The others were waiting for Atreus when he left the castle, standing by the carriage. Atreus smiled as he waved at them, before heading over. The bag he had slung over his shoulders felt heavy with the new gear that he had received, and he couldn't wait to hand them to his party members.

'So,' Vandri said, smirking as she folded both of her arms. 'I heard you got the Bow Hero in trouble.'

'Yeah,' Atreus said. 'Turned out he tried to hang the prince. The King really made sure they'd have it.'

'Nice!' Rino said. 'Serves the Bow Hero right for trying to murder someone! That Okaya guy really is a nasty piece of work, right?'

'Tell me about it. I knew something was wrong when I first saw him.'

'Either way, it's good that you saved the prince,' Raphtalia said. 'I can't imagine what would've happened had you not been there.'

'You said it. Oh yeah, I got these sweet new gear as well.'

Atreus opened up his bag, handing over the new gear to his party members one by one. He was already wearing one of the new gear; A white and gold mask decorated with a single red feather that covered the right side of his face and increased his defences substantially. He pulled out a silver gauntlet and handed it to Vandri, who promptly put it on her arm. Vandri smirked as she examined the gauntlet and felt her strength increase tenfold. To Raphtalia Atreus gifted a small Jade Amulet that increased her stats greatly, while Rino received a Silver Dragon Ring that empowered her Magic. To Drífa, Atreus gave a metallic claw that increased both her agility and strength. Finally, Atreus pulled out a bronze, rectangular shield and handed it to Kratos.

'What is this?' Kratos asked, as he examined the shield.

'It's an Attack Absorption Shield,' Atreus explained. 'Apparently it can absorb physical attacks and empower your attacks. It might prove useful.'

Kratos nodded in understanding and put the shield on. Smiling, Atreus opened up his Status to check his stats. His defence and the stats of his party members had increased greatly, and they had all reached level 40. He frowned as he noticed a star beside his party member's names, sans his own and Kratos.

'What is it, lad?' Mimir asked.

'That's odd,' Atreus said. 'Raphtalia, Drífa, Vandri and Rino are all level 40. There's a small star next to each of their names.'

'Hm, that is odd,' Mimir said. 'I wonder what that means?'

'I know,' Rino said. 'It means we've reached the Level Cap.'

'Level Cap? What's that?'

'It means that once we've reached a certain level,' Rino explained, 'then we can no longer level up. We stop gaining experience from killing monsters until the Level Cap is broken.'

'Okay? And how are we supposed to do that?'

'From the Dragon Hourglass,' Rino explained patiently. 'By using the Dragon Hourglass, we can perform something called the Class Up Ceremony. Not only will it allow us to level up further, but we can also pick a specific Class Up path of our choosing, gaining different stats.'

'Alright, thanks for explaining,' Atreus said. 'I think it's about time we left this Territory and head back to Melromarc.'

'Yes, let's,' Mimir said. 'I say, this has been quite the adventure we've had.'

'Oh, Master, I want to be able to spit poison!' Drífa said excitedly. 'Just like the Dragon we slew a while back!'

'Of course you would, ya big, dumb animal!' Vandri said mockingly. Drífa turned on Vandri, her nostrils flaring in anger.

'What did you call me, you big meanie?!' she said, and the two of them stared each other down. Vandri snarled and bared her fangs, while Drífa pouted childishly. It seemed like they were about to come to blows again. Then, they pulled away, laughing amiably. It appeared they were on better terms since the Dragon. Atreus chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck.

'Alright, let's get going already,' he said. The others nodded in agreement, climbing onto the carriage. Drífa turned into her Filolial form and took the reins of the carriage, beginning to pull. As they made their way through the streets, they caught sight of the people, who all grumbled to themselves angrily.

'I can't believe the Bow Hero would do such a thing,' one man said. 'After everything we've done for him, this is how he repays our hospitality? By trying to hang our Prince?'

'We've been deceived,' another said. 'That demon lied to us. He tried to act as a saviour, when he is really a devil. I cannot believe I ever shook his hand.'

'Man, the people here sound pretty heartbroken,' Rino observed.

'They admired Okaya,' Atreus said. 'They looked up to him, saw him as a saint. They're probably feeling really angry right now.'

