chase after him, but Flynn's groaning and burying his face into his hand caught her attention, "I did it again…"

Aile looked to the young knight, "So this argument between friends isn't the first time you two have had this kind of talk."

"I just…" Flynn was fixated at the palm of his hand, "I just want him to move forward instead of just sitting and smoldering all the time."

Deesh had seen people when they 'help' others like that. "You only help in distancing him even further."

Estelle couldn't help but feel partly responsible for this bitterness, "Flynn, I…"

Flynn forced a smile on his face, "I'm sorry you had to see that."

Ioder turned to Estelle, "So, what do you plan to do now?"

"I wonder," she turned to Flynn, "if it's okay for me to go with him…"

"Why?"

"I feel like so much has changed during my journey with Yuri. The empire, the world…and myself."

"I see." Flynn turned to the others, "Ms. Aile! Tell Yuri I'm trusting him to look after her."

Aile politely bowed, "Giro Express always delivers."

Estelle didn't think Flynn would agree, "Is it really all right?"

Flynn smiled, "Certainly. I would prefer to protect you myself, but I'm afraid with our mission we don't have the resources. At least if it's Yuri I don't have to worry."

"You really believe in him, don't you?"

"I do."

Shadow was quick to point out, "Not to rush, but if we don't hurry Yuri might decide to chase after the magistrate or Barbos alone."