Trails of a Junior Bracer in Crossbell

by KurobaraIto

Summary:

"Wait... Lloyd? Lloyd Bannings?"

"Oh?" Embarrassingly, it took Lloyd several seconds to remember the name of the pink-haired girl in front of him. "Juna, right? Juna Crawford."

It was an unplanned reunion. Nobody would ever knew those words uttered by the two people would change Crossbell and Zemuria.

Notes:

• Inspired by If I had to be isekaid to a JRPG with harem, can't I be the harem protag instead of a harem member? by FengLengshun, randomguy13

Chapter 1

---

The SSS stopped in front of Bellheim Apartment building. When Elie noticed the thoughtful look on Lloyd's face, she couldn't but ask. "What's wrong, Lloyd?"

"Ah, nothing. This is the apartment I grew up in back when I lived with my late older brother. I was thinking about visiting an old neighbor."

"Well, why don't you say so?" Randy patted Lloyd on the shoulder. "Let's go."

"Please don't push him, Randy. Lloyd might feel pressured," Tio sighed. "Lloyd, if you don't want to, let's just go."

She then whispered under her breath. "I know the feeling well."

"No, no. I'm not feeling pressured at all. I'm just thinking about what to say, especially considering... no, never mind."

The other member of the SSS realized that Lloyd was about to say something about him but caught himself. Despite feeling the chemistry growing within the group, they were still familiarizing themselves with each other's habits. If Lloyd didn't want to share it now, they understood that.

Randy grinned. "Well, just say a variation of long time no see! C'mon, it's not hard at all," he tried to ease Lloyd.

But before they continued, the door was opened, and a figure came out. The figure has pink hair and a slender body. She wore casual combat attire and had a wooden sword on her hips. The figure looked at the commotion that came from the SSS and blinked.

"Wait... Lloyd? Lloyd Bannings?"

"Oh?" Embarrassingly, it took Lloyd several seconds to remember the name of the pink-haired girl in front of him. "Juna, right? Juna Crawford."

"Oh, Aidios, it's really you!" Juna ran towards them and stopped in front of him. "Long time no see, Lloyd! What are you doing here? Last I heard, you moved to Calvard with your relatives."

"Ahaha, I'm here as a newly graduated detective. I'm assigned to a new team in the Crossbell Police Department. The Special Support Section, or the SSS."

Juna blinked. "Wait. Not the Bracer Guild? Hmm..." Juna tapped her chin before she shrugged. "Oh well. Anyway, following Guy's footsteps, huh?"

Lloyd let out a small chuckle. "Well... somewhat. You know how I idolized him growing up."

Juna nodded. "Yes. He was an amazing role model..."

"Speaking of, I see a wooden sword on your hips. You're practicing martial arts?"

Juna gave a small smile. "Somewhat. I managed to bother Arios to tutor me a few months ago. I'm learning swordsmanship from him."

"That Arios MacLaine?" Elie suddenly said. "Ah, sorry. I'm Elie, Lloyd's colleague in the SSS. It's nice to meet you, Miss Crawford."

"Oh, nice to meet you too. Just call me Juna. Everyone does. And yes, the Divine Blade of Wind himself. You don't know how hard it is to convince him to tutor me," Juna shook her head as if remembering some memories.

"I can't imagine... oh, by the way, I'm Randy Orlando. 'sup," Randy gave a casual salute.

"'sup, Randy," Juna replied in kind.

The red-haired man grinned. "Oh, I like your spirits, Junie."

"I'm Tio Plato," the last of them introduced herself.

"What?" Juna blinked before turning to Lloyd. "Lloyd. You sure she's a police officer?"

"Ahaha... Tio is a genius in Orbal Technology and is lent to us by the Epstein Foundation." Lloyd explained, knowing precisely what she felt the first time he met Tio. "Speaking of, I remember you're also proficient with Orbal Tech yourself, little miss 'genius.'"

He remembered that Juna, despite being three years younger than him, was in the same class of Sunday School as him, with some Sisters praising her intellect.

"Oh, come on, Lloyd. Anyone could easily solve some Sunday School problems easily. Doing that doesn't warrant the 'genius' title the Sisters tried to push to me," Juna playfully deflected the praise coming to her.

And indeed. Juna never grew a big head from the praises. She was still the same cheerful girl that Lloyd knew growing up, at least before he moved away to Calvard. The fact that she still denied being called a genius meant that even now, Juna never let it get to her.

"And I was proficient, but that's because I read the manual. You can't believe how many people in the apartment don't read them and need my help." Juna then opened her mouth, realizing something. "Oh, you want to visit Auntie Leyte, right? She's there, I think. Uncle Miles is working in the Library, and so does Cecile in St. Ursula Hospital. I think she'd love it if you visit her."

"I see... thank you, Juna. If you have any problems, you can send a request to the SSS. We'll try to solve them," Lloyd thanked her and promoted the SSS at the same time.

Juna nodded. "Okay. ...wait. 'send a request' and 'solve problems'... that's basically the Bracers' job, isn't it? Are you... no way. Are the police trying to grab the Guild's market share in solving civilian problems? Hmmm... market share might not be correct. Considering how they're viewed in Crossbell... is it a PR move?"

Lloyd blinked, having been caught by surprise by the conclusion the girl in front of him arrived to. "That's right. Your deduction is good."

"You have quite a sharp mind, Juna. What do you think about joining the CPD?" Elie, too, was surprised that the pink-haired civilian managed to guess the reason for the formation of the Special Support Section just from Lloyd's promotional sentence.

"Oh. I was aiming to join the Bracer Guild, actually. You need to be sixteen years old to join as a Junior Bracer, and that's next year for me," Juna revealed with a sorry smile. "So I'm doing my best with my training in the meantime."

"I see... Good luck, Juna. Do your best."

"Thank you, Lloyd, everyone. See you!"

As Juna ran towards Central Square, probably going to East Street from there, the SSS watched her back.

"So I guess the label 'genius' is correct, then?" Randy started.

"I guess so," Elie nodded. "To think she can deduce that just from your words, Lloyd... The CPD is too late to notice her talent. A shame."

"Just one more thing against our 'rival.'" Tio sighed.

"Now, let's go inside. I think I'm ready to visit Auntie Leyte now."

Chapter 2

Summary:

The Crossbell Branch of Bracer Guild was graced with the presence of two new up and coming Bracers. Estelle and Joshua. What would they find on their first day there?

After settling down on Crossbell, Estelle, and Joshua were ready to start their day as members of the Crossbell branch's Bracer Guild. They were here because a certain someone pointed out that the girl they sought made her appearance in Crossbell.

"Hey, Michel!" Estelle greeted the receptionist of the Crossbell branch with enthusiasm. "We're here and ready! Isn't that right, Joshua?"

"Yes. Is there any request that we can complete? Preferably ones that help us familiarize ourselves with the lay of the land."

Estelle shook her head with a smile. Joshua was, as always, meticulous. But that's why she fell for him, she guessed. "Nah, that's boring. Just do the ones that have a short timeframe. It's usually important, right?"

"Hmm, yes. Actually. It's both urgent and can help you familiarize yourself with the lay of the land. A perfect fit for both of you, isn't it? There's a monster near the Stargazer Tower; it's south of Crossbell. You can go through Ursula Road and take the west way when you arrive at the intersection. It's been there for a while. And while the Stargazer Tower is... almost became a ruin, the people are still worried that it'll find its way to the main Ursula Road and disturb the bus schedule."

Michel showed them Crossbell's map as they explained the request.

"Alright! We'll take that request. Come on, Joshua." Estelle dragged her boyfriend away. Unfortunately for her, Joshua knew what was about to happen and braced himself so he wasn't pulled by the brown-haired Bracer. "Joshua?!"

"Ah, sorry, Estelle. Before that, I have to ask something to Michel first." He turned his attention to the receptionist. "How do you usually handle the taking of requests? Is it still the same as Liberl?"

Estelle blinked. "Oh, right. Usually, the receptionists in Liberl always handle the paperwork for us. Ehehe..."

"Mmm, don't worry, darlings," Michel replied with a wink and an amused smile. "That's also how it's handled here. You can go."

"Right. Thanks, Michel! Come on, Joshua!"

Before they could exit the building, the door was opened, and a girl with pink hair entered the building. "Micheeeel! Is Arios here?"

The girl blinked when she saw two unfamiliar figures. "G-geh! I'm sorry to bother you!"

"Ahaha. Don't worry, sweetie. Both of them are new transfers. Why don't you two introduce yourselves?" Michel assured the girl.

"I'm Estelle Bright! I just came here with my bo-brother, Joshua Bright," she almost slipped up and said that Joshua was her boyfriend. Well, he was, but with him having the same family name and the fact that the pink-haired girl was a stranger, which she hadn't even known the name of, it'd be weird! "We're B-rank Bracers, originally from Liberl!"

"Nice to meet you. My name is Juna. Juna Crawford. ...wait, 'Bright?' as in... that Cassius Bright?" Juna questioned after she noticed their family name.

"Ahaha, yes. Cassius Bright is our father. I guess he's still famous, huh?" Estelle answered light-heartedly, having had the same reaction with the Alster branch. Luckily, everyone, there was professional about it and soon put Cassius' reputation away when interacting with them.

"Ah, well... I know him as the Divine Blade, considering I'm learning from Arios MacLaine, the Divine Blade of Wind. I guess you can say that I'm starstruck." Juna nodded to herself. "Never mind that. You're about to leave, right? Please."

Juna stepped aside and showed them the door.

"You're learning the Eight Leaves One Blade from Arios MacLaine?" Joshua couldn't help but pry. Cassius did teach Colonel Richard, and gave Anelace his former sword, so Arios teaching someone wasn't unprecedented. But Anelace was a fellow practitioner, and Richard was his subordinate. Who was Juna to Arios that he spared his time teaching her?

"Mastering the Eight Leaves One Blade is still a long time for me," Juna denied. "So far Arios trained me in swordsmanship and the stances for his infamous second form. Oh, but there's the eighth form, too."

"I see..."

"It's nice talking with you, Juna. But we have a request to fulfill. How about we talk later?" Estelle tried to end the conversation politely. Juna looked like a fun one to talk to, but they had a request.

"Absolutely! If you have finished your request, let's talk! I wanna know more about Liberl! I was quite surprised by that incident last year. What was it again? The Orbal Shutdown Phenomenon. Luckily it didn't reach Crossbell."

Estelle and Joshua looked at each other. She was remembering the fond times she had with her companions as she solved Ouroboros' plot. Joshua was probably the same.

"Sure," Joshua replied Juna. "We were in Liberl back then, so the shutdown affected us."

"Great! Good luck with your request!" Juna waved.

"Thank you, Juna!"

Estelle and Joshua would later have another fateful meeting with a certain group of police officers. But that was a story for another time.

---

After slaying the monster, the two tired Bracers opened the Guild's door to report their finished requests.

"We're finished, Michel!" Estelle declared.

"Good work, Estelle, Joshua."

"Is Juna still here? We promised to continue our talk," Joshua asked the receptionist.

"Yes. She's on the second floor, resting after her training session," Michel answered.

"Does that mean Arios is here?"

"Nope," Michel shook their head. "Arios has a request somewhere, so Juna trained alone. By the way, here. You can write the report here."

Estelle and Joshua were offered two pieces of blank paper and pens.

"Thank you. We'll go to the second floor, then."

Ascending to the second floor, the two saw Juna sitting on the chair, her wooden sword on rested on the ground. "Hello, Juna."

"Oh, Estelle, Joshua! You're here!"

"We promised to talk, didn't we?"

"Awesome! Come here!" Juna patted the table. When they sat down and put the paper on the table, Juna hummed. "Oh, you're writing your report? It's fine, then. I can wait."

"We'll take turns. How about you do it first, Estelle?"

"Fine," Estelle grumbled. But she relented because she wanted to see where Joshua would draw the boundary of his tale about Liberl and the incidents last year. It wasn't like they bragged about it, considering it was solved because of everyone's contribution. But every one of the people involved insisted that Joshua and Estelle were the centerpieces that made it possible to thwart the enemy's plan.

And so Joshua regaled Juna with the (heavily edited) tale of the Liberl's coup and the Orbal Shutdown Phenomenon. Throughout the tale, Estelle (who glanced up occasionally from her report) noticed that Juna nodded at certain parts of the account and crunched her eyebrows at others. Maybe she was confused? Though Estelle was biased about Joshua's storytelling because she was also there in person, so she couldn't be asked about how Joshua was telling the story to Juna. Aside from that, Joshua also answered some questions about Liberl whenever Juna interrupted the story to ask more about Liberl.

"Joshua, I'm finished," Estelle interrupted the story to tell her boyfriend that it was her time to regale the younger girl with stories about Liberl and the continuation of the Orbal Shutdown Phenomenon with the boundaries that Joshua set.

"Ah, okay. Would it be alright for you to listen to Estelle now? I need to write my own report, after all."

"Sure," Juna nodded. "But before that, I want to ask something. Joshua, Estelle... I couldn't help but notice something when Joshua told me about what happened last year in Liberl."

Juna closed her eyes and exhaled.

"You two were involved, weren't you? I noticed that you tried to gloss over some facts about your stories, and when I stopped you to ask for more clarifications, you sometimes took a long time to answer. Now, that could just be some classified information since I'm technically still not affiliated with the Guild. ...but if it was, you can just say, 'It's classified' instead of going around the fact. Then there's the fact that sometimes, you glanced over to Estelle as if trying to see if whatever you were telling was appropriate. Those facts clue me in that you two were probably on the very thick of the incident. Yes. I believe my guess is correct. ...unless I'm wrong?"

...

This girl... she pieced the two Bracers' involvement with just some omissions from the story and Joshua's body language?

"You have a sharp mind," Joshua stated with a chuckle. "Well... we can't exactly deny it now because next year you can just read up the report from the Guild's database. So yes, we were involved."

"I see..." Juna nodded to herself. "Thank you. I think that's enough. It's quite late, and I need to help my mother set up dinner."

"Eeeeeh? You don't want to hear mine?" Estelle pouted when Juna made a gesture to leave.

"We can continue tomorrow, Estelle. How about it?"

"Sure!" she answered in excitement. "See you tomorrow, Juna!"

"See you later. Thank you for sating my curiosity."

"You're welcome, Juna. You can ask us more."

When Juna left, Joshua let out a sigh. "That surprised me. I noticed that she was prying for more, but I thought that was just because it was obvious that I had omitted lots of things about our involvement. I never thought that she'd realize our involvement just from that and my body language."

"Mmhmm," Estelle nodded. "I can't wait for her to become our junior! With that kind of thinking, she'd be a formidable Bracer in the future."

"Maybe you can learn some things from her," Joshua remarked.

"Yeah. ...wait! What did you just say?"

"I'm kidding, Estelle," Joshua chuckled. "But, please hear my opinion, Estelle."

"On what?"

Joshua told Estelle what he wanted to say, which got a gasp from Estelle.

"I... you're right, Joshua. Let's just try it first."

Notes:

As someone said before, it's ironic that a Juna who's more suited to become a detective, wants to be a Bracer instead, while the more headstrong and brash, canon Juna wants to be a police officer instead of a Bracer. Anyway, we welcome the Sky protagonists! Certainly being around two game's protagonist wouldn't influence JunaSI much.

Chapter 3

Summary:

The two Bracers decided to ask Juna for some help.

The next day, Estelle and Joshua were lounging on the second floor of the Guild building. They just finished a rather short request about something in the city. It turned out the SSS were already on it, and the two worked together to solve them. That brown-haired guy, Lloyd Bannings. His sharp mind was admirable. It kind of reminded him about Juna. But they didn't look alike, so he crossed out the possibility of them being siblings.

Faintly, Joshua heard footsteps coming toward the second floor. Since they were rather new to Crossbell, they weren't footsteps he was familiar with. But from the fast rhythm, it did not sound like the senior Bracers. Unless they lied in their introduction and were actually quite the spirited individual.

He was right. Slowly, a mop of pink hair emerged from below, and he heard the owner of said hair shout. "Afternoon, Estelle, Joshua!"

"Good Afternoon, Juna. Are you up for training? Everyone is doing request, I believe."

Estelle nodded at Joshua's greeting. "Including Arios. Is he really teaching you?"

"Don't be too hard on him," Juna gave them a smile. "I heard from Michel that he hasn't been back since yesterday. Whatever request he's on is probably taking longer than he thought. Anyway, I can probably forego training today because I wanna hear your take on the story, Estelle!"

Estelle and Joshua looked at each other. The brown-haired girl was silently asking if it was okay to proceed with what they discussed last night. Joshua answered with a nod.

"Okay, Juna. Estelle will explain it in her words, and I believe you'd easily poke holes in her explanation if she did the same thing as me yesterday, so today, Estelle will tell you the complete version. Though, some parts are classified, and I will intervene if necessary," Joshua laid out their intention. There were some secrets in their journey that weren't theirs to tell, like Hamel (the name, at least) and many more.

"Right! So let's start!"

As time went on, Juna wasn't the only one listening, as Aeolia, Lynn, and Scott finished their request and listened to Estelle and Joshua's story as they rested. The sky was already orange when Estelle finished regaling Juna and the others with their tales.

"I see..." Juna said contemplatively. "There's so much I need to process," she sighed.

"Oh, it's as impressive as it's reported," Lynn grinned. "One of these days, we should spar! I'm curious about your skills."

"If you need healing after that, my Arts are ready," Aeolia offered with a smile.

"Thank you. We'll take your offer soon," Joshua replied before turning to the only non-Bracer in the room. "Juna. We're telling you this because we're taking a gamble. The reason we came to Crossbell is because we're looking for Renne, who has been missing since we last saw her. Your impressive showing last night convinced us that there might be a chance that you can help."

"..." Juna didn't reply for a while.

"We're kind of hoping that if we find her, we can formally adopt her as part of our family," Estelle revealed with a sheepish laugh. "Whew, when I think about it again, it sounds unbelievable, isn't it?"

"Don't dismiss your good intention," Scott reassured the two young Bracers. "It is proof that you two are amazing."

"Ehehe..."

"Do you have some descriptions of Renne? I can't promise I'll find her, but I'm somewhat familiar with the people in the city, and maybe I've seen her or know someone who has seen her," Juna finally offered. Though, Joshua noticed that the smile she had on her lips was kind of a little forced. He couldn't help but frown before shaking his head and answering Juna's question. He was not responsible for Juna's thoughts if she had a bad impression of Renne.

"She's a purple-haired girl, around twelve to thirteen years old. The last time we saw her, she wore a white dress with lots of frills and a red bowtie. Though, I presume she stops wearing that to blend in if she's really here."

Juna raised her eyebrow at Joshua's description.

"Oh, she also wore a black bow on her head. I don't know if she stopped wearing it or not after our last meeting," Estelle continued providing Juna with Renne's description.

The pink-haired girl nodded. "Thank you for the description. I assume you don't want me to ask around freely for fear of her noticing my attempt and running away again?" Joshua and Estelle looked at each other again before nodding. "Don't worry, I can do stealth."

Now everyone looked at the youngest girl in the room with an incredulous look. "What?"

"Nothing," Aeolia smiled. "We'll help you too, Joshua, Estelle. We'll keep our eyes on when we do requests."

"Yeah. I'll keep an eye on a purple-haired girl," Scott agreed with the white-haired Bracer.

"Everyone... thank you!" A few tears were falling from Estelle's eyes.

Joshua grasped her shoulder and dragged her into an embrace.

"Everyone, It's already late. I think I'll go home," Juna stood up and said. "Estelle, Joshua. Thank you for telling me about your circumstances and trusting me to help you. As I said before, I can't promise I'll find her, but I'll do my best to be stealthy enough to find more information about her!"

Juna gave a thumbs-up before running down the stairs. "See you later!"

Once she was out of range, Scott chucked. "And she's confused why we looked at her when she said she could do stealth."

"Come on, Scott. Juna is just excitable. Not that it's a bad thing. She'd make a reliable Bracer one day," Lynn defended the pink-haired girl.

"Oh, definitely. All she needs is a better skill at using weapons, and she'd make a reliable Junior Bracer," Scott replied, agreeing with Lynn.

"Speaking of Juna, I haven't got the chance to ask her, but how did she get Arios' attention, anyway?" Joshua asked the older Bracers, wanting to satiate his curiosity.

"Juna interned at the St. Ursula Hospital around a year or two ago, and she took care of Shizuku, Arios' daughter, there," Aeolia explained. "You should meet Shizuku! She's really cute!"

"A-Ahaha..." Estelle let out an awkward laugh before turning to Joshua, who smiled. Why did that remind them of another lover of cute things in Liberl?

"Anyway, long story short, the internship ended up being a short one because of something. Still, she was very helpful to Shizuku, and so Arios wanted to thank her. Unexpectedly, Juna said she wanted to join the Bracer Guild, but she didn't know how to defend herself, so she asked Arios to teach her swordsmanship," Aeolia continued. "It took her several months of begging until Arios decided to take her under his wing."

"I see..." Joshua responded. "Thank you for the explanation, Aeolia."

"You're welcome! You should see Juna back then. She was still... what? Thirteen? She barged into this building three times a week to drag Arios off to his daughter. It was amusing to see," Aeolia expanded.

"I think Michel let her do it because he knew that Arios needed the break. This branch has always been understaffed, and Arios took lots of jobs as a result," Lynn continued the explanation.

One thing stuck to Joshua, though. "Wait. She interned at the Hospital at thirteen years old?"

Scott nodded. "Yeah, Juna was touted as a genius back when she was around nine or ten years old, from what I heard from my girlfriend."

"Whoa! Amazing!" Estelle gushed.

Joshua looked at Estelle before he realized something. Juna's mannerisms shared a lot in common with Estelle. And yet, Juna somehow was a lot more intelligent than Estelle?

"What?" Estelle demanded after sensing the stare from him.

"I'm just wondering how same yet different you are with Juna," Joshua shook his head with a smile.

"Hmm?" Lynn blinked. "Now that I think about it again, Joshua is correct. Both of you are like two peas in a pod."

"Except Juna is apparently a genius."

"Hey!"

That got everyone to laugh.

"It's okay, Estelle. You don't need to be like anyone else. You are you, and your Estelle-ness is the reason why I am here right now instead of somewhere else," Joshua assured his girlfriend with a pat on the head. It successfully pacified her and made her blush.

"Mmhhh, you're totally unfair..." Estelle pouted.

That was right. Juna might be smarter than Estelle, but he didn't care about that. To him, Estelle was still Estelle, and that was the best thing about her.

Notes:

So here it is, part of the background story on how she got Arios to train her.

Chapter 4

The next day, Joshua and Estelle were in Morges Bakery as part of Estelle's tour of Crossbell. Estelle left him to wait outside as she entered the building and ordered some bread. Joshua took a look around from his seat. So this was the West Street. He hadn't got the chance to visit this area because they mostly took requests around East Street or outside of the city proper.

Joshua looked at the middle of the street where children were playing. They reminded him of little Estelle and him. She always shone brightly, even in the face of his darkness. Even when he never wanted to have anything to do with her, she kept barging into his personal space and dragging him into the light.

"Oh, Joshua! Good timing!"

Joshua blinked. Suddenly, in front of him stood Juna in her casual clothes. Her wooden sword was nowhere to be found. In her hands, she was holding two ice creams, pink colored to complement her hair color.

"Juna. Good Afternoon."

"Hold on, I gotta give these to Ken and Nana first. Wait here, okay," Juna then ran towards the two pink-haired children. The two seemed excited when Juna approached them. After some small talk, Juna patted the two's heads and ran back to him.

"Sorry for the wait," Juna took a chair from one of the other tables and put it on Joshua's.

"It's okay. Why do you take another seat instead of that one?"

"That's for Estelle, right?" A playful smile appeared on Juna's face. Joshua could only chuckle at Juna's guess. "Anyway, Joshua. There's something I want to ask you about Renne."

Hearing that, Joshua's relaxed stance turned serious. "What is it?"

"You and Renne both worked at Ouroboros previously, right. Do you happen to know more about Renne's story? How did she join an organization like Ouroboros in the first place?" Juna asked him.

Joshua nodded. "Yes. Hmm, I think it's fine to tell you this, at the least. Do you know the D∴G cult? It's a cult of demon worshippers that committed atrocities by kidnapping children as young as five years old. Loewe and I rescued her from one of their lodges."

Juna stared at him. She then exhaled after a few seconds of silence. "That was certainly a heavy one. How did Renne end up there in the first place?"

"She is one of the kidnapped children," Joshua frowned. Surely Juna paid attention to his explanation.

"Are you sure? There are chances that she was sold or abandoned by her original parents."

Joshua opened his mouth, but no sound came out. Juna was correct. He hadn't thought about those possibilities. If it were the old him, there was no doubt that it was the first conclusion he reached. But Because of Estelle's presence, he was slowly recovering from that kind of mental space.

"Renne has never told us. Even if we're a secret organization, it's not like we're insensitive enough to hurt her feelings by directly asking her about it," Joshua let out a small laugh imagining everyone in the Ouroboros being insensitive. Well... a certain ex-priest was definitely insensitive. But Weissman was Weissman.

"Hmm..." Juna was deep in thought. "...it has merits. But..."

The bakery door was opened, and Estelle came out of Morges Bakery with two handfuls of bags.

"Joshua. Here's yours. Oh, hi, Juna. What are you doing here?" Estelle took a seat on the free chair.

"It's nothing important," Juna shook her head and stood up. "Anyway, I know when I'm not wanted. Enjoy your date, you two."

Estelle's face reddened as Juna laughed before going back to her siblings.

"W-What!?"

Joshua couldn't' help but chuckle at the situation.

---

Dinner in the Crawford household was not lavish. They were a middle-class family, so their dinner was simple. Tonight, they had Crispy Fry that Juna helped make in her quest to master cooking. After all, cooking by yourself was a necessity when you were a Bracer out in the field. Or so Juna said. Lina personally thought that Juna just wanted to ease her burden, especially with how inquisitive the twins were.

"Mom," Juna suddenly said after she finished her plate. "I'm not familiar with most adults in Crossbell, but do you know anyone with purple hair, woman or man is okay."

That came out of the left field, Lina thought. "Purple hair, huh..." She tried to think about everyone she knew. Purple hair... oh, there was one!

"Colin's father has purple hair!" Ken suddenly said.

"Yes. Mr. Harold Hayworth has purple hair," Lina confirmed. "Why are you asking? Do you want to meet him? I'm not close to him, but Ken and Nana are friends with his son. I'm more familiar with his wife, Mrs. Hayworth, and she has red hair that Colin inherited instead of purple."

"Thank you for the answer, Mom. No need for me to meet him. I'm just curious, I guess," Juna nodded to herself. "Anyone else?"

Lina thought for a few minutes.

"I'm not really that familiar with most of them, but on top of my head, I saw someone who hangs around the Times Department Store with purple hair. Whenever I visited Times, I always found her there. And then the library assistant also has purple hair. And when I usually hunted for fish in the East Street, I met a little boy whose hair are also purple. Maybe there's more, but those three are the ones that came to my mind," Lina elaborated her thoughts.

Juna just looked at her flatly. "Mom, I said adults. But thanks, anyway. I'll check their parents, too, I think."

"What do you need the information for, anyway?"

"Merely a passing interest," Juna shook her head. She then turned her attention to the twins. "Anyway, Ken, Nana. How was the Crispy Fry?"

"It's delicious!"

"Seconds, please!"

"Alright, alright," Juna giggled at the twins' enthusiasm. "Show me your empty plate first."

Lina smiled. She was thankful to have a daughter like Juna. Despite how people kept telling her that Juna was brilliant since she was little, Juna never grew a big head from the praises given to her. She had been a little worried when the Sisters decided to move Juna's Sunday School class to the more advanced classes. Still, Juna ended up fine and even thrived on them despite being in the same class with people older than her.

After that, Juna whimsically decided to intern at St. Ursula Hospital. Thankfully, their neighbor, the Neues, had a daughter who worked as a nurse in the hospital. Lina ended up getting a full explanation of the internship program from her. She gave her blessings for Juna to intern there after Cecile pointed out that Juna was an intelligent girl who remembered lots of medical terms, and the internship would provide the necessary experience for her. It was unfortunate that Juna ended up resigning on account of an incident at the hospital that wasn't even her fault, but nothing she could do.

Later that year, though, Juna suddenly said she was interested in being a Bracer. Honestly, she couldn't keep up with her eldest daughter's interests. But how could she refuse when the Arios MacLaine himself visited her to ask permission to train her daughter?

"Mom, the two have finished. Let's wash the dishes."

"Ah... right. Thank you, Juna."

In the end, her daughter was still her daughter, and she was grateful for it.

---

On top of a cliff in the Mainz Mountain path overlooking the Mainz Mining Village, a little girl watched as the new division of the police apprehended some mafias and their trained dogs.

"Heehee, so I've been caught, have I?" the girl giggled. "That little wolf has some impressive senses. It's clear he's not just some regular old animal. And those four... They really didn't think this through, did they? I would have probably gotten to hear their blood-curdling screams right about now had the wolves not saved them. A tumultuous road lies ahead of them."

She stated her observation to no one in particular. To her surprise, a voice answered.

"To be fair, they're only beginners."

The girl let out a small sound of surprise at seeing the figure coming toward her.

"Are you here to enjoy the show as well? Or were you waiting to make your heroic entrance once they realized they were in over their heads?" She playfully asked the navy-haired man in a red jacket. "Am I right... Arios MacLaine? Or would you prefer the Divine Blade of Wind?"

"...I could say the same to you. Enforcer No. XV of the Society of Ouroboros... the Angel of Slaughter, Renne." Arios MacLaine fired back at the girl.

The newly identified Renne giggled. "Oh, you know me? I suppose I'll spare you the introduction, then. You're everything I could expect from a bracer who declined a promotion to S-rank."

Arios sighed. "It's honestly much more than I deserve. The expectations to become Cassius Bright's successor were also too much for me to bear."

"Really, now? I've only had the pleasure of meeting Cassius Bright once... but I'm almost positive your swordsmanship surpasses his. You might even be on par with the strongest person I've ever known."

"Haha... Should I take that as a compliment?" Arios let out a short chuckle. "I've found out that you've been staying here in Crossbell these past few months. I was convinced you were planning another one of your tea parties at first."

"Don't be so quick to jump to conclusions," Renne denied. " Crossbell is plenty stimulating regardless of whether I hold a tea party or not. It would be uncouth of me to start my own entertainment in addition to everything else."

"That's reassuring to hear, at least. I suppose you've come to Crossbell for personal reasons, then," Arios let out a sigh of relief. He then opened his eyes and stared at the purple-haired killer. "Answer this one question, if you will. How much longer will you continue to run away from them?"

"..." Renne looked away. She couldn't give an answer to the question.

"Well, it's not my place to interfere with your fate." Arios continued. "I cannot deny that having them at the Crossbell branch has been helpful. However... You understand you cannot continue running away from the answer that awaits, yes?"

Estelle and Joshua. The two of them only came to Crossbell to look for Renne. But Renne herself was running away from the two. And it was easy for her to cover her track so the Brights wouldn't be able to notice her.

However...

However...

"...Leave me alone." She decided to abandon that train of thought. "I have plenty of reasons other than Estelle and Joshua to be in Crossbell. I'm getting him repaired, and...there's something I need to find out."

"Oh? And what exactly would that be?"

...Her family...

But she wouldn't give the Divine Blade of Wind the satisfaction of the answer.

"Wouldn't you like to know?" She giggled, deflecting the question aimed at her. "I'll promise to be a good little girl, so please leave me be. And on that note... I presume you won't be sharing any details with those two, correct?"

She asked for confirmation with all the undertones it brought.

"Indeed. You have nothing to worry about. As long as you leave this land be, I promise to not interfere in your own personal matters." Arios answered with a sigh.

"Thank you. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'll be taking my leave. Have a wonderful evening, Mister Divine Blade."

As the little girl left the cliff, Arios MacLaine couldn't help but stare at the stars.

"A lost kitten... The three of them will continue to wander aimlessly with how things are going."

It wasn't his responsibility, but he couldn't help but wonder. "If only there were a third party to create an opportunity for them..."

His mind went to a certain pink-haired individual that he had taken as a student. She was... meddlesome might not be the correct word, but the closest he could use to describe her. Without her, Shizuku might feel a little more lonely than she had been in the hospital. She was also the one who always ran to the Bracer Guild to look for him whenever Shizuku wanted to hear his voice.

Juna Crawford was meddlesome but in a good way. Despite not wanting to take a student, in the end, he relented after Master Ka-fai allowed him to. If she got wind of the circumstances between the Angel of Slaughter and the Brights, she definitely would insert herself into the situation.

"Hmph... But what are the odds of that?" Arios ended his tangent.

Notes:

You won't believe what I did to crosscheck things this chapter. That's right. I scoured the NPCs around Crossbell to look for purple-haired characters. Here's the list. There are probably more, but this is the one accessible from the very last chapter of Azure.

Plie from Arc en Ciel
Theodor from Arc en Ciel
Pruna from Central Square near Times.
Citizen on top of Times Mall
Receptionist Pearl (Scott's girlfriend)
Cassal from Library
Reins from the CNS
Sarina from East Street (Azel from Downtown gang's sister)
Couta from East Street (little seller)
Derek from Armorica (Son of Chief)
Chaco from Genten (stood besides Wendy)

Do you recognize some of them without clicking the spoiler?

By the way, the Arios and Renne interaction is canon and I honestly forgot about it until I decided to watch a playthrough of Zero. You know what?
"A lost kitten... The three of them will continue to wander aimlessly with how things are going. If only there were a third party to create an opportunity for them... Hmph... But what are the odds of that?"
is Arios' canon words and this is definitely one of those things you missed the context if you haven't played Azure. FALCOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMM! Anyway, I altered Arios' train of thought to mention Juna instead of you know who because it honestly fits the context without needing to change anything.

Chapter 5

Summary:

The SSS was visited by Rixia, but Juna was also there. What seems to be the matter for both of them?

The SSS had just finished some requests around the city. They decided to come back to the SSS building because Fran said somebody requested the SSS for something, and it sounded important. Entering the building, they heard two voices talking.

"Hmm?" Lloyd hummed when he entered and saw Juna sitting on the sofa with someone he had a vague recollection of ever meeting.