'Aye. Damn that Okaya,' Mimir said. 'Kratos, next time we see him, throw me at him. I'd like to bite his bloody head off.'

'Oh my goodness, is that a Filolial?!'

Drífa came to a sudden stop, causing the carriage to shake. The group yelped as they were rocked back and forth, gripping onto the crates tightly. Raising an eyebrow, Atreus looked out of the carriage, peering out.

He saw a little girl, petting Drífa gently on the side. Drífa giggled softly, enjoying the affection. The others looked at the girl in front of them, utterly bewildered.

'Who's she?' Raphtalia asked.

'I don't know,' Atreus said. 'Why is she petting Drífa?'

The girl seemed young in age, possibly around the age of 10. She had large, round eyes coloured a deep blue, along with shoulder length blue hair that was tied into two wavy pigtails with a pair of blue ribbons. Her clothing too, was blue, mixed in with white. The dress appeared fancy and frilly, as if she had come from some rich family.

The young girl turned and froze when she saw the group. Blushing faintly from embarrassment, she bowed low before Atreus.

'Greetings, sir Hero,' the young girl said. 'Do forgive me for halting your journey, but I would like some help, if only you are willing?'

Atreus raised an eyebrow. She looked like she could be a princess. He thought on whether or not he should trust her.

'I guess?' he answered. 'Depends on what you need help with.'

The young girl shifted on one leg uneasily, a faint blush on her face.

'You see, sir Hero, I was travelling with my family to Melromarc, on an important business. Along the way, however, I got distracted by a group of Filolials, having a bit of an obsession with them. Sadly, I got lost from the group, and now I cannot find my way back. It would be really great if you could escort me to Castle Town, in Melromarc.'

Atreus rubbed his chin, thinking deeply. The girl didn't seem like someone who would backstab him. Yet, Myne Sophia had appeared the same way, until she had accused him and Kratos. He shuddered when he thought back to that day. After running through his options, he slowly nodded.

'Very well. I guess we can take you to Melromarc,' he finally answered. 'We were just on our way there as well.'

'Thank you, sir Hero, rest assured you will be compensated for your troubles.'

'Don't mention it. I don't think I need to tell you what will happen if you try to backstab us, or anything.'

'I would never think to do anything of the kind, sir Hero,' the girl replied, before climbing into the carriage. 'I will be on my best behaviour throughout the ride, I promise.'

Atreus only grunted in reply, dreading to imagine what her best behaviour would be. The carriage set off again, soon leaving the Northern Territory behind.

The group travelled down the road, a cool wind blowing from the distance. The wide plains looked beautiful at this time of day. The young girl kept to the back of the carriage, her head lowered, not raising any trouble as she had promised. Vandri sat nearby, her legs curled up and her head buried in her knees. Drífa whistled a tune as she pulled the carriage, in bliss. Mimir glanced at Vandri as he laid by Kratos's side. Something appeared to be on his mind, something he was debating whether to talk about. After a moment, he made up his mind.

'Hey, Vandri,' he said. 'I've been meaning to ask. How did you end up captured by those Bandits?'

Vandri looked up and glared at Mimir. It seemed like something that was bothering her greatly.

'Why do want to know?' she said. 'It shouldn't matter by now.'

'Oh, it's just…You seem really powerful, with your Wind Magic, and skills with your blade. Surely you would've been able to fend them off. Unless something had happened before then. Mind telling?'

'Do I have to?'

'Only if ya feel comfortable, lass. If not, then I'll just leave it at that.'

Vandri only turned away, her eyes lowered to the ground. It seemed she had become highly depressed. After a moment, she sighed.

'Fine,' she said. 'Since you seem to care so much. I…I wasn't always a loner, ya know? Everything was peaceful, once.'

'How so?' Rino asked.

'Before…All of this started…I once belonged to a tribe of Aotatsu, living with my mother and father. Things were great back then. I would play with my friends, out in the fields, until it became dark, and we were forced to head back home. My mother and father, bless them, they loved me. They would always step in to protect me, if ever I befell something terrible.' She sighed. 'Things were simple back then.'

'So what happened?' Mimir enquired.

