Climbing the tower, they ran into more Blood Alliances members working on fixing the tower or fighting off some of the monsters that started infesting the place since the sandstorm was stopped. Rita was both amazed and infuriated by what she saw within the tower. However, what was more infuriating was forcing the machine to activate in such a haphazard state just to lower the stairs necessary to climb further up.

The group speculated that the Blood Alliance alone couldn't have built or funded the construction of this tower. They probably 'borrowed' from Ragou without him realizing while assisting with his other projects like the weather controlling blastia.

They reached the most elaborate room yet, with the flow of aer in the central tube just flowing to the top without them having to start up any of the gears around them. At the elevator, Deesh glanced back, particularly to Karol, "Be warry, a cornered beast is the most dangerous… no matter the species."

Shadow had to sigh, "You know, just once I'd like the big bad to be an easy pushover. It'd make everyone's day so much better."

When they reached the top, many of the gears were in motion, though definitely slower than when Yuri, Aile and the Dragon Rider first attacked. Barbos was waiting for them. "Back again huh, you stubborn punk?"

Yuri shrugged, "Sorry to keep you waiting."

Rita pointed at the strange mechanical blade in Barbos' hand, specifically the core in the base, "Hey, the core in that sword! Is that the core to the aque blastia?"

Yuri wasn't completely certain, though the jewel would fit the fountain in the lower quarter, "Yeah, it's gotta be."

Barbos, however, had enough of all of this, "These fools don't know when to give up. Capua Nor, Dahngrest, and now all the way to Ghasfarost! I've always hated kids."

Estelle stepped forward, as princess to the empire, "Barbos, this has gone on long enough. Save what's left of your honor and give up!"

Barbos huffed, "Oh, this is far from finished. I've put 10 years into building Ghasfarost Spire, and while it stands, nothing can stop me! And with that man and the empire wrapped around my finger, I was able to build my magnificent blastia." He started firing off blasts of energy at the menagerie of people, forcing them all to jump down to one of the lower platforms just above the highly dense aer running throughout the tower.

Shadow mocked him, "A tower with limited supplies and only a sandstorm for cover…yeah you're definitely unbeatable. I mean unless you've got some kind of super laser you can shot from here and hit anything on this planet."

Yuri wasn't too interested in the yelling of a madman, "You think I'm just gonna let you waste the lower quarter's core like this?"

Barbos used his enhanced sword to float down to the platform, "Oh, it won't go to waste. I'll use this to eliminate Whitehorse, and then I will be leader of the guilds. Then the empire is next! With this power at my disposal, the very world will be mine! And I'll start with you. Be gone, worms!" Barbos started blasting the area around the group again.

Yuri scoffed after unsheathing his sword, "That sword is going to be a problem."

Raven was dusting himself off, "Problem? Is that thing even legal?"

Judith readied her spear, "It is very powerful."

Barbos laughed maniacally, "The blastia seems to be working just fine!" as he raised the sword to show off it started to blast parts of the tower.

Estelle was the first to voice her confusion on Barbos' actions, "What…?"

Barbos even seemed perplexed by the sudden uncontrolled attack on his own tower, "What's wrong?"

Yuri saw this as an opportunity, "You haven't won yet."

Barbos was still uncertain what just occurred, but he wasn't going to give up now, "All right, playtime's over! Time to wipe Dahngrest off the map, and you along with it!"

As Barbos started to charge the blade to strike them all down, a dark figure stood above on the top platform. "Get down." Just like in Keiv Moc, Duke's mysterious weapon started to resonate with the aer around them before zoning in on Barbos' charging sword.

"What?!" the built-up energy in the sword suddenly became violent and exploded, destroying the top of Barbos' sword. Fortunately for Yuri, it seemed that the aque blastia didn't receive any damage.

Raven scoffed as he saw the back of Duke's head leave, "What happened to not having any time or interest?"

"Hey, that…!"

Yuri quickly shouted, "Rita never mind that!"

Barbos was furious, slamming the weapon on the ground as it blew what little energy it could muster. "…Piece of crap!"

It would seem Barbos didn't notice the outside interference, and Yuri was sure to make sure he didn't, "Looks like the tables have turned, Barbos."

Barbos threw the broke weapon aside, "…So all that fancy wisdom and the power of the blastia were nothing but a sham…" Some Blood Alliance goons showed up, two of them carrying Barbos' original blade, as Barbos picked it up one handed, "Should have known from the start that I'd have to depend on my own strength. Take up your swords!"

Raven pretended to have a headache, "You know, he was so much easier to deal with when he was all drunk-on power."

Rita scoffed, "Yeah, there's nothing worse than an enlightened idiot."

Aile couldn't agree more, "Sometimes they're more dangerous than an unintended fool."

The goons around Barbos were ready for battle, as Barbos himself waved his massive sword, "I am the only man to stand as Whitehorse's equal in battle. Now you will know the power of Barbos the Stormblast… and his Blood Alliance!"