"Ah! The SSS is back! Welcome! Sorry to impose. But when I knocked, there was just Rixia inside, and she said you were on an assignment," Juna greeted the SSS.

"Yo, Junie. What are you doing here?" Randy gave a salute, to which Juna replied with her own.

"Do you want to hear our stories again?" Lloyd asked with a smile on his face. Telling their cases to Juna, at least what he could reveal, was always fun.

"Don't tell me you're poaching our clients," Tio said with a smile.

"Well, I need your help with something, but it seems that whatever Rixia is here for seems more important. I can come back later," Juna pointed at the door. "Oh, and I tried directing her to the Bracer Guild, but she insisted to made the request to SSS. Lucky you."

So she really tried to divert her to the Bracer Guild, huh? Lloyd sighed.

"Thank you, Juna. It's not exactly something I want outsiders to know," Rixia revealed, feeling thankful for Juna's initiative. "As for the Bracer Guild... well, they're really popular, right? And since I don't really want rumors to pop up..."

"Ah, I see." Juna nodded. "Okay. I'll come back later."

Once Juna left the building, Rixia finally told them about her problem. Ilya Platiere. A famous performer for Arc en Ciel got a threat letter directed to her, and Rixia didn't want to make a ruckus, so she wanted to ask the SSS to personally investigate the matter. After further discussion (especially Randy's insistence on meeting Ilya herself,) the SSS was convinced to help Arc en Ciel with the case.

Soon, the door was opened, and Juna came in. "I saw Rixia left, so I guess she's finished. Are you in a hurry?"

"No," Lloyd shook his head. "You can lay your request, Juna. But we'll put it under consideration first because Rixia's request is more serious than we thought. Is that okay?"

"Definitely!" Juna gave a thumbs up. "Don't let my request bother you."

"So why are you asking us? You're close with the Guild, after all," Randy pointed out. That was certainly true. Juna was their unofficial intern with how much time she spent on the Guild. And yet Juna couldn't go to them for this request? Something serious must have happened.

"And this time, you're not here to hear about the details of our cases that you couldn't find in the news," Elie continued. Ever since their first big case of calming the gang rivalry in the Downtown district, sometimes Juna visited to ask them the details of how they solved their cases. Lloyd happily indulged her because he liked sharpening his mind by returning to the case's minutiae. Though, of course, none of the classified details were told to Juna.

Seeing a free spot beside Lloyd, Juna sat down before she explained her situation. "Ah... you see, this isn't something that the Bracer can help. Hence I turn to you guys in the first place."

"But why didn't you do it via Fran?" Tio questioned. Usually, a formal request to the SSS, aside from cases like what Rixia requested, went through Fran at the police station.

"Fran? Oh, the receptionist at the police station? So she manages your request, huh?" Juna shook her head. "Anyway, I don't want this to be on the record. Take this as a personal request for the SSS."

The more Juna tried to explain, the more Lloyd and the others felt apprehensive. They braced themselves for whatever Juna was about to say next.

"I want your help to find a record in the police department concerning Harold Hayworth."

Harold? Lloyd frowned. "What is that for?"

"Harold seems like an upstanding guy. Do you suspect him of crime?" Randy tried to pry further.

"We met Mr. Hayworth once, and he didn't look suspicious at all," Elie explained their skepticism. "If anything, he's a generous businessman that seeks to get profit for both him and the people he transactions with."

Juna blinked in confusion before she realized what she had just said.

"No, I'm not accusing him of any crimes or past wrongdoings. In fact, I've looked up on Mr. Hayworth myself," she laughed sheepishly. "Sorry if you get the wrong impression."

"Then why do you need his information from the police database?"

"..." Juna crunched her eyebrows, thinking for a few seconds. "Mggh, fine, if it's you guys..."

"If it's us?" Tio couldn't help but overhear Juna.

Juna sighed. "I promised them to not be too overt with my effort... but I couldn't help it. It's on the tip of my mind! I just need some confirmation, and the only way to do that is to look for Harold Hayworth's record in the police department."

The SSS looked at each other. It was clear to them now that Juna was doing this to help someone else. More importantly, Lloyd definitely knew what Juna was feeling. When all the pieces of the case were in your grasp, but you still couldn't connect the dots... it was one of the worst feelings Lloyd had felt.

Lloyd decided.

"Lay it down to us, Juna. I wanna hear your deduction completely. I promise we won't tell anyone about it. Isn't that right, everyone?" He asked the SSS.

"Yes."

"You can count on me!"

"Sure."

The other three members confirmed.

"There you have it, Juna," Lloyd smiled at her.

"Okay, let me gather my thought." Juna closed her eyes and took a deep breath.

Lloyd and the others paid attention once Juna opened her eyes.

"A few weeks ago, I was asked to look for an orphan girl, around twelve to thirteen years old, by some people. I don't want to say their name for their privacy but suffice to say, they have been traveling around Zemuria looking for her since last year. They heard she was sighted around here, so they came here. The girl isn't just your normal girl. I don't want to say more for privacy. Just know that she has the means to survive crossing the borders around Zemuria alone."

A purple-haired girl around twelve to thirteen years old? Lloyd's mind couldn't help but provide a picture. A mysterious girl they met while scaling the Mainz Mountain Path. She had purple hair, didn't she? Lloyd looked to Elie, who looked back at him with concern. And the girl had an aura of mystery despite being so young.

"Now, this is just my gut feeling, but why Crossbell? There must be something here that holds her attention. So I turned to my mom and asked if she knew someone with purple hair. She said Mr. Hayworth had purple hair."

Indeed. Mr. Hayworth had purple hair. But what did that have to do with anything?

"But of course, he's not the only one. There are lots of people in Crossbell with purple hair, like Plie and Theodor from the Arc en Ciel, Pruna who always hangs out near the Times Department store, Chaco the Genten store clerk, Pearl who is Scott's girlfriend, Cassal the library assistant, Reins the photographer from Crossbell News Service, Sarina who lives in Acacia Apartment, and Couta who sells things in the East Street."

Lloyd wasn't ashamed to note that he was acquaintanced with all of them. Perks of being a police officer, he guessed.

"Anyway, I've cross-referenced their age, occupation, etc. and concluded that the only possible one is Mr. Hayworth," Juna finished.

"Junie, you kinda jumped the gun," Randy reminded the pink-haired soon-to-be Bracer. "What does Mr. Hayworth having purple hair have to do with anything you said before?"

"Huh? Oh. Sorry," Juna scratched her cheek. "It's part of her privacy. You know how she's an orphan? Well, I theorized that she was either abandoned by or kidnapped from Mr. Hayworth. I was leaning toward the first before looking up at him and learning how upstanding he was. Of course, there is a chance that he's just putting up a mask, but it seems unlikely."

It was plausible but still too much of a leap. So Lloyd wanted some clarification. "What makes you so sure that she's possibly Mr. Hayworth's presumably missing daughter?"

"Mr. Hayworth never mentioned having a daughter to us. We know that he has a son but never a daughter," Elie continued.

"Could he possibly feel shame that she was kidnapped? I feel like that's not his character," Tio threw her hat into the ring.

"Anyway, that's what I wanted to ask you, actually. I want to know if he has ever submitted a missing person report about his possible daughter. Around ten to eight years ago, if the stories they tell me were correct," Juna answered. "As for your question, well... can't exactly tell you about it. I just have a gut feeling. Ehehe..."

Lloyd closed his eyes, absorbing Juna's explanation entirely. "Alright. Your request is simple enough. Though is it alright to do it later? We're going to handle Rixia's request first because it's quite important."

"Oh, sure!" Juna stood up. "I'll check again tomorrow. If Rixia's case is still ongoing, you can shelve my request for later. Thank you for listening to me."

Once Juna left, Randy let out a sigh. "Sheesh. I understand that she's trying to keep their privacy, but we can do with more context, you know?"

"Yes. I know where she's coming from, but I, too, would like more context about the girl. Speaking of..." Elie trailed off.

"Is it possible that it's the purple-haired girl we met near the Rosenberg Studio?" Tio finally said what was on everyone's mind.

"Elie, Tio, Randy. Looking back at it, that Renne girl's hair color... it is the same shade of purple as Harold, am I right?" Lloyd wanted confirmation from the others.

"I can't say I remember, but I'd say yes because of how distinct purple hairs are," Elie answered.

"Harold's son inherited his wife's hair, doesn't he?"

Tio sighed. "It sounds more and more likely that Juna's hunch is correct. Though we still have to verify it."

"..." Lloyd looked away.

Juna's deduction method... it somehow reminded him of how his brother worked his cases before his death.

"Lloyd?"



"Never mind. Let's go to the Arc en Ciel. Rixia is waiting for us."

"Okay!"

"Man, I wanna meet Ilya!"

"I'm looking forward to it."

Notes:

In the original JesSIca thread I think this is the first one where I used the game's sprite. Honestly, this is still one of my favorite. That entire sequence of Lloyd looking away, comparing Juna to Guy, and then opening his eyes to not worry everyone, it was just so good I had to delete my original narration and just put the image.

Chapter 6

The next day, Juna arrived at the SSS building with a smile on her face. Although, they weren't reflected in the face of the SSS members at all.

"What's wrong, guys?"

Lloyd looked at the pink-haired girl with a frown. "Since we had some free time last night, we decided to take your case. We scoured the database about Harold Hayworth."

Elie, Randy, and he looked at the printed report while Tio scanned the digital database.

"But unfortunately, he has never reported a missing child for the past ten years. We tried to expand to fifteen years to cover our bases, but still no result," Lloyd continued, shaking his head.

He was sorry that Juna's gut feeling was wrong. But such was the case for solving mysteries. Just a gut feeling wasn't enough. It needed to be backed by evidence to prove the absolute truth.

Juna frowned. "Hmmm... I could have thought... No. I was wrong, huh?"

"Sorry that it's not what you want to hear, Juna."

"It's okay, Lloyd. Thank you for your help."

"Though..." Lloyd looked at Elie, Randy, and Tio, who nodded at him. "I believe we met the girl you're looking for. She introduced herself as Renne. We met her twice. Once in the Imelda Antique Shop and the other near the Rosenberg Studio."

"That's her name!" Juna exclaimed with a gasp. "So she's really here! Where did you say you met him? The antique shop and Rosenberg Studio? Be right back, Lloyd!"

Juna quickly left the building.

"...is it a good decision to reveal that? I don't know, but..." Lloyd exhaled. "Juna is not a bad girl. I want to help her."

"It's our decision. If it turns out to be a mistake, the SSS will bear it together as a team," Elie declared.

"Definitely."

"Of course."

Tio and Randy followed. Lloyd couldn't help but smile. He was feeling very thankful for being blessed with such good teammates.

---

There was nothing more important to Joerg Rosenberg than his craft, he thought to himself. Whenever he was immersed in fine-tuning the dolls, he should not be disturbed, lest he'd unleash his wrath upon that unfortunate soul who annoyed him.

This pink-haired girl standing in front of his studio's gate was no exception. He looked at the monitor showing the figure of said girl who kept knocking on his gate for the past five minutes. Should he send one of his cleaners? No, he'd ask her first.

"What do you need of me?" He spoke to the microphone, which transmitted his voice to the gate via an orbal speaker.

"My name is Juna Crawford. I heard a purple-haired girl is spotted around here. Do you know anyone looking like that?"

Renne? What is her business with the little girl? Satisfied that she wasn't someone sent to bother him about his work, Joerg sent out two maid automatons to greet her properly. No, he wasn't letting her come inside.

"What business do you have with that girl, assuming that she's here?"

Coincidentally, Renne was out somewhere. He didn't know where, as her freedom wasn't his business. What unfortunate timing.

He observed as the two maids bowed to Juna. She was absorbed in watching the automatons instead of answering his question.

"Well?" Joerg snapped Juna out of her concentration. "I'm wasting my time here."

"A-Ah, sorry. Those two maids are just fascinating. They're not humans, right? ...wait, the technology level shouldn't allow someone to make fully functional automated robots..." Juna whispered. Unfortunately, the microphone hidden near the gate picked up her words. "...Renne... and those robots... you're..."

Juna gasped before she put her hand on the wooden sword on her hips. "Are you affiliated with Ouroboros? No..."

Ho? Interesting.

She relaxed, releasing her grip. "Hmm..."

She was thinking quite hard, Joerg thought. Maybe he should delay pressing the button to bring out the hidden blades from the maids. It was interesting how she worked out him working for Ouroboros, and then denying it.

"Speak out, girl. What makes you arrive at that conclusion?"

Joerg honestly wanted to know. It wasn't every day that somebody accused him of working for Ouroboros out of nowhere just by looking at his maid automatons. If it were the usual archaism, then sure, he could accept that because of how widely used they were in many operations. But his personal maids?

"I noticed that you have the technology to craft two robots --sorry, Archaism, right? At least, that's what Estelle told me-- that is not limited by aesthetics or functionality. Those kinds of technology are still unreachable worldwide. The only explanation on how you can have that is that you have access to the technology from somewhere. The nail in the coffin is Renne. You never denied seeing a purple-haired girl and instead sent out your maids to address me. That could mean Renne is really here. The only conclusion from that is that you're working for the secret society, Ouroboros."

Juna took a deep breath.

"But that's not all. From what I can gather from Estelle and Joshua, Renne is... detaching herself from the association with Ouroboros. The fact that she is sighted here means either she's taking refuge or just visiting for... hold on, didn't Joshua say that Renne has that big-ass robot? Could it be that you're having maintenance on it? Anyway, you welcomed her, a possible turncoat, then that means you're not fully in Ouroboros camp either, or they are laxer than I thought about membership."

Joerg raised his eyebrow.

What kind of deduction was that? She even stumbled upon the truth about what Renne was doing here.

"...Am I correct?" Juna asked after a few seconds of silence.

"Depends on what you will do with the knowledge," Joerg answered. One of his fingers was ready to push a button.

"Oh, no, no. It's not like anybody will believe me. I just made the connection when I saw your maids and have to confirm it."

"Hmph. Make sure that you don't. As for your earlier inquiry... Renne isn't here. Try again later."

"What? Oh, come on..." Juna whined. "It's tiring hiking here after training. And Arios ramped up my training, too, this past week... Oh well, it'll be good practice to fight the monsters around here. I'll come back later. See you, Mr. Rosenberg."

Joerg wanted to say something to deny the girl, but she had already left. Hmph. Maybe if he had free time, he could engage with her. At least she had enough sense to praise his work, with how she paid so much attention to the automaton's detail.

---

"You," Renne called out to the pink-haired girl as she was about to approach the Rosenberg Studio.

The pink-haired girl, Juna Crawford, from her research, turned to look at Renne and blinked. "Oh. Renne, was it? Finally found you after all these times!"

"You've been going around the studio and bothering Maester Joerg about me for the past weeks. Even going to Imelda, of all people... Well, now I'm here." Renne brandished her scythe for intimidation. She knew that she would most likely not bloody her scythe with other's blood anymore. But the sight of such a terrifying weapon still has its uses sometimes. "Anything to say?"

The fact that Juna did not immediately answer told Renne that her decision was correct. She didn't know why the pink-haired girl was looking for her. Well, she could guess what it was about, considering her association with the Bracer Guild.

"What? But... Ah, damn it, Mr. Rosenberg," Renne heard Juna mutter under her breath.

"Stop chasing me," Renne ignored her and demanded. "I would not be caught by Estelle and Joshua."

Juna sighed after hearing Renne's demand. "Do you really not want to? Estelle and Joshua... they really care for you."

"I don't need them!"

Renne unconsciously raised her voice. Ah... why? Even though she didn't mean to do it...

"I see..." Juna suddenly looked up to the sky and exhaled. "Fine. I'll stop looking for you from now on. But you understand that I will not lie to Estelle and Joshua about meeting you, right?"

"Hmph, you can say whatever you want. It's not my problem."

"On another note... do you know the SSS?"

Huh? Renne was caught off-guard by the change of topic. "Yes. I've met them. Quite a naive group of law enforcers. What of it?"

Renne saw Juna close her eyes before opening them and looking straight at her.

"Crossbell is my city. I love it. However, even I know what lies underneath the beautiful city. The SSS... they're doing their best to uncover the underbelly of this place, and I'm afraid that one day, they'll be up against something they aren't ready for. If that time comes, would you lend your hand to them? I'm not so arrogant to claim that it's the price for my silence, but I really hope that you'd do it, Enforcer No. XV."

Renne couldn't help but let out a small laugh.

"I'm the one making demands here, not you. Still, I'll take that into consideration, Little Miss Detective."

"Hey, you're younger than me!" Juna raised her voice but delivered the line with a playful tone.

It appeared that they had reached an understanding with that line. Juna let out a breath of relief. "Whew, I didn't expect to be accosted by a reaper when I hiked here."

Renne giggled. "You were bothering Meister Joerg, so as a good little girl, I did my best to dissuade you from bothering him further."

"Alright, alright. I already promised to stop, didn't I? Speaking of... Renne, can I have one last favor?"

"Hm? What is it?"

"...please escort me to the nearest bus stop." Juna put her hand together and bowed.

Renne couldn't help but laugh. "You're asking me despite being trained by the Divine Blade of Wind?"

Juna's eye twitched.

"Just so you know, Arios is a harsh taskmaster! I'm doing my best to learn under him!" She sighed. "It was hard, you know. After a few months, Arios finally taught me another form aside from Gale. I have no talent, so I had to compensate with hard work."

Renne put away her scythe before she approached the other girl. "I will not kill monsters for you. But I'll intervene if you're in danger."

Juna's expression brightened. "Thank you! Estelle is correct. You're cuter than you act."

Renne frowned. "What do you mean by that?"

There was a mischievous smile on the pink-haired girl's face. "Maybe you should ask Estelle yourself."

Renne clicked her tongue as Juna let out a chuckle. An idea struck Renne as she found a way to get even with the older girl.

"Maybe I should retract my statement. You can go back yourself."

"What? No! Please!"

Renne giggled at the response. Juna was quite fun. It was like she was playing with Estelle again.

Ah...

"I changed my mind," Renne growled. "You can get eaten by the monsters for all I care."

The playful aura Juna exuded was gone. "Ah, sorry."

"What for?"

"For reminding you of Estelle just now."

How did she...

"Hmph. Who says anything about Estelle? Maybe I just don't like you," she deflected.

Juna looked at Renne as if she was trying to uncover the mask she wore and looked deep inside her.

Slowly, a smile formed on the pink-haired girl's face. "I see... I understand."

Renne didn't understand what the other girl was seeing.

"Let me tell you something, Renne," Juna said with a soft smile. "Your days of being alone are numbered. Soon, your time will be up, and you'll have to face reality. Especially considering that you're skirting around Crossbell of all places."

What? Renne exclaimed in her mind as she saw Juna approaching her.

"If you keep being stubborn, not only will you hurt yourself... but you'll also hurt others who care for you, too," Juna finished with a pat on her head. Her face held a sad smile for Renne to see.

"You're wrong!" Renne shouted after she freed herself from Juna's pat.

"You're wrong! Wrong! Wrong!"

Juna was talking nonsense. Yes. That must be it! Juna couldn't be right... what did she know about her!? How dare she speak as if she was familiar with her! That was precisely like Estelle, a traitorous part of her mind supplied. No! She didn't want to think about Estelle! She didn't want to think about Juna!

Renne immediately ran towards the Rosenberg Studio's direction, leaving Juna alone.

The pink-haired girl let out a long breath. "Now, what should I tell Joshua and Estelle? Oh well..."

Notes:

Admittedly, I feel that the part with Joerg couldn't really capture his characterization. He's not an asshole like Schmidt, so he wouldn't dismiss Juna that easily, but I feel like he got interested too quickly. It was a part written because I didn't want to just skip to Renne's part and skipped Juna's effort because there is a gap between that scene and the Renne confrontation, so I need a scene of Juna's effort and between Joerg and Imelda? Joerg has more characterization so I decided on him

Chapter 7

Summary:

A casual conversation between Juna and Arios turned into something serious once Estelle and Joshua came in.

Estelle and Joshua had just finished yet another request. They went back to the Guild to report things to Michel. After that was the usual after-action report they had to write, so they went to the second floor.

Juna's excitable voice easily reached their ears. Estelle smiled when she remembered that she was exactly like that when she was Juna's age (which was only like, two or three years ago, but don't tell Joshua she thought that!) When they stepped onto the second floor, the sight of Juna talking to Arios, which was no longer uncommon after a few months in Crossbell, greeted them.

"...It's been a while since I visited Shizuku. How about we go there together after training?"

Arios frowned. "A shame that you haven't visited her recently. She misses you. Do I have to chase you around to finally visit her?"

The pink-haired girl blushed. "Oh, come on, Arios! That was young Juna being brash!"

"...And this older, wiser Juna is not brash anymore?"

Juna avoided Arios' eyes in embarrassment. It was then that her eyes met with the two Bracers. "Estelle, Joshua! Good work."

"Thank you, Juna," Joshua gave her a smile.

"It was tiring... but the feeling of satisfaction we get trumps all!" Estelle pumped her fist before two finally took a seat.

Estelle let out a sigh before she heard Juna speak.

"Oh right, I didn't see you two yesterday, so I didn't get the chance to say this," Juna clicked her finger. "I met Renne two days ago."

Estelle gasped while Joshua's eyes widened. She immediately leaned towards Juna. If she had been more composed, she would've realized that Arios raised his eyebrow at Juna's casual mention of a meeting with one of Ouroboros' enforcers.

"Where!?"

"Are you okay?" Instead of being driven by emotion like her, Joshua instead looked at the bigger picture.

Juna scratched her cheek. "She did brandish her scythe. But I'm okay! She didn't do anything to me."

"Thank Aidios..." Estelle let out a breath of relief.

"Anyway, we had a talk, and I can conclude that she's... not yet ready to be picked up by you two," Juna revealed.

"What do you mean by that?" Joshua asked for clarification.

"Now, it's just my gut feeling--" like her usual, then, Estelle thought. "--but there must be a reason why Renne is here in Crossbell exactly when the situation is like this."

"'Like this?'" This time, it was Arios who wanted to know.

"Have you been following the SSS's exploit? Sometimes I ask Lloyd when they have free time to indulge me, and when I look at the bigger picture... well, Crossbell is heating up," Juna looked around for a blank paper and pen and wrote something.

Juna then showed the paper to everyone.

"It doesn't paint the complete picture, but here's basically it. Revache is working overtime to maximize their profit, but there has been more than one attempt in a sitting. If I remember correctly, the plot to control the Septium Mine in Mainz involved the CGF and the St. Ursula Hospital, too. That's all the important places in this city. Are they not afraid of poking around? If so, why?"

Juna let her words sink in before she continued.

"And then the newcomers, Heiyue. It is an ongoing case, so don't tell anyone about it. But apparently, it's about Arc en Ciel and supposedly involved Heiyue. I don't know if there's been a new development, but the timing is suspicious. And then we all know that Crossbell's politics is a proxy war between Erebonia and Calvard despite what people say. Combine that with the upcoming election... Basically, I think something is brewing in here," Juna finished her explanation before she blinked.

"Oh, we're going off on a tangent." She put aside the paper on the table and turned her attention back to the two young Bracers. "Back to the main topic, I thought Renne being here now must not be coincidental. There has to be a reason. Now, it's just my gut feeling, as I said. So when I heard a sighting of her somewhere, I did my best to follow the lead."

Estelle noticed that Juna was avoiding mentioning the place she met with Renne. Not to mention what kind of lead she followed to meet her.

"After a few weeks, Renne finally came. But she then threatened me to stop chasing her." Juna let out a sigh of relief. "Thankfully, we didn't come into a clash, if you could even call such a hypothetical confrontation. Aidios, that scythe was certainly terrifying. Anyway, it turns out that she is here for something else, and it's purely a coincidence that she's here while Crossbell has so many incidents. After gaining a mutual understanding, we had small talks, and I got to glean at her."

That was certainly vague, Estelle noticed. Wait, Estelle crunched her eyebrows and processed Juna's words again. "You had small talks after she threatened you?"

"Ah, yeah, Ehehe..." Juna laughed sheepishly. "Anyway, from that, I can see that something is holding her back from you two. I don't know what that is, though I have my suspicions... But I guess Renne will accept your offer once she finishes whatever that is."

Joshua frowned. "Are you really sure about that, Juna? I do not doubt that you really met her. But about her accepting our offer..."

Juna nodded.

"Definitely. But of course, it's not like Renne will fall onto your lap if you don't do anything. The two of you have to keep reaching out to her in your own way. Just treat my gut feeling as a reassurance that your effort will be rewarded," Juna finished with a smile.

"I see..." Estelle breathed out. "I'm glad that Renne is alright."

If she were standing, there was no doubt that she'd fall over because her legs gave up on her. She was...

Unconsciously, tears fell down her cheeks.

"Estelle..."

"I'm sorry, I'm just-- we've looked hard for the past six months..." Estelle wiped her tears with her arms. "And I'm just really happy that now she's here..."

"Yeah... we can rest a little easier after knowing that she's safe," Joshua dragged Estelle into an embrace.

"Ugh," Estelle grumbled in Joshua's embrace when she realized something. "Hasn't Renne realized that whatever bothers her, the two of us are willing to help?! Honestly, she sounds just like you, Joshua! Is being a stubborn idiot a prerequisite to becoming an Enforcer for Ouroboros or something?"

Joshua chuckled. "Ahaha... I'm really glad that you entered my life, Estelle."

"Joshua..." The two stared at each other.

"Eugh, you're doing the thing again."

Estelle whipped her head, now realizing that there were witnesses. Oh, Aidios! Her face reddened from the embarrassment of almost losing herself in front of Arios and Juna.

"Let them live, Juna. You'd understand when you find the one," Arios smiled, addressing his student.

"Alright! Now that we got a confirmation, let's double, no, triple our efforts to find her on our own! Come on, Joshua!"

"Right. Leave it to Estelle to swing the mood from relieved, crying, annoyed, and now cheerful," Joshua responded with a smile on his face.

"W-What!?" Estelle blushed at Joshua's retort. She then looked at the other occupant of the room, Arios, and Juna, who was smiling and giggling at the two's interaction.

"Oh, come on..." she whined.

Estelle then saw Arios pick up the paper containing the mind map of Crossbell's situation that Juna had drawn before. "Now, since when are you this perceptive?"

Arios questioned his student.

"Hey! I have always been perceptive!" Juna shouted playfully, playing along with Arios. "How do you think I know when Shizuku wanted to hear you? Do you think she's the type to blurt it out just like that? As cute as she is, she's also mature enough to understand that you can't spend all your time with her. But she's also not selfish enough to ask for you directly, which is why I had to do what I did back then."

"That and this are two completely different things. It is one thing to sense the emotion of a child. It is another thing entirely to piece things together and conclude that something will happen in Crossbell," Arios looked at her seriously, all traces of humors were gone.

Now Juna knew that time for playing around was over. "Um... is it that weird?"

"Not weird. It is a testament to your skill in gathering enough information and forming theories based on the evidence," Arios shook his head. "You know my history, don't you? I was a former police officer. Your method of working on things feels really familiar to me."

Juna bashfully nodded. "Thank you..."

"Especially regarding Renne. You said that it's your gut feeling, huh?" This time, a melancholic smile appeared on Arios' face. "You remind me of my late partner, Guy Bannings."

Juna's eyes widened. "...Guy?"

Arios stood up and started to walk away. "You would make a fine detective, Juna."

Once Arios left, Estelle looked at the pink-haired girl whose face was completely red.

"Haha, I guess you still can't handle being complimented sincerely," She commented after seeing Juna's state. "Wish I had an orbal camera to take a picture of you."

"Estelle!" Juna squeaked. Cutely. Now she wanted to squish that red cheeks.

"Hehe..."

"A-Anyway, this is your first time in Crossbell, right? Next week we'll have the Anniversary Festival! You need to take a break and enjoy yourself!" Juna tried to shift the topic away from Arios.

"I've heard. I hope it's as fun as the Queen's Birthday in Grancel!" Estelle answered giddily.

And so the conversation drifted into celebrations across Zemuria that Estelle and Joshua had attended.

Chapter 8

Summary:

The Crossbell Anniversarry festival was in full swing. Despite that, the SSS is busy with so many requests. Hmm? A call from Fran? A new, urgent request?

"Right. I see... thank you," Lloyd closed the Enigma as he let out a breath. They had just finished patrolling the area for the festival, and Fran had just informed them of a situation.

"What's the matter, Lloyd?" Elie asked him.

"We've got a request from Mr. Hayworth. Apparently, his son went missing at some point during the parade," Lloyd explained.

"Oi oi, seriously?" Randy interjected. "Isn't Harold..."

"The one Juna suspected of being Renne's father," Tio finished with a sigh.

"In any case, he's waiting for us by the water fountain near headquarters. We should go get details about the situation," Lloyd clapped to return everyone's focus.

---

Once the SSS met the Hayworths and they explained the situation to the group, Lloyd asked them for a photo to make the search easier.

"Oh, how cute."

"Indeed. I almost mistook him as their daughter."

Both Elie and Tio started gushing about the cute kid. And well, Lloyd had to agree with the two girls. Colin was indeed cute, in the innocent sort of way that made you want to protect him.

"M-My sweet boy..."

Sophia Hayworth started to cry.

"Come, now, dear. Let's get out of the heat and wait for Colin to come home," Harold tried to calm his wife down. "Who knows? He may be waiting for us now..."

"Harold! But, what if...? What if it happened again?!"

"It won't! It will never happen again, I swear it!"

Harold declared with convictions.

The SSS looked at each other.

'Again?' Could it be...

"Excuse us. The heat seems to have gotten to our heads. It's just... This is a lot to deal with," Harold addressed the SSS again after his wife calmed down a little.

"No, we completely understand."

After that, they got one of Colin's possession, a plushie of Mishy, for Zeit to track the scent. They split up for better efficiency, and Lloyd was left alone to cover the Entertainment District, Back Alley, Central Square, and West Street.

After asking around the Entertainment District and the Back Alley to no Avail, Lloyd let out a sigh. Maybe he should've gotten Juna's help. He decided to go straight to West Street before scouring the Central Square. He could visit the Crawfords to see if Juna was home.

"Long time no see."

"Huh?" Lloyd turned when he heard a voice calling out to him. "Oh, it's you, Renne."

What a coincidence. Lloyd's hand grasped his left pocket, where he kept Colin's photo.

"Good day, Detective. It's been about a month since we last met, hasn't it?" She curtsied.

"Yeah, that sounds about right. What's up? Did you come to revisit the antique shop?" Lloyd asked her, trying to settle for a small talk. He knew that Colin was still missing, but he couldn't abandon a lead.

"Indeed. I've also come to take in the festival. I quite enjoyed that lovely parade. Were you able to watch it?" Renne continued talking. So Lloyd answered in kind.

"Afraid not. I had to skip out on it. I was busy taking care of a job."

The Hayworths' mention of 'again' implied that they lost a child once. Lloyd's mind couldn't help but make a connection with Juna's deduction a few weeks ago that Renne was a missing daughter of the Hayworth.

"By the way, Detective... What are you doing all alone? Are you playing another game of hide-and-seek with someone?"

Perfect opening. Or maybe... she was leading for that question? He didn't know. Juna never asked for help anymore about Renne's case, so he assumed she either had solved it or dropped it. Now that there was a chance that Juna's deduction was correct... Lloyd felt that he needed to confirm things for Juna. With the lack of records about Harold in the police database, the SSS's concluded that Juna's guess was wrong, so the responsibility to verify it fell to Lloyd now that he was given the chance to do so.

"Renne. I have to ask you something."

Lloyd brought out the photo he used to look for Colin and showed it to the purple-haired girl. Now that he got a good look at Renne and previously Harold and compared it, it was true that the two had the exact same shade of purple for their hair.

"Have you seen this boy? He supposedly disappeared during the parade and has yet to return home."

"Oh..."

There was a telltale of recognition on her face. Lloyd saw it, despite how fast Renne put up a mask of indifference.

"No. Renne has never known this child."

Even her voice was restrained. It was as if she could perfectly mask her emotion. However, it flared Lloyd's detective intuition instead of throwing him off.

Despite Renne saying otherwise, Lloyd was convinced that Renne definitely knew Colin. And possibly... Renne was truly the Hayworths' missing daughter.

He had to apologize to Juna.

"However... He's quite a cute boy, isn't he? You said you're looking for him, Detective?"

"Yeah, my team split up to cover more ground," Lloyd answered. "I'd like to get him back to his parents ASAP, but we haven't had much luck yet."

"Heehee... If that's the case, then I'll grant you a bit of my expertise," Renne offered with a giggle.

Lloyd's mind was working out what it meant for Renne. Did she resent the Hayworths? With how she wanted to look for Colin, it couldn't be resentment unless she aimed to hurt Colin herself after she found him. It was best for him to accompany her so that he could control what would happen.

"All right. I'll be counting on you, Renne. However, do you mind if I pick another help? She has quite a sharp mind. I hope that she'd be free to help us," Lloyd asked. Despite Renne's sudden help, he still wanted Juna's help too.

"Sure."

"Alright. Let's put the Central Square investigation away for now. Let's go to West Street to pick her up."

Notes:

The seed of 'Renne is the Hayworth's missing daughter' planted by Juna had sprouted and Lloyd paid full attention when he interacted with Renne, especially when it's really suspicious that they met now of all times, hence Lloyd's precaution. Though, that was just Lloyd's 'detective intuition.'

Chapter 9

Summary:

Juna, Lloyd, and Renne's adventure in the Crossbell Anniversarry Festival.

Thankfully, Juna was at home. Her mother was keeping an eye on Ken and Nana at the festival, so Juna was asked to take care of the house.

"Lloyd? What a surprise. What are you doing here?" Her eyes drifted down to the figure on his side. "And... Renne, too? What a surprise!"

"You don't sound surprised at the slightest at my appearance, Little Miss Detective," Renne replied swiftly, though a sardonic smile was present on her face.

So Juna had met Renne, then? Was that why she didn't ask for help anymore? He did pointed her at Renne's direction, but it felt weird to have a case and not be involved.

"Ah, I see..." Juna grinned as her eyes switched between Renne and Lloyd. "Your time is up, Renne!"

Juna playfully made a shooting gesture at the younger girl.

"Hmph. This is just a coincidence," Renne denied Juna's accusation, whatever she meant by that.

"Anyway, Juna. The SSS got a case, and I hope that you can help us. We're looking for a missing child of Mr. Hayworth, and since you investigated Mr. Hayworth before..." Lloyd trailed off.