'The Waves,' Vandri replied. 'That's what happened. The first one came when we were out playing in the fields. It came out of nowhere, so we had no chance to run. The monsters were upon us before we knew it, and there was no way to escape. For a moment, I had actually thought I was going to die. It was only because of my mother and father that I survived. But…They ended up getting killed. They died to protect me.'

Tears began to form in her eyes at the memory, and she closed her eyes softly.

'We tried to fight back, as best as we could. But it was useless. The monsters overwhelmed us, and the village was destroyed. Most of the people there had been killed. My friends…I couldn't save them. I tried to heal their wounds, but it was no good. I was forced to flee when a bunch of adventurers came. The few that survived were carried off to be made slaves.'

Raphtalia rubbed her back in sympathy, sniffling. She knew that pain all too well. Vandri shuddered as she wiped the tears from her eyes.

'After all that mess, I was on my own. I knew that I had to fight to survive. So I fought. I wandered the world alone, fighting to survive. Hunting whatever I could get my hands on. And then, one day, things went wrong.'

'What did?' Rino asked.

Vandri snarled, fury beginning to surge through her.

'Gred,' she answered. 'That slimy bastard. When I had met him he had appeared kind, sympathetic. Charismatic. He had come to me, offering to help me. He offered to let me join him, so I could find stability. Find strength, to protect those who cannot protect themselves. I should've known it was too good to be true. But I was blinded by his charisma and good looks. And so I went with him. We had adventured, for a time. But it was all a lie.'

She bared her fangs, utterly enraged.

'The little prick backstabbed me. When my back was turned, he knocked me out cold. When I came to, I was bound tightly in rope. He was dragging me towards a bunch of Bandits. I tried to break free, but the rope was too tight. Gred…He sold me to those damn Bandits for several silver coins, like I was worth nothing! Then he just…Left me!'

She slammed her fist onto the carriage in a rage, the memory running through her mind.

'So yeah, there's that,' she said, her voice becoming a low whisper. 'You can see why I grew to hate humans so much. The only thing humans care about are causing suffering to others, just for a quick coin or two. They never stop to consider the people they are hurting.'

She sighed and lowered her head back into her knees, betraying a small sob. Rino sat beside her, hugging her close. Vandri put her head into Rino's shoulders, shaking.

'I can't imagine anything crueller,' Rino said quietly. 'You did not deserve any of that.'

'Yeah,' Raphtalia agreed. 'I lost my parents during the Waves as well. I know your grief well.'

'And I too know what it's like to be betrayed by someone I thought I could trust,' Rino said, grimacing as she remembered Myne betraying her to the Slave Trader. 'It's a special kind of hell. Leaves you shattered. You can't trust anyone after that. You're not alone in this, Vandri.'

Vandri looked up, using one arm to wipe away the tears that had formed in her eyes. She took a single deep breath as she regained her composure.

'It's why I didn't trust you guys, at first,' she explained. 'I didn't have any way to know if you were anything like Gred. So I kept my guard up. Could you believe that I intended to kill you, Loki?'

'Yeah, I can understand why you'd act like that,' Atreus replied, turning back to look at her. 'I still can't believe Gred would betray you like that.'

'It was not your fault, Vandri,' Raphtalia said, putting a hand on Vandri's shoulder. 'You were desperate, and he took advantage of it. The blame is on him.'

Vandri sniffled, then betrayed a warm smile, looking at the others with happiness in her eyes.

'I…I never got the chance to say thank you. For saving me from the Bandits back there,' she said. 'So…Thank you. Loki, Kratos, Mimir, Raphtalia, Drífa, and Rino. Thank you all, for everything you've done for me. Just when I had given up on life, you all gave me a reason to keep fighting. You…You are all my new family.'

Raphtalia and Rino smiled, cuddling her close. Vandri returned their cuddles, tears of joy in her eyes.

'We'll always be here for you, Vandri,' Raphtalia said.

'Yeah, we'll always be by your side, no matter what,' Rino said.

Vandri let out a small sob as she held them close, taking solace in their touch. They stayed that way for the entire trip, comforting Vandri.

They finally reached Castle Town after a few days of travelling. The streets at this time were crowded with people going about their business. The carriage came to a stop, and the girl climbed out, turning and bowing to Atreus.