Aile quickly scanned the strange orbs around the platform, and fortunately they were just what she thought they were. She activated her HX forms blades, "Yuri, you guys focus on the Blood Alliance. Shadow and I will scrub some systems," glancing to Shadow as she tilted her head slightly to one of the 4 green orbs.

"Stopping the adds, not a problem." Shadow rushed past the first Blood Alliance member who tried to stop her. She didn't even bother to retaliate, instead pulling out her shotgun and shattering the first orb to pieces. Immediately the gear bridge that connected to platform to an elevator withdrew.

Aile went toward the opposite side of the platform and easily cut through the orb with her blades. Aile and Shadow were completely focused on the orbs, leaving Barbos and the Blood Alliance to the others. Deesh shot an arrow into the arm of Blood Alliance trying to attack Shadow from behind. "Did you already forget about us? I guess you don't mind turning your backs to an enemy for a free kill."

Shadow laughed, "Come on, let 'em try. Shade always has my back." Her weapon started glowing as it disappeared, and a new weapon was now in her hands. She took aim at the next orb and fired, shattered from a single shot. "I can't image they'd do much against Aile armor either."

Aile however took the second orb, falling back as she kept it away from the remaining Blood Alliance members, "Rather not give them the chance to aim for any unarmored areas, thanks." Rather than joining the battle, Aile was going to focus on keeping the orb safe to prevent any more reinforcements or getting the others stuck on the platform.

Deesh was showing no mercy to any of the Blood Alliance she confronted, killing them, or throwing them off the platform to their demise in the mass of aer. She noticed Estelle and Karol were only subduing the Blood Alliance they fought.

While the grunts were being taken care of, Raven, Rita, Judith, and Yuri were focused on Barbos, whittling away at the large guild master. By the time Deesh could assist with fighting Barbos, the fight was about over. Barbos was bleeding, with arrows in his shoulder and leg, as he struggled to keep himself standing.

Barbos used his mace hand to break the arrows in his shoulder, though Yuri wanted to finish the job he knew others needed Barbos alive. So, he tried to taunt him into surrendering, "Your henchmen have run out on you… that's it, Barbos. It looks like you were the fool who didn't know when to give up."

Barbos was breathing heavily, laughing, "Perhaps you are right."

Estelle was hopeful, "Then you'll surrender…"

"I…I won't be humiliated any more than this." His one eye focused on Yuri, "…Yuri, was it? You remind me of Whitehorse in his youth… You're his spitting image."

Yuri pretended to get a shiver down his spine, "Hope you're not saying I'm gonna end up like that old man. Not exactly something to look forward to."

Barbos stagger a bit backwards, "Like the Don, sooner or later you will make great enemies in this world." He then used his massive sword to steady himself, "…And then that world will consume you whole. Regret, sorrow, and despair will hound you all the way to hell, and I will be waiting there for you."

Deesh was the first to realize that during this dialogue Barbos had been slowly positioning himself near the edge of the platform. She could at least respect that he planned to end his life on his terms rather than by someone else's blade. Regardless, Yuri still tried to stop him but failed as Barbos himself knew he was too far for any of them to reach him in time.

All they could do was watch as Barbos fell into the thick aer in the bowels of his tower. If there was any kind of comfort, Barbos would die long before he could hit the ground. A few of the Blood Alliance who were trying to hotwire the walkways had disappeared, knowing their guild master's plan given his words and their lack of progress on activating the bridge. With all said and done, Aile proceeded to activate one of the bridges so they could leave the tower.

The descent down the tower was silent, with many in the group still reflecting on Barbos' final act of defiance. Once they were outside Yuri carefully held up the blastia core, "I'm glad the core is safe." He didn't bother saying anything when he first retrieved it from Barbos' destroyed weapon, then again, Yuri also knew it wasn't the time for such small talk.

"Wow, the aque blastia core is so small." Estelle was surprised by the small size due to how vital it was for the lower quarter of the capital.

Shadow was happy for Yuri, "Well at least one problem was solved today."

Estelle nodded, "Yes, but we weren't able to take Barbos into custody…"

Rita couldn't care, "What are you talking about? A creep like that is better off—" Yuri immediately cut her off by using the blastia in his hand to hit her shoulder, "Ow!"

Aile had another concern and was willing to help divert the topic, "So, does that core still function? I mean it was at the epicenter of Duke destroying the sword, not to mention how much Barbos used that sword…"

Rita was still rubbing her shoulder, giving Yuri the stink eye. Though she diverted her gaze to the core, "Blastia cores don't break all that easily."

"Huh. Bet you didn't know that, did ya Ra—" Karol looked around seeing that Raven wasn't around, "…Raven?"

Rita huffed, "Jeez, what is up with that guy… Just showing up whenever he wants."

Karol hid behind Deesh, "You're one to talk, Rita."

Judith was amused by all their interactions, "It takes all kinds, I suppose."

Deesh pushed Karol away with her tail to start moving, "He's one of Whitehorse's best man. Raven's probably reporting the situation as we speak. And if we're lucky we might get to see the knights carting off that little worm when we return."