"Hold on. What do you mean by investigating?" Renne frowned.

Well, this was awkward. Lloyd couldn't help but sigh. Should he reveal it now? Or...

He glanced at Juna, whose eyes widened in recognition. She looked at him and raised her eyebrow as if saying, 'Really, Lloyd?'

"It's nothing, Renne. There is something more important than that," Lloyd decided to hold off telling Renne about Juna's deduction.

"Yeah... I'll help. And maybe we can talk as we walk. Wait a minute. I'll bring my wooden sword, and we can go."

Juna immediately went back inside and returned a few seconds later. "Alright, lead on, Lloyd!"

The three went to Central Square to ask around for people. After they went through all the people without any new lead on Colin's whereabouts, they decided to sit on the bench to rest themselves.

"Alright. We're taking a small break for now. Now, please explain what you mean by investigating," Renne hounded the pink-haired girl.

Juna glanced at Lloyd for a second before it went back to the other girl. Ah, Juna was asking if she was allowed to explain things in his presence. She wanted to keep Renne's privacy about her problems, after all.

"You've involved him before, right? It's fine. Detective can keep secrets, right?" Renne aimed the question at Lloyd.

"Ah, yeah," he answered.

And so Juna exhaled.

"Long story short, this is before I first met you, by the way. I tried to think about why you would be in Crossbell. The next day, I asked a certain someone we mutually knew about you, and he said something about your background. And then, I stumbled upon a theory. How did you end up in that place in the first place? There are only two possibilities. Either you're kidnapped, or your parents sold you out."

Lloyd saw that Renne was about to interject before she closed her mouth. "Go on."

"Then maybe, I thought. You are here because you want to take revenge on your family or reconnect with them. After all, the two of them wanted to adopt you, but you ran away from them. From that motive, I compiled a list of purple-haired people in Crossbell. It's... not an extensive list, though I had to work to compile them. A filter of age, occupation, and marital status later, only one person can be your parent. Harold Hayworth."

Renne glared at Juna. "How are you convinced about my 'motive?'"

"Well, this was before I met you, remember? I thought it was something along that line. But it turns out you're having that in maintenance, right?"

Renne was silent. "Did Maester tell you?"

"Nope," Juna shook her head. "It's an easy conclusion to make when he showed me his creation."

It seemed that Lloyd missed some context, but it was okay. Seeing that Juna didn't continue, Lloyd picked up where she was off.

"After that, Juna approached us, the SSS, to look up Mr. Hayworth's record in the police database. She wanted to know if he had filed a case for a missing person around ten to eight years ago. Unfortunately, we found none. So I informed Juna that it was a wrong conclusion. I'm sorry, Juna. It looks like your deduction is correct."

"Nah, it's okay. You told me that you met Renne afterward, remember? Without that, we wouldn't arrive at this point." Juna waved off his apology. It was nice to see that Juna didn't hold it against him. "Now, let's continue! I need a distraction from my training!"

"What's the matter?" Lloyd couldn't help but ask.

"It's Arios. Lately, he's been kind of more... I don't know, distant? Yeah, he's a little more distant than usual. Maybe it's a sign that he's taking me seriously, but I couldn't help but miss the fun times we had previously," Juna huffed. "But there's something more important here. We can talk about it later, Lloyd! Thanks for hearing me out!"

"You're welcome, Juna."

The three continued their investigation to Station Street, though Renne was more subdued than before.

Lloyd got a status report from Tio, who said that Colin's scent did not cross south of Station Street. He told them to check the other exit before he closed the call.

"Hmm. So she chose to tag along with the big bad wolf, then? Still... turning him into a police dog? You guys come up with some interesting ideas," Renne commented after Lloyd put his Enigma back in his pocket.

Lloyd sighed.

"Well, we didn't have much of a choice. He walked right into the SSS building, and that was that," He explained before he realized something important. "Wait a minute... How do you know so much about us, Renne?"

"Who knows?"

Was it related to Juna's story about Renne being a girl who had the means to safely cross borders in Zemuria?

"Come on, Lloyd. You guys know that the SSS is a hot topic, right? I'm sure all kinds of people pay attention to you," Juna explained.

"I see... Anyway, let's check around this area."

Lloyd led them to the entrance of the Geofront.

"Crossbell's very own den of monsters, the Geofront. You can't go inside without a key from City Hall, so you can scratch it off your list." Renne remarked.

"Good point," Lloyd nodded. He looked at Renne deeply. That was... "Someone could have told you about the monsters, but the thing about City Hall? A little girl like you shouldn't know about it."

"Heehee... I fail to understand your confusion. I'm no stranger to Crossbell, after all. It's just another one of my playgrounds, so I know every nook and cranny," Renne giggled.

"Another playground?" Instantly, Lloyd's mind went to a certain hacker. Could she really be...? It made sense, if a little unbelievable.

"You sure are having fun with him," Juna mused with a hum to Renne, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "But I can see the appeal, yes."

What? What appeal?

"Still, are you sure you want to keep doing it? Lloyd is a detective, after all. He's gonna piece things together at the end of the day," the pink-haired girl continued.

"I wouldn't do it if I'm not expecting him to," was Renne's short reply.

"Fine, then. Let's continue," Juna shrugged, accepting Renne's answer.

Lloyd still missed the context, but apparently, Renne deliberately threw breadcrumbs for him to follow. He stored all the assumptions about Renne inside his mind. It wouldn't do to jump to conclusions.

The three of them decided to go to West Street and asked around for Colin there. Though, in the end, they still haven't gotten any new info about him.

"Renne," Juna said suddenly, catching Lloyd's attention. "I thought hard about this. I was very sure that my guess was correct that you're Mr. Hayworth's daughter, so I was surprised when Lloyd said that there was no record of him reporting to the police. As aptly put by the SSS, he's not the type to abandon his family, as can be seen with Colin's case now."

That was a good question that Juna fired. Lloyd decided to air up his theory.

"About that, I wondered about that too when I confirmed that we were wrong just an hour ago. Renne, could it be that you were kidnapped when you were outside Crossbell?" Lloyd asked the purple-haired girl.

"...Now that makes sense," Juna nodded to herself. "I was thinking along the lines of him and his wife thought that you were dead."

"Yours is also understandable, Juna. But if it happens in Crossbell, there should be some report of her passing. No, I'm sure whether they think you're missing or dead, it happened outside Crossbell."

That was the conclusion that Lloyd came to after he thought about it for a while just now. Lloyd didn't know how Juna arrived at her conclusion, but now that he thought about it, it could be true if it happened outside of Crossbell, like his assumption.

Renne was silent for a while before she let out a sigh. "I heard about you from Maester Joerg, Juna. But Detective is certainly a sharp one too. I didn't remember much, but I remember it happened outside Crossbell, yes. Specifically in Calvard."

"Calvard... damn," Juna muttered under her breath. What did she think about Calvard? Lloyd wondered.

Their conversation was interrupted when Lloyd got another call. Once Tio said that Zeit smelled Colin's scent near the pier, but upon the stairs exiting it, his scent suddenly vanished.

"It's entirely possible that he entered an automobile," Lloyd aired his thought to the other end of the call.

"It's definitely a car," Juna doubled down. "There's no mistaking it. My... gut feeling says it's a car."

"I agree, Lloyd, Juna. With that in mind, the question now becomes, which vehicle did he enter?" Renne also voiced her agreement and posed another question.

"Damn, if only we could track the... Lloyd! Does the SSS have access to the list of cars parked around the Harbor District? Either camera or whatever..."

Lloyd shook his head. "I don't think so. However..."

He glanced at Renne. "I'm allowing you to borrow the SSS's terminal, Renne. Do what you can."

This was a last resort because if what Renne alluded to was interpreted correctly by him... then Renne was Kitty, the hacker who managed to elude Jona.

Juna looked between them. "Wait, you can also hack things? Whew..."

Renne nodded at Juna before turning to Lloyd. "Let's go, then. I'll be doing some crime."

She ran towards the SSS building.

"She's worried about him, huh? I guess you can cross the theory of her being jealous of Colin for replacing her," Juna observed as the two walked.

"...So you also keep that possibility in mind, huh..."

Juna blinked before staring at Lloyd. "Wait, you too?"

Lloyd let out a small chuckle. "We're both working with two different parts of information, after all. I saw her tensing up when she saw Colin's photo, so I thought there must be something she was hiding. I think it speaks well of you to come to the same conclusion as me without seeing that yourself."

Juna nodded.

"The moment you said that she's really Harold's daughter, I knew that I have to keep that in mind, even if I know that the possibility is small because I know her background. If anything, you're the great one to work it out without knowing her background fully like I am."

Suddenly being praised, Lloyd let out another chuckle. "Wait a minute. I have to call the others to go back to the base."

---

Once they entered the SSS building and saw Renne working hard on the terminal, Lloyd sighed.

"Do you know that at first, we thought Renne was the dollmaker's granddaughter?" He said to Juna. "It turns that she's much more than that."

The mystery that was Renne slowly but surely reached a conclusion. But Lloyd still needed several more pieces of evidence and information from Juna to get the full picture.

"Thank you for the compliment, Detective," Renne joined from the terminal. "As you have surmised, Gramps is just an accomplice of mine. He's a friend who repaired my dear Pater-Mater for me... And since I distrust the professor, I had to be discreet about asking for the fixes."

"A professor? Who are you talking about now? And what the heck is a Pater-Mater?" Lloyd's mind was working overdrive to decipher Renne's words. She was dangling so much free information but none of the context to make sense of them.

Ah, so that was what Juna meant about Renne having fun with him.

Lloyd let out a sigh.

Juna's mouth opened, but she didn't say anything for a while.

"Renne... as much as it is fun for you to see Lloyd's confused expression, I kind of want to tell him about it later if he hadn't connected the dots. Do I have permission to do it? Especially about you and Mr. Rosenberg," Juna finally said after a few seconds of silence.

"...Can we put that for later? I'm still busy looking for the car information," Renne refused to answer.

"That's fair," Juna agreed to the proposition.

Not long after, the other member of the SSS came and saw Renne. A short explanation later, they were all on the same page as Lloyd. Understanding some parts but was left confused about the others.

"Man, I don't want to believe that Renne is Kitty," Randy whistled.

Tio looked at the smaller girl with a complicated expression. Maybe she was feeling a little threatened that a younger girl was on the same level as her, technology-wise?

"I see..." Elie sighed. "And what's Juna doing here?"

Lloyd let out a sheepish laugh. "I wanted to ask for her help at first. But after I got a confirmation about Renne knowing the Hayworth, I couldn't not tell Juna about it."

"Found it," Renne declared, turning everyone's attention to her. "It looks like a Rhimes Deliveries delivery truck was parked there 30 minutes ago. And it was heading to Bellguard Gate. Now, for the truck's number... Ah, here it is. Try contacting the driver with this number. I'm all but certain that this will lead us to our missing boy."

"Awesome. Thanks, Renne."

Lloyd wasted no time calling the number and got confirmation about Colin from the truck driver. Closing his Enigma, he closed his eyes before he faced the others.

"We've got a bit of an issue."

Colin was indeed inside the truck. However, when the driver noticed him and called the company to report his probable delay, Colin ran away somewhere, and now the driver panicked.

"He what?" Renne said.

"Unbelievable..."

"This is bad news, guys!"

The others, including Renne, declared when they heard the situation from him. Juna, however, only sighed before she nodded, muttering something he couldn't catch.

"Everyone, we're heading to the west exit. And Renne... you can follow us. Juna, you'll keep her safe, won't you?"

"Roger!" Juna gave a thumbs up. "Though I'm sure she didn't need it. You're a good kid who knows how to avoid danger, aren't you, Renne?"

The girl only giggled. "Oh, most definitely."

After that, they quickly went to the West Exit.

Notes:

Juna: You're amazing.
Lloyd: No u.
Juna: No u.
Lloyd: No u.
or, how two sharp-minded people praise each other's deduction ability.

Chapter 10

Summary:

Colin's search continues... what will happen to him? And what is Renne's involvement?

After meeting the truck driver, they wasted no time and continued their way to the West Crossbell Highway. They quickly mopped the floor with the monsters who blocked their path. After a few months of working together, the SSS had found their rhythm in battle.

Near the bridge, Lloyd finally saw the boy they were looking for. He was apparently having fun chasing a yellow butterfly. Everyone let out a sigh of relief when Colin was safe.

"He was chasing a butterfly all the way out here..."

"Haha, he's a curious little brat, ain't he?" Randy chuckled at the scene.

"Well, he's had a long day. Let's get him home, shall we?"

Everyone except Juna.

"Gear up, guys," Juna declared.

"Huh?" Randy responded in confusion.

"Why?" Elie turned to the pink-haired girl.

"Colin!" Everyone's attention turned to Lloyd.

"Those are...!" Tio said in disbelief. Colin was suddenly surrounded by a pack of wolves. There were six of them, ready to pounce on the small child.

"This is bad!"

"No time to think! Just go!"

However, somebody was faster than all of them.

Renne quickly ran towards the scene.

"No!"

"Renne!"

"Don't worry, guys. Let's go after her!" Juna shouted, giving everyone a focus.

"Stay away from him!"

As they ran, Lloyd saw how Renne brandished a scythe and threw it to kill two wolves. She then used the distraction to grab Colin and carry him to the side.

"Everyone... please..." She pleaded to the SSS.

"Leave it to us, Renne!" Even without that, Lloyd would've done it anyway.

"Time to clean house!"

---

Once they finished the fight, they put away their weapon. All six wolves who surrounded Colin were now dead.

"Phew..." Lloyd sighed in relief.

"That could've turned out reeeeeal bad." Randy remarked.

"You're right. But, wait... What about Renne and Colin?!" Elie looked around and saw the two with Juna.

Renne was embracing Colin with Juna standing guard around them.

"It's okay. Everything will be all right now. These nice people took care of all those big, scary monsters for you. You can relax now, okay? Please don't cry," she patted his back tenderly.

"B-B-But, I j-just wanted... Wh-Whaaaaaaaaah!" Colin cried, maybe from the shock of facing six wolves. It was understandable that all of it was just processed by Colin now.

Seeing the tears, Renne panicked. "Wh-Why are you crying?! I already said nothing is going to hurt you anymore... You... You're..."

She couldn't hold back and let out her innermost feeling.

"I never meant to save you... to involve myself like this...!"

Lloyd was taken aback, not by the words, but by the emotion behind the words. Renne was holding this back, huh... Then, maybe...

"Moronic! How utterly, completely moronic! I just wanted to observe him...! I never wanted to get involved, and yet...!"


"Why...? Why did I do it?!"

Renne continued to express her pent-up emotion for all these years.

Lloyd approached the two and crouched down.

"Renne... I only know some parts of your story, but it's clear to me that you thought of him as someone dear to you."

"The warmth he feels in your arms is proof enough."

"You did most of the work. We were just a backup, honestly. But, still... I'm glad we were here. It was an honor to help you, Renne... To help you protect what's important to you," Lloyd finished with a pat on the girl's head.

In the end, the feelings of having her little brother almost die burst forth.

The two siblings cried together in each other's embrace.

"Juna. Thank you for the help," Lloyd said to her after he stood up.

"Sure, even though I'm just the backup of the backup," Juna smiled. "Let's get them home. Once Renne gives her agreement, I'll tell you what I can."

Later, after Colin fell asleep, they carried him back to the SSS building.

---

Lloyd entered his room, where they laid Colin to sleep. He was greeted with a wave of hand from Juna and saw that Renne was looking at the sleeping Colin with a soft gaze.

"Did he doze off already?" He asked Juna, who nodded. Lloyd then moved towards Renne's side, also looking at the sleeping boy.

"Heeheehee... He sure is cute when he sleeps. A pure, innocent child who doesn't know sin. He's grown so much..." Renne trailed off with a soft smile on her face. Her right hand rose up to pat his head, but it stopped before it could reach Colin.

"Renne. You should know we've contacted the Hayworths. They are on their way here now," Lloyd said to the girl.


"I know that you've been dropping hints about yourself. You have tremendous skill in wielding a scythe. You can hack the orbal network. You're also sharp enough to keep up with Juna and me in looking for Colin. You are, no doubt, a genius," he tried approaching the problem from another angle. If brute-forcing it wouldn't give any result, then he'd tried a softer approach.

"Heeheee... Thank you for the compliment, Detective." Renne answered. "Yes. That's the essence of who I am. I can process information and immediately make the appropriate adjustments to nearly any situation I'm placed in... My combat, hacking, doctoral dissertations, archaism control, and not to mention tea etiquette... All of it is made possible by my true essence."

Renne elaborated without context again. A glance at Juna confirmed that she already knew about this. Well... a part of it caught him off guard, but that was not important right now.

Lloyd exhaled before he continued.

"In other words, you are able to figure out how to bring any outcome you want into reality."

Renne giggled.

"That's another way to put it, yeah. Despite how impossible something may seem, I know what is necessary to make it happen." She then shook her head. "No, that's not quite right. To be more accurate, I know how to manipulate the world into giving me whatever I want. That's my true power."

"if that's how you see it, then..." Lloyd trailed off as he looked at the girl thoughtfully. "What do you actually wish for? From the bottom of your heart, what do you want most?"

"Pardon?"

"The way you describe it, you're the like a princess who can make the world grant anything you desire. But I don't buy that. To me, you look like a lost kitten, confused about where she is and where she should go," Lloyd elaborated.

"Or... maybe you actually do know where you should go, but you think that there are many obstacles in your way, that you can't make it there. Am I correct?"

His mind went back to the day Juna came and told them about Renne, though at the time, she didn't mention any name. Juna said that there were people who wanted to adopt Renne, and she was helping them. To him, it looked like Renne was the one evading them.

She didn't want to go back to the Hayworths, and she didn't want to be adopted either. She knew the two options had their own risks, but she did not want to take them. Either because she was afraid of the risks or something else, to Lloyd, it was clear that those were the behavior of someone who thought that they were powerless against the barrier in front of them.

"..."

"That's just what my intuition is telling me, so I apologize if I'm out of line or off-base," Lloyd sighed before he continued his speech. "But remember: We're the Special Support Section. If we find someone in need, we want to help them to the best of our ability. That includes you, Renne. Even if we can't walk you all the way home, we can at least give you the first boost you need to overcome those obstacles. We have some experience in it ourselves."

"You... you don't understand..."

Lloyd shook his head, "You're right. I can't pretend to understand your circumstances... but there are others who do, aren't they? Juna told me that some people wanted to adopt you. What's the harm in leaning on them?"

Before Renne could answer, suddenly, the door was knocked, and Elie's voice came.

"Lloyd? The Hayworths just arrived. I'm sending them in, okay?"

"So, what would you do?" Lloyd asked Renne, looking her in the eyes.

Renne's face conveyed the turmoil in her heart.

"Now, now, Lloyd. There's a perfectly usable cupboard there. Why don't we let Renne hide there? Whether she decides to come out or not, it will be her decision without our intervention," Juna offered a way out.

"A nice idea, Juna. How about it, Renne?"

The girl only nodded without saying anything and opened the cupboard to hide herself there. It was a good time because seconds after that, the door to Lloyd's room was opened by Elie, and the Hayworths ran inside, crowding over Colin's sleeping body.

"Colin!"

"My little boy!"

Elie, Tio, and Randy approached him as the Hayworths started crying over Colin's condition. Thankfully, Juna explained things to them as Elie whispered, "Where is Renne?"

"She's hiding there. Please don't tip them off," Lloyd whispered back.

The three nodded at his instruction, and they switched attention to Juna, who regaled the Hayworths with the tales of finding Colin.

"...Thankfully, the driver is a good man who informed us that Colin has gone away. So we quickly ran to the West Crossbell Highway and found him chasing a yellow butterfly... But that's not where it ends," Juna continued retelling the investigation. "Suddenly, six wolves were targetting Colin. But before they could do anything, we were upon them, fighting!"

"I have a feeling Juna deliberately structured her tales like that," Tio offhandedly mentioned.

"Ahaha..." Thank you, Juna, for skipping the shameful early relief they had. He remembered that Juna was the only one to notice something. Wait, Lloyd realized. There had been no signs of the wolves crowding Colin moments before they showed themselves. How did Juna know it would happen? Or... was she expecting the worst in that situation?

Juna's intuition... after this debacle, Lloyd definitely could say that it was stronger than him. He was not particularly proud about it, but it was a skill he honed at the Police Academy. The fact that Juna wasn't even a Police Academy student but had an intuition that was sharper than him...

As he thought. He really wanted to Juna to join the SSS.

"I see..." Harold exhaled after Juna finished her story. Of course, Juna completely omitted Renne's name or description, just that they were helped by one more person, so the Hayworths didn't know about Renne.

"Everyone. Thank you so much. For as long as I may live, I will never forget what you have done for us today."

He bowed, showing his respect to the savior of his son.

"P-Please! You don't have to thank us!" Lloyd tried to stop him.

"Right. We were just doing our jobs," Elie helped him.

Sophia shook her head. "No, you don't understand the gravity of this! If you hadn't found him, Colin would be... We could have..."

Harold embraced his wife when she couldn't hold back her tears again.

"Truly... Thank you..." Sophia said between her sobs.

"It's all right, honey... Everything is fine now."

The SSS looked at each other. They knew what happened to the Hayworths, even if it wasn't the full story. Seeing them breaking down like this felt really wrong when they knew the truth. But even so, telling them anything about Renne wasn't their prerogative. It was Renne's. So, they swallowed their words and kept silent.

"Mm..." A groan came from the bed. It seemed that Colin was waking up. "Mama? Papa?"

"Colin..."

"Thank the Goddess! He's okay! Don't you know how much you made Mama and Papa worry?"

The still sleepy Colin rubbed his eyes. "What do you mean? Oh! I had SO much fun today!"

He then continued talking about his day.

"...And then, and then... huh?"

Noticing Colin looking around, Sophia instinctively asked her son. "What's wrong, Colin?"

Colin looked around. "Umm... Where is the purple-haired big sis?"

The Hayworths' eyes widened in shock.

"Purple-haired..."

"...big sis?"

"Yeah!" Colin smiled happily. "You should have seen her! She was so strong! She was nice and smelled nice...! And she had purple hair just like Papa's!"

"What?" Sophia gasped in surprise at Colin's admission.

No doubt, they were in shock with Colin's description of Renne. After all...

"Excuse me. You never told us about a purple-haired girl," Harold turned to Juna, who only scratched the back of her head.

"Ah... remember when I said we were helped by one more person? She does have purple hair, yes. But it's not like there is a fitting time to describe her appearance when I was recounting the investigation!" Juna weakly tried to defend herself.

Ah, that was why Juna pre-empted the story by saying six people were involved in the search without mentioning Renne's name or description. Clever.

"Indeed," Lloyd offered his support. "That girl offered her help to look for Colin. She might have been a tourist, but we can't be sure. She didn't talk much about herself."

"I-I see... thank you."

"So that's what happened..." Sophia trailed off.

Colin yawned, turning everyone to him once more. "I wish...that I could see her again... So we could play together...one last time..."

And then the little boy went back to sleep.

Lloyd couldn't help but smile.

"He's welcome to rest here as long as he needs, Mr. Hayworth. We don't mind, honestly."

"You've already done so much for us," Harold replied with his own smile before it turned into a frown. "A girl with the same hair as me, though? Perhaps this was the protection of the Goddess and...that child."

"It must be," Sophia said to her husband.

They were probably talking about Renne. It really was unfair for him to know about Renne while they did not. He glanced at Juna again. With all the context Renne provided throughout the search for Colin, Lloyd had no doubt that he'd be able to piece things together about Renne being a daughter of the Hayworths, even if it wasn't a hundred percent guarantee. However, Juna was somehow able to connect the dots and concluded that Harold and Sophia were Renne's parents without even meeting her.

"Umm, if it's not too much, may I know what's so important about her?"

And she even had the gall to play stupid. Lloyd sighed silently to not draw attention. Juna really would be lethally effective against criminals as a detective.

"Well, you see..." Harold glanced at Sophia, probably wondering if it was okay to tell them.

"It's okay, dear. You can tell them," Sophia replied with a smile. "They've done so much for us. It's only fair that we share our story."

The only unfair thing was that they uncovered the partial story without the Hayworths telling them. But Lloyd held back his sigh.

"You're right. The truth is...we once had a daughter. But that was more than seven years ago," Harold started, finally telling them the complete story of Renne.

Eight years ago, the Hayworths fell into debt, so the three of Harold, Sophia, and their daughter had to live in a run. Not wanting to make their child suffer for being caught, Harold entrusted her to an old friend in Calvard, with the intention of taking her back once the situation was manageable.

Thankfully, with the help of a reliable lawyer, they paid all their debt in just one year. However, when they came back to their friend's mansion, there was nothing left but ashes and wreckage. A big fire broke and consumed the house, probably from the string of organized arson and burglary. They searched all they could, but the body was beyond recognition. Autopsies revealed that the fire was so intense that anyone caught in it would have perished.

Harold took a deep breath before he continued.

After that, the Hayworths felt lost. They didn't know what to do and even considered taking their own lives, before Sophia found out that she was pregnant. The new unborn baby became the reason for their life. And here they were now, eight years later.

Lloyd took a deep breath. "I see."

In a weird way, it was the mix of his and Juna's conclusions about the reason Harold never reported anything about Renne to the CPD. They thought Renne was dead, and it happened outside the country. Still, Lloyd felt something heavy left him when he discovered the full story. Renne wasn't abandoned. It was the circumstances that led to Renne's fate.

"Still, there's one thing nagging at me. The girl... Colin said she has purple hair like mine, right? Our daughter also has purple hair."

"Oh..." now it was Lloyd's turn to deceive them. Was this the correct decision? He didn't know. But it was clear that bringing the fact that it was really their daughter here would open another can of problems. Renne was not your average little girl. In the eight years gap, after she was kidnapped from the Hayworths, something else happened that turned her into a hacker and strong scythe user. And without this piece of information, Lloyd wouldn't dare tell them the truth.

It was really ironic, now that he thought about it again. In the pursuit of truth, he had to lie to other people. Was his brother ever feeling like this?

"That's..." Even Elie followed his cue. Sorry, Elie.

"Yes. It's as if our little girl came down from heaven to protect Colin herself," Sophia continued.

"Like an angel..." Juna trailed off in realization.

"Would you do me a favor, everyone? If you happen to see her again, could you let us know? Please? We'd love to have the honor to meet her and...to give her our sincerest thanks."

"Of course," Lloyd said with a fake smile. "If we do see her again, we'll pass along the message."

"Thank you..."

Notes:

The Colin rescue and the Hayworth stories are left more or less the same as canon. I had some idea to change things, but in the end, I settled for letting it go normally. The reason is because JunaSI definitely knows this is a sidequest for the protagonist group, so she held back from interfering too much. And besides, the Renne's part is what elevates Zero from good to amazing to me, so I kind of don't want to ruin the scenes. Juna's role is just the backup of the backup, as she said, and she took over telling the Hayworth the story to control the narrative from revealing Renne's part in the rescue. Also, Juna's dig at the end about angel is deliberate lol. Renne's title is Angel of Slaughter, after all. But this time instead of reaping a soul, Renne saved someone else instead.

Speaking of, since it's taken from the script, I was also a little confused by 'obstacle' instead of barrier but thankfully it's voiced and there are kanji in the trailsdb, so basically, Lloyd didn't use 'kabe' in the speech (what's usually translated as barrier). Instead, he used 'iwa' (stone) and it's translated as obstacle. Maybe because the speech isn't about overcoming a barrier (kabe no norikoe) but rather, sending Renne to her path home (kaerimichi), so the illlustration is a stone instead of a wall.

Chapter 11

After the explanation from the Hayworths, they took Colin with them and went home.

"They left, Renne. It's okay. You can come out now," Lloyd said to the cupboard. Slowly, the door creaked, and came out Renne, her eyes holding back tears.

"Renne..." Elie trailed off.

Lloyd could only imagine what Renne was feeling. The complicated relationship between the Hayworths and Renne was definitely out of his jurisdiction. Even so...

"Hey. Are you really okay with this? If you run, I'm sure you'd be able to catch up with them." Even if he didn't understand, he wanted Renne to be happy. Coming back to her family... would that make Renne happy? Or would she be happier leaving them alone after not being part of their life for the past eight years?

"No... It's fine," Renne shook her head, wiping the tears off her face. "It's just that...one of my reasons for coming to Crossbell is gone now."

Lloyd saw Juna letting out a sigh. What was that about? He turned his attention back to Renne.

"So, this is fine," she forced a smile.

"I see..." So Renne decided to not return back to her roots. Well, as much as Lloyd wanted to intervene, it wasn't his decision. He'd just accept Renne's choice of not coming back to the Hayworths.

"But...are you sure? Have you truly thought this all the way through, Renne? Aren't they your--" Elie tried to convince the little girl.

"Easy there, Mademois-Elie," Randy cut her off. "There are some things in this world that can't so easily be fixed. You know it--I know it. This one's way out of our jurisdiction."

"I-I know that, but..."

"I am inclined to agree." Tio nodded, agreeing with Randy.

Lloyd couldn't help but sigh internally. If those weren't signs of his teammates' personal problems, Lloyd didn't know what those were. Hopefully, just like Renne here, they could solve it together as a team.

"I don't like it either, Elie. But this isn't a decision that we can make. The SSS solves problems. But this one... isn't really a problem for Renne, is it?" Lloyd gave his verdict as he turned to the girl.

Renne shook her head. "Indeed. Please don't make such a sad face."

She then smiled. "Thank you, Detective. You were right. There have been obstacles blocking my way home. So, thank you for removing that one."

Lloyd replied with a smile of his own. "Well, all right. Always glad to be of service."

Renne turned towards the others. "Of course, it would be rude of me to ignore the rest of you. Thank you, too, Elie, Tio, and Randy. And I suppose... Juna as well."

"Hey!"

Renne giggled. "I promise that I'll find a way to repay you for all you've done for me. For now, I'll have to excuse myself."

"Wait, Renne," Juna suddenly called, stopping the youngest girl from stepping further before she could left the room.

"What?"

"Do you really want to go now?" Juna said with a smile.

Lloyd noticed it first. A second later, Renne widened her eyes and scowled, having also noticed it.

"You... Did you call them here?"

Yes. Juna was requested help from some people who wanted to adopt Renne. Now that Renne was here, did Juna use the chance to get them to meet?

Juna shook her head. "No. I didn't call them. I still abide by my terms."

Terms? So they had some kind of agreement? Was that why Juna stopped her search?

"Then-"

"However, I'm very sure that with how conspicuous we were when we looked for Colin, a few heads will notice," she winked at Renne, who only glared at the pink-haired girl.

Lloyd did notice that Juna always tried to make them stand out whenever they asked around for information about Colin, but he didn't know it was for this. Unconsciously a smile formed on his face.

"...can anybody explain?" Elie broke the stalemate by asking for an explanation. "I think I sort of understand what Juna was trying to do, but I still don't understand why and how."

When the two did not give her any, she turned to Lloyd.

However, before Lloyd could answer, his ears heard someone knocking on the front door.

"Excuuuuse me...!"

"That voice..." Lloyd recognized the voice.

Renne gasped before she quickly tried to run away. Unfortunately, Juna caught her in the arms.

"Let me go! Let me go!" Renne screamed in hysterics.

"You don't need to go with them now," Juna said softly. "But please... would you listen to them just one time? You listened to Lloyd just now, didn't you? What's wrong with leaning on them?"

Renne's body went slack as if all strength had left her.

"...That was a little harsh, Juna. But for now, let's just greet the guests," Lloyd offered, hiding his frown.

"That's right."

"It would be polite."

The SSS then went to the first floor, except Lloyd, who stayed behind for one more talk.

"Hey, Juna. Is this the right thing?" He asked her. There were more he wanted to ask, but it could be put aside for later. Right now, this was the most important question.

"It will be her decision, I guarantee you. I just don't want Renne to go before listening to them like she did to the Hayworths," Juna answered.

Honestly, now that Juna said it, Lloyd understood why she did that. He still disagreed with Juna's method, but he understood. Despite what he pieced together about Renne, Juna still knew more about her. He didn't have to like it, though. Juna still forced Renne to listen to them. Still, it didn't change his intention for later.

"Alright. I leave it to you," Lloyd left them with a sigh.

---

Catching up with his fellow team members, Lloyd was greeted by the sight of Estelle and Joshua.

"Hey there, guys. Sorry for barging in like this. We didn't even bother to call ahead of time," Estelle laughed sheepishly.

"I know this might be inconvenient, but we have something urgent we need to confirm with you. Could you spare us a few minutes? It shouldn't take long," Joshua took over.

"Of course," Elie answered.

"What's up?"

"Is it related to the Schwarze Auction?"

Randy and Tio followed.

Seeing the two Bracers here, Lloyd finally connected everything. Well, except for the gap between Renne's freedom from her kidnappers and now.

"No, actually. Unfortunately, we had to put that on the back burner for a bit," Estelle shook her head. So his intuition was correct, then. "Th-The thing is..."

"Renne, right?" Lloyd offered after he saw how hard it was for Estelle to come up with words. "Let's go. Juna is waiting with her on the second floor."

Estelle was stunned silence by his words.

"Oh..."

"Could it be..."

Lloyd nodded at Elie and Tio's realization. "Indeed. The one who is looking for Renne that Juna mentioned is Estelle and Joshua. Isn't that right?"

"So Juna asked for your help..." Joshua shook his head. "Never mind. We can talk about it later."

"Renne!"

Estelle, finally processing Lloyd's words, ran to the second floor.

"Ah, sorry."

"It's okay."

The SSS plus Joshua ascended to the second floor to see the door to West Street opened, with Juna gripping the doorknob. Just one step outside was Renne, her back facing them.

"Renne!" Estelle shouted her name again. "Finally... we finally meet again..."

"Don't get closer!" Renne replied with her own shout.

"Renne..." Joshua, who had arrived, couldn't help but frown.

"It's been almost six months since the Phantasma..." Estelle continued. She, however, obeyed Renne's request and did not take a single step forward. "All these times, we've been trying to get you..."

"Why?" Renne questioned them. "Why aren't you giving up on me?"

"We'd never give up on you, Renne," Joshua answered her this time. "Not Estelle, not me, or Tita, who's trying her best to reach you in her own ways."