'This is it,' the girl said. 'Now that I'm here, I have something very important to take care of. Here, take these as monetary compensation.' She pulled out a few gold coins from a small pouch, handing them to Atreus. 'Thank you, Shield Hero.'

'Don't mention it,' Atreus said, accepting the gold coins. He still couldn't shake off the suspicion he had for her. 'Just stay safe out there, alright? We've got other things to worry about.'

'Of course. May we meet again, Shield Hero.'

'Yeah, yeah.'

With that, the girl turned away, heading down the street. Atreus watched her walk away, feeling his body release a tension he had subconsciously been holding.

'Lad, I couldn't help but notice how you behaved around her,' Mimir said. 'Is there anything wrong?'

'I don't know,' Atreus answered. 'It's just…It's just this feeling I got. I feel like we shouldn't trust her, somehow.'

'But why? She hasn't done anything wrong to us,' Raphtalia said.

'Not yet, at least,' Atreus muttered in reply, before shaking his head. 'Forget it. We're here anyway. Let's just do what we came here for and get those Class Ups.'

Atreus began to walk away, not stopping for the others. The others looked at each other, confused, before they all rushed to keep up with Atreus.

Atreus sighed and bowed his head, rubbing the back of his neck uneasily as he was lost in thought. Why did he feel distrustful towards that girl? Raphtalia was right. The girl hadn't tried anything in the time they were travelling with her. Yet, it was only because Atreus kept an eye on her. It was a feeling he couldn't explain. He had felt it before, when he first saw Myne. Was it perhaps of how she acted? Possibly. Myne had acted the same way, before Atreus dismissed her. Then it was like a switch flipped in her brain. Atreus shook his head. Whatever important business the girl had to sort out, Atreus could only hope that she wasn't going to accuse him.

'LOOKIIIIII!'

Atreus looked up, and barely managed to raise his shield as Motoyasu came charging at him. He grunted as he took the brunt of Motoyasu's Chaos Spear attack, though a few jabs managed to pierce him. With a yell, he threw Motoyasu to the ground, snarling as Motoyasu quickly got to his feet.

'What the Hel are you doing?!' Atreus yelled. 'Have you gone mad, or something?! What gives?!'

'You! Tell me, what have you done with her?!' Motoyasu yelled, gripping his spear tightly.

'What the Hel are you even talking about?!' Atreus said. 'Are you seriously still going after Raphtalia?'

'I'm not talking about her!' Motoyasu explained. 'I'm talking about Rino! I know you have her hostage! Give her back!'

The townspeople muttered to themselves as they witnessed the spectacle. Atreus looked past Motoyasu and saw Myne standing behind him, a wicked smile on her face, alongside Motoyasu's party members. He was a bit perturbed to see that his party consisted entirely of women. The other members of Atreus' party soon arrived and froze upon seeing Motoyasu.

'What the bloody Hel's going on here?' Mimir asked.

'It's Motoyasu,' Atreus said, looking back at them. 'Apparently he thinks I've kidnapped Rino.'

'That's right! And you better give her back, or else I'll make you pay!' Motoyasu yelled out, tightening his grip on his Spear as he prepared to fight. Rino let out a gasp as she recognized Motoyasu and Myne, her eyes widening in shock. Myne looked at Rino with a hint of shock on her face, her lips tightening as her eye twitched irritably. It was evident that she didn't expect to see Rino again.

'You,' Myne said, aghast. 'How did you-?'

Motoyasu suddenly bolted forward, taking Rino's hands into his, concern in his eyes.

'Rino! Are you alright?' He asked softly. 'Did the Shield Hero hurt you?'

Rino only looked at him, fury in her eyes. Then she threw a hard kick to his groin. Motoyasu keeled over, grasping his groin in pain.

'No,' Rino said, venom in her voice. 'I have not been harmed by the Shield Hero. In fact, he has been treating me well. Ever since that little demon tried to sell me into slavery!'

She pointed one finger towards Myne, who only glared at her furiously.

'That…That can't be true!' Motoyasu said, slowly getting to his feet. 'Myne…Myne would never do anything like that!'