Yuri though was lamenting about something, and Estelle had to ask, "Why do you look so sad? Are you okay?"

"Yuri looked back to the core in his hand, "I was just thinking, I still owe that creep Dedecchi a good beating."

Karol was quick to question him, "You got the blastia back, isn't that enough? Why chase after some stupid thief?"

Yuri sighed, "Yeah, I guess you're right. If I ever cross paths with him though, he's in for a surprise." Yuri finally started thinking about what Barbos said, "…Waiting for me in hell, huh? Why'd he have to go and say that?"

Deesh huffed, "Barbos was a dead man, even if we captured him."

Karol was eager to get back home, "Hey, come on already, let's get back to Dahngrest."

Judith however stayed, "Well, I will take my leave from you here."

Yuri nodded, "Off to meet up with your partner?"

"Partner?" Estelle looked between Yuri and Judith, "Who do you mean?"

Judith couldn't look at Estelle directly, looking out to the desert, "We'll be operating individually from now on. that way we won't interfere with each other's work."

Yuri didn't see a reason to ask, or expose her identity, "I see. Well, see you later."

"Yeah…"

As soon as they returned to Dahngrest a large crowd had gathered, as Karol noticed why, "Look the Knights have come back."

It became apparent why as shouting could be heard all the way to the bridge entering the city. "I'm innocent, I tell you!" A handful of Knights were restraining Ragou, some even at weapon point, "This is a plot by the Knights to destroy the Council!"

Rita was cleaning her ear, "He doesn't know when to quit, does he?"

Estelle had other people on her mind, "Where's Flynn?"

Yuri was also looking in earnest, "I can't make him out from here."

Despite his current circumstance, Ragou was still trying to cause a ruckus, "You must not be taken in by the Knights! They only plan to crush this town once you've all been lured into a false sense of safety!"

"On the honor of the Imperial Knights, I swear that we would never perpetrate such disloyalty."

Ragou struggled to glance back with halberds to his neck, "You're…Flynn Scifo!"

Flynn announced for all in the square to hear, "The empire and the Union have joined in a treaty of friendship."

"What? Impossible…"

Flynn nodded, "At this moment, Don Whitehorse and His Highness Ioder are in council together. It's only a matter of time until it's made official."

"But how…? I thought that cursed Alexei was tied up in other matters."

"Yes. It is true that our Commandant could only make a brief appearance before returning to the capital."

"Then…on whose authority…?" Slowly the pieces fell into place in his mind, as Ragou bore daggers at Flynn, "…No! This can't mean my plans have been ruined by this…this boy!"

Estelle was pleased by the turn of events as they watched the Knights escort Ragou out in chains, "This will put an end to the suffering of the people of Capua Nor as well."

Deesh wasn't so cheerful about it. "They should just publicly executed him here and now."

Shadow slowly nodded, "Hate to agree with the heartless lizard, but I think so too. The bastard might pull some noble strings or something."

Aile wanted to be hopeful, "If this empire has a council, then that means there are some checks and balances in place. After everything Ragou has done, even he can't escape judgement."

Deesh quickly pointed out, "And none of us know fully how this empire works. I won't hold my breath on that human's punishment."

Yuri wanted to have some hope. "Here's hoping the next magistrate they get is more of a stand-up guy."

Estelle reassured them, "I will do what I can to make sure a worthy person is chosen when I get back to the castle."

Karol wasn't expecting that, "To the castle… You mean, you're going back to the capital, Estelle?"

She nodded, "…Yes. With Ragou gone, the rest of the castle should have returned to normal."

"But you don't really want to go back."

Estelle seemed confused by Yuri's remarks, "What do you mean?"

Yuri partially teasing her, "I can see it in your face."

"No…I…I…"

Yuri callously remarked, "Well, you should do what suits you best. You've made up your own mind, right?"

Estelle's gaze fixed on Flynn as he followed his fellow soldiers, "…I will go back. I don't want Flynn or anyone else to have to worry about me anymore…"

With everything settling down, Flynn finally turned to them as he gave Yuri a signal as he responded in kind. "It's going to be lonely without her, won't it, Repede?" Repede himself didn't seem too interested.

Deesh pressed on, "Let us rest now. With our journey across that small desert and word of these talks underway, there's nothing more for us to do."

Aile walked off on her own, "I'm going to explore the city for now. I'm curious about a few things."

In truth Deesh still didn't believe anything that the humans do would be enough to punish Ragou for all of his actions. Especially given how easily he slipped away back at Capua Torim. As she watched the knight's camp Deesh soon found that slippery bastard and it seemed he had been let go, not that any of Flynn's knights were pleased about it either. Ragou was too close to the knights and the city to eliminate him now, but he would need to leave the city and that would be an opportunity Deesh would not pass up. She also knew that Yuri would undoubtedly plan his own attack around that time too, not that the boy has any real practice in assassinations. Deesh could only hope that she could eliminate Ragou's escort and reach Ragou to ensure a clean elimination without leaving any evidence of the deed. Especially with how innocent Estelle was regarding the harsher parts of the world.