"After all, you're already one of us. We all would never give up on you," Estelle continued. "That's why, Renne... won't you please turn around?"

Silence.

This was not the place for the SSS or Juna to interfere. This was an intimate moment between Renne and the two Bracers who wanted to adopt her. It seemed that Renne and the two were involved in something, and they accepted her as a comrade, but Renne was the one running away from them.

"...I can't. Renne is still not ready to be caught yet."

"That's..."

"Estelle..."

Estelle leaned on Joshua, who moved to support her. She then cried on Joshua's shoulder.

Rejected, huh? Lloyd sighed. The combination of the previous revelation from the Hayworths, who actually did not abandon her, and Estelle and Joshua's intention to adopt them was too much for the little girl.

"Juna," Renne suddenly addressed the pink-haired girl. "Thank you for convincing me to hear them out. I now know what I have to do for later. Oh, and also, you have my permission."

"You're welcome," Juna replied with a smile, not that Renne would see them with her back still facing them.

"Well then, I'm off. See you later."

Renne started to walk as a yellow butterfly floated past her.

Once Renne was out, Juna closed the door before she hugged Estelle, who was still leaning on Joshua.

"No need to cry, Estelle! Didn't you listen to her? She said she's not ready to be caught yet."

Slowly, Estelle's tears stopped before she replied, "Really?"

Joshua sighed. "Estelle, you're an amazing person, but you still need to focus..."

"Ehehe..." Estelle laughed sheepishly before she shook her head to regain focus. "More importantly, since our biggest obstacle is gone now, I won't be holding back anymore! You better watch out, Renne! With that outta the way, I'm going to catch you and make you part of the Bright family for sure!"

"Haha. There she is," Randy laughed.

"The surname Bright really suits her, huh?" Juna glanced at him.

"Indeed. Her optimism is blinding," Tio chimed in.

"Anyway, it's already late. Juna, if you want, you can explain things about Renne tomorrow. I'm sure we can wait."

Juna shook her head. "With Estelle and Joshua here, we might as well talk now. How about we go somewhere to eat?"

And so the SSS, alongside Estelle, Joshua, and Juna, went to Long Lao Tavern and Inn for dinner.

Notes:

Yeah, sorry for those who want Renne to be caught there. I strongly considered it, even thinking about how to execute the reunion before realizing something like an idiot. 'Wait, Renne could not join the Brights there or else they'd go back to Liberl before the situation with the Cult is resolved!'

Chapter 12

Summary:

A conversation between the SSS and the Sky duo plus Juna at dinner.

Once the group settled inside the Long Lao Tavern and Inn, they took turns telling their tales to each other, from how the SSS stumbled upon Renne, Juna's investigation, and Renne's backstory from Estelle and Joshua to finally complete the puzzle in Lloyd's mind.

"I see..." Lloyd said after digesting all the information.

"The fact that I could've just gone to Estelle and Joshua for more information instead of working things out myself honestly amused me," Juna said with a chuckle. Indeed. It turned out that Estelle and Joshua knew about Renne being the Hayworths' child because she used a pair of puppets disguised as the two Hayworths to fool Estelle in Liberl once.

"That is still amazing in itself, Juna," Lloyd replied, trying to cheer her up.

"Oh, don't get me wrong, I'm not unhappy. It's just funny to think."

"Yeah," Estelle agreed with a laugh.

After more small talks over dinner (Long Lao Tanmen is delicious. Lloyd wouldn't mind coming here to eat every other day. Randy was more partial to the Mapo Tofu, while Tio and Elie settled for the Fierce Tiger Fried Rice), the topic of the discussion shifted to the Schwarze Auction. They swapped information about what they knew about it. Unfortunately, there had been no new development. They still didn't know how to enter the auction in the first place.

Perhaps sensing that the situation was a little down, Juna interjected nonchalantly.

"Don't worry, you guys will definitely be able to infiltrate it."

"What?"

Needless to say, it caught everyone's attention, including him.

"How are you so sure?" Elie questioned. "Actually, I'm still curious about how you knew that the ones coming were Estelle and Joshua without calling them."

Elie was talking about the time Juna held Renne from going away first. The timing was certainly suspicious.

"It can't be a deduction. ...and don't say it's a gut feeling," Tio sighed.

"There are gut feelings, and there is borderline precognition. What you just said about us 'will definitely' infiltrate the Schwarze Auction sounded like one."

"You might be right, Tio. Juna also made an analysis of the tensing situation in Crossbell before... but she sounded really sure about it. Even if it's believable, there ought to be some uncertainty," Estelle agreed.

Certainly, Juna's deduction skill was good. He tried to remember Juna's explanations about how she concluded her findings. The explanation was understandable, but Estelle was right... In some parts, Juna jumped to another conclusion and was very sure of it before looking for a basis for that conclusion. Such as the time Juna asked them to look for Harold's report in the police department. That was because Juna was very sure that Harold was Renne's father. Something like that was frowned upon by the police because it might result in a wrong conclusion.

But the thing was, none of Juna's deductions, or as she said it, gut feelings had ever led her wrong before this. It wasn't proof that it always came true, but it definitely raised some questions. Surely, Elie and the others asked her not because they were suspicious of Juna, and he hoped Juna did not feel like that. They wanted to understand the pink-haired girl deeper because they cared about her.

But, Lloyd thought.

"Juna. You don't need to answer."

"Lloyd?"

"I'm sure you can explain. But don't take it as we're pressuring you because we're the police," Lloyd shook his head. "No. In fact, when Renne confirmed Juna's 'gut feelings' were correct, I know I want you in the SSS, Juna."

The table fell into silence.

"W-w-wha? Awawawa~ uuuuuhhh mmmmmmm..." Juna's mumbled incoherent things as her face reddened.

"Hoo, Junie in the SSS, huh? You have some bold ideas, Lloyd," Randy said with a grin. "I like the sound of it."

"The only obstacle is how to include her officially. Since SSS is part of the Police Department, Juna has to join the CPD before she can be assigned to us," Elie tapped her chin, trying to work out a solution.

Tio just let out a relieved sigh. "At last, I wouldn't be the only one adept with technology."

"Hey, hold on!" Estelle shouted and grabbed Juna into her embrace. "Since when is it decided that she'll join you guys? Juna will become a Bracer like us! Isn't that right, Joshua?"

"Now, now..."

"Isn't. That. Right. Joshua?" Estelle tightened her embrace of Juna.

"...Yes," Joshua sighed.

"There we go, Lloyd," Estelle smirked at him, laying out her challenge to his invitation.

Lloyd only chuckled.

"I suppose Juna hasn't given her answer. How about it, Juna? Do you want to join the SSS? Don't worry about your status. We'll consult Chief Sergei on how to include you if you accept."

It wasn't without reason that Lloyd wanted to invite her. He wanted to temper Juna's 'gut feeling' into something more logical that the authorities could accept as evidence. And there was also the fact that with Juna on the team, somebody would be able to supervise her. Juna's meeting with Joerg Rosenberg could turn out differently if Juna had said the wrong thing, and judging by the two Bracers' reaction when Juna told them about the meeting, he was very sure they also regretted leaving Juna without supervision.

"Juna, you'll stay with us, won't you? You'll join the Guild as Junior Bracer next year, won't you?" Estelle pleaded.

Yes. It was clear that the two were also worried for Juna. And he was sure those sentiments were shared by the other Guild members. So whether Juna would accept his offer or not, Lloyd wasn't worried.

After all...

"Thank you for the offer, everyone. I think I'd stick with being a Bracer for now. However, if you guys need my input, I'm ready to help. The SSS has helped me before, so I'd like to return the favor."

Yes. After all, Juna was that kind of person. Whether she was affiliated with the SSS or the Bracer Guild, she wouldn't hesitate to lend her help to anyone who needed it.

"Junaaaa~" Estelle rubbed her cheek on the younger girl's. "I think I'm starting to understand Anelace and Aeolia about liking cute stuff."

"Aw, man..." Randy groaned.

"A shame," Elie sighed.

"Understandable," Tio nodded.

"I see... it's okay. We accept your rejection, Juna. Though, if I may... can you explain a bit about why you think we 'will definitely' infiltrate the Schwarze Auction? No, you don't need to explain how if you want to keep it a secret. I just want to know more in case of something really happens."

Juna took a deep breath.

"I... is it alright if I skip the how?"

Lloyd nodded.

"Then... I'm very sure that you'll be able to because... ugh, it's hard to say, but... basically... Aah!" Juna groaned, scratching her hair. "It's hard to explain, damn it. I'm just very sure that you guys somehow will be able to join the auction and will find something there."

"As I said before, it's borderline precognition," Tio remarked.

Juna shook her head. "It's definitely not precognition. For one, I didn't get any image or even a complete picture of what will happen. It's just... when you guys say some fact, I kind of connect the dots to something else and can conclude things faster than anyone."

"What 'something else?'" Joshua inquired.

"I can't explain it," Juna shook her head with a frown. "But it's not like the assumptions I made after connecting the dots to that 'something else' is a hundred percent correct either. To give an example, after meeting Renne, I was very sure that eventually, Estelle and Joshua would reach her heart. That's partially why I told Renne to wait for them. But apparently, I missed the mark, and Renne is still not ready yet. So the assumption I made is wrong in the sense that 'this is not the right time.' But yes, Estelle, eventually, Renne will accept your offer. I'm still very sure of it."

"But you can't explain how or why you think Renne will accept her offer?" Lloyd interjected.

"Exactly! I know Renne will accept, but I don't know when! I thought it was today, but it wasn't. Sorry, Estelle, Joshua," Juna turned to the two bracers.

Joshua shook his head. "It's okay, Juna. We understand."

"Speaking of, Renne will probably do her best to dissuade you two from taking her in. But I'm sure that wouldn't stop you, would it?"

"Of course!" Estelle punched the air in excitement, answering Juna's question. "We would never give up on her!"

"...But you don't know how she would do it, am I correct?" Lloyd interjected again. He was honestly interested in Juna's... ability now. Hmm, ability implied it was something special. Skill, perhaps? He didn't know.

Juna went into deep thought. "I probably can infer some ideas based on information about Renne's past and recent actions. Maybe Renne would... hmm... wait... would they, really?" Juna shook her head.

The SSS looked at him. Lloyd nodded in agreement with them. This was definitely Juna's ability at work. They let Juna continue without interruption.

"...but... wiped out... no, remnants?"

Juna suddenly stood up before she looked at the people at the table and sat down again.

Exhaling a breath, Juna opened her eyes and looked at each of them in the eyes before she nodded.

"Yes. If it's you guys, I can tell you this much," Juna said, trying to convince herself.

"Tell us what?" Estelle asked.

"Did you find something from 'connecting the dots with something else?'" Lloyd asked for confirmation, which was confirmed by Juna's nod.

"Yes. Now, don't take this too seriously before you guys double-check any information, but..." Juna sighed. "I have a feeling that in the future, the D∴G Cult, or whatever remnant of the cult itself, will make themselves known."

The table went silent at Juna's seemingly impossible words. D∴G Cult? How did Juna arrive at that conclusion?

"...can you walk us through your thoughts, Juna?" Lloyd finally voiced the thought that was on everyone's mind. He was sure that he wasn't the only one interested on the steps Juna took to reach that kind of conclusion.

"Yeah, you can't just say that and expect us to believe you, Junie!" Randy followed up.

"Yes. It is a serious prediction, so we'd like to understand more," Elie also nodded.

"..."

Hmm, Tio? Lloyd took a look at his youngest teammate when he saw Juna looked at her with a contemplative expression.

"Alright," Juna sighed. "Do forgive me if it looks like I jumped to a conclusion because it's the result of me connecting the dots to the inexplicable 'something else.'"

Juna sat down again and sipped a glass of water.

"At first, I was analyzing Renne's past actions and backstories to understand what she'll do to dissuade Estelle and Joshua from taking her in. My mind immediately connected the dots to Renne's past as a victim of the Cult because her time in Ouroboros wouldn't matter to Estelle and Joshua. But the D∴G Cult has already been wiped out by the combined force of Zemuria, hasn't it?" Juna shook her head. "No. My 'something else' dictates that Renne will make Estelle feel disgusted by her by showing her what the Cult did to her, or proof of it."

Estelle opened her mouth to deny, "No way! We'll never be disgusted by her!"

"And that's a testament to your kindness, Estelle. But Renne wouldn't feel like that. Back to the topic, I am one hundred percent sure of this. But I can't explain how or why," Juna continued. "And this comes back to the question, hasn't the Cult been wiped out? How would Renne show Estelle and Joshua? Therein started my theories: The Cult --or whatever remnants of that organization-- still exists, and as police officers, you'll come clashing with them sometimes in the future, SSS."

Everybody absorbed Juna's analysis, including him. Honestly, it was definitely the definition of jumping to a conclusion. But Juna had said it first, hadn't she? That she couldn't explain the 'something else' that allowed her to come to a conclusion with a hundred percent certainty. The main take from Juna's analysis was that it was still a possibility that he, as a police officer, had to take into the equation because there had been no precedent of Juna being wrong. As he said before, it wasn't proof of the analysis always coming true, but he had to consider it because it had yet to be proven wrong so far.

"I see..."

"Hey, Joshua. Don't you think Juna's... 'something else' had something to do with the Unclouded Eye of Eight Leaves?" Estelle asked Joshua, who shrugged. "I remember Dad always knew about everything when we were little. And he had the gall to use Unclouded Eye as the excuse!"

"I don't know..." He turned to Juna. "Has Arios taught you the Unclouded Eye?"

"Unclouded Eye?" Elie asked in confusion.

"It's a technique of the Eight Leaves One Blade where they used their... whatever it is, to peer at the true nature of things," Estelle explained.

"It's why the Divine Blades are said to understand the nature of everything. Our father, Cassius Bright, is a Divine Blade, and as Estelle said, he always knew many things, even the ones hidden from him," Joshua continued. "Though, this is the first time I see it used to deduct things."

Everyone looked at Juna in wonder.

Come to think of it, Lloyd remembered something. Arios was a former detective, wasn't he? He was Guy's partner. If Arios, who was a Divine Blade, had this Unclouded Eye... no wonder he and Guy made an amazing pair.

"Oh, come on, guys. Arios has only taught me the forms of Eight Leaves," Juna broke their illusion of her awesomeness. So it wasn't the Unclouded Eye? Hmm, it made sense to him. He had a feeling that Juna's... ability reminded him of Guy's method. "But I'm interested in that. Do you think Arios will teach me?"

"Probably. Then again, there are orders of things. Maybe it'll be taught to you after you master a form," Estelle shrugged.

"Anyway, Juna, how do you see this development fit into your analysis of Crossbell's situation?" Joshua spoke up, changing the subject.

"Hmmm..." Juna tapped the table, thinking. "It's hard to say, honestly. I had to think and theorize more before I could reach a conclusion. How about we go back to it tomorrow?"

"If you don't mind, would you share it with us, too?" Lloyd inquired.

"Sure, I don't mind. For now, let's just drop this discussion and enjoy the night!"

And so they continued talking about lighter things, deliberately avoiding any mention of the 'future threats' that Juna told them. An hour later, everybody was tired, and they decided to end the night. Before Lloyd could go, though, Juna wanted to speak with him privately, so he told everyone to go back home first.

"What do you want to talk about, Juna?"

"...How close are you with the other SSS member? Do you know of their history?"

"..."

Lloyd couldn't immediately answer. He didn't know why Juna suddenly asked this question or her intention.

"I see..." The non-answer was an answer itself to Juna. "You guys are not as close as you want to be, right? Give it time, Lloyd."

He smiled at the encouragement. "Thanks, Juna. Is that all?"

"Well, at first, I want to say more, but since you haven't known their history... it's not my place to tell. Just take this as advice, Lloyd. In the near future, they'll tell their stories to you. I couldn't tell you to 'accept them with all your heart' or whatever since it's your prerogative. But... I believe in you, Lloyd."

...That implied that Juna knew more about his teammates than him, wasn't it? And he was very sure that Juna had met them the first time with their first meeting in front of the Bellheim Apartment. That kind of frightening ability... in the wrong hands, it could spell disaster. He was thankful that Juna was the one who had it.

"Thank you, Juna. I'll ignore the implication that you know their history before me despite having less interaction with them."

Juna just laughed sheepishly at his answer. "I can't help it. It's not like my mind can stop connecting the dots."

Lloyd also chuckled at that. He knew the feeling, even if he didn't have that 'something else.' His mind, trained to analyze things as a detective, also acted the same as Juna's. So he understood her at that moment. With that said, it was time for him to give his parting words.

"You too, Juna. I believe in you."

"E-Eh? What?!"

"You have this amazing ability to arrive at a certain conclusion, but the first thing you do is help someone else. You even helped us by telling us about a possible future threat. You are amazing, Juna. Never doubt that."

Juna's face couldn't be redder than it was now.

With a smile, Lloyd patted the girl's head before he left.

---

The next day, Renne sent them a package containing an invitation to the Schwarze Auction for later that night.

"It seems that Juna was right once again," Lloyd said with a sigh.

Notes:

Finally the Hayworth arc is finished! In the original JesSIca thread I think this marks a break because I didn't really think I can continue this ...only to write more chapters covering the events of Zero lol. Anyway, if you read this before going to the JesSIca thread (which is monstrous, so I understand the hesitation) JunaSI here basically used her trope reading (her special power lol) and she stumbled upon the fact that Renne's past is halfway brought up and resolved (the Ouroboros part). That left the cult part still unexplained. And she came to this conclusion because Renne's sidequest hasn't ended yet (in her mind). And then Tio just had to react. Now Juna is certain that the cult is active because apparently one of the party member also has a tied past to the cult! And IIRC Tio's past hasn't been revealed at the time, so it was the perfect timing. And Juna being Juna of course she didn't want to overstep her boundary, and being vague enough to Lloyd for him to misunderstsand Juna's warning (you'll see later.) Everything in this warning is unsaid because I decided to write this story mainly not from Juna's perspective. Sorry for the confusion. But at least you're as confused as Lloyd are in the fic, aren't you? Tehee~

Chapter 13

Summary:

Lloyd asked Juna for her opinion on something important that he found one week ago.

The door to the SSS building was opened, and a pink-haired figure entered the room. Lloyd glanced at the waving Juna and gestured for her to sit down.

"Hello, Lloyd, Elie. And..." Juna's eye turned towards the green-haired child that was with them. She then looked at Lloyd in the eyes before she sighed. "Really? Even I did not expect this, you know."

"Ahaha..."

"When you said you want the Bracer Guild's help, do you mean..." Elie grasped his train of thought, but Lloyd shook his head.

"Not really. I just want a second opinion from Juna," Lloyd answered. "Oh yeah, Juna, this is KeA. She's a child we found at the Schwarze Auction, exactly as you predicted. We'll go into details later. KeA, this big sister here is Juna. She's going to help us trace your origin."

"You say that as if I have the answer to every question," Juna interjected with a laugh. "But I'll do my best to help. Hello, KeA!"

"Hello, Juna," the green-haired girl replied, waving shyly.

"Oh my, you're so cute! Lloyd, don't go to the Guild when Aeolia is there! She's gonna glomp KeA to death!" Juna suddenly grabbed Lloyd's shoulder.

"...She's not that bad, is she?" Lloyd asked with some trepidation.

"She's that bad when it comes to cute things. You won't believe some near-death experiences I had when I first hung out at the Guild are because Aeolia almost crushed me to death."

Lloyd, Elie, and KeA looked at Juna in skepticism. It couldn't be that bad, could it?

Juna laughed sheepishly, scratching her head. "Okay, I might be exaggerating things, but Aeolia is that taken with anything cute that I'm sure she's going to do anything to keep KeA hers."

That admission prompted KeA to tug at Lloyd's clothes. "Lloyd?"

"Don't worry, KeA. We'll protect you. Now, Juna. Let's talk," Lloyd poured a coffee into his cup. "You did say you don't know how or why you arrived at a certain conclusion, but you are sure that we'll be able to infiltrate the auction and find something there. Once again, Juna, you're correct."

After that, Lloyd and Elie explained what happened at the Schwarze Auction one week ago. From the unexpected invitation given by Renne, their infiltration, the meeting with an eccentric Erebonian agent Lechter Arundel, the unexpected encounter with Wazy, the Testament gang leader who helped them, the attack on the Revache goons by the Calvardian assassin Yin, who pointed out that the SSS would find something interesting, the meeting with KeA, and finally the escape from Mishelam.

As Lloyd finished telling the story, he saw that Juna had paid full attention to all of his words.

"So, Juna. Anything you can glean about KeA from that?"

Juna sighed. "Nothing sticks out. Well, the Erebonian agent is suspicious, but I don't think he has anything to do with KeA and her origin. As is Yin and Heiyue."

Lloyd also exhaled at Juna's answer. Figured that it would be too easy if Juna could deduce where KeA came from with just their story. "I see."

"But investigating the Erebonian agent might lead to something else. You want me to investigate him?"

Lloyd shook his head. "No. You are still a fourteen years old girl, Juna. It's best if you do not entangle yourself with the politics, especially since you're aspiring to be a Bracer who swore neutrality in that particular aspect."

"Understood," Juna said with a nod.

"Aside from that, KeA also has amnesia, so we're going to try to recover her memories. Maybe from that, we can get her clear origin," Elie said.

That got Juna to think. "Hmmm... amnesia... but..."

Lloyd and Elie looked at each other. The amnesia was what triggered Juna's ability. What did that mean?

"Okay. I think you need to know this. About KeA's amnesia... going to the hospital wouldn't do anything, I'm very sure of this. However, as time goes on, her memories would recover when the time is right."

"When the time is right?" Elie echoed Juna's statement as a question. "When would it be?"

"I take it you don't know the specific," Lloyd exhaled, having predicted Juna's answer. "How exactly did you know this? No, I know it's you connecting the dots to something else, but what part of the story we told you made you arrive at this conclusion?"

She didn't react to KeA's mysterious origin. She only connected the dots when it was revealed that KeA had amnesia. Lloyd honestly didn't see what connected amnesia with the memories coming back at the right moment.

Juna blinked. "Oh... you sure you want to know?"

"I mean, if you can explain..." Lloyd shrugged. It wouldn't hurt anyone if Juna revealed it, right?

"Right. So you found KeA under mysterious circumstances, right? And it turns out that she has an amnesia? Well... if you combine the two points of mysterious circumstances and amnesia, the answer is that the memories will come back exactly when the time is right."

...

That was... Lloyd looked at her with a confused expression.

Even after she explained it... Lloyd still didn't understand. But still, "Thank you for the explanation, Juna. I still don't understand how those two elements combined resulted in that. But I'll be keeping notes."

Juna nodded. "Yeah... without the context of my 'something else,' it wouldn't make sense for anyone. Oh, but don't take this as a sign that you shouldn't put your effort into recovering her memories. Maybe if you try hard enough, you can recover them earlier than my gut feelings? I don't know. I'm not a seer!"

She finished with a laugh.

"Right. We'll still do our best for KeA's sake," Elie nodded at Juna's advice. "Well, shall we go, Lloyd?"

Lloyd shook his head. As much as he wanted to... there was something he wanted to ask Juna privately.

"You can go on ahead to the Guild. I think I still have some things to talk about with Juna."

Elie looked at him with concern before she inevitably nodded and grabbed KeA's hand. "Come, KeA."

"Okay!"

Once the two were out, Juna and Lloyd continued their talk.

"You're really amazing, Juna. Your prediction came true in a way that really caught us by surprise," Lloyd started. "This time too, thank you for telling us your prediction about KeA. Even if she couldn't recover her memories immediately, I think it provides us with relief when you say that it'll come back 'when the time is right.'"

"Oh come on, you know me. No need for thanks just for something like that," Juna bashfully replied.

"It's not just 'just' for us. You really helped us prepare in advance and prevented us from getting caught off-guard by what happened in the auction."

His mind went back to the event last week.

When Yin pointed out something that they'd find interesting, Lloyd already had an inclination about what he'd get. He was still caught off-guard by finding a living being instead of an item but because he knew he'd find something, Lloyd recovered quickly and safely brought KeA out. And then there was the fight with Garcia Rossi after that. Randy reluctantly did something that surprised all of them. But then again, he shouldn't be surprised, right? Juna had personally told him that the SSS past will come up to the surface, after all.

Juna was really amazing, wasn't she? She wasn't even there, but she predicted everything perfectly.

Though, speaking of what happened at the auction...

"Juna. I have something else to say. Back then, at the auction, I heard a voice calling out to me. 'Find me,' the voice said. The weird thing is that nobody else heard it. Not even Randy or Mariabell who is with me at the time. Later on, when Wazy helped us, I heard the voice again, but he also couldn't hear it. Do you know something about it?" Lloyd asked. This wasn't something that he had even told the other SSS member. It's not that he didn't trust them. On the contrary, he trusted them, and they trusted him. But because of that, if Lloyd told them about the voice, they'd believe it without a second thought even if they didn't hear it. That's not what he wanted from them. In this one case, he wanted to be questioned. After all, he might have misheard.

Juna immediately groaned and covered her face with her palm. What?

"What's wrong, Juna?"

"That voice. Is it KeA's?" She asked him with a serious voice.

Huh? KeA's voice... come to think of it, that voice was similar-- no, he shook his head. There was no denying that it was KeA's voice, no matter what his mind conjured.

Lloyd sighed. What did he get into this time?

"Yes," he admitted to Juna. "Do you have some insight about that?"

"Do I?" This time it was Juna's turn to sigh. "I need more information before I can form the complete picture, but... guard her with everything you have, Lloyd. I have no doubt that she's important for Crossbell... or potentially the world."

She was that important? "Can you explain?"

Juna shook her head. "As I said before, I don't have the complete picture. Once I have it, I'll share it with you, Lloyd. Don't worry. Just... protect her, please."

"You don't need to worry about KeA, Juna. The SSS will definitely protect her," Lloyd answered Juna's request with a smile.

"Yes. I have faith in you and the SSS. Speaking of, I forgot to say this, but maybe keep an eye on Wazy? In the future, I'm sure he will be an important figure for the SSS."

Lloyd raised his eyebrow. Wazy? Sure, it was unexpected to see him at the auction and helping them, but an important figure? "I'll keep that in mind, Juna. Thanks."

"No worries!" She stood up. "I think it's time for me to go. Shizuku is waiting for me. Can you believe that Arios hadn't visited her for a week? A week! And when he was supposed to do it today, he was held up by a request!"

"Right," Lloyd also stood up. "I think KeA and Elie are also waiting for me."

"Maybe you can visit Shizuku later. I'm going to accompany her for the day," Juna offered. "KeA and Shizuku are around the same age, right?"

"Probably."

The two then left the building and went on their separate ways. Lloyd to the Guild, while Juna to the Hospital.

Notes:

Juna said the SSS past will come up referring to Tio and suddenly Randy's past comes up! Juna is really amazing, isn't she? Rereading this from the JesSIca thread, Lloyd misattributing Juna's deduction will never not be funny to me. Juna also finally tried to explain how she worked her deduction and as expected, Lloyd couldn't understand it. He took notes, though. So the next time Lloyd find someone with a mysterious origin and an amnesia, he'd be ready. By the end of CS4 Lloyd's notes will be full of tropes and he'd become the best detective in Zemuria.

Chapter 14

"You know, the field of pharmacology is still very much developing. It's not impossible that a drug with these unknown side effects has been created. In other words, we should look at this from both possible angles: an issue with the nervous system and a side-effect of a drug," Joachim said to Elie and Lloyd.

The two were at the St. Ursula Hospital. At first, they went to the Guild to ask for their help. A talk with Joshua directed them to the Church. But the Church also couldn't do anything, and then Sister Marble told them that maybe the hospital could help. Once they arrived, Cecile pointed them to Joachim, who they had met at the anniversary festival a week ago. Long story short, Joachim mentioned that KeA's amnesia might be the side effect of some kind of drug.

Lloyd closed his eyes. A side effect of drugs...

Find me.

Would that explain the mysterious voice that he pointed out to Juna? She might not have explained it, but Lloyd could read between the lines and conclude that whatever that KeA's voice was, it was important and could not be ignored.

"How about it? We have the equipment for a test to see if KeA's been exposed to a drug. But there's no guarantee that her memories can even be recovered at this point. Do you want me to schedule it?"

"Exactly how long would it be?" Elie questioned, to which Joachim answered.

"Hmm Probably around three days. But, if possible, I would like to run tests on her here for at least a week."

"Three days at the minimum..."

"That's how long it will take for the test pursuing the drug possibility to finish. It involves analyzing what's excreted from one's body using certain chemicals. Now, this is usually a costly examination, but we can lower the medical fees, given how unusual this case is. How does that sound? Do you want me to take it?" Joachim elaborated more clearly.

Leaving KeA for three days here...

"I need more information before I can form the complete picture, but... guard her with everything you have, Lloyd. I have no doubt that she's important for Crossbell... or potentially the world."

Could he leave KeA here for three days? Sure, he'd visit every day, but... he couldn't get Juna's words out of his mind.

"Just... protect her, please."

Right now, he was standing at a crossroads. Juna's words had never been wrong so far, especially last week. He did not want to take the risk of leaving KeA out of his sight when Juna had just asked him to protect the green-haired amnesiac.

What should he do?

"Lloyd?"

"As I thought. I can't do it. I'm sorry, Dr. Guenter. But I don't think I can leave KeA here alone," Lloyd finally answered with an exhale of breath he didn't realize he held. It wasn't like he didn't trust the hospital. He knew they would treat KeA like any other patient. But it was exactly because of that that Lloyd couldn't leave her alone. Even if he visited every day, there would be a time when he or the other SSS member did not have their sight on KeA. And Lloyd couldn't take that risk. Not when Juna had specifically warned him just before this.

"I see... nothing I can do without the consent of a guardian," Joachim shrugged, a smile on his face. "Waiting for her memories to return naturally might be a good plan, too. If you ever need advice on the matter, don't hesitate to give me a call. In the meantime, I'll look into some of these amnesia cases during my free time."

"Thanks a lot, Doctor," Lloyd replied.

And the three left the research ward.

---

Just outside the ward, Elie questioned Lloyd's decision. "Lloyd? I was surprised when you rejected Dr. Guenter's offer. Why?"

Lloyd let out a breath.

"Juna told me to protect KeA with everything I have."

"Juna did?" Elie asked in surprise.

"I know. I was surprised too," Lloyd nodded. "Leaving KeA here is something that I deem we can't do if we want to protect her. It's not that I don't trust the staff..."

"I understand," Elie nodded. "If KeA doesn't need to stay here, then I'm sure you'd agree to the treatment."

"Yes," Lloyd said, patting KeA's head.

"Lloyd. Does that mean I won't be getting my memories back?" KeA

Lloyd smiled at the green-haired girl. "Memories or not, you're our precious KeA. Never forget that, okay?"

KeA gave a beaming smile. "Yes!"

"So, are we going home?"

Lloyd shook his head. "There is one more place I want KeA to go to."

Two minutes later, the three of them stood in front of Shizuku's room. Lloyd didn't waste any second knocking on the door.

"Enter!" came a familiar voice from inside. Lloyd opened the door to see Shizuku sitting on the bed, with Juna at the bedside, telling Shizuku about the outside.

"...when your father take a break from his job and your condition are better, let's go see the world!"

Juna's enthusiastic voice reached their ears.

"Oh, hello, Lloyd, Elie, and KeA!"

"Hello, Juna, Shizuku," Elie greeted back.

"It's rare for you to visit the hospital. What seems to be the matter?" Shizuku asked.

"We're here to consult about KeA's condition. She has amnesia, and we want them recovered."

"Hey, hey, why are your eyes closed?"

Elie winced. "Please forgive her, Shizuku. She doesn't know anything."

"It's fine," Shizuku replied before elaborating. "My eyes are like this because I'm blind. I can't see."

"Is that why Big Sis Juna wants to take you to see the world?"

Lloyd saw that Juna clutched her heart.

"Juna? What's wrong?"

"Big Sis... Juna... help me, Lloyd! I'm dying from cuteness! Aaah, if only Ken and Nana keep calling me that. Why do they have to discard the Big Sis?!"

"Ahaha..." Lloyd could only laugh awkwardly at the situation.

As KeA and Shizuku talked, familiarizing themselves with each other, Lloyd and Elie sat near Juna and explained their situation.

"...and I don't want to leave KeA alone without supervision from us. After all, I considered what you said and can't take the risk," Lloyd finished explaining what happened today.

"I see... Dr. Guenter, huh... good thing you didn't take the offer," Juna said ominously.

"Huh? What's wrong with Dr. Guenter?" Elie asked in confusion.

"He's an unprofessional piece of..." Juna shook her head, not wanting to use profanities around children. "Anyway, if you take his offer, KeA will probably be left alone while he goes fishing somewhere. That's not how a doctor should act."

Juna finished with a huff. It seemed that she had a personal vendetta against the blue-haired doctor.

"Haha... I'm sure he's not that bad," Lloyd tried to pacify the pink-haired girl.

Juna scowled at Lloyd's attempt. "Oh, he's that bad, alright."

The door was opened, and Cecile entered with a tray of food. "Shizuku. Here's your lunch."

"Ah! Let me feed her! It's been a while since I did it!" Juna immediately stood up and approached Cecile to relieve her of the tray. She then went back to Shizuku's side and started feeding the younger girl.

"Cecile."

"Ah, Lloyd. How was the meeting with Dr Guenter?" Cecile took a seat previously occupied by Juna.

"It's somewhat fruitful, but we have to drop it. I don't want to leave KeA alone here, and now that I think about it again, I'm not sure if KeA would even agree," Lloyd revealed to his older sister figure.

"Hmm, I'm a little disappointed that I won't get the chance to take care of KeA. But only you know her best, Lloyd," Cecile smiled.

Their attention then was taken by Juna, playing around with the spoon, making sounds as if it was an airship to KeA, before deceiving her and feeding the spoon to Shizuku.

"Cute~," Elie remarked, seeing the pout on KeA's face.

"Yeah~," Cecile also gushed at the three of them.

"Speaking of, Cecile. Does Juna have some history with Dr. Guenter?" Lloyd couldn't help but attempt to satiate his curiosity by asking Cecile, who most likely had more insight into the relationship between Juna and Joachim.

Cecile's smile turned into a sigh when Lloyd mentioned Juna and Joachim. "Those two... what did Juna say?"