'It's true,' Atreus said. 'We saw the Slave Trader try to enslave her. We were just barely able to save her.'

'Lies!' Motoyasu said stubbornly. 'Myne's a good, honest person. Right?' He turned to Myne for reassurance. Myne smirked sadistically.

'Come now, Rino. I was only looking for a way to ensure our…Financial stability. You can't blame a girl for thinking outside the box.'

'Financial stability?!' Rino retorted. 'Is that what you're calling it? You tried to sell me into slavery like I was some sort of trash! Do you know how twisted that is?!'

'Even trash has its uses. If you know how to use it,' Myne said softly, smirking.

'Enough! This is ridiculous!' Motoyasu interjected. 'Rino, we can't just jump to conclusions based on emotions here! Myne has always been good for us!'

'Easy for you to say!' Atreus said, furious at the hypocrisy. 'Good people don't backstab their friends and sell them into slavery! Rino, what was Motoyasu doing when Myne dragged you to the Slave Trader?'

Rino snarled as she glared at Motoyasu, hate and rage in her eyes.

'Nothing! He just stood there as I was dragged away! You didn't even raise a finger to help me, Motoyasu! I screamed and screamed for you to help me, but you didn't listen! It's as if you refuse to listen to things you don't want to hear! How can you even defend someone like her?!'

'Because I trust her, Rino!' Motoyasu answered. Atreus was dumbfounded to realize that Motoyasu genuinely believed it. 'She's been with us through thick and thin!'

'You see, even your own ally doesn't believe you,' Myne said, letting out a shrill laugh.

'We do!' Mimir said, gritting his teeth in anger. 'You may have Motoyasu fooled, but not us!'

'Yeah, we're with Rino every step of the way!' Vandri said, snarling as she stood by Rino's side. Rino couldn't help but smile, feeling empowered by her allies' support. Motoyasu stared at Rino, utterly confused.

'Rino, I don't understand,' he said softly. 'How can you even be with someone like him? After all he's done? Do you not know of the crimes he's committed? Against Myne? He's a monster!'

'Monster or not, he's treated me far better than you and Myne ever did!' Rino fired back, frowning. 'I can't believe I was stupid enough to ever trust you and Myne! She's not an angel, she's a demon!'

Motoyasu squirmed, highly uncomfortable as he raised his hands pleadingly.

'Rino, I think you're just making assumptions. Myne is-'

'Assumptions?' Atreus interrupted. 'She's not making assumptions, Motoyasu, she's stating facts! You are so blindly devoted to Myne that you can't even see how she's using you! Your stupidity is staggering! You need to think with your head, not your crotch!'

Motoyasu growled as he turned on Atreus, frowning.

'You think I'm stupid for trusting my companions?!' he said in frustration. 'Myne has always been there for us!'

'Sure, "been there for us". Until Myne tried to sell Rino into slavery! When are you going to wake up?! She's not your friend, she's a snake in a pretty dress! You know, for a traumatised rape victim, she's not even bothering to act like one!'

'Watch your mouth, Shield Hero!' Myne yelled out, her rage flaring. 'You think you're so much better than me and Motoyasu? Just because you can shout doesn't mean you are right!'

'Oh, we don't need to shout to be right,' Rino said. 'Not when we have truth on our side! You're just a spoiled brat playing games while pretending to be strong! And Motoyasu?'

'What about me?' Motoyasu said defensively.

'You need to see people for who they really are, not as you want them to be,' Rino said, her voice flattening. 'Myne is poison, and you'll rot to nothing before you realize it. Come on guys, we've wasted enough time here already.'

'Right,' Atreus answered. The group turned and walked away, leaving Motoyasu and Myne behind.

'Rino, wait!' Motoyasu called out after her. Rino stopped for a moment and glared back at Motoyasu.

'You may not have to believe me right now. But keep your eyes open. Maybe one day you'll actually thank me.'

With that, the group turned away, leaving the townspeople, Motoyasu and Myne behind. Ren came out from the shadows with his party members, his arms folded as he stared at Motoyasu, having watched his argument with Atreus and Rino.

'Sheesh. What a way to bungle that one up,' he said cooly. Motoyasu only shrugged at him, sighing.

The group made their way to the Clocktower, where the Dragon Hourglass was held. They came upon a female nun as they made their way to the Dragon Hourglass, who bowed low before them.

'Good evening. How may we help you?' the Nun asked, feigning a friendly smile.

'Hey, I need a Class Up,' Atreus explained. 'For like, everyone in my party.'

'Oh?' The Nun looked between Atreus and his allies. 'Well, in that case, I will need 15 gold coins from each of you.'

'Seriously? No way that's legal,' Rino muttered. The nun remained calm and unmoving, but she appeared to be smirking at them.

Atreus groaned as he pulled out several gold coins and showed them to the Nun. It was enough for only two of their allies, though there was still time before the next Wave. The Nun stared at the gold, before she ran off for a moment, soon coming back with a few documents.

'I'm sorry, but I'm afraid we cannot do that,' the Nun explained. 'We have been barred from giving the Shield Hero a Class Up.'

'What?' Rino said sternly. 'How come?'

'It's a Royal Order,' the Nun explained. 'The Shield Hero and his party are prohibited from the Class Up.'

'Seriously?!' Rino snapped, causing a few knights nearby to snap to attention. 'First you give us an illegal price, now you say that we are prohibited from a Class Up?!'

'No doubt because of that Trash King!' Mimir said bitterly. 'I swear, I'll gnaw his bloody face off.' Kratos grunted as he stepped forward, frowning as he glared at the Nun.

'I had told the King,' Kratos said calmly, 'that he would suffer if he dared tried to hinder us. I told him that I would hunt him down if he tried to hurt us, or my son. Do you intend on hindering us as well?'

The Nun looked up at Kratos. She showed no sign of fear, or anxiety, or anger on her face, though she appeared to frown briefly.

'That we are well aware of, Kratos,' the Nun said. 'However, we are unable to defy a Royal Order. If we do, the consequences shall be severe for us. That is to say, we shall be executed for aiding the Shield Demon.'

Kratos took in a single deep breath in order to keep his anger under control, glaring at the Nun. Atreus huffed as he folded his arms, frowning.

'Shield Demon?' Mimir muttered to Atreus. 'Is that what they're calling you now? Bloody Hel…' Atreus turned from the Nun, his face stern.

'Let's go,' he said. 'We'll find another way.'

He began to walk away, not daring to look back as he left the clocktower. The others hesitated for a moment, before they followed Atreus. Kratos took a moment to glare at the Nun, before he too left, pounding his fist hard on a wall.

The group stood outside the clocktower, gathering close to each other as they thought of their next move. The mood among them was of frustration and anger.

'So, what now?' Raphtalia asked.

'I reckon we go teach that bastard King a lesson,' Vandri said, pulling out her sword.

'If that's the case, then I want in,' Mimir replied. 'I look forward to seeing that King's head chopped off.'

'Forget it,' Atreus said. 'Our time is far too precious to waste it on Trash like him. There's gotta be another way…'

The group stood for a time, thinking. Kratos lowered his head, before he got an idea, and turned to Rino.

'Rino,' he said. 'The Dragon Hourglass. Are there others in this world?'

'Hmm?' Rino said as she looked at Kratos, perplexed, before she rubbed her chin thoughtfully, thinking.

'Let me think…Yes,' she said, remembering. 'There are multiple Dragon Hourglasses. Each country has its own Hourglass.'

'Is it possible for us to get a Class Up in any of those countries?' Kratos enquired.

'Yes,' Rino answered. 'They pretty much function the same way, though it would be difficult to earn their trust. Are you thinking we should go to another country?'

'Yes,' Kratos said.

'Oh? Oh, yeah, good thinking father,' Atreus said. 'What's the nearest country from here?'

'Well…I would recommend the Demi-Human kingdoms of Siltvelt,' Rino said. 'It's located northeast from here. Siltvelt has historically been known to worship the Shield Hero like a deity. It would be relatively easy for us to earn their trust. They should let us into their borders with little trouble.'

'Sounds nifty,' Mimir said. 'And how far is Siltvelt from here, may I ask?'

'It's about…A month or so on foot, and 2 weeks by boat,' Rino said. 'They're the same distance as Shieldfreeden.'