Elie and Lloyd looked at each other before Lloyd elaborated, "That if I left KeA in his care, then he'd probably neglect her and goes fishing."

"So Juna still held a grudge from that time, then. Long story short, Juna interacted with Dr. Guenter amicably when she had her internship here. That is until a patient who needed his expertise came in, and he was nowhere to be found," she started explaining the history between the two. "Now, Dr. Guenter and his fishing hobby are quite well-known in this hospital. Everyone here had gotten used to his antics and left him alone because he had never neglected his duty. He always made sure to finish his workload before going fishing. But that one time, an emergency required him, but he had been out fishing. Juna, in anger at the situation, ran around to some fishing spots around the city and finally found him. But as she arrived here with Dr. Guenter in tow, it was too late. The patient lost her life."

Elie gasped at the story while Lloyd closed his eyes, imagining the situation.

"Juna blew up at the doctor, and one week later, she resigned from her internship. It looks like she still couldn't quite forgive Dr. Guenter for his 'inappropriate behavior as a professional medic,'" Cecile finished telling her story.

"That's..." Elie trailed off, speechless at the story.

Lloyd opened his eyes. "If there is such a case, why isn't Dr. Guenter held in contempt by the rest of the staff?"

It made no sense for Cecile and even the receptionist to speak nice of him. At least, his professionality would be questioned. But the fact was, both of them did.

"Juna immediately resigned, but after that, Dr. Guenter cut his fishing time to make up for his misdemeanor. There was also some penalty, I believe. Anyway, it's not like Dr. Guenter came out unscathed from that mess. But I guess Juna really can't forgive him," Cecile answered.

"I see..."

"I don't see why they haven't fired him yet," Juna scoffed with an empty plate in her hands. Shizuku had finished her lunch, and it looked like Juna overheard Cecile's explanation. "A professional should be a professional on and off the clock. If you want to rest, you can take a leave."

Hm? That was a somewhat mature view from Juna. Lloyd didn't really expect her to hold such an opinion on the working environment. Then again, Juna was once labeled as a genius. A mature perspective shouldn't surprise him.

"Are you perhaps a workaholic, Juna?" Elie asked her. Considering Mayor MacDowell's penchant for working until it was late, Elie probably held a distaste for people who overworked themselves.

Juna shook her head. "Not really. I just value professionalism, and Dr. Guenter doesn't have any. I know there are jobs where you can just switch off after hours, but being a medical professional isn't one of them. If we're talking about a workaholic, there's someone else better fit for that description. That's right, Arios! Can you believe that he was working on something and delegating his duty to attend Shizuku to me today?"

"Juna... it's okay. I know that Father is busy."

"No, it's not okay," Juna frowned. "Ugh, I wish I was stronger and older so I could take some of that job from Arios, and he can spend time with you. But the Crossbell branch is really busy. Scott can't even spend time with his girlfriend."

She then glanced at the two of them. "In a way, the SSS's existence is somewhat helpful for the Crossbell Branch of the Bracer Guild. For that, I thank you, Lloyd, Elie. Please give my thanks to Tio and Randy as well."

"You're welcome, Juna," Lloyd replied with a smile.

"We'll relay your message to Randy and Tio. Don't worry," Elie gave her assurance.

After that, Cecile took the tray from Juna and went back. Lloyd, Elie, and Juna continued observing KeA and Shizuku's interaction, which made Elie and Juna coo over their cuteness.

Five minutes later, Juna stood up. "Shizuku. I'm off for now. I'll visit you again later if I still have the time today, okay?"

"It's fine, Juna. You don't need to spend more of your time today with me."

"No! I refuse! I won't let you be lonely!" Juna grabbed Shikuzu's hand and squeezed it to give her reassurance. "I promised you, didn't I?"

"Juna..."

"Shizuku. Are you lonely?" KeA suddenly joined the conversation.

"KeA..."

"Then I'll visit you again tomorrow! And the day after! And the day after! So that you won't be lonely anymore."

"Can I, Lloyd?"

Lloyd looked at the situation. Certainly, the SSS wouldn't be able to escort KeA every day to the hospital to visit Shizuku. But he didn't want to deny KeA.

Was this how it feels to be a parent?

Closing his eyes, Lloyd sighed. "Yes, you can."

"Lloyd..." Elie trailed off in concern. Most probably, the two of them were on the same wavelength. The SSS couldn't spare the manpower to be with KeA for an entire day.

Actually, there was one solution, but... Lloyd glanced at the pink-haired Bracer-to-be. He didn't want to bother Juna with something trivial like this.

Hmm. Wait. Juna was one curious girl. If he somehow framed this not as her helping the SSS babysit KeA, but as a chance for Juna to know KeA better, would she accept it? After all, KeA has a 'mysterious origin,' according to Juna.

"Juna," he decided to try. "The SSS can't always be with KeA, especially when we're handling a request. Is it too much if we ask you to help us keep an eye on her?"

He was prepared to sell the pitch, but Juna quickly answered. "Sure. Arios said I don't really need more supervision until I master the motion for the sixth form now that I got the second form in my grasp."

Lloyd's lips turned into a smile. "Thank you, Juna. So that means you've talked with Arios, then? I remember you said that he's becoming a little distant."

Juna nodded. "Yeah. Arios is busy, so he couldn't oversee my training much. But he also said that I'm well on my way to learn the sixth form. And even then I still have the second form to master. Still, while I'm progressing well, doing it in the heat of battle is another thing. I'm still a little clumsy just fighting the monsters on the outskirt of the city."

"Applying your knowledge on the battlefield is another matter indeed," Elie agreed with Juna. "I remember that it was a little hard for me to adjust myself to shoot the monsters. Pressures, non-stable forms, and allies positions made it hard for me at first. But like everything, you can be better at it with enough training."

"Understood," Juna gave Elie a playful salute. "Anyway, time for me to go, everyone."

"One last thing, Juna," Lloyd stopped her again. "If you want to investigate something, please go to the SSS building first. I'll ask Randy or Tio to accompany you."

"Ahaha... what are you talking about, Lloyd?"

"Well, am I wrong?" Lloyd smiled. "I don't know what you are trying to dig up, but I'm sure you are going to investigate something. I couldn't in my conscience leave you alone." Especially since she was threatened with Renne's scythe once. With Randy or Tio with her, at least Juna would be safer than doing it alone.

"Ugh, you know me so well. Sure, I'll wait for them."

With that, Juna left the hospital.

Notes:

If you didn't notice there's a small bit of change on Juna's backstory with Arios. It's a retcon in the main JesSIca thread but since I can edit this I'll put the backstory I decided later down earlier, such as Juna learning the sixth and second form. Anyway, Juna and Joachim doesn't get along. As I put it before, I hate it when an antagonist never showed anything suspicious but some 'mary sue' in other fic always had 'bad feelings' about them somehow. So I kind of played around that and made Juna avoid him because of his non suspicious behavior: his quirky persona. Of course, if Juna pay more attention, a doctor accomplished in many things and had quirky personality would trigger her jrpg/anime tropes, but she was too biased to see the obvious.

And so the SSS avoided one of the bad ends because of Juna's warning! Yay! In canon they were bailed by KeA's divine instinct even when she lost her memories, so it's not really a canon bad end, just a potential one. But well, this time, Juna gave enough warning and coincidentally (not really), Lloyd really trusted Juna's gut feelings. Congrats, Juna. You(r deductions) are living rent free in Lloyd's head.

Oh and I put KeA's sprite there so you can see why Lloyd can't deny the cute girl her beaming smile.

Chapter 15

Since Elie and Lloyd were off with KeA, both Randy and Tio had free time for the day. However, unlike Randy, Tio was doing some personal requests from Chief Roberts in her free time. What it was, Randy didn't have the heart to listen more after Tio said it was about the OrbalNet. He lazed around when Lloyd called him to ask for either Tio or him to accompany Juna in her investigation.

So here he was, waiting for the pink-haired Junior Bracer to be.

"Excuse me!"

The door to the SSS building was opened, and Juna's figure entered the room.

"Yo," Randy greeted her from the couch. "I heard from Lloyd that you're gonna investigate something?"

Seriously, why couldn't she just join the SSS? That way, she could tap the resources the police had whenever she wanted to do some investigation.

"Yes," Juna nodded. "Shall we go? You're my chaperone for the day, right?"

Randy let out a laugh. "Slow down there, Junie. You just came back here from the hospital, right? Take a few minutes of rest first. You want coffee?"

"If you don't mind," Juna nodded and sat on the sofa.

Five minutes later, Randy was back with three cups of coffee. One for Juna, one for him, and one for Tio. When he got out of the kitchen, he blinked when he didn't see Juna's figure on the sofa. The pink-haired girl was instead found near the Terminal, immersed in a conversation with the resident orbal computer expert.

"...I see... so you're saying that the connection between this terminal and the one in the police headquarters is done through the OrbalNet," Juna nodded to herself.

"Yes. To clarify, we have something called OrbalNet Protocol Address, which consists of a series of numbers and dots to distinguish one address from another. This OrbalNet Protocol Address is assigned to each device connected to the OrbalNet. For example, this Terminal and the police HQ's Terminal are both connected to the OrbalNet. The two have different OrbalNet Protocol Addresses," Tio explained further. "To communicate, there is something called a Transmission Control Protocol..."

Randy tuned out Tio's explanation. Seriously, he rarely found her this excited when talking about the OrbalNet. Well, good for her, he guessed. He turned his attention to Juna. Despite the technobabble Tio spouted, Juna seemed to grasp the main idea because she nodded and sometimes frowned at Tio's explanation.

"'sup, gals. Here's coffee," Randy decided to butt in on their talk and offered the two girls a cup of coffee each.

"Thank you, Randy."

"Thanks, Randy."

"Still, I didn't expect you to understand what Tio is talking about. None of us in the SSS really understand the mechanic behind the Orbal Terminal except her," Randy mused with a small smile. "Guess Lloyd wasn't lying when he said you're good with technology."

"Ehehe, of course! Technology is the future. I pay full attention to any breakthrough on that front, especially something as big as the Orbal Network."

Tio frowned. "OrbalNet is still in its infancy. How are you so sure that it's going to be big? Is it your ability in play?"

Juna looked at the blue-haired girl flatly. "Even I don't need to connect the dots to anything to see the potential in the OrbalNet. For example, imagine that your Enigma can access the OrbalNet. As police officers, you don't really need your notebook anymore when you can look for information in the police database from your Enigma, and update the database with real-time information so the people on the headquarter can make the correct decisions without wasting time."

"Huh?" Randy opened his mouth, not understanding anything.

Tio's eyes widened. "That's... Hmm... It can be done through a normal phone call, but... I suppose there's some allure in bypassing the communication stage. For example, the SSS doesn't need to go back to this building before we can mark our requests as finished. We can do it directly on the site and even provide photographic evidence."

She typed something in the Terminal before she turned back to Juna.

"Juna, is it alright if I brought you to Chief Roberts for a talk someday?"

Juna opened her mouth. "...I don't really know anything technical about OrbalNet. What are you gonna need me for?"

Randy could sense Juna's discomfort at being put in the spotlight.

"Wow, wow, slow down, Tio-tot. Junie's overwhelmed over here," Randy intervened.

Tio exhaled. "Tell me, Juna. What else do you think can be achieved through OrbalNet, aside from real-time updates of the police database?"

Juna closed her eyes before she sighed. "Lots of things. But I'm really not suited for that kind of serious talk, Tio. I'll write you about what I think can be done with OrbalNet later, but not the technical side of things as I really do not know that part."

The younger girl frowned but nodded in understanding. "A shame. If you change your mind, you can just talk to me. I'd love to discuss all things with you, Juna."

Tio finished with a smile.

"Sure. This is also the first time I have gotten an explanation about OrbalNet. The library still has no books on it, so I only know through hearsay what the Guild can tell me," Juna replied.

"Huh? The Guild is involved in the development of OrbalNet?" Randy asked.

"Specifically, the Crossbell Branch and the Headquarters in Leman, because those are where the foundation has been focusing their effort to develop the OrbalNet," Tio answered. "I assume Michel has been telling you about the OrbalNet's progress?"

"Yes," Juna answered before sipping her coffee. "When I first heard the concept, I knew it would be the thing in the immediate future. So I asked Michel if he could update me if there's a new development."

"I see... if you're that sure about it, then I'm glad I took part in the development to shape Zemuria's future," Tio let out a sigh of contentment.

"Whoa, that's big talk there... but I guess since it's Junie..." Randy trailed off with a smile.

"Ahahaha... come on, guys. My words aren't the law or anything." Juna giggled.

After ten more minutes of discussion about the OrbalNet that Randy couldn't follow, Juna decided that it was time for them to go.

"See you later, Tio."

"Please guard Tio-tot, Zeit."

"Oh! Yeah! Zeit too!" Juna quickly went to the laying dog and petted him. "Who's a good boy? Who's a good boy?"

"Juna. Zeit said that you're bothering his nap," Tio remarked from the Terminal after Zeit let out a small whine.

"Oh! Sorry, Zeit. You're just too fluffy for my fragile heart," Juna released the canine and stood up. "See you later, Zeit."

---

"So, where are we going?" Randy asked Tio once they left the SSS building. Honestly, when Lloyd first asked him to watch over Juna's investigation, he was just gonna coast along. But then Lloyd pointed out that if possible, he wanted Randy to observe how Juna did things and how different it was from the usual investigation the SSS did, and noted things if Juna used her ability to connect the dots. "Before that, what are you going to investigate in the first place?"

Juna raised her eyebrow. "What else? Of course, it's KeA."

Now it was Randy's time to raise his eyebrow. "Didn't Lloyd say anything to you? The trunk KeA was found was shipped through Remiferia, and Revache denied knowing anything about KeA. The police then conceded to Revache's claim to 'keep the peace,' what a bunch of bullshit."

Randy couldn't help but spit to the side, momentarily forgetting that it was classified and not for outsiders.

"Say, Randy. Do you accept it just like that? From your reaction, I can guess that you're not but are told to drop it because of pressures from above. Am I right?" Juna questioned him.

Randy snorted. "You know me so well, Junie. But Chief Sergei has told us to focus on other things. Nothing we can do."

Especially because Revache used the SSS's undercover infiltration as a bargaining chip to enforce the truce, there really was nothing they could do to refute it because, well... going to the Schwarze Auction itself was done without Sergei's acceptance.

"Well, then. It's a good thing that Chief Sergei isn't my boss, then," Juna grinned. "Nothing he can do to prevent my investigation."

Randy couldn't help but chuckle at Juna's words. "Right. I'm here not as police investigating the auction. I'm here as an SSS member fulfilling Lloyd's request to act as your minder."

He finished with a wink, to which Juna replied in kind.

"That's right! If you take notes of something interesting, well, that's your prerogative, and I can't do anything about it."

Randy grinned. Juna was fun, alright.

"Right. So where are we going first?" He asked as they passed the Bell of Crossbell.

"First thing first, Imelda," Juna answered as she led him to the Back Alley.

Soon, they entered the Antique Shop. The doorbell rang as Juna opened the door. "Miss Imelda, are you here?"

"Hyeh hyeh hyeh, I'm here, brat," the figure in the violet dress let out a strange laugh as she greeted Juna. Her bespectacled eyes glanced at him for a little bit. "I see you're bringing one of the detectives with you."

"Yep. I'm on an unofficial investigation. Do you have spare time?" Juna asked nicely.

"No."

What a cold reply, but Imelda had always been like that, even to the SSS.

"Oh, come on. I know you also want to know what happened at the auction," Juna tried to bargain.

"For the record, I was there."

"...then I'll go straight to the point. Do you know who had enough guts to misreport a little girl as Rosenberg Doll to Revache?" Juna asked the old lady.

"I said I have no time to humor you, brat."

"I see. You don't know anything, then."

Imelda chuckled at Juna's statement. "Who said that I don't know anything?"

"The fact that you don't want to answer me," Juna answered with confidence in her words. "If you truly know something, you'd have gloated about it in a roundabout way."

The violet-garbed woman's face lost all her humor. "Tch. You're too sharp for your own good.

Randy observed the interaction between the two and made some mental notes about Juna's method of interrogating someone. Whereas Lloyd was methodical and accommodating to the one being questioned in the hope that they'd cooperate, Juna bulldozed their bullshit with her own bullshit ability and went straight to the heart of the matter. But Juna's method was not without calculation either. Randy didn't notice before Juna mentioned it, but Imelda... loved to gloat about holding some piece of information over the SSS whenever they interacted on a request. Juna used that crack to strike at the older lady's defense. And maybe she connected the dots to something else that only she could understand to conclude that Imelda didn't know anything.

"Let's go, Randy. We'll learn nothing here."

"Right," he followed suit as he saw the pink-haired girl leaving the shop.

"See you later, Miss Imelda."

"Don't come back here, you brat."

Once they were outside, Juna walked towards the Entertainment District. Randy followed one step behind.

"Hey, Junie. Does she really know nothing?"

"Most probably. I was just bluffing, but the fact that she didn't gloat is a big indicator that she knew nothing," Juna shrugged. "In any case, rather than annoying her further, it's better for us to move to the next target."

"Next target?" Randy parroted as they entered the hustle and bustle of the Entertainment District. However, Juna did not enter any building. Instead, the two of them continued walking toward the Residential District. Oh...

"Mainz Mountain Path... are we going to the Rosenberg Studio?"

"Yup," Juna answered.

Randy's hand gripped the battle axe in his back. The last time Juna was there, she was threatened with a scythe. He hoped this time there was nothing like that.

Chapter 16

Randy and Juna were sitting at the bus stop on Mainz Mountain Path. They were waiting for the bus to come. Considering that they were going to the Rosenberg Mansion, they decided that fighting their way from the start would be too tiring, especially since Juna was still a beginner in fighting monsters. Sure, Randy could handle them, but in the end, it was better for them to go halfway there with a bus. After that, Juna could use the exercise against monsters to sharpen her skill with Randy's supervision.

"Hey, Juna," Randy called out to her after a few minutes of consideration. He wanted to breach a topic but didn't know how to approach her for it. In the end, he settled for giving Lloyd a mention. The two were closer than Juna was to the other SSS member, after all. "Lloyd said to me that you know something about my past."

Juna glanced at him from the side. "What? Your past?"

Randy blinked in confusion.

"You mean you didn't know about my past? Why, then, when I talked to the SSS about it, Lloyd said that you mentioned knowing my past?"

"Hmm..." Juna hummed. This was her usual stance when she was thinking. "Oh, don't tell me..."

She sighed.

"I think there is a misunderstanding. I did say something about the SSS's past to Lloyd, but it's not you."

"Not me?"

"Yeah, it's Tio's. I dunno if Lloyd noticed it, but after the Renne fiasco, I noticed something when we were having fun in Long Lao and told Lloyd about it. Since I don't want to distract you guys, I just mentioned something vague, including whose past it was I noticed," Juna exhaled. "I didn't know that your past would come up exactly one day later."

Did... Did Lloyd misattribute Juna's warning, which was only about Tio's past, to him? He chuckled. What were the chances, really?

"I guess you were telling the truth when you said you are not a seer."

"Exactly! I connected the dots about Tio's past and warned Lloyd about it, and the next day your past came up. What the heck?! I don't even know anything about your past!" Juna shouted before she mumbled something that Randy couldn't hear.

She then sighed.

"Now that this topic has come up, do you mind if I know what part of your past is troubling you? It's okay if you don't want to. I just... ugh. It's hard to tell you because I want to keep Tio's privacy too. I want to know because maybe I can connect your past to something else for the future."

"It's fine. The part of my past that I kept secret from everyone in the SSS for the past months before it suddenly came up last week is that I'm formerly a Jaeger. I was part of the Red Constellation Corps before I ran away several years ago. Couldn't stand the business, y'see."

Juna crunched her eyebrows. "Jaeger... but... Is it possible? Sequel... Joshua too..."

Seems like her ability was at work, considering her murmurs.

"Randy. Have you and Lloyd discussed his motivation to return to Crossbell? I always thought he was not coming back here after moving away to Calvard to live with his relatives," Juna suddenly threw a curveball at him, asking something unrelated to his past.

"No. Not really. But..." Randy's mind remembered one interesting fact. "I saw Lloyd perusing the old case of Guy's death. You know him, right? Lloyd's brother." Randy didn't know much about it himself, but Guy was murdered three years ago, and the trail went cold before the murderer was found. There were rumors that Revache sent an assassin after him. "Maybe Lloyd came back here to look for his brother's murderer."

Juna let out a long breath at his words.

"Crossbell is really in a pinch, huh."

"...is this you jumping at the conclusion again?" Randy brought out his notes. Lloyd asked him to take notes whenever Juna used her ability, so he was going to fulfill it. "Can you elaborate?"

"I'm one hundred percent sure that Tio's past is gonna come up, and the four of you have to face them. And then suddenly, you revealed that part of your past came up. It made me think that sometime in the future, the Red Constellation will clash against the SSS."

Randy sucked a breath, and his pen was frozen in his grip.

"Hey, Juna. Are you serious?"

"I'm not one hundred percent sure about it, but there is a big chance that my prediction will come true. And the same goes for Lloyd. No, I am one hundred percent sure that the truth about Guy's murder case will be revealed in the future."

Randy unconsciously gripped his pen tighter. His Old Man... Uncle and Shirley... his junior in the Corps... did he really have to face them in the future? Juna's words weren't a hundred percent certainty, but they had never led the SSS wrong before. So Lloyd always considered her words in high regard. Because they once dismissed Juna's prediction and later it came true, the SSS's policy about Juna's words was 'correct until proven wrong.'

Perhaps sensing the tumultuous conflict hidden within Randy's stoic expression, Juna backpedaled.

"Well, it's not always physical confrontation. There is a chance that the Red Constellation will try to take you back, and you will face a personal conflict of choosing between your past and your present."

Randy shook his head. "No. I will never come back to my old life. You can be sure about it."

"...taking that into consideration, physical confrontation it is," Juna ended with a sigh.

Gathering his composure, Randy noted Juna's prediction for both the Red Constellation and Guy's murderer. "So, how did you arrive at that conclusion? Lloyd asked me to take notes, by the way."

Juna blinked. "Oh. Right. Remember how Elie's past came up when you told me about the attack on Mayor MacDowell? And then I noticed something about Tio's past that will definitely come up in the future. Taking that into consideration, only the two of you are left. So Lloyd's and your past will come up too."

What? Randy stopped writing. He turned to the pink-haired girl who said something outrageous so casually.

"How does that even make sense?"

Why did Elie's past and Tio's become a sign that his and Lloyd's would come up?

Juna's expression was awkward as if she wanted to say something but couldn't. "Ahaha... it doesn't make sense if you're not me."

"Alright. I'll just quote you on that," Randy said as he continued writing Juna's explanation. "Still, I'm sure that Lloyd will be grateful when he hears that Guy's murder case will become clear."

Randy mused.

"Yeah, I hope that Lloyd and Cecile can get their justice."

Soon, the bus came, and the two entered the bus. It took the bus around half an hour to arrive at the intersection to the Rosenberg mansion. Randy and Juna got off the bus here.

"Well, here it is, Juna. Are you ready?"

Juna unsheathed her sword, a nervous smile on her face. "Right. We will not be going for stealth this time, huh?"

"Hmm, right. You came to the Rosenberg mansion alone before, didn't you?" Randy asked when he remembered that Juna had come here to investigate Renne before. "Were you avoiding the monsters?"

"Yeah, and I only faced those that I can't escape from," Juna nodded in affirmation.

"How does it feel?"

"Scary," Juna admitted with a breath. "I can see why people who haven't trained since they were little want little to do with monsters. I was included in that category until recently."

Randy hummed, "That's right. What makes you want to join the Bracer Guild, anyway? To the point where you declined Lloyd's invitation to join the SSS."

Juna did not want to join the SSS when Lloyd invited her last week. Sure, they could wave it as her being more attached to the Bracer Guild. But seeing how she was still green at facing monsters because she hadn't even hit the one-year mark in being trained by Arios if what she said was true. And yet that spawned a new question; why was she so determined to become a Bracer after her internship in the hospital?

But Randy had to put a hold on that as several monsters approached.

"Can that wait?"

"Sure," Randy's hand gripped his battle axe. He'd let Juna handle the monsters and would only intervene if she needed it. "Go wild, Junie."

"Roger!"

---

In the end, Randy had to bail Juna three times. All of them because Juna insisted on taking care of the monsters when she was tired instead of resting. Aside from that, Juna was actually decent. She left huge openings when facing a crowd, which was kind of strange because Arios was infamous for being able to handle several monsters at once with his Eight Leaves One Blade technique. Maybe she needed more training? Randy didn't know. But aside from that one flaw, she was honestly as good as the newbie in the CGF that Randy had to supervise once.

"You're actually better than you said you were, Junie."

"Really?" Juna blinked. "I don't think I'm that good. I've only been at this for several months, after all."

Randy had to stare at how casually she downplayed herself. Could it be...

"Junie... are you sure you're not comparing yourself to some exceptional people like, say, Arios?"

Juna let out a sheepish laugh. "No way, even I know Arios is amazing. But yes, compared to the younger Bracers, like Estelle and Joshua, I'm really lacking in the martial department."

"...You're still comparing yourself to the daughter and adopted son of a Divine Blade. Lower your standards a bit, will you?" Randy sighed. "Your flaws are nothing that experience can't cover. Maybe ask Arios for more monster extermination exercises?"

"Alright! Thanks for the tips, Randy. Let's continue!"

Juna raised her hand excitedly even though she was almost hurt from the previous bout.

"Speaking of, can you answer the question from before? Why do you want to become a Bracer?" Randy asked again, now that the situation was calm. This wasn't just for his curiosity. Sure, Lloyd understood Juna's decision not to join the SSS, but Randy knew that his buddy was disappointed that Juna wouldn't join them. If he knew why, then maybe he could at least relay the answer to Lloyd.

Juna sheathed her sword. They were near the Rosenberg mansion, and her eyes saw no monsters in the vicinity. Once she sheathed her sword, Juna didn't release her hand from the handle. Juna looked up to the sky, thinking about how to answer.

After several seconds, Juna released her hand from her sword.

"After I was admitted to the St. Ursula Hospital as the youngest intern, I was happy that I could do something useful with my 'above average intelligence.' I did everything I could until something happened with a doctor there. Long story short, I resigned from the internship and found myself having nothing to do. I felt restless. I wanted to do something. Arios then visited Shizuku and offered his thanks. It was then that I knew what I wanted to do. I want to learn swordsmanship from him and become a Bracer. So, yeah. There's nothing groundbreaking about it. My decision was something that came suddenly, though I don't regret it one bit. After that, I was introduced to everyone at the Bracer Guild and grew attached to them. So I feel like if I accepted Lloyd's offer from last week, I'd betray everyone in the Guild. I know it's irrational, but that's how I feel. Sorry, Randy."

...so she was perceptive enough to see why he asked her. Randy sighed.

"You caught me. Lloyd was really disappointed you didn't want to join us."

"Ahaha... but we can still work together once I officially become a Junior Bracer," Juna gave a thumbs up.

Soon, they arrived in front of the gate of the mansion.

"Right. So we're here. What are you going to do now?"

"Mr. Rosenberg! Renne! Are you there?!"

Randy let out a chuckle, seeing how Juna just straight-up shouted instead of doing something else.

The door and the gate to the mansion were opened.

"Good Afternoon, Juna, Randy," Renne curtsied. "To what do we owe the pleasure? Also, Juna, Gramps said that your shouting distracted him."

"Good. That was my intention. Otherwise, he'd just ignore me."

Renne giggled at Juna's answer. "That kind of reasoning is why Gramps doesn't like you, Juna. Anyway, why do you come here? Is it because of the commotion at the Schwarze Auction?"

Randy exhaled. "I shouldn't be surprised that you know that information. You're the one giving us the ticket in the first place."

"That, or she hacked the info out of some poor schmuck's Terminal," Juna chimed in. She then turned towards Randy. "See what I mean with Imelda? If she knew something, she'd gloat about it like Renne just did."

"Hold on. You're comparing me to Imelda? I admit she's a crafty one. But she's too tight! I'm way more fun than her!" Renne whined at being compared to the old crone.

Randy couldn't resist joining in on the fun. "...yeah, I can see it. Renne could grow up to be like her."

"You stay out of this!"

"Not exactly one-to-one, but I can see you grow up to be a bitter old crone like she is," Juna playfully smirked at the younger girl.

"Grrr... Hmph. See if I care enough to help you after that remark," Renne crossed her arms and pouted.

"Oh, okay then. Please excuse me."

"Wait, what are you doing?" Renne stopped Juna from entering the mansion.

"You said you won't help us, right?" Juna shrugged. "Might as well go directly to Mr. Rosenberg to get our answers."

"You definitely can't just ignore me after that!"

Seeing the two interact, Randy couldn't help but smile. Renne looked like a child having fun being needled by Juna like that. It was a far cry from the last time he saw her.

"Anyway, so you do know about what happened at the auction, then. Do you know that they swapped the 'supposed' Rosenberg doll with a living, breathing girl?"

"Oh, I know," Renne smirked.

"What seems to be the matter that you approached the mansion?"

"Do you know if Mr. Rosenberg really sent a doll and not the girl? If so, can we know the recipient?"

It seemed that Renne did not expect Juna to ask about the doll instead of KeA. Her face lost its smirk for an instant before Renne covered it up with a blank expression.

"I did not see it myself, but I think you can guess the answer to the first question. Gramps is a consummate professional. There is no way he wouldn't fake an order for his creation."

Randy saw Juna sigh. "As expected. I just want to confirm it. Then, what about the second question? Who was the recipient of the doll? Because Gramps sending a real doll means that the one smuggling KeA in was the recipient of the doll."

"I don't think he would reveal that," Renne sighed. "Gramps is uptight about client confidentiality. That's why everyone trusts him. I don't think he'd even reveal what the doll he sent in that package looked like."

"Argh, damn it. We came here for nothing," Juna grumbled.

"Don't say that, Junie. At least we know that somebody switched the Rosenberg doll with KeA. Our next move is to identify who did that," Randy assured the pink-haired girl that her effort wasn't futile.

Juna shook her head before she spoke. "My bad. You're right, Randy."

She turned towards Renne.

"Renne, thank you for answering our questions."

"Hmph. You just used me as a confirmation, anyway," Renne replied, to which Juna only laughed. "Anyway. I don't know much, but there is one thing you need to think over about all this."

"The reason why the culprit switched the Rosenberg Doll with KeA, right? I did consider it. But I figured it's too broad of a chance to pinpoint the motive from that, so I tried approaching it from another angle," Juna revealed casually.

"Tch. Your mind is as sharp as ever," Renne clicked her tongue in frustration.

"Why, thank you. Oh well, I'll just leave the real investigation to the SSS, then. I'm sure you guys will be able to solve it," Juna shrugged.

"It's nice to see people putting their faith in us," Randy grinned.

"Well, if there's nothing else, we'll excuse ourselves, Renne. Give my thanks to Mr. Rosenberg, will you?"

"Sure. See you later, Juna."

"See you later, Renne," Juna waved before the two of them descended the hill to go back to the city.

---

Entering the SSS building, Randy and Juna saw Lloyd and Elie were already home.

"Good Evening, everyone."

"Yo."

Juna and Randy greeted the two.

"Juna, Randy. Good Evening. How was it?"

Juna then plopped down on the sofa with a sigh. "It's no use. The lead I tried to follow is going nowhere."

"Junie tried to investigate where the real doll is to see if she could determine the perpetrator from there, but Imelda didn't know anything, and Joerg Rosenberg is a professional who wouldn't tattle his customer. Unless there's a warrant, both Junie and I think it's a dead end. But we're tied down on that front," Randy explained. The root of the problem was the police taking the 'olive branch' offered by Revache. If it weren't for that, Randy was sure they could have more freedom to look around for information.

"By the way, where's KeA?"

"KeA is with Tio. She wants to hog KeA because we're the ones spending time with her today," Elie explained with a resigned but fond sigh.

"I see... so that's the angle you're going for. Certainly, if we know who's the one ordering the doll in the first place, then we can trace the perpetrator of KeA's smuggling," Lloyd hummed at Juna's approach.

"Yeah," Juna nodded, a little disappointed. "Though, it's not all bad. Even if this won't answer anything, at least our talk with Renne confirmed several facts. First, Mr. Rosenberg really sent the real doll. That means whoever ordered it and put it in the auction is most likely the one who had KeA."

"True. That's why you went to confirm to Mr. Rosenberg, right?" Lloyd asked for confirmation.

"Yup. Second, now that we established that somebody switched the real doll with KeA, we arrive at the fact that the real doll is still missing out there."

"Meaning that there are two possibilities. Either the perpetrator will sell it again in the black market, or they put it as a collection."

"I can ask Bell if she hears anything about a new Rosenberg Doll in the underground," Elie said. "The perpetrator will most likely wait for several months before they try to sell it to throw suspicions away, though."

"Thank you, Elie. I don't think I'll get a positive response from Mariabell if I were the one to ask her," Lloyd said with a grimace.

"Mariabell?" Juna suddenly looked at Lloyd in confusion. "As in Mariabell Crois, the daughter of Dieter Crois, the CEO of International Bank of Crossbell?"

"Yeah. She and Elie are friends. Oh, and she hates Lloyd," Randy answered with a chuckle.

"I don't even know why she hates me," Lloyd nodded with a lost expression while Elie just facepalmed. The dense babyface lady killer didn't even realize that Mariabell hated him because of his dense babyface lady killer tendencies, Randy mused in his mind.

"So why do you think Mariabell Crois can help trace the missing Rosenberg Doll?"

Juna's question brought them back to the matter at hand.

"Bell is a collector of Rosenberg Doll. If anyone knows the latest news of them, it's Bell," Elie explained.

"I see..." Juna trailed off at Elie's answer. "Anyway, back to the topic. The third fact we know is that they must have released KeA from their hold for a reason."

Juna looked left and right before she lowered her voice to a whisper. "I think KeA is deliberately planted there at the auction for a greater purpose that we still don't know."

"Greater purpose?" Randy couldn't help but ask. What did Juna mean by that?

"Is this related to what you told Lloyd this morning?" Elie asked the pink-haired girl.

Juna nodded. "Yes. I said this to Lloyd this morning, I suspect KeA is really important for Crossbell's future. I still can't explain how or why, but if we look at the possible reason why KeA is planted there at the auction... I can't help but think that the perpetrator put KeA there because they wanted her to be found by you guys or other elements in Crossbell. For what reason? As I said, we still don't know. But it might be related to her missing memories."

"Related to KeA's amnesia?"

"That's right. It's... there's no factual basis for this suspicion of mine, but please keep that in mind if you can," Juna finished with a sigh.


"...are you saying there's a possibility of the perpetrator coming for KeA when her memories recovered?"

What? Randy didn't understand how Lloyd came to that conclusion. But apparently, that was the correct conclusion because Juna's face lit up into a big smile.

"Exactly! That's why... keep her safe and close, okay?"

"As I said this morning, we definitely will," Lloyd nodded. "Isn't that right, Elie, Randy?"

"Yes."

"Don't worry."

"And I'm sure Tio will also do her best to keep KeA safe."

Juna replied with a smile. "Thanks for not dismissing my gut feelings, guys."

After that, the conversation became lighthearted before Juna went home for the evening.

Notes:

Intermission chapter complete. Haha, isn't it funny exactly one day after Juna said something about the SSS's past, it really came up? Unfortunately for Lloyd, he couldn't be more wrong since it was Randy's instead of Tio.

By the way, if you still don't get it or have not read the main story, The SI-ed Juna here has a 'special' ability to read tropes, but the catch is that the game's cast have mental block to not be able to recognize tropes, hence Randy's confusion at Juna's conclusion that since Elie's past has come up and Tio's past definitely would come up, then there's a chance Lloyd and Randy's past to come up, too. Juna can conclude that but Randy and everyone else cannot. ...well, except for Full Detective Point Lloyd Bannings. We're starting to see that he began to grasp the underlying mechanism that Juna exploits by his conclusion this chapter.

Chapter 17

Time passed for the SSS. With Juna unofficially becoming KeA's caretaker, the SSS were free to do their usual jobs. One such case was the request from Mayor Bickson that they were taking now. To make it short, a miner from Mainz left for Crossbell City and hadn't been back for several days. They found him gambling in the Barca Casino, winning so much at the lottery. One thing that Lloyd noted was that Gantz, the miner, suddenly became so good at the slot machine when he wasn't that good before, according to people's testimony.

Then, the next day, Heiyue's branch was raided by Revache. Everyone was worried that this would be the trigger for an all-out gang war, but Cao was being reasonable about it. Some information from Grace led them to think that the raid was organized by the newer members, who wanted to stand out. However, it didn't make sense that Cao and his subordinate couldn't beat them if that was the case, so Lloyd also put that into his note.

Strangely enough, Juna was tight-lipped about the situation. All she said to him when he asked for some clarification was, 'I still don't have all the facts.'

They only had a breakthrough when Mayor Bickson called them to see Gantz in the Barca Casino again, dueling Lechter Arundel, the Intelligence officer from Erebonia. Lechter somehow was able to beat Gantz every single time, and that fact frustrated Gantz enough that he had to be restrained by the SSS. However, Gantz was surprisingly strong and hard to subdue. In the end, Grace was the first to hypothesize that Gantz was using drugs. Once Lloyd got permission to look for his belongings, he found a pack of suspicious blue pills. Lloyd noted Tio's weird reaction to the evidence they found before all of them decided to talk with Chief Sergei.

And here they were now.

Juna and KeA were conveniently out for a walk so they could talk to Sergei without being interrupted.

"..." Sergei had a complicated look on his face after Lloyd and the rest laid out their investigation.

"S-Sorry. Was it too convoluted, after all?" Elie asked out of consideration.

"Nope," Sergei sighed. "It's just this series of events... I'm starting to think that it might all be connected."

"You do?"

"Seriously?!"

"How do you figure that?"

"..."

"I know a lot's gone down in the last day or two...but I want you to try to connect the dots. Better buckle up, Lloyd. We're going to need those detective skills you've been honing if we want to get anywhere with this."

Lloyd nodded. Connecting the dots was Juna's specialty. But Juna wasn't here, and most importantly, he couldn't always rely on Juna. He opened his side notes, which contained several statements Juna had made. Maybe something there would help him connect the dots for this case?

"Today, we were able to discover roughly three pieces of key evidence," Lloyd started. "The information we heard from Cao about the raid on Heiyue, the intel we exchanged with Grace about the current state of Revache, and everything we learned about Gantz, the miner from Mainz."

He laid out the three pieces of evidence.

The information from Cao about the raid had three main takes on it. First, according to Cao, Heiyue's main branch in Calvard would send some reinforcement to 'defend themselves,' but everyone knew Cao spelled 'retaliate' with that statement. Second, their knowledge of KeA was nonexistent. In fact, they didn't even know anything before a letter came and said that the trunk contained something that could blow Revache up. Of course, that 'something' referred to KeA herself. Aside from that, Cao said he didn't know anything. But those two pieces of information did not have any common ground with the other information they got today. This means... the last information about how the assailant was powerful enough to overwhelm a practitioner of Eastern martial arts like Cao was the one he had to take notes on.

Moving on to the second intel. Grace said that the Don was trying to make up for his blunder at the auction by buttering up Speaker Hartmann and even trying to establish a relationship with someone from the Republic. He even talked with the CGF commander from what they found out. But, the one that stuck out to Lloyd was how the chain of command in Revache was in shambles. Garcia was acting strange when he confronted them. Not to mention that the raid on Heiyue wasn't done with Garcia's supervision. Low-level members of the mafia were strong enough to overwhelm Cao. It was really strange now that he thought about it. Not that Revache was weak. But their strength had always been in number. To think that suddenly they recruited some people strong enough to do an overnight raid... something was suspicious.

That brought him to the last information: Gantz. Their investigation of Gantz resulted in one clear and obvious evidence: the blue pill. But wait, before that, Gantz suddenly became really strong, didn't he? And according to Mayor Bickson, Gantz wasn't really the type to get angry over losing to someone in the casino. Then there was his absurd winning streak before Lechter faced him.

Common threads connecting the three pieces of information...

Strong, aggressive, and uncontrollable mafia... a shared trait with Gantz. However, both Gantz and the mafia members did not exhibit those traits before.

"I get it," Lloyd said out loud.

"Lloyd?" Elie asked in confusion.

"Man, you can't just pull a Juna out of nowhere," Randy groaned. "Explain to us first."

"Pull a Juna?" Sergei looked at Randy.

"A-Ahaha. Sorry, guys."

Lloyd then explained his train of thought.

"...And so, I think that Revache is distributing new drugs that can enhance your potential, whether it's luck, strength, or maybe something else. That new drug is these blue pills we found."

"It makes sense," Tio nodded. "Revache didn't just distribute the drugs. They also took it, which increased their overall strength."

"Maybe that's part of the reason why Garcia's influence in Revache has been dwindling," Elie also remarked.

"So a bunch of those mafiosos took the drugs to toughen up, and, as a result, it gave 'em all big egos. Is that it?"

"Nicely put," Sergei gave an appreciative clap. "By the way, do you remember the rumors Ian told us yesterday?"

Lloyd's eyes widened when he recalled what Grimwood said. "The trader and that stockbroker...!"

"You think those two are already under the influence of the pills?!" Elie asked their commander.

"Who can say? At this point, that's nothing more than pure speculation. However, things are beginning to come together, piece by piece... You feel the same way, don't you?"

Lloyd nodded. Elie might not be sure about it, as was Sergei. But Lloyd knew that Juna would definitely conclude that those two consumed the pill. It was what he believed.

"Chief... if I'm being honest, I don't think the Special Support Section will be able to handle a case of this size," Lloyd sighed. "We might even need to call in the First Division for support, given that the incidents revolve around the distribution of illegal drugs."

Coincidentally, Juna and KeA entered the room.

"Good Evening, guys. I brought a guest for you."

"Mr. Grumpy wants to meet you, Sergei!"

Mr. Grumpy? Lloyd's mind immediately went to Dudley; indeed, he came into the room after them.

"Hmph. Good Evening, the SSS, Sergei. Sorry that I'm late. If this is about the same thing we discussed earlier, do you mind if we go ahead and begin?" Dudley greeted them.

"Sounds good to me. Fill them in, too, if you don't mind," Sergei casually tried to include the SSS.

"I don't exactly have time for jokes, Sergei! This isn't something rookies should know about, and--"

"Actually, I think the information they've found will end up being pretty useful to you and your investigation." Sergei cut Dudley off. "C'mon, it won't take any time at all."

"Are you insane...?" Dudley sighed. "Then again, I did leave the Heiyue investigation to the Special Support Section. Perhaps it should be fine, then... N-No! What in the world am I saying?"

"Um, Chief... If we're that much of a bother, we can always just leave the room," Lloyd offered.

"Nope. Stay right where you are. They don't call Dudley the ace of the First Division for nothing, after all. I'm sure he realizes what he needs in a situation like this."

"Tch. You win this time. Listen up. The information I'm about to disclose is strictly confidential... It does not leave this room. Otherwise, there WILL be consequences! Got it?!"

"Got it," Lloyd nodded. He looked towards Juna, who saluted him.

"Roger! Come on, KeA. Let's check the fridge for any treats! Aren't you hungry after playing so much?"

Once KeA and Juna left the room, the talk continued. Dudley revealed that the First Division's hands were tied from the inside. They received orders to prioritize quelling any disputes between Heiyue and the Mafia. Coincidentally, that resulted in their investigation of emerging mysterious drugs stopped.

They exchanged information, and Lloyd even showed Dudley the blue pills they had confiscated from Gantz. Of course, Lloyd didn't say where he got it from. Still, with how the First Division was pressured to stop, Lloyd wondered how the situation would look like for Juna.

He widened his eyes when his mind reviewed the evidence and laid it together with Juna's words.

First, the blue pill and Tio's reaction when they found it. Second, Juna's warning about the SSS's past she later confirmed wasn't about Randy's, and the fact that Elie's past was known to them already. And third, her words about the threat the SSS would face soon back in Long Lao.

Could it be...?

"Chief, Dudley. Is it alright if I invite Juna here?"

Lloyd immediately asked his superior for permission to get Juna. There was something he really needed to confirm to her. And if he was correct... then it'd spell trouble for Crossbell.

"Juna again? What does she have to do with anything?" Sergei raised his eyebrows.

"Who?" was Dudley's response before he shook his head. "Never mind. This is a confidential matter. You would include an outsider?"

The SSS looked at each other... "Well... not exactly an outsider since Juna is KeA's temporary caretaker. But..."

Lloyd felt Elie's hand on his shoulder. "Lloyd. Did you think that Juna can deduce something out of the information?"

Randy then turned towards the two adults. "I know it's out of protocol, but honestly? Juna helped us so much with several of our requests. She has a mind comparable to Lloyd."

"And that's without taking notes of her usually correct intuition," Tio chimed in.

Sergei sighed. "I was wondering why you'd take Arios' student as KeA's caretaker. Why am I only hearing this now?"

Lloyd gave him a smile. "We've asked her to officially join the SSS, but she refused because she wants to become a Bracer. I guess I'm afraid that you or the CPD will pressure Juna to join if we told you earlier."

Dudley harrumph. "Hmph. We're not that crass, Bannings. Fine, I want to see it for myself."

"Then I'll go fetch Junie," Randy went towards the door.

He came back two minutes later with Juna in tow and KeA on his shoulder.

The other SSS members, including Lloyd, looked at Randy flatly.

"Ahaha... sorry, guys. It's hard to refuse KeDo. And I feel bad leaving her alone."

Lloyd heard Elie sigh. "Alright. I'll distract KeA."

"No, I want everyone to hear it," he prevented Elie from going before turning to KeA. "KeA. Please do not get overly worried about what I'm going to say, okay?"

KeA blinked before she smiled. "Okay!"

She then jumped down from Randy's shoulder.

"You want my help again?" Juna finally said to Lloyd, who nodded.

Lloyd then relayed what happened in his investigation and the information from Dudley to Juna, who only hummed and nodded at his explanation.

"...so that's how it is. And now that you've got the context. Do you have any questions before I want you to confirm my deduction?"

Juna shook her head. "No. It's all clear from me."

"Alright, then..." Lloyd turned from Juna to Sergei and Dudley. Both looked at their interaction seriously.

"We have new drugs being circulated in Crossbell. These blue pills can enhance the user's capabilities, whether it is physical strength or something outrageous like luck for gambling. And we all agree that Revache is the dealer based on the information we got from our collective information," Lloyd started. "However, one question remains. Who made it?"

Everyone in the room went silent, trying to consider Lloyd's words.

"I have to say sorry if I offend you, Tio. I didn't want to say this, but I have to," Lloyd suddenly asked for forgiveness from Tio, who was too surprised to reply. "A few weeks ago, Juna, you mentioned something interesting to us and Joshua and Estelle. 'The D∴G Cult --or whatever remnants of that organization-- still exists, and as police officers, you'll come clashing with them sometimes in the future, SSS.' You were so sure of it."

"Hold on, what's the D∴G Cult has to do with all these?" Dudley interjected.

"Please, Dudley. Let me confirm my theory first." Lloyd turned back to Juna and raised the plastic bag containing the blue pills again. "These blue pills can enhance something so out of mind, like your luck. It wouldn't be a long stretch to think that these pills can also enhance someone's sense, wouldn't it?"

"Someone's sense..." Elie parroted.

Everyone then looked at Tio except for Juna, who wore a smile on her face, and Dudley, who didn't get the context.

"Tio..."

"So this is what you meant by Tio's background, huh, Junie?" Randy sighed.

"I didn't notice it immediately from your weird behavior when Juna mentioned the cult back at the Long Lao, but I did see you acting weird. Later, Randy told me that Juna knew of your background story. But the one cinching it for me is your reaction when we found the blue pills. It was then I realized your connection to the D∴G Cult. Most probably, you were like Renne, who is also experimented by the cult," Lloyd revealed to Tio.

Sergei widened his eyes. "I've never told you anything..."

Lloyd nodded. "I know. As I said, Juna's mind is amazing. I'm only tracing the breadcrumbs left by her."

He saw Tio being hugged by KeA and Elie. "...Thank you, everyone. But I'm okay now. And Lloyd, next time, please give me advanced notes if you want to pull a Juna."

She ended with a playful glare, to which Lloyd could only laugh.

"I know you can rise from this, Tio, so I'll move to the next important part," Lloyd said, getting back to the main topic of the conversation. "How probable is it for the blue pills to be made by the remnants of the D∴G Cult you mentioned before?"

Juna exhaled.

"You yourself are amazing, Lloyd. I can't confirm anything since I'm not a seer. However, my mind did connect the blue pills to the D∴G Cult when you were explaining your investigation, so our suspicions match. And you even connected the dots yourself! You noticed Tio's weird behavior when I mentioned the cult and correctly guessed her background. If you're asking how probable your theory is, then my answer is yes. For me, it is most likely the D∴G Cult who made the drugs and is using Revache as the distributor."

"I see..."

"You..." Dudley said. "I don't know where you got your information from, but how sure are you of it? The D∴G Cult was wiped out by the coalition a few years ago. To think that remnants of that cult still exist... It's unthinkable."

Sergei sighed. "The worst part is that it fits. I also had suspicions that the nightmare of several years ago, the D∴G Cult, is crawling back from the depths of hell."

He then put out his cigarette before calling Lloyd out. "Lloyd. I'm just gonna say this. Your brother was involved with the raid on the D∴G Cult lodges several years ago."

Lloyd's eyes widened. "What?"

"Arios, Guy, and I were assigned from Crossbell Police Department to the coalition. In fact, he's the one who found Tio there and saved her life."

"Arios, too? I have to get the full story out of him!" Juna declared with a huff.

"Yes. I was about to tell you later, but it seems that you found out part of it on your own," Sergei glanced at Juna. "Or rather, with some help."

"Alright. Regarding my theory, keep in mind that there is still no hard proof, just a deduction from the information we gathered. So, none of us can really put this in the report. Dudley, how would you and the First Division move after this?"

"...I don't know how the others will take it, but I'm still gonna investigate Revache."

"Good," Sergei interjected. "The SSS will investigate the drug more closely to look for any sign of the D∴G Cult resurgence. Any objection?"

"No. And I'll keep a look out for the cult, too. It'd be dangerous if somehow the D∴G Cult resurfaced from inside Revache," Dudley shook his head.

"And we'll trade information again later," Sergei casually added.

"What? Hmph. Fine," Dudley then looked at Juna. "I don't know how you do it, but you, too, share more information if you know something."

"Roger!"

Dudley then left the room.

"So," Juna suddenly said. "Since Mr. Grumpy is out, I have one more thing I have to tell you. Nothing against him, but this isn't something that he needed to know yet."

That caught everyone's attention.

"What is it, Juna?" Elie asked.

"I've said it to Randy, and I don't know if he passed it to Lloyd..." Juna trailed off, looking unsure if he already knew or not.

Ah, it was about another threat that Randy said Juna told him. Lloyd nodded, giving Juna a sign that Randy had already told him.

"I see... I'm just gonna say it for everyone else, then. SSS. There is a nonzero chance that you guys will also face the Red Constellation Jaeger Corps in the future," Juna revealed.

"What?!" Elie gasped in surprise at the news.

"Really?" Tio's voice held a skeptical tone, but it sounded like she was in disbelief about the how rather than the confrontation itself.

"You have to lay it down to us gently, Juna," Sergei pulled out another cigarette and lit it. "Still... the Red Constellation, huh? How did you say you came up with your deduction again?"

"Please don't pressure Juna, Chief. I can explain that to you. A few weeks ago, Randy quoted Juna's explanation in full," Lloyd tried to placate the older man.

"And Lloyd..." Juna's tone turned softer, catching Lloyd's attention. "The truth about Guy's murder will come to light. This one, I'm one hundred percent sure."

...yeah, he wasn't really affected by Juna's words because Randy had told him.

Sergei, however, was so startled he coughed on the smoke.

"Cough, what?"

Ignoring the question from Sergei, Juna then sighed. "The worst part is I don't know if those two events would be related to the one who planted KeA in the Schwarze Auction or not. It could be that they're related, but it also could be not. There is even a chance that the one who planted KeA in the auction is the D∴G Cult themselves. Argh, sometimes I wish I'd know more details about my own certain prediction!"

"Haha..."

"If you had that kind of ability, you'd be the prime target of every criminal, Juna."

"That's right!" Randy followed him with another laugh.

"...Juna?" Lloyd's smile turned into a worried frown when he didn't hear Juna's follow-up.

"...Lloyd. How many people know my 'connect the dots' again?" Juna asked with apparent worry behind her tone.

"Only everyone here, Dudley, Estelle, and Joshua," he answered the name that came to his head. But it was true that they didn't say anything to anyone else. There was that moment in the Schwarze Auction when Lechter asked them how they weren't so startled by the situation, but Lloyd just answered that somebody tipped them before without mentioning any name.

Juna then let out a sigh of relief. "Right. Of course. Thank you. You had me worried there."

"Worried? For what?" Elie asked her.

"It'd be a hassle if the enemy knows and dispose of me because I spoil their plan or something," Juna said with a shrug.

That was a weirdly specific concern. Was it...

No. The important thing was that nobody else aside from a select few who they trusted knew about Juna. They need not needlessly worry about it.

"Don't worry about it, guys. It's not like I'm a damsel in distress, you know," Juna winked.

Right. Lloyd sighed. Juna was a practitioner of the infamous Eight Leaves One Blade school of swordsmanship. While she wasn't as strong as the SSS yet, according to Randy, Juna was good with some fixable flaws.

"Um..." KeA suddenly tried to get their attention. "What do you mean the ones who planted me?"

Lloyd blinked. "A-Ah... KeA."

He honestly forgot about KeA because she was unusually silent.

"How about we cook dinner?" Elie came to the rescue by trying to distract KeA with something else.

But KeA didn't reply. She just stared at every adult in the room.

"Listen, KeA. We'll tell you about it later. Right now, it's late, and we still haven't had dinner. How about it?" In the end, the best Lloyd could do was delay it to give them time to discuss what should be told to KeA.

"...okay."

Lloyd smiled at the green-haired girl before he ruffled her hair. "Thank you, KeA."

After that, Juna excused herself and left. The SSS also put aside the case and enjoyed their dinner. Tomorrow, they would go to the St. Ursula Hospital to consult things with Dr. Guenter. Hopefully, he could shed some light on the situation.

Notes:

FLAG GOES BRRRRRR! JunaSI is not even the one who triggered it, poor Juna. This chapter compresses the first half of Chapter 4 of the game. Lots of things skipped because honestly, nothing changes from how it is. The conversation with Sergei and Dudley is different though, with Lloyd connecting all the dots, or in his words, picking all the breadcrumbs Juna left for him, they realized that the cult might be behind everything before the meeting with Joachim and Tio telling her backstory. In canon, the reveal is structured so tidy I had to leave the crumbs since the end of Renne's arc for it to make sense. And even then, there's something I missed the first time I played that I only realized when I'm planning for the next chapter of this omake. Seriously, the whole Crossbell arc's writing is just amazing.

Chapter 18

"I can contact you tomorrow around noon to let you know how it's going. Would that be okay?" Joachim told Lloyd and the rest of the SSS inside the Neurology/Pharmacology research lab.

"Perfect. Thanks for your assistance in all this, Doctor Guenter."

They were there because they consulted about the blue pills they found to the nearest expert they know, Joachim. However, Joachim himself had never encountered the drug himself. So Lloyd gave him the samples to be analyzed, and hopefully, they would get the result tomorrow.

"We'll be relying on your expertise, then," Elie nodded and gave her thanks. "That reminds me. Do you think there are any possible side effects or toxicity?"

That was right. Lloyd cursed himself for forgetting that one crucial point.

"Hmm... Without further analysis, I can't say for sure, but if anything happens to that miner, call me as soon as possible. I'd like to take appropriate measures in the case you find any others who have consumed these pills," Joachim answered, fingers rubbing his chin.

"We can do that."

"Who knows how many people are in the market for this stuff? We're constantly hearin' rumors about it in the city, y'know," Randy remarked.

"Of course, it is impossible for us to question Revache about this, but if their members really are taking it, I am concerned about the side effects."

Tio was correct. There were a lot of people who had been exposed to the drugs without fully knowing their side effects. If further research said that the side effects were dangerous, pulling out the drugs from the streets would be hard.

"Doctor?" Lloyd called out to Joachim.

"Are you worried about the side effects, too?" Elie continued.

"Oh, no. That's not it. With all this talk of rumors, I was reminded of one I've heard recently..." Joachim shook his head.

"What kind of rumor?"

"Haha, okay, okay. Remember, none of this was ever officially confirmed or explained, but several years back, there was an odd rumor that floated around the pharmaceutical industry. It talked about a certain religious cult that had created a new kind of drug," Joachim said seriously.

"A cult? Did you mean the D∴G Cult?"

"Indeed. So you know about them. Apparently, they rejected the very existence of Aidios and worshiped devils instead. At least, that's what I heard."

"Worshipping devils, huh? I didn't know that. I only know of them because of the police report," Lloyd revealed.

"I've heard that, by borrowing the power of devils, it can unlock the hidden potential within humans, even bringing the user good luck. Sounds familiar?"

Lloyd nodded at Joachim's explanation. "The D∴G Cult was our suspect for the creation and distribution of the drugs. But Chief Sergei mentioned that they've been wiped out, and since there was no evidence, we couldn't really put everything behind that suspicion. So we turned to an expert like you, Dr. Guenter."

"Excuse me, Doctor Guenter... If you've heard of these drugs before, do you know their name?" Tio asked. That was a good question. She almost didn't join them in the investigation, but she forced herself to even though it brought back bad memories for her. Maybe Lloyd needed to show his appreciation for her efforts.

"Yeah, it was tiring to always mention 'blue pills, blue pills' whenever we refer to the drugs," Randy chimed in.

"Let's see, what was it again...? Oh, right. I remember now. They called it true wisdom--Gnosis. Or so the rumor goes."

"Gnosis..."

"That's quite the suggestive name, isn't it?" Elie, the most knowledgeable of them, offered her opinion.

Hmm... Gnosis meant knowledge if he remembered. Elie was indeed correct about the name being suggestive.

"Well, because of its absurdity, the story became somewhat of an urban myth. But you've heard the rumors of the secret society that was connected to that big incident in Liberl last year, right? Maybe the two could be connected somehow," the doctor gave his opinion.

The SSS looked at each other. Joachim was most likely referring to Ouroboros, the organization that Joshua and Estelle faced two years ago. Could there be a connection? Joshua, a former Enforcer of Ouroboros himself, said they held several D∴G Cult lodges raids. So Lloyd really doubted the connection between Ouroboros and D∴G Cult.

"Anyway, in order to uncover the truth behind these pills, I plan to contact some colleagues of mine to help with the analysis. While I do that, I'll also try looking into that rumor to see if it still has any merit," Joachim finished with a smile.

"We'd appreciate that," Lloyd gave a smile.

After that, they left the hospital. Unfortunately, Tio was feeling unwell and fainted before they even reached the bus. Randy had to run to the hospital to get help for Tio.

The good thing was Cecile said that it was only anemia from Tio. The bad thing was that there was no more bed for Tio in the hospital, so they had to bring her home later.

"Tio, you're awake?" Lloyd said when he saw her open her eyes.

"Yes. Sorry for worrying you guys."

Lloyd shook his head. "The fault lies on me for not forcing you to stay home. I should've known better that you're still troubled by your childhood trauma, but I know you don't want to be treated like a child, so I gave in to your demands."

"Lloyd..."

"I'm sorry in advance, everyone. From now on, I'll try to be a better leader, even if it means going against everyone's wishes, including mine," Lloyd declared with a fire in his eyes.

"That's fine by me," Randy said with a grin.

"Yes. We all believe in you, Lloyd," Elie declared with a smile.

Tio smiled. "Sorry for being selfish, Lloyd."

Tio then decided to tell the rest of her story. She was kidnapped when she was five by the D∴G Cult, though Tio didn't know anything back then. The objective of the cult was still unknown, but one thing was clear. They were attempting to obtain something by rejecting the Goddess and worshipping Devils.

"I think they saw me and the other children as offerings. Nothing more, nothing less. Simply a means to obtain whatever they wanted," Tio remarked, which got various expressions from the others.

Tio then continued telling her story. The cult had several lodges around Zemuria, each experimenting with its own ritual. The one Tio got taken to was primarily involved in human experimentation, so Lloyd's previous guess was correct. For three years, Tio was subjected to various kinds of drugs to enhance her senses. The cult even tried enhancing their sensitivity to supernatural phenomena by applying psychological stress and hypnosis.

Everyone was left silent at Tio's admission.

Tio took a breath before she continued.

"Despite all that... I might have been the luckiest person at my lodge. None of the children could withstand the ceremonies except for me. One by one, they began to disappear... And it was only when I was the last child left that I gained this power. My sensory receptivity became strong enough to hear the final cries of the others on the opposite side of that massive rock wall," the blue-haired girl admitted to her closest friends casually.

"Tio..." Elie called her name softly.

"Then, something happened. Lloyd's brother, Guy, was able to break into the lodge."

So this was the moment that Sergei mentioned, when the coalition began their attack on the D∴G Cult.

"The team accompanying Guy was able to neutralize the cult followers and dismantle the lodge's operation. The resistance was strong, but the moment the lodge fell, most of the cultists committed suicide. While stepping over so many of their corpses, Guy finally reached what was known as the ceremonial chamber, and that was when he found the only child left alive in that nightmare."

Lloyd's mind conjured the situation described by Tio vividly. His brother's form, back straight, busted a door and found countless corpses covering every inch of the ground. There was nothing else to do but step on them, even though he clearly didn't want to.

"By the time Guy took me into his custody, I was debilitated beyond recognition. Because of that, I was hospitalized for several months in order to recover. What happened after that, I've already told Lloyd about," Tio finished.

Oh, that time in the Geofront during the Festival. Tio revealed that he knew Guy and Guy was the one who gave her Mishy keychain. If he remembered correctly, what happened after the hospitalization was that Tio went back to her home in Remiferia, but felt uncomfortable by her normal life. She booked a ticket to Crossbell to see Guy again, but he had passed away. Tio was then found by an Epstein Foundation researcher and went to Leman before she was offered to join the SSS three months ago.

"It's almost ironic," Tio started again, eyes closed. "Despite being so grateful to Guy for saving me from that place, when I heard that he passed away three years ago, I wasn't even that sad. It's as if, in exchange for this power, I had my emotions stripped away. At least, that's what I thought."

"Tio..." This time, it was Lloyd whose heart was tugged by Tio's admission.

"I wanted to ask him something. I wanted to ask Guy, a strong, impossibly optimistic person how exactly should a broken person like me live? But, in the end, I wasn't able to ask him, and I was recruited by the Epstein Foundation. After that, I joined the Special Support Section and began to live with all of you..."

Tio then sighed.

"I... I still don't know the answer. How do I go about living? Just... why? Why am I alive?"

"Tio!"

Ellie launched herself at the younger girl and put her into an embrace.

"Ah..."

"You don't have to worry about that! It's okay to not know the answers! We're all the same!" Elie comforted the emotionally confused girl.

"What...?"

This was his time to say something.

"Why do we live? How should we live? There aren't many people who know the answers to those questions, Tio. Me, Elie, Randy... We're all lost, the same as you."

Randy followed with a wistful smile. "I had definitely lost my way, that's for sure. Still, Tio Tot. You're bein' way too serious 'bout all this. What's the point in rushin' to answer questions like those?"

"B-But..."

"If you still can't help but wonder what the answers are...keep searching for them. Just remember, there's no need to rush, and you don't have to do it alone."

Lloyd then gave Tio a smile.

"Let's find these answers together."

"..." Tio avoided looking at Lloyd.

"I'll always be here for you, too. So will Randy, the chief, KeA, and even Zeit... We're all here for you. We'll help you find the answers to these questions," Elie rubbed Tio's back gently, just like how an older sibling would comfort the younger.

"Ngh. Yes, I think Lloyd has definitely rubbed off on you, Elie, and Randy, too. Hearing you all say this stuff... It's too embarrassing... Why would you...?" Tio exhaled.

"It's fate, ain't it?" Randy grinned, clapping his hands. "When we joined the SSS, we all fell prey to this guy's cheesiness."

"Randy's right," Elie said with a giggle. " We're a team. We share what we feel, be it embarrassing or not."

"I don't get why I'm the one being blamed for that, but I definitely agree with Elie's last point," Lloyd felt like he had to interject now. "We share everything. Embarrassment, our past pains and, of course, our happiness and daily jokes, too."

"That's what it means to be a team, right?

"Please stop... It's too embarrassing... and it's burning up in here. I'm not sure how much more of this I can take..."

"But... for some reason, I don't think this is such a bad feeling."

After their heartfelt talk, the SSS took the bus back to Crossbell City.

---

Later that night, Lloyd was compiling the information from the day in his room when he noticed something glaring.

"This is..."

It was very suspicious. But if he went to Juna... Lloyd sighed. He didn't want her to charge blindly, but he knew she was that kind of person. It was better to keep this from her. Because if his conclusion was correct...

...then the danger might come from an unexpected place.

Putting his pen down, Lloyd stopped writing and went to his bed. He'd properly discuss things with the others tomorrow.

Notes:

As I said before, this is mostly rehash from the canon scene, but I couldn't just skip Tio's backstory! It's amazing! I hope the people who haven't played Zero and took chances to read my omake can see why Tio is my favorite girl in Zero (before Rixia stole that place in Azure). But of course, it's not just canon rehash because we have an altered dialogue with Joachim, and the addition of Lloyd's findings. What did Lloyd realize, and how did he get there? This is the one I mentioned in the previous chapter, the 'thing I missed the first time I played that I only realized when I'm writing this chapter.' If you compare canon dialogue with this chapter's dialogue, you'll see the differences. Seriously, this is an unplanned surprise that I happily incorporate to the fic. That's how elaborate the underlying plot behind Zero is. The people in the main thread might already know but I still won't spoil the answer here. Wait for tomorrow!

Chapter 19

Breakfast had just ended for the SSS. They were about to start their day doing some requests and continuing their investigation into the drugs, Gnosis. Before that, however, Lloyd had to discuss some things with his teammates.

"Everyone. I found something last night when I compiled the information we gathered yesterday. I want to get this over before we start our day because I personally think this is important," Lloyd started after Elie put the dishes away. He then brought out his notebook and opened the page from last night.

"What is it, Lloyd?" Randy asked him, leaning on his chair.

"You guys remember our talk with Dr. Guenter yesterday? When I took notes of that conversation last night, I noticed a glaring oddness in our talk. Elie, do you remember who brought up the D∴G Cult first?" He fired a question to the grey-haired girl.

"...It's Dr. Guenter. He said he heard rumors about the cult," Elie answered. From her expression, it seemed like she still couldn't grasp the point he wanted to make.

"And Tio began to feel unwell from that point on," Randy joined.

"Yes. After that, Randy, what was my response to Dr. Guenter?" Lloyd turned to the red-haired ex-Jaeger.

"Hmm... if I remember correctly, you mentioned you knew of the D∴G Cult. And Dr. Guenter continued talking about the rumors," Randy said after a few seconds of thinking.

"Yes, I deliberately kept out Juna's involvement and mentioned that I learned from the police report. Take notes on this, everyone. After he talked about the cult being a devil worshipper and made some drugs, I said that the D∴G Cult was a suspect, but we dropped anything because we had no evidence. Following me so far?"

Tio, Randy, and Elie nodded. Sergei inhaled his smoke while KeA looked at him in silence.

"Good. Tio, you still remember what you asked Dr. Guenter?"

"I asked him the name of the drugs. He answered that their name is Gnosis," Tio answered quickly.

"Good. Now that we have recreated last night, here's where I find something weird. After he answered Tio's question... Dr. Guenter brought up the secret society that was connected to that big incident in Liberl and how the cult might be related to them."

Lloyd finished his explanation. He looked at the others, absorbing the information from him.

"Secret society... is it Ouroboros?" Elie made the connection.

"You even know about them, huh? D∴G Cult, and now Ouroboros. What else did you hide from your superior, Lloyd?" Sergei sighed. "Never mind that. Please continue."

"Hm? But Ouroboros is..." Tio's eyes widened.

"Oi, oi. Isn't Renne an Enforcer of Ouroboros? But she's also a victim of the cult," Randy aired the thought that Lloyd wanted them to make.