'With Drífa's speed, we should be able to get there in half that time, maybe even less,' Vandri said. 'Let's do it.'

'Yes, lets!' Raphtalia said.

'I'd like to go to Siltvelt too, master!' Drífa said.

'Alright, Siltvelt then,' Atreus said.

'Well, if we're all agreed on that, then Siltvelt we shall go!'

Atreus nodded, before checking his status quickly.

'We've got about a few days left until the next Wave,' Atreus said. 'We'll get rid of the next Wave, before we start our travel to Siltvelt. Until then, we should prepare.'

'Hey, Shield Hero!'

The others turned to find Almeric walking towards them, alongside several knights. Atreus smiled as Almeric and the knights knelt before him in respect. It felt a relief to meet someone who respected him.

'Almeric,' Atreus greeted. 'It's been a while. How's it going?'

'It has,' Almeric said as he and the other knights got to their feet. 'Things have been doing well, all things considered. Ever since the Wave a month back, I have been promoted to Captain. As such, I am now in charge of the knights of Melromarc. It's difficult, at times, but I have been managing well enough. How have you been holding up since we last met?'

'Not good,' Atreus said with a sigh. 'We've just found out that we've been prohibited from the Class Up.'

'You are lying,' Captain Almeric said, in disbelief.

'It's true,' Mimir replied. 'Royal Order. That bloody King, he always seems to find new ways to piss us off!'

'I understand your anger,' Captain Almeric said. 'It is a shame that the King has treated you so. You may not believe me, but our King was wise, once.'

'Oh, really?' Atreus asked sarcastically.

'It is true,' Captain Almeric went on. 'Our King had been known as the Wise King of Melromarc, renowned for his tactical brilliance and wisdom. At least, so I have heard. But I fear our King has become…Senile, in his older years.'

'Tell us about it,' Mimir interjected.

'Worse, I fear that his daughter has been taking advantage of his old mind and influenced his actions,' Almeric said. 'We would normally try to talk to him, but the King spoils his daughter. If we spoke out, the King's daughter would turn him against us, and he would have us executed.'

'The King and his daughter are both trash,' Vandri said, snarling. 'Someone needs to stop them, before they cause more trouble.'

'On that, we are both agreed,' Almeric replied. 'Fortunately, the Queen should be back from her trip any day now. She's wise. Wiser than her husband. She'll fix things.'

'Captain Almeric,' Kratos said. 'Was there a reason you wanted to see us?'

'Yes. I have been thinking, since I've become Captain. I believe that it would not be fair to have the Shield Hero fight alone.' Captain Almeric turned to Atreus. 'Shield Hero, if you may permit it, me and my men would like to aid you in the upcoming Wave.'

Atreus folded his arms, thinking for a moment. Then, he slowly nodded.

'Alright,' he said. 'You've been kind to us so far, so I'll allow you to fight alongside us. I do not think I need to tell you what would happen if you backstab us.'

'We would never,' Captain Almeric said. 'You helped us repel the Wave a month back. What kind of a man would I be if I did not try to at least repay you? You have my word that we shall fight by your side, no matter what.'

'If that's the case,' Atreus said, 'then how about we go somewhere private? I know a place we can go to in order to discuss our plan for the Wave.'

'A good idea,' Captain Almeric replied. 'Do lead the way.'

'Hey, Shield Hero! I need to talk to you!'

The group had made to leave when they suddenly caught sight of someone heading straight towards them. It was the girl from before, the one wearing the blue dress. Atreus raised an eyebrow as he stared at her, perplexed.

'What's she doing here?' Atreus said.

'I do not know. But it would be wise to listen to her,' Captain Almeric said, his voice flattened. He seemed to regard the girl with a sense of respect. The girl put her hands on her hips as she stared Atreus down, frowning.

'Sir Shield Hero, on my order, I demand that you speak to my father, King Aultcray XXXII! I would very much like that you put your childish hatred with my father to rest!'

The group only stood and stared, perplexed. Kratos and Mimir especially were left speechless at the revelation that they were talking to a princess of Melromarc. Atreus froze as he glared at her, frowning as he stared her down.

'The book I found in the library did not mention a second princess.'