"...Joshua said that he raided the cult's lodge and found Renne almost dead. But to launch a raid on the D∴G Cult means Ouroboros disagrees with the cult," Elie finally made the connection. "Then..."

"Dr. Guenter's action didn't make sense." Lloyd finished.

The table fell silent at Lloyd's inference.

"But that's... Dr. Guenter didn't know about Ouroboros like us, who unexpectedly met Joshua. There's a chance that ignorance played its part in his statement," Elie tried to rationalize. To find anything that can explain away the oddity in Joachim's action.

"Indeed, you could use ignorance as an excuse. But that's only if he didn't bring up the rumors about the cult in the first place. I had a night to contemplate what happened there, and my mind reached a conclusion." Lloyd closed his eyes for a moment.

His mind went back to all the possible motives Joachim could have.

"Dr. Guenter was trying to mislead us to seek out Ouroboros."

He would've succeeded in diverting their attention were it not for Juna involving the SSS with the search for Renne. If Juna didn't, then they wouldn't have talked with Joshua, a former Enforcer of Ouroboros. Because of that, they knew that Ouroboros wasn't involved with the D∴G Cult at all, and thus, Lloyd was able to notice the glaring oddity in Joachim's statement.

"That's... but why?" Elie questioned.

Sergei puffed out the smoke. "It's obvious what Lloyd wanted us to see."

Elie clenched her hands in frustration.

"Dr. Guenter is connected with the D∴G Cult," Tio finished. She closed her eyes before saying something. "...But is he really that good of an actor, though? If it were true, then he is fooling everybody, including everyone in the hospital."

"..."

"Hold on, Lloyd. You consulted him about KeA's amnesia, right? How did it go again?" Randy said, trying to look for more evidence before coming to the conclusion. But that meeting had also been part of his calculation.

"Elie, didn't you remember? Dr. Guenter wanted us to leave KeA to him. He strangely insisted before I stood my ground on account of Juna's warning. He only backed down after that," Lloyd elaborated. "I'm sure I've put it on the report. Tio?"

"On it," she immediately went to the terminal to look up for the document. Now, it wasn't a document they submitted to the police database. It was just a digitization of all the papers courtesy of Tio's proficiency with the Orbal Terminal. The purpose was to quickly look up something in case they needed to reference a past case. "Found it. You didn't remark anything about Dr. Guenter's insistency."

Tio opened the report and showed it to everyone, who stood up from their seat. Only KeA was left alone on the desk.

"No, I remembered it clearly. Maybe Lloyd and I didn't put it in the report, but Dr. Guenter indeed insisted on taking KeA under his care. He even offered to lower the fees," Elie shook her head.

She went back to her seat with a sigh.

"I still don't want to think that Dr. Guenter is malicious, but there might be a possibility that he is," Elie finished.

Lloyd nodded. If it weren't for Juna's warning that morning, Lloyd wasn't sure if he wouldn't allow KeA to be left there. Dr. Guenter's argument was very persuasive. He was almost convinced by that man's words.

"Yes. I didn't think much of it back then. But now, with the context of my suspicion, his insistence on getting KeA is questionable."

If his suspicion turned out to be correct, Lloyd had to thank the pink-haired cheerful girl for giving him a timely warning. He didn't want to think what could happen to KeA.

KeA...

Lloyd looked at the girl. "KeA. What do you think of our analysis?"

"Hm? I didn't understand much," she confessed. "But, Lloyd. Back then, I really didn't want to stay in that hospital. I was happy that I would still be able to sleep with you guys."

"I see..." Lloyd was glad that his decision aligned with KeA's own wish.

"Hey, Lloyd. Didn't you say that Junie doesn't like Dr. Guenter?" Randy nudged him, and Lloyd answered with a nod.

"Yes. But I believe that was unrelated to his suspicious behavior. Rather, it was born out of his carelessness as a doctor. But that's why I didn't want to ask for confirmation from Juna this time. If she knew, I feared what Juna would do with the information," Lloyd elaborated.

Yes. If Juna knew, she would definitely connect everything, come to the same conclusion as him, and then go to confront the man, and that was what Lloyd was trying to prevent from happening.

Randy sighed. "That's what Junie would do, yeah."

"Better to keep this away from Juna. At least, until we find concrete evidence of Dr. Guenter's possible involvement with the cult," Elie said to everyone.

"Yes. Keep in mind that this is still a suspicion, so we can't act without any evidence, so Elie's advice is good. However, when I think about it again, everything just fits," Lloyd reminded everyone. "This afternoon, Dr. Guenter would inform us if he could identify the drugs. Most probably, he would say that he couldn't find anything about the composition of the drugs."

Sergei put out his smoke. "With all that said, what do you want to do?"

Lloyd closed his eyes, imagining the correct action to take.

"We won't be able to arrest him without any evidence, so we shouldn't tip our hand about any possibilities of suspecting him. However, we won't just leave him alone, either. We must try finding more concrete evidence of his possible relation with the D∴G Cult. Only then can we put everything to catch him. Do you guys agree?"

"Yes."

"Understood."

"Sure thing."

"Alright. SSS. Let's go investigate the citizen about the drugs. Randy, our objective?"

"As of now, we wanna look into that stockbroker in the Residential District and that errand boy from the Saber Vipers. And finally, Arc en Ciel's new cast member," Randy answered sharply.

"They were all acting a little strange yesterday," Elie remarked.

"If you have time, you should go check in with Ian, too. Out of the two he told us about, it looks like the stockbroker is the same one from the First Division's records. And as for the trading company manager, it doesn't look like anyone has any substantial information on him yet," Sergei gave advice on what to do.

"Thanks for the advice. We'll make it a priority to stop by there."

Before Lloyd could continue, his Enigma rang. He immediately picked it up.

"Hello, this is Lloyd Bannings of the Special Support Section."

"Lloyd? It's me, Bickson from Mainz," the voice from the other side answered.

"Oh, hello, sir. This is good timing, actually. How's Gantz been holding up?"

"Y-Yes, about that... He, um, seems to have disappeared again."

Bickson then explained how Gantz was nowhere to be found in the morning despite Bickson staying overnight to look after him. The hotel and the casino staff had been contacted, and both did not see Gantz for quite some time. Lloyd told Bickson to stay in case Gantz came back.

He then closed the phone.

"Did I hear that right? Gantz disappeared again?" Elie asked for his confirmation, to which Lloyd nodded.

"Yeah. Apparently, he snuck out of the hotel this morning. Either by his own accord or..."

"In any case, we will need to check on the others' conditions as well," Tio reminded everyone.

"Man, I gotta bad feelin' about this..."

The four of them then left for investigation.

---

Gone.

Everyone related to the drug case was gone. Bond, the stockbroker from the residential area. Nikolai, the new member of Arc en Ciel. Dino, the member of the Saber Viper gang. None of them were there when they approached them.

The SSS left the Viper's hideout with more questions than answers.

"The hell is going on?" Randy aired out his frustration.

"Dino really is missing..." Elie trailed off, her mind wandering somewhere.

Just as everyone was pondering their own thought, somebody greeted them.

"Hey. You guys got a moment to chat?"

Everyone turned their attention to the new voice greeting them. It was the green-haired gang leader who helped them in the Schwarze Auction, Wazy.

"What are you doing here, Wazy?"

Wazy just gave Tio a smile. "I'm curious to see how the Vipers are doing. I heard their newest member went missing this morning. Well, I thought something might happen after that last thing..."

"Hey... You know somethin' we don't?"

"Essentially. Why don't we relocate first? You're all welcome to join me at Trinity. I'd be more than happy to tell you what I know, as long as you're willing to hear me out."

Wazy then left them to think over his offer. The other three looked at Lloyd.

"What to do?" Elie asked him.

"Wazy's the only person we can rely on for more information regarding the Saber Vipers right now. And besides... Juna did say to me that I should keep an eye on Wazy," Lloyd revealed.

"Junie did?" Randy asked in amazement.

"That's basically a guaranteed lead, right? I wonder why Juna said it," Tio mused.

They entered Testament's hideout and asked Wazy for information. Apparently, Dino was very aggressive towards the Testament members. It took Wazy a lot of control to hold back his gang member from being provoked. What was more, Dino challenged Wald, and supposedly, he matched his boss in power and speed. In the end, though, Dino still lost when Wald used all his strength. After that, Dino stormed away somewhere and hadn't been seen since.

"Things ain't lookin' too good," Randy sighed after hearing the full story from Wazy.

"Right. This is becoming quite serious. Lloyd..." Elie turned towards him. But Lloyd shook his head.

"So... Is this all thanks to that fancy new drug?"

Wazy's question snapped everyone into alert.

"Where did you hear about it?" Elie asked, trying to keep her voice even.

"Ah, I thought that might have been the case. I heard some strange rumor about a magical drug that grants your wishes or something. I thought that thing might have been responsible."

"So, you baited us with a leading question," Tio sighed.

"Hey, pal. Try not to run your mouth off about it too much. Don't need more people knowin'," Randy warned the gang leader.

"Heh. I'll try and heed your words. For what it's worth, I don't think anybody other than Dino's used that thing around these parts," Wazy assured the SSS. "Only problem is, I have no clue who would have even given him the drugs. I'd better keep a stronger watch."

"Thanks for the information, Wazy." Lloyd gave an appreciative nod.

When they left Testament's hideout, Dudley suddenly called them, hinting that something was happening at the Revache HQ. Even though Dudley told them not to butt in, it wasn't in the SSS's nature to ignore a request, even if it was a roundabout one.

---

 

They looked through the empty Revache HQ for clues of what was happening. However, the inside of the building was full of archaisms that they had to defeat to continue. In the end, though, they arrived at Don Marconi's office and found notebooks containing the shipping and delivery receipt of Gnosis.

(Lloyd also found a damaged CPD Badge, but that wasn't the most important thing right now, so he shoved any thought aside.)

"Each and every missing person is written on this list. We've found our decisive evidence that the mafia is responsible for spreading the drugs. We've also managed to confirm that Gnosis was concocted by that terrible cult..." Dudley remarked after overseeing the two books.

Lloyd went silent. According to the books, someone had been supplying the drugs to the mafia. That person even gave prescription of drugs to control the war hounds to manipulate them easily. No wonder they had lots of controlled war hounds, which Randy noted to be strange even back then.

"Does that mean a member of the cult has been in cahoots with them? But who could it be? We can deduce that it's someone living in Crossbell, judging by how frequently they're in contact."

Dudley's question had the SSS look at each other. The evidence they found strengthened their suspicions about the blue-haired doctor's identity. But there was still no proof of Joachim's involvement with the cult, so they didn't tell any of their suspicions to Dudley.

"The real problem is, how are we going to lure him outta his hiding place?" Randy mused.

Lloyd hummed. Right. Simply looking for the evidence would take a long time, and if Joachim was as smart as he was in the pharmacology field, he'd erase the trace linking everything back to him. So, Randy's approach of luring him out might be perfect. The problem was how?

Lloyd looked at his pocket watch. It was almost time for Joachim to give his report.

"Hey, Dudley. I have a suggestion. Why don't we request the help of the bracers?"

Lloyd, in the end, resorted to their rival, the Guild.

"Ah..."

"Oh yeah! They'd be a huge help right about now!" Randy clapped.

"W-What are you thinking, Bannings?! If we bring the bracers, the widespread corruption in the CPD will be completely exposed!"

Lloyd sigh. "I don't think we can avoid that. It is simply the price the CPD has to pay. All of us will have to bear the responsibility of sweeping it under the rug. Wouldn't it be best to accept the shame now, so we can begin to move forward?"

"Gh..."

"Worrying over the CPD's pride will only cost us more time. A time I'm not sure the missing people have."

"Not only that, but we still don't have a damn clue what the mafia's main objective is."

"This isn't an appropriate time to persist in holding on to your pride, Dudley."

The others also voiced their opinion on the matter.

After thinking for a while, Dudley let out a small smile. "Hmph. So these are the kinds of people Sergei has gathered for himself. Very well. I understand. I'll leave you all in charge of contacting the guild. I'll go and secure the First Division's help behind the top brass' back. I may even be able to enlist help from the Second Division, depending on the situation."

"Dudley... Thank you. I appreciate you giving us a chance."

"Hmph. Don't misunderstand me. It just so happens that we have no other choice in these circumstances," Dudley fixed his glasses. He then looked at a particular item in Lloyd's pocket. "More importantly... Bannings. Are you fine holding on to that badge?"

"Oh..."

"It's a damaged CPD badge..." Elie trailed off, arriving at the correct conclusion.

"You sure that's your brother's old badge?"

"Yeah, I'm almost positive it is. Tio, you might recognize this, too?" Lloyd nodded at Randy's question.

"Yes..." Tio nodded, losing in her memories. "I imagine it was damaged during one of the raids on the cult lodges... He told me it was his 'badge of honor.'"

"I see... No wonder he didn't bother to exchange it for a new one despite my constant pestering," Dudley let out a nostalgic smile.

"Dudley, you...and my brother worked together, right? Since my brother transferred to the First Division and all," Lloyd asked the older man.

Dudley nodded, eyes lost in his memories.

"Yeah, I suppose... To be frank, he wasn't the type of man to mesh well with the First Division. Overbearing and reckless, always acting independently... He stood out like a sore thumb. He hardly cooperated with anyone, especially me. We were constantly at odds during every case," Dudley revealed. A ghost of a smile graced his face. "However, everyone in the First Division acknowledged him for the detective he was. Myself included, of course."

It seemed like his brother was as amazing as Lloyd thought.

"When he was killed in the line of duty, it hit all of us in the First Division much harder than we ever could have imagined. Although we never really saw eye-to-eye with Guy, I think there was a part of us that depended on his rashness-- his willingness to jump into action," Dudley continued reminiscing. "We all desperately searched for any leads to the culprit, but in the end, we were left empty-handed..."

It made him happy to hear about his brother. However, this wasn't the time to comfortably exchange stories about Guy.

"I'm sorry, Bannings. For all you had to go through," Dudley shook his head.

"Don't worry about it. It's okay. My brother definitely had a problem of running off to investigate cases on his own..." Lloyd sighed. When he said Juna's deduction reminded him of Guy a few months ago, it included his tendency to be reckless. Lloyd couldn't help but smile. Honestly, it seemed like Guy's spirit was inherited by Juna. "Honestly, just hearing about your reaction to Guy's death is more than enough for me."

"I see..." Looking at Lloyd's eyes, Dudley continued, "However, here we are on the verge of a breakthrough. We finally have a lead on who the culprit is. That being said, this is something the First Division suspected from the start. You might be able to settle your brother's old score for--"

"No. I'll worry about my brother later..." Lloyd shook his head with a smile on his face. "We've got a mountain of pressing issues to handle right in front of us already. I'll worry about Guy once we've solved these."

And besides, Juna had spoken. She said that the truth about Guy's murder would come to light. There was no doubting her now.

"Lloyd..."

"You really can't help but put others before yourself, can you?" Elie sighed.

"That's just Lloyd being Lloyd," Randy grinned.

"Very well, Bannings. We both have our tasks. Let's see to them. We can't have that annoyingly optimistic man outdo us from beyond the grave," Dudley said with a smirk on his face.

Lloyd couldn't help but smile. "Right!"

The five of them then went on their way to do their tasks.

Notes:

Here it is! So the oddity that Lloyd noticed is Joachim's action of mentioning a rumor about cult -> talk about Gnosis -> suddenly Ouroboros. Now, in canon, the SSS is underinformed about so many things, so the fact that they didn't notice that oddity is understandable. In fact, I didn't notice it myself when I played the game. Why did Joachim suddenly mentioned Ouroboros after talking about the cult? It didn't make sense to the players, right? But I completely missed it the first time. But here? The SSS knew about the D∴G Cult before it was brought up by Sergei because of Juna. The SSS also knows about Ouroboros because Juna involved herself with Renne's search. Therefore, Lloyd couldn't not suspect Joachim. Though, as he said, there is no evidence pointing to Joachim so they couldn't arrest him yet. Thing is, even if Lloyd is very certain, he couldn't confirm it to Juna because he feared what Juna would do with the information. This is the girl who stormed into the Bracer Guild shouting 'Arios! Where is Arios?!' after hearing how his daughter missed him, after all.

By the way, it seems that Juna is nowhere to be found in this chapter. I wonder where she is.

Chapter 20

The SSS had just finished relaying the situation to Arios and Michel. In the end, they agreed to join forces to combat the looming threat of the cult.

"Okay, please call everyone here. Let's try and cover any important locations before the day is over," Arios asked the receptionist.

"You got it. I'll go and contact them now."

When Michel was busy calling everyone, Elie couldn't help but be amazed by how easily Arios and Michel were handling the situation. "Your coordination never ceases to amaze me..."

"It's the strongest asset us bracers have. Being powerful is more than just a numbers game," Arios answered. "Come to think of it, have you briefed Chief Sergei on the situation?"

"Yeah. He's already granted us permission to cooperate with you. He offered his thanks to you, too, Arios," Lloyd answered, accompanied by a nod of his head.

"Is that so?"

Excuse me, Arios," Lloyd broke the silence. "Weren't you working under the chief when you were still in the force? ...Alongside my brother."

"I was. It was Sergei, Guy, and myself," Arios started to explain. "The three of us were considered the most successful team in the history of the force. We accomplished more than any other group, including the First Division. However, I quit the force five years ago due to personal reasons. And with that, we were no more. Sergei went back to the academy, and Guy was transferred into the First Division."

Arios closed his eyes and exhaled.

"And then, two years later...Guy was killed in the line of duty."
 
"Naturally, I don't intend to speculate what would have happened if I never quit the force. I had my reasons to leave. I left with the determination to achieve my own goals," Arios continued with a smile. "But... Even so, I still reminisce about them. Those were the glory days. I spent the best years of my life working with an eccentric boss and a passionate partner."

He then shook his head, "Haha, look at me rambling like an old man. To be honest, I'm jealous of your group."

"Didn't think I'd ever hear the Divine Blade of Wind say that in my lifetime," Randy whistled in amazement.

"If anything, I'd say we're the ones who should be jealous of the guild's open atmosphere," Elie said with a smile.

"The police have their own duties to perform, just as the Guild has theirs. If it's the Guild's role to pursue justice outside the scope of political authority... Then it's the police's job to seek that same justice, all while burdened with said authority's many contradictions," said Arios with a nod. "Surely, you've noticed the presence of a number of contradictions and unreasonable circumstances placed upon you. You're not alone. It's something I grappled with in the past. Bad as it is now, you might learn much from it, just as I did."

"Hmm.. Pursuing justice while confronting the contradictions of authority," Tio remarked with interest.

"Do you think my brother pursued justice this same way, too?" Lloyd asked the older man who knew more about his brother at his work.

"Yes, I truly believe that. That's precisely why Sergei worked hard to establish the SSS," Arios confirmed before shaking his head. "But that's enough lecturing from me for one day. You should work hard to find your own answers. That's probably what Guy would have wanted, too."

"Right..." Lloyd nodded in agreement.

"Man, that's one hell of an assignment," Randy sighed playfully at Arios' words."

"Um, Arios. Do you know where Juna is? I didn't see her anywhere," Elie suddenly asked the Bracer. Good timing. Lloyd was just about to ask that before she did.

"Shizuku was supposed to be out today, but a sudden health assessment held her back, so I asked Juna to accompany her for the day in the hospital. I believe she could go out tomorrow after the assessment is finished."

"I see..." Elie answered. "Tio and I wanted to ask her something, but if she's busy, we can shelve that for later."

After that, the other Bracers came, and Arios and Michel explained the situation. Everyone agreed to help once they realized how serious the situation could be. They divided their work, and the SSS left the Guild to go home.

However...

On their way home, Lloyd stopped walking, catching everyone's attention.

"Lloyd?"

"What happened?"

Both Tio and Elie asked. Lloyd bit his lip. Before he could say anything, Randy put a hand on his shoulder.

"No need to say it, Lloyd. You're worried about Juna, Shizuku, and Cecile, right?"

Lloyd nodded. "Yeah..."

The three of them were the closest people Lloyd knew who were currently in the hospital. With their suspicions about Joachim, Lloyd just couldn't stop worrying about them. With the situation in Crossbell right now, they couldn't make any assumption about what the member of the cult would do.

He then turned towards Elie, "That was a nice excuse. I don't think I can lie with a straight face to Arios like that."

Elie just gave him a smile. "Thank my Grandfather for providing me lessons on keeping a poker face."

"Still, now that you said it, I also couldn't help but worry," Tio chimed in.

"What do you say we report to the chief and then go check on them? We've split the coverage with the Bracers, after all," Randy offered.

Lloyd looked at the watch in his hand. It was already noon. With their suspicion of Joachim, they assumed that Joachim wouldn't give any clues about the drugs' composition. Of course, he could've misled them like he tried yesterday, but Lloyd doubted it.

"Alright. We'll report to Chief Sergei and KeA first. After that, we'll catch a bus to the hospital," Lloyd laid out his plan. Everyone voiced their agreement before they continued their way home to report to Sergei.

---

Working at the hospital was something Cecile felt was fulfilling. Mostly because she could help lots of people even if she was just a nurse. A long time ago, she thought that this was a way to connect herself with Guy, who also helped lots of people. To understand why he wanted to join a dangerous profession like a police officer. It took her a long time, but she finally understood that helping others felt fulfilling. But that was just her self-satisfaction speaking. If she disregarded that, she'd still love her job because seeing the smile on the patient's face was the greatest payment she could receive.

Of course, it wasn't all sunshine. For one patient being treated into recovery, another couldn't be saved by the doctors. The sight of the tearful crying faces of the patient's relatives always made Cecile empathize with them like how she felt when she lost Guy. But nonetheless, Cecile Neues was happy that she worked at St. Ursula Hospital.

Cecile sighed as she walked with a tray of food. She didn't even know why she suddenly thought about why she became a nurse. Maybe the work was getting to her. She took a deep breath to regain her focus and continued walking towards room 301 to give food.

Once she finished, Cecile headed towards the stairs to the second floor.

"Oh, Cecile, Good Afternoon!"

"Afternoon, Juna. What are you doing here?" Cecile replied to her neighbor. Juna formerly interned at the hospital at her recommendation, but after the fiasco with Dr. Guenter, Juna resigned from her internship and turned away from the path of healer to a protector. Nothing wrong with that. It was just that Cecile regretted that Juna felt disappointed at the hospital's handling of that incident. Juna was a prodigy; she would've had a bright career if she had continued her way to become a doctor at the hospital. But she guessed some things were just not meant to be.

"Arios asked me to cheer Shizuku and accompany her for the day," Juna answered her question.

Shizuku? Cecile frowned. "Wasn't Shizuku supposed to be released today?"

She remembered hearing the doctor saying it three days ago.

"Turns out it's delayed for tomorrow. Apparently, Dr. Mark told Arios last night that he'd like to do one last checkup for Shizuku, and it's supposed to be later today, so she can't be released today," Juna explained to Cecile.

But that was weird, Cecile hummed. Mark took a leave for the day. Cecile overheard a relative who wanted to ask for the progress of one of the patients who couldn't meet him this morning.

"Are you sure it's Dr. Mark? He's on leave today."

"Eeh? Really? But I remember Arios said it was Dr. Mark."

Cecile nodded at Juna's question. "Let's check on his status to Sera."

The two descended to the first floor and went to Sera, the receptionist.

"Hey, Sera!"

"Juna? Didn't you say that you're visiting Shizuku?" Sera asked the younger girl.

"Sera. I think there might be some miss in the scheduling," Cecile started. She then explained the situation to the receptionist, who nodded and moved to check the schedule.

"Cecile is correct. Dr. Mark is on leave today. In fact, he's been on leave since two days ago," Sera clarified.

"Hmm..." Juna frowned, deep in thought. "Arios said it was Dr. Mark who called him. Why would he call Arios when he's on leave?"

After Juna said that, Cecile and Sera looked at each other. Indeed, it was strange. It was really unlike Dr. Mark to bother a relative of the patient when he was away.

"Is it really Dr. Mark? I mean, is it really his voice that Arios heard?" Cecile tried to look at the matter rationally.

Juna shrugged. "I dunno, but I believe Arios is telling the truth. This is a matter concerning Shizuku, after all."

Cecile was not close enough to the Divine Blade of Wind to guess his thoughts. She mostly knew him through her late fiancee, but Juna was his student, so she had to take her word on it.

"Who's the one substituting for Dr. Mark?" Cecile turned from Juna to Sera. If he was taking a leave, there was usually a name written on the request leave form concerning the one who substituted him.

"Let's see..." Sera checked some files before she found the one she wanted. "Here it is. The one substituting for Dr. Mark is... Dr. Joachim Guenter."

Dr. Guenter?

"Tch," Cecile heard Juna click her tongue in frustration. "What does that guy know about Shizuku's condition? Bet you he's just gonna leave her for his fishing trip."

Cecile and Sera could only wince at Juna's accusation of the blue-haired doctor.

"Anyway, is that guy even here in the first place?" Juna asked Sera, who looked at the attendance sheet.

"He clocked in this morning. But..." Sera winced before she gave Juna a pitying smile. "I don't know where he is after the lunch break."

"Ugh! Whatever! I'm going to Shizuku's room!"

Juna left for the stairs.

But there was still one thing hanging on Cecile's mind.

Why did Dr. Mark call Arios yesterday if he was on leave? Was it really Dr. Mark? Nobody knew for sure unless she asked the doctor in question.

Cecile gripped her other arm.

She had a bad feeling about this.

---

Two hours later, Cecile opened the door to Shizuku's room. There, she saw Juna talking animatedly with the calm Shizuku. She couldn't help but smile at the sight.

"Excuse me, Shizuku, Juna," Cecile greeted them, turning their attention to her.

"Oh, Cecile. What's the matter?"

"Dr. Guenter is still uncontactable, so we had to postpone Shizuku's checkup for tomorrow," she informed them of the situation before turning to Juna. "Juna, I know you're angry, but going out and dragging him back now wouldn't do anything as it's been scheduled for tomorrow."

She saw how angry Juna was at the news. The worst thing, in Cecile's opinion, was that Juna was entirely correct in her accusation two hours ago. Dr. Guenter really didn't help himself, always doing things like this...

Cecile sighed.

"Fine," Juna said, holding back her growl.

"It's okay, Juna. I can hold on for another day," Shizuku assured Juna. Cecile smiled at how mature Shizuku was. Though... her smile turned into a frown. That maturity was partially because of her circumstances. Cecile would love for Shizuku to be as childish as possible.

"But Shizuku! It's one less day you can spend outside with your father!" Juna grasped the younger girl's arms.

"Like I said, it's okay, Juna."

"Shizukuuuu!" Juna launched herself to embrace the kind-hearted girl. "You're too precious for this world!"

The warm atmosphere was very much infectious because Cecile's hand moved on its own to pat Shizuku's head.

"Ah..." Cecile exclaimed when she realized what she had done unconsciously. "Sorry, Shizuku."

Shizuku let out a small laugh. "It's fine, Miss Cecile."

"Shizuku! Keep being your precious self, okay!"

After three minutes of Shizuku's attempt to release herself from Juna's hold, she finally did it.

"Juna," Shizuku started. "Is my father still..." she trailed off, not sure how to ask with Cecile being there.

Juna shrugged before she realized that Shizuku couldn't see her. "Oh, I don't know, actually. I mean, Arios is still teaching me when he has free time, but..."

Juna sighed.

"I missed the time when I could just joke around with him."

"Please forgive Father," Shizuku followed with a sigh, too.

"Oh no, no, I understand. Arios spends even less time in the Guild, so I know how busy he is. I think that's partially why Arios isn't as involved as he was before about my training," Juna shook her head. "Next year, I will officially be instated as a Junior Bracer. I think Arios just wanted me to be independent and responsible for my own self."

"I see... thank you, Juna."

"For what?"

Shizuku gave her a smile. "For filling the gap in my father's heart when I couldn't. I... I remember Father always smiling when he was still in the police with Mr. Guy. But after the accident..."

Cecile, who was tidying up the empty bed near Shizuku's, perked up when she heard the name of her late fiancee.

"After the accident, I always thought that a piece of Father was gone alongside Mother's life and my ability to see. I constantly worried about him until you found me, and we began to talk," Shizuku continued. The accident she mentioned was the one that sent her to the hospital care for the last five years and the one that took her mother's life.

"Ehehe..." Juna only laughed sheepishly.

"It doesn't stop on just that. Whenever I missed Father, you somehow always knew. You even went all the way to force Father to visit me." Shizuku grasped Juna's hand. "I was so happy, you know? But it didn't end with just that. Father also sounded more alive after you forced him to visit me. So, really, Juna. Thank you."

"Shizuku..."

Cecile wiped a tear from her eyes. Somehow, hearing Shizuku's heartfelt thanks to Juna made her teared up.

Shizuku's smile turned into a frown. "Which is why what he's doing to you now is bothering me. The next time I meet Father, I'll ask him about you."

"Ah, you honestly don't need to do that, Shizuku! Arios training me is enough," Juna tried to reassure the younger girl. But Shizuku was not having it.

Shaking her head, Shizuku continued. "No. From the sound of it, it feels like Father regressed back to the self before you came into our lives. There must be something in his mind, and I want this solved as soon as possible so we can return to how we were."

She finished by putting Juna's hand together in her grasp.

Cecile couldn't hold her smile when she saw Juna trying in vain to hold back her tears.

In a sense, considering their circumstances, couldn't Juna be considered Shizuku's big sister? With how much Juna entered the life of the MacLaines and how they, in turn, affect Juna's life themselves, Cecile felt like her estimation was correct, especially when Juna herself was a natural big sister. By natural big sister, Cecile didn't just mean Juna was a real big sister, but her demeanor when she was in the vicinity of children was always to care for them. In fact, didn't Lloyd say something about Juna being KeA's caretaker when they were out investigating things?

"Thank you, Shizuku," Juna said in between her sobs.

Unfortunately, the serene situation they were in was breached by multiple screams of horror from outside the room. Seconds later, the sound of breaking glass echoed through the hospital.

"What was that?" Juna quickly wiped her tears and focused.

"...It came from outside the room," Cecile also tried to assess the situation.

Suddenly, the orbal power went out.

"Juna? What happened?" Oh yeah, Shizuku couldn't notice the lamp being turned off or cut from the orbal power.

"I'm going outside to check," Cecile decided. "Juna, keep an eye on Shizuku here."

It was what she thought was the best move for the situation.

"No," Juna denied, shaking her head. "You're a healer, Cecile. I'm the one who can defend myself. It's better if I'm the one going outside and you're the one keeping an eye on Shizuku."

Cecile bit her lip. What Juna said was correct, but was it too presumptuous for her to prioritize Shizuku and Juna's safety? It was the reason why she made the decision, after all.

More screams followed, and Juna quickly grabbed the tachi she had placed beside the drawer.

"No time. Please keep an eye on her, Cecile. I'll try to assess the situation first before committing to anything. Also, Lloyd and the SSS will definitely come. No need to risk your safety by trying to reach for a phone or something. They will come and save us. I'm sure of it. So, just reinforce the door with the drawer or something. Also, lock the window and close the curtain. I'm out."

And with that, Juna left the room to brave the unknown situation. Cecile put a hand on her chest, praying to Aidios and St. Ursula that Juna would be okay and nothing serious happened in the hospital.

Notes:

Mark is a new OC NPC because I don't remember who handles Shizuku before Seiland did in Azure. And besides, I need someone to be sacrificed anyway so I'll just make a new doctor. And I decided to explore Cecile's headspace because, I'm sorry but, Shizuku is blind and I can't write from that kind of perspective.

That Shizuku's dialogue, oh man, it'd be heart wrenching when Azure happens. ;)

Chapter 21

The first thing that greeted Juna when she ran in the corridor towards the stairs were two people wearing all black and even a fedora and sunglasses.

"Revache?" Of all the things that Juna expected to happen to the hospital, Revache wasn't one of them. Juna quickly unsheathed her sword before she realized what she was facing was people, not monsters.

She... hadn't prepared herself using a real sword against people. Damn it, Juna clicked her tongue in frustration. If only she had also brought her wooden sword...

"Grrrr..." One of the Revache goons brought up a gun, and Juna knew she couldn't hesitate anymore. The other goons brandished his machete and were ready to drive it to her body. She didn't want to kill these people, but she had to stop them.

Juna went into a stance, her hand gripping her tachi, and quickly kicked the floor. "Second form: Gale!"

Faster than the goons' eyes can see, Juna moved to the first goon and knocked the gun out of his hand. Instantly after that, she turned and went to the second goon and used the flat of the blade to knock him behind the neck, where Arios had taught her before.

Sadly, she still had a long way to go before she mastered the second form. If she had, her movements would've caused a real gale of wind that could unbalance everyone near her, just like the form's namesake. In fact, Arios' Gale made her fly just by standing near him that one time he demonstrated it to her.

Now that she had one goon left, Juna flipped her sword so the back was forward and slashed at the Revache mafia's chest. As expected, the curve of the tachi made it unsuited to be wielded flipped. But at least it did the job to unbalance him before Juna punched the goon in the face. The resounding crack made Juna wince when she imagined the inside of his mouth.

"Ah, sorry," Juna rambled when she saw the man fall unconscious. She blinked before realizing something important. "Wait! I forgot to interrogate them! Damn it!"

It was because of the gun! Yes. That was it!

Juna checked inside Room 303 of the hospital, but it was empty. Good, Juna let out a sigh of relief. She quickly went out to the corridor again, and her eyes found the next room: the linen room. Opening the door, she found herself sighing again when she saw nobody was there.

She ran towards the next room, Room 302, but heard a scream of pain.

"Aaarrrrghhh!"

Juna gasped when she saw Dyson, one of the janitors, being attacked by two Revache goons with machetes in front of the door leading to Room 302.

"Second form: Gale!"

Juna quickly used her sword to dispossess the goons of their weapon and then chopped them behind their neck.

When teaching her Eight Leaves One Blade, each practitioner had to know at least the basics of the Eighth form, the Weaponless. It was a subsection of the Eight Leaves dedicated to master hand-to-hand combat in the case the practitioner was disarmed. Juna was no exception. Early in her lessons, Arios wanted to strengthen her core, so she wasn't allowed to wield a wooden sword until her stances were correct. Teaching her the eighth form at the same time was a given. The move to incapacitate someone by chopping their neck was one of the fundamentals of the eighth form.

Eight Leaves One Blade was truly worthy of being wielded by a main character. She wouldn't be surprised if she met a main character using it. But now, in Crossbell, the style was used by the senior rival archetype in Arios.

"Aaarrrghh!"

Juna shook her head when she heard Dyson's groan. He was bleeding!

"Are you okay, Dyson!?" Juna hurriedly sheathed her sword and helped Dyson stand up. Unfortunately, it seemed that Dyson got slashed in several areas because he could only scream in pain.

Juna quickly pushed the door and saw Philia and Lytton inside. "Get the first aid for Dyson!"

"Juna?"

"Juna?!"

But the two shook off their surprise and went to move quickly, showing their professionalism. Philia prepared the alcohol and cotton while Lytton went to help her move Dyson to the bed.

"W-W-What!? What is happening!? The mafia!?" Juna ignored the outburst from a random man. It was unimportant to the situation at hand. "They must be coming here for me!"

The man then ran outside the room, screaming in fright.

Juna looked as he ran towards the linen room. That guy's confidence must've been off the chart to even think they were coming for him.

"Quick! He's losing blood!" Lytton's shout brought Juna out of her muse.

Juna nodded and followed Lytton's guidance. She might be a former doctor in her previous life, but right now, the closest to a doctor between them was Lytton.

After putting the wounded Dyson on the bed, Lytton and Philia deftly cleaned the slash wounds using alcohol. Seeing that they had the situation on hand, Juna nodded before grabbing a paper and pen.

"The SSS will definitely come here. Please guard and wait for them! I'm off to check the other rooms!"

After saying that, Juna wrote on the paper she had just taken,

304: Cecile, Shizuku.
302: Philia, Lytton, Dyson (wounded), random guy I didn't remember the name (running off to the linen room).

It was a precaution. She put the paper and pen into her pocket before she closed her eyes and took a breath. She still didn't know anything about the situation. The second goons she came upon were attacking Dyson, so she had to quickly dispatch them to save Dyson.

"Okay."

Juna opened her eyes and ran to the corridor leading to Room 301. The next goons she was gonna face, she'd interrogate them first before putting them into the land of dreams. Luckily, or unluckily for her, no Revache mafiosos were in sight. She pushed the door to Room 301, where she remembered Michael was treated.

"Michael!"

"Huh? Juna?"

"Thank Aidios, you're safe," Juna looked around and saw that nobody else was there. "What to do, what to do..."

"Juna?"

"Alright. You're coming with me to 302. There are several people there that can help guard you."

"Okay," Michael nodded. "What is happening outside?"

Juna shook her head. "I don't know. But I can assure you it's nothing good. Now, come on, Michael. I'll escort you."

Juna crouched and showed Michael her back.

With a nod, Michael hopped onto Juna's back. Juna then stood up and ran towards Room 302.

"Miss Philia, Mr. Lytton, please guard Michael!"

Without waiting for their reply, she returned to the corridor.

Juna quickly ran towards the stairs, descending to the second floor. Her eyes saw two other Revache mafioso guarding the stairs. This time, she wouldn't immediately attack them.

"Revache! What are you doing here!?" At first, she thought the chaos happened because of wild monster incursion. She definitely didn't expect Revache to bother the hospital again after their first attempt was thwarted by the SSS.

"..." The two standing in her way didn't reply. They just brandished their weapon-- one machete and one gun again-- So Juna quickly went to the stance for Gale again.

"Second form: Gale!"

She swiped their weapon off of the two Revache goons once more.

"I ask you, what are you doing here, Revache!?"

The now weaponless goons still didn't reply. They only growled before running towards Juna.

Letting out a sigh, the pink-haired girl quickly sent the two into unconsciousness with the eighth form. Seriously, chopping someone in the back of the neck to make them unconscious was unabashedly anime. She would've been grinning in happiness if the situation weren't more severe.

"Wait. Increased aggression, less coherent thoughts... Don't tell me!" Juna quickly ran towards the closest room, 202. Opening the door, Juna saw Dr. Belldine and Ada inside, reassuring the three patients inside.

"Juna?"

"Thank Aidios!"

"Dr. Belldine, Ada! Are you okay?"

The two nodded, answering Juna's question.

"We're just waiting for the commotion to be over, but..." Belldine trailed off.

Juna nodded. "I'll check over them. Dyson was attacked by the mafia on the third floor, but I put her with Philia and Lytton."

"Shall we go there?"

Juna shook her head, denying Belldine's request. "No. It's better to wait here and barricade the door. If I find any random patients outside, I'll bring them to you. Understood?"

"Yes!"

"Yes!"

"Good. Lloyd and the SSS will come here soon! Please wait until then!"

Juna then wrote the room's name and occupant on the note before closing the door and leaving the room. The next room in sight was the Nurse Lounge, where the nurses usually relaxed after work. Thankfully, it was empty. She left the room before she sensed people coming from the first floor. Juna reflexively crouched behind the nurse station and hid.

"Haaa... Haaa..."

The wheezing of the two Revache mafioso further solidified her conclusion that they were on drugs. Specifically, the same one being distributed by the mafia. It wasn't logical, but if she looked at it from the perspective of the game's climax, it fit. The SSS was investigating newly distributed drugs disseminated by the mafia. Further investigation revealed that they increased aggression and strength. But... Juna frowned. None of their investigations said anything about the loss of cognition. Was this the unknown side effects?

She shook her head. She was getting off track. She was very sure that it was the drugs because, what else? This was the climax of the game's arc, which was all about drugs. So, of course, they had to face people consuming them. Maybe the SSS would find some people they know also consuming them with lessons learned about 'don't do drugs' or something.

The question became, why the hospital? And also... how? She might not know why the drugged Revache attacked the hospital, but as for how... She had a suspicion that the drugged mafioso weren't just drugged mafioso.

Juna sensed the two mafioso walking past the Nurse Station, not noticing her.

Juna silently went into a stance for another Gale, but on second thought, she refrained. She was facing their back, so using her Gale wouldn't be as effective because she couldn't produce the same Gale as Arios to knock them off. No. It was better for her to use another form she just learned the basics of.

A little while ago, after Arios deemed Juna had been proficient with the second form's movement, he offered to teach one other form as a reward. Out of the other six forms, excluding the second and eighth, Juna was really interested in the sixth form, Scarlet Sky. Well, mostly because the sixth form was about firing sword slashes as projectiles that could attack the enemies from afar. Who wouldn't want to learn the closest thing she found in this world to Saber's Excalibur blast?

(Juna was not enlightened yet.)

And so, facing the back of the mafioso, she gripped her sword and crouched. Focusing all her energy on her arms, Juna took a deep breath.

"Haaaaaaaaaa!" Juna quickly drew her sword out of its sheathe on her hip. With a swoosh, she saw her slash form a wide, horizontal, white arc. Arc Slash. It was the name of the technique that she chose to learn next from Arios. The slash flew towards the back of the two mafiosos.

Juna bit her lip in anticipation. This was her first time using it in real combat. She didn't even know if she would succeed, but she guessed the world was magic enough for her short martial arts training to bear fruit.

Unfortunately, the Arc Slash faded before it reached the Revache goons. Moreover, the sound of her sword swing caught their attention. Juna winced as the Arc Slash definitely failed to land before she smiled.

"At least it formed an arc that travels the air. Just have to focus all of my energy more!"

She quickly went into the stance for Gale as the black-clad mafiosos were now facing her. The Arc Slash might fail, but it succeeded in another way because now she could use Gale to disarm them.

"Second form: Gale!"

Once more, Juna quickly closed the distance with the two Revache goons and knocked the guns off of them.

"Phew," Juna exhaled when the two finally fell unconscious after two more chops.

She scanned around to see if there were more of them waiting on the corner, but the coast was clear for the way to Room 201. She quietly pushed the door and came inside.

"Juna!" Lan, the green-haired nurse, turned towards her with a relieved expression. "I thought it was someone else."

She quickly approached Juna and dragged her to a panicking Gwen. Gwen was one of the newer Residents in the hospital. She wasn't there when Juna interned a year ago.

"No... calm down, Gwen. You're okay. Don't panic."

"Gwen," Lan called the Resident as they approached the panicking woman.

"Gyaa!"

"Calm down, Miss Gwen. Take a deep breath. You're safe..." Juna tried to calm down the older woman. Gwen followed her advice and took a deep breath before releasing it.

"Fuuu..."

"Okay, now that you calmed down, I see that no one here needs any medical care," Juna noted as she wrote the occupants' names on the paper. "Just wait for a while. The SSS will come."

"W-What about you? Why can't you stay here and keep us safe?"

Juna softly smiled at Flora before she shook her head. "If I could, I would stay and guard Shizuku. But I can't. Nobody in this hospital is prepared to face the mafiosos like me, so it falls to me to keep everyone safe and sound by checking on them and investigating the circumstances leading to this incident."

The two staff of the hospital had a look of understanding on their face.

"I see..."

"Good luck, Juna. I pray that you'll be safe from whatever ordeal you're trying to tackle," Lan gave her a wave. "If you find someone stranded, direct them here so we can protect them."

"Thank you! Barricade the door to keep it from breaching! I'm going down to the first floor!"

Outside the room, Juna remembered that she had to write Room 201's occupants' names on the paper. After she finished doing that, Juna descended.

Carefully, she scanned the area to see if there were any signs of Revache. Finding none, Juna silently walked toward the receptionist's table, put the paper containing the information about the room occupied by the staff and patients, and placed a weight on top to keep it from flying.

"Hopefully, Lloyd will find this helpful when he arrives here," Juna muttered.

She went to the Medical Office area to see if more stranded people existed. Thankfully, she didn't find any mafioso obstructing her way. She then went to the southern lab to check if some doctors were there. It was empty when she opened the door.

Coming back to the corridor, she went to the opposite side, to the northern lab, and pushed the door.

"Anyone here?"

"Juna!" Sera ran and hugged Juna. "Thank Aidios, you're safe! I was worried for you and Cecile."

Juna returned her embrace for a second before she released herself. "Sera, everyone here okay?"

Juna then saw Chaleur, Chief Clark, and Flora sitting on the empty bed.

"Juna!"

"Chaleur! Chief Clark and Flora, too!"

"Do you know where everyone is?" Clark asked her. He was probably panicking about the other staff and patients. Not to mention, with how empty the building was, the visitors were perhaps dragged somewhere against their will.

"Shizuku and Cecile in Room 304. Lytton, Philia, and a wounded Dyson in Room 302. Oh, I put Michael there for extra protection because he's alone in 301. Then Doctor Belldine and Ada were bunkered in Room 202 with some patients, same with Miss Gwen and Lan in Room 201. That was everyone I met inside this building. Everything else I still need to check, including the ICU."

"You can't enter the ICU. The door is shut, and with the orbal power dead, nothing except force can open it," Chaleur explained.

Juna blinked. "Well, it's a good thing I have 'force,' then."

She referred to the sword on her hips.

Chaleur opened his mouth before he closed it, scratching the back of his head. "Right. Ehehe..."

"So, Chief, the hospital won't sue me for destroying the ICU door, then?" Juna looked at Chief Clark with her hands put together and a tilt of her head.

The sight of such a cute act asking for permission to violently vandalize something was such a dissonance that Clark could only nod.

"Good!"

"Most likely, everyone else was outside," Sera interjected. I remember seeing people running for the door when the black-clad people suddenly came."

Juna turned her attention to Sera when she noticed something weird. "Is that so? Wait, they ran for the door? That means the Revache goons didn't come from the door!"

Sera widened her eyes. "Come to think about it. You're right! They came from the stairs!"

"From the second floor? Third floor? But... why didn't they breach the room, then? 304 is the closest room to the rooftop." It didn't make any sense for the mindless goons who attacked people on sight to avoid the place where people gathered.

"Your guess is as good as mine," Sera shrugged.

Unless...

She remembered how aggressive they were. There were no questions that the goons were under the influence of the drug. But why and how? Those were the two questions she pondered near the Nurse Station. Now that she had some free time, why not think about it more?

Why the hospital? She decided to save the question for later. How? How did the Revache goons enter the hospital? Sera said they came from upstairs, so chances were they came from the rooftop. There are two points of possible origin from there: the Research Ward and the Le Lectier Dormitory and Inn. She'd investigate those two points later after checking the ICU.

Since that was clear, she moved to the next why. Why did Revache take the drugs that would make them lose their ability to think coherently? And it wasn't even one or two members. Juna had defeated several of them! It didn't make sense for them to abandon rationality in some weird grab of power or control.

Control... The gait of those mafiosos was weird. It felt like they weren't just losing their abilities to think; they would act wildly if they were. But why did they ignore the room if that was the case? She didn't know the fight between Dyson and the goons, but was it possible that Dyson was guarding the front door of Room 302, ergo, in their line of sight? From her observation, it feels like the goons were driven to ignore people not in their line of sight. Otherwise, nobody would be safe, even in their room.

How? How could the drug be responsible for that? Think, Juna. There must be an answer! A clue she missed. Think over everything again! What kind of things in JRPG could give you an effect similar to what was exhibited by the goons? They lost their ability to think but weren't driven by instinct, the universal thing every living thing has. Juna let out a small gasp. If that was the case, then only one thing came to mind.

Mind control.

Was it possible that the side effects of the drugs weren't just an increase in aggression and loss of cognition but also loss of control to the one administering them? If it was possible...

Then, the one behind this attack wasn't Revache, but the D∴G Cult.

Suddenly, every puzzle piece inside Juna's mind connected itself.

"I see..."

"What?" Sera asked her, bringing Juna back from her thoughts. "Juna?"

"Nothing," Juna shook her head. It wouldn't do to worry Sera even more by sounding her theory to her. It was better to avoid mentioning her conclusion to anyone not affiliated with the main character's party. "I was worried when you said they came from upstairs. After checking the ICU, I think I'll go to the rooftop to check the Research Ward."

Clark nodded. "Yes. Have you contacted anyone from the outside to help? The phone line is dead because the orbal power is out, and we don't have those fancy schmancy Enigma thingy."

Juna hadn't contacted anyone, but she knew the SSS would definitely come, so she lied and nodded.

"The SSS will come. Please hold on until then."

"I see..." Flora sighed in relief.

After that, Juna left the room and came to the ICU door. She knocked on the door. "Anybody needs help?"

The ICU room wasn't soundproof, so theoretically, anyone trapped inside would've replied.

None. Juna didn't hear any reply, so she thought nobody was trapped inside.

But...

A stray thought came into her mind. Biting her lips, she decided to open the door anyway. Clark ensured that she wouldn't be sued for damage.

"Second form: Gale!"

Juna slashed at the door, which was surprisingly sturdy. It made a dent but wasn't destroyed. She then crouched and focused all her energy on her right arm and sword.

"Arc Slash!"

She swung her tachi. A white arc of energy came out of her blade and hit the door with a big bang. Juna then punched the door, and the top part came off. So her Arc Slash managed to split the door into two parts. Nice!

Juna then went inside and gasped when her worst fear came true.

Several people were being treated in the ICU. But with the orbal power dead, the equipment keeping them alive stopped working. The result was evident in front of her.

Juna sent a few prayers to Aidios for the now-dead patients before she turned back and went to the lobby. Telling Sera and the others about the dead patients would only add to their worry. It was better for her to just write the information on the paper at the receptionist's desk for the SSS.

After writing the information about the dead patients, Juna went to the front door and turned the knob.

"Locked? But..." Nobody else could lock the other aside from the Revache goons. It solidified her theory about them being mind-controlled by the D∴G Cult remnants.

Juna shook her head. No, focus. The door being locked actually served her well because she wanted to check the source that Sera mentioned and didn't have to worry about checking the front yard. With that in mind, Juna went to the stairs. Her destination? The roof.

Notes:

This is the first time we get JunaSI's thought! Yay! For those who still hadn't caught on, Juna is the self-insert (not really it's more like OC insert to Juna since the character inserted is a made up one) but didn't know the game itself, only the tropes accompanying the JRPG genre and narrative.

Also, best girl JunaSI doing her best to make Lloyd's job easier. My headcanon is that the Xanadu!verse players ship Juna with Lloyd. It doesn't help that she's closer to him than the other SSS, even the female ones.

Funny thing when I wrote this: I made Gwen a newbie because her reaction in final chapter is panicking, not remembering anything else about her except that her title is Resident Gwen. Then I loaded the earlier save and turns out I was correct! She was even still a Medical Intern Gwen in Chapter 4! It's really amazing what the NPC in Trails can tell you about themselves with just a few lines.

Chapter 22

After getting permission from Sergei to go check the situation at the hospital, the SSS went to the bus stop on Ursula Road. When they got there, the queue of people waiting for the bus caught everyone's attention.

"Huh... That's a lot of people lined up for the bus."

"That's unusual for this time of day," Elie remarked.

"It is, indeed, peculiar. The most recent bus should have departed five minutes ago," Tio informed them.

Randy had the initiative to approach one of them, "Hey, buddy. The bus runnin' late or somethin'?"

The man nodded, "Yeah, it looks that way. I've been waiting here for almost 20 minutes now, and not one bus has shown up."

He then sighed before muttering something. "Why'd this have to happen today? Visiting hours will be over by the time I get there."

"Yeah... thanks, buddy."

Randy returned to the SSS.

"There we have it, guys," Randy shrugged. "Seems like they're late."

"Do you think the bus is having problems with the engine again?" Elie tried to speculate. A few months ago, the bus to St. Ursula Hospital also had problems. In fact, that was the time the SSS met Estelle and Joshua.

"A likely scenario," Tio nodded in agreement.

Suddenly, Lloyd's Enigma rang.

"This is Lloyd Bannings, Special Support Section," Lloyd said, answering the phone.

"This is Dudley. Give me a status report."

"Oh... Roger. We were able to successfully secure the assistance of the Bracer Guild with the case."

Lloyd then explained that the Guild agreed to aid in the search for the missing persons and mafia.

"Hmph. So you've gone and made yourselves indebted to MacLaine. Fine. I'm sure that, with their abilities, they'll be able to produce results. I'm trying to deal with the top brass on my end. Now that they've realized the whole damn mafia has vanished, they're throwing a tantrum. It may be a while until I can act freely."

"Understood," Lloyd confirmed. "I just remembered. Your division was in charge of investigating the airport, right? What happened with the bomb threat?"

His question was instantly replied to by the senior detective.

"There's a strong possibility the whole thing was a hoax. We scanned the entire airport with orbal detectors, but nothing was found."

"I can't help but shake the feeling that this is related to Revache's disappearance..." Lloyd trailed off. There were too many loose threads and only one connecting it to everything.

"We're looking into it. Wait. If you know the situation is clear there, that must mean you're nearby. I hope you don't plan to pull your usual stunt by getting involved with cases that clearly aren't yours."

Lloyd let out a laugh, "You can rest easy, sir. We're not doing that. We're actually on the way to St. Ursula right now. We're visiting the doctor we know for the drug's composition."

That was the excuse Lloyd gave to anyone who wasn't in the know about their suspicions.

"What? You still haven't heard back from him? Hah. Rookies will be rookies. You need to be far more direct if you want any semblance of punctuality from others."

"Understood," Lloyd nodded even though Dudley wouldn't be able to see him.

"It'll be much easier to convince the top brass to take action once we've found out what those pills actually are. But I'm afraid we have no choice but to place our faith in that doctor of yours. By the way, what's the man's name?"

Lloyd steeled his mind. He must not tip Dudley. Keep calm and replied.

"His name is Joachim Guenter, the associate professor of neurology and pharmacology at St. Ursula Hospital."

"I see. Hopefully, he'll come through with proper results," Dudley replied before pausing. "Hmm?"

"What's wrong, Dudley?" Lloyd asked when he sensed the confusion coming from the other side of the phone.

"Back up a second. You said Guenter, right? Wears glasses? Far too relaxed?"

"Yes," Lloyd answered. Dudley sounded serious. But unexpectedly, Dudley went silent. "Dudley?"

"I met him for the first time two months ago. I was investigating the man who plotted the mayor's assassination during Arc en Ciel's private performance... The mayor's former secretary, Ernest Reis," Dudley started.

Lloyd's heart stopped for a second. "Wait..."

"Sergei may have informed you already, but Reis was completely deranged. So as a last resort, Sergei called Reis' physician, a man working at St. Ursula. And thanks to Guenter's help, I was finally able to question Reis."

Lloyd's grip on his Enigma tightened.

"Are you saying that Dr. Guenter was Ernest's physician?!"

"Yes. The very same. I'd gained an immense amount of-"

"I'm sorry, Dudley. But we're in a hurry. Thank you for the information."

"Wait, hey, Bannings!"

Lloyd immediately closed the call.

"What was that about? I heard Ernest's name mentioned," Elie asked Lloyd.

"Is there a connection between Dr. Guenter and Ernest?"

Lloyd nodded and replied with a grim expression. "Yes. Dr. Guenter was Ernest's physician."

"T-That's..." Elie was at a loss for words.

"Hold up. Let's think back a bit... Remember how Ernest's strength was totally off the charts? Dude was cocky as hell, too," Randy remembered when they had to protect Speaker MacDowell.

"It is eerily similar to Gantz's case, right?" Tio connected the dots. "To further that point, his attending physician was Dr. Guenter..."

The four of them had one thing on their mind.

Had Ernest consumed Gnosis when they confronted him? After all, if their suspicion about the doctor was correct, it would be easy for him to prescribe the wrong medicine for Ernest and snuck Gnosis in there.

"I'll try calling the hospital's reception desk. We have to confirm that Dr. Guenter hasn't left the hospital."

Elie pressed some button on the Enigma and put it on her ears.

"... It's no use. Nobody is answering," Elie said after a minute of silence from her Enigma.

"That doesn't paint a good picture of the situation," Tio remarked with a grimace.

"The bus can't be relied on. We're going there on foot." Lloyd finally decided. "Let's go!"

"Yes!"

"Okay."

"Roger."

The four of them ran towards the Ursula Road in a hurry.

---

Juna briefly considered checking on Cecile and Shizuku, but in the end, she refrained from doing so for their own protection. Ignoring the door to Room 304 on the third floor of the hospital, Juna continued running towards the door leading to the roof.

Opening the door with a bang, Juna caught the attention of one Revache member. Only this time, he had three dogs with him. Juna widened her eyes when one of the dogs ran towards her.

Juna quickly unsheathed her sword and slashed at the incoming dogs. However, by doing that, she missed the other two coming for her. One of them leaped at her and bit her in the lower left arm.

"Gah!" Juna quickly swung her tachi so the dog would release his bite, but Doven Kaisers were equipped with protective armor that decreased damage, so by the time she managed to release the one biting her arm, the last Doven Kaiser bit her legs.

Thankfully, even if it was painful, Juna now had two free arms to use all her power to slash the last dog off her.

She quickly turned her attention to the standing mafia. Lloyd had told her that Revache used a special whistle to control the attack dogs. Then that would mean defeating the mafia would stop the dogs, wouldn't it?

Juna went into a stance. Even if her legs were hurting that it most likely would diminish the speed of her Gale, she had to do it. Even if she winced from pain in her left arm, she had to do it.

She had to ease Lloyd's burden.

Oh, she definitely knew she wouldn't be able to handle everything here. She still didn't know why the cult member chose the hospital. She also had no clue who the cult member was. But she knew one thing. The SSS would come and solve the case, and as someone connected to them, she had to help make their jobs easier, even if she avoided joining the main party.

And so, Juna Crawford opened her eyes. Determination coursed through her entire body. Focusing all her power to combat the pain in her leg and left arm, Juna took a deep breath.

(She didn't realize that her body emitted a golden glow.)

"Second form: Gale!"

Juna shouted with all her power, kicking the floor to leap at the goon. In an instant, she was in front of him and quickly slashed him, but it wasn't over. Juna turned back to attack the Doven Kaisers, two of them falling from the roof because of her Gale. Momentarily surprised by her success at producing the gale, Juna focused and quickly slashed at the one left.

In the end, Juna sheathed her sword and exhaled.

"Yes! I did it!" Juna threw her arms into the air and jumped. Adrenaline still ran in her system, so she forgot that she was wounded. Seconds later, Juna felt the pain. "Ouch! It hurts."

Gritting her teeth, Juna forced herself to look at the bridge connecting the rooftop of the hospital with the Le Lectier dormitory/inn. It was closed off by debris, which wouldn't make sense if it happened coincidentally. The culprit, the cult member, must have commanded the mafia to close the way.

Juna frowned. But that would mean there are people potentially trapped in the dorm. Should she leave them to Lloyd? Juna then went to the edge, trying to see the situation in the front yard.

There were several people trying to hide from the roaming Doven Kaisers and goons. However, sooner or later, with the Doven Kaiser's better sense compared to humans, they would surely be discovered.

Juna weighed the pros and cons of jumping from the rooftop to the yard. She did not want them to come to harm. She was, after all, an aspiring Bracer. However, judging from her overall condition, jumping down would be detrimental to her effort. She didn't even have Tear Balms to heal her wounds.

With a heavy heart, Juna turned away from the edges. She had to believe that they could hide until the SSS came.

Juna looked around and noticed something.

"Hmm? They locked the front door and deliberately put debris on the bridge connecting the roof. That's weird. It's as if..." They were trying to isolate the hospital.

Wait. Sera said they came from the second floor, so she assumed they came to the hospital using the bridge on the rooftop. But that didn't make sense. If the mafia came from outside and went through the dormitory first, it would be more efficient to come to the hospital from the front door. But Sera clearly said that the door was unguarded, and people ran towards the door in fright.

...wouldn't that mean they didn't come from the outside?

As Juna looked at the research ward building, it seemed to loom over her.

...yeah. Now that she thought about it again, if the goons didn't come from the outside, then the only other entry point was from inside the research ward.

But... she gulped, gripping her tachi harder than before. That implied the cult member was someone from the hospital.

Who was it?

"...Hold on. Dr. Mark has been absent since two days ago. But last night, Arios got a call from him. Dr. Mark then is subbed by that phony doctor. Sera then said that he was uncontactable since after lunch break..." Juna's mind laid out all the facts leading up to the situation in order to find the thread connecting them all.

Juna cursed when her mind reached a conclusion. Why?! Why had she been ignoring Joachim, that pretend doctor!

He was the one behind everything! He probably perfected the drugs and distributed them via Revache to take them all under his control! And when he fully controlled the mafia, he, for some reason, attacked the hospital. But one thing stuck out for Juna. Why did he drug Dr. Mark and arrange so that Shizuku would stay for the day of the attack? Was he targeting Arios? Trying to get the Divine Blade of Wind under his control?

She was tempted. Oh, she was tempted, alright. She wanted to run towards the research ward building, throwing her caution away. On top of letting patients die of his careless attitude, he was possibly the mastermind behind everything. Even if she was wounded and weak, she had to confront him!

But Juna held herself back. It wasn't out of a sense of responsibility or whatever. If she could, she wanted to wrangle that fraud and make him spill everything.

But no. Juna realized one important thing.

She was too weak to be able to get away from the main villain of the game unscathed.

With a sigh, Juna sat down on the ground. She wondered if she would've been stronger than the current her if she followed her fate as the SSS's junior. She was, after all, the kouhai type in Lloyd's harem game. She was a little surprised when she found out Tio was younger than her. But Tio was clearly the token emotionless kuudere child member, so she was the genki kouhai. Juna had once thought she was the little sister character, but with Ken and Nana's existence as her younger siblings, she knew her assessment was wrong.

"No. It's no use wondering what could've been. I am what I am." She doubted she would've been able to learn the infamous Eight Leaves One Blade swordsmanship had she followed her counterpart's path.

And so Juna waited.

Unfortunately for her, this world wasn't a game. It might have been based on a JRPG in her real world (though very niche because she had never played it,) but this world was real. And thus, there was no such thing as endlessly standing outside the final dungeon with no consequences.

After all, in real life, if the boss waited too long, they might have wandered away from the dungeon.

The door of the research ward was opened, catching Juna's attention. She let out a gasp when she saw who came outside.

"You're... Ernest Reis!"

Juna forced herself to stand up. She couldn't move without hurting her left arm and her bitten leg was numb. She gritted her teeth when she realized the situation she was in.

"Good Evening."

The cocky smirk he had on his face honestly made Juna want to slap him. He stood there confidently with a demonic-looking sword in his right hand.

Juna couldn't help but laugh. In the end, her effort was for naught, wasn't it? She didn't want to recklessly go through the obvious dungeon, so the boss came outside to face her instead. It was like nature wanted the confrontation to happen without the intervention of the SSS. However, she honestly was taken aback when she saw it was Ernest Reis who came out instead of Joachim himself.

"I was curious why my great comrade went all the way to set up an obvious trap. But judging by your appearance here, his judgment seems correct," Ernest walked towards her, each step echoed in her ears. "You, Juna Crawford, are a wildcard in this board game of Crossbell."

Board game? Was he being literal, or was he referring to the tug-of-war for controlling Crossbell between the two neighboring nations?

"Trap?" Juna parotted. Moments later, she understood what he meant. "Oh, I see..."

Dr. Mark's absence. The call for Shizuku's sudden checkup. The attack on the hospital... Joachim didn't want to control Arios.

"It's me that he wants," she finished her conclusion.

Ernest let out a smile. "Correct."

Juna glared at the man. Even if it was futile, she had to try. She went into a stance, even if it was painful.

"I have one question if you don't mind. Why? Why did that fraud doctor want me? What did he mean by wildcard?"

Ernest shook his head. "I'm afraid even I don't know. He just insisted, saying you're a wildcard."

Wildcard. It implied that she was special in some way. But there was nothing special about her. Well, except for the memories she had since birth, but was it possible that Joachim knew that? No, she doubted that. Wildcard could also mean she was unpredictable and not in his initial plan. If so, what tipped him off?

"If you had that kind of ability, you'd be the prime target of every criminal, Juna."

Juna swore to Aidios that if Joachim somehow knew her because Lloyd raised a flag, she would never ever involve herself with any protagonists again!

She sighed. Then again, the line she spoke next was jinxing it, too. So she couldn't put all the blame on Lloyd.

"It'd be a hassle if the enemy knows and dispose of me because I spoil their plan or something,"

"No more questions. You can resist, but I'll bring you to my great comrade in the end," Ernest brandished his demonic-looking sword. "It'd be better if you surrender."

It really came down to a confrontation.

"I see..." Juna let out a sigh. "It's true that it'd be better for me if I surrender. In this kind of situation, there is no way I can win against you."

"Indeed. You made a wise decision," Ernest let out a small smile. However, he did not stop paying attention to Juna because she hadn't dropped her guard yet. Her arms were still on her tachi, legs bent in a stance to leap forward.

"Even so...!"

Juna pointed the tip of her tachi to Ernest.

"My pride as a martial artist wouldn't let me do something like that!"

Juna declared proudly. Right now, she wasn't the 'genius prodigy,' nor was she the 'hospital intern.' Tonight, Juna Crawford was an aspiring Bracer who studied the blade under the Divine Blade of Wind himself! Even if she knew she couldn't defeat him, she could, at least, make Lloyd's boss fight easier by fighting him first!

"Prepare yourself!"

"Hmm? So, in the end, you chose to fight," Ernest frowned.

She put her sword back into its sheathe. "Arc Slash!"

She unleashed her projectile because moving was painful, Aidios!

"Useless."

Ernest slashed the energy-based projectile into two using his sword before going missing from Juna's eyes.

"What?"

"But I commend you."

Ernest's voice suddenly came from her behind. When she turned back to see, Juna felt a punch in her gut.

"I don't know what he wanted to do with you. Maybe he would bring you into the light or even experiment on you. For now, sleep."

I'm sorry, Lloyd, I failed...

That was the last thing Juna thought before she fell unconscious.

Notes:

I'm sorry, Juna. Cheesing your way through the boss fight by taking all your time before entering the dungeon doesn't work if you're not in the main party. Even worse, you're in a cutscene fight! Anyway, I imagine that in the Ursula Road, whenever your reach the middle of the map or the next part of the map, you're going to get a cutscene of Juna helping in the hospital until before the SSS reached the hospital, there was a last cutscene of Juna being tired on the rooftop and looking surprised at a mysterious figure in the distance. Because at this point, the SSS, like Juna, likely thought it was Joachim at the hospital, not Ernest, and it wouldn't do for the game to spoil the boss for the player. That said, the scene is gonna be there in the anime adaptation of Zero in Xanaduverse

Anyway, I love that Juna's mindset this whole time was to ease Lloyd's burden. From leaving a note containing the detail of the people bunkered in each room, to forcing herself to fight Ernest in the miniscule chance of her weakening him. Truly a good kouhai worthy of being in the SSS.

Chapter 23

The SSS arrived in front of the hospital when the sun had set.

"Look there," Elie pointed towards the hospital area.

"The lamps are lit up, but the actual building is pitch black. That can't be good," Randy said what was on everyone's mind.

"Also, it is too early for the gate to be closed. And where is the guard...?" Tio questioned when she saw nobody guarding the closed gate.

"Everything about this is shady. Anyway, we need to che-- Look out!"

"It's Revache's war hounds!"

Lloyd and Elie quickly pull out their weapon, followed by Randy and Tio.

"Did they conceal their presence or somethin'?!"

"On our six, too!"

"What!?" Lloyd was taken aback by what Tio informed. Two Revache goons came from inside the hospital yard. "Revache?!"

"Have they been here the whole time?!" Elie gritted her teeth at misreading the situation.

"What the hell do you guys think you're doing?" Randy shouted towards the Revache members in front of them, but they didn't answer.

"Hmm... something feels wrong with them," Lloyd voiced his observation. Their silence was unlike the usual from Revache.

"Everyone, be on guard!"

The three dogs and the mafia ran towards them.

---

The four of them quickly handled the two mafiosos and the Doven Kaisers.

"They're stronger than before," Elie remarked.

Lloyd nodded. There could only be one answer to that. "It's the drugs. The attack dogs, too."

Randy nodded, still breathing hard. "Sure, but what the hell was up with them? They didn't say a single word before goin' ballistic on us."

"...I could hardly sense any emotion coming from them. This reminds me of--" Tio's words were cut off when one of the downed Revache members stirred up.

"...uggghhHHHH..."

Lloyd gasped. "They're back up?!"

"They should've been knocked out cold!" Randy raised his axe in preparation.

"This is the power of Gnosis!" Tio said with a grimace as the two Revache members stood up.

"Wh-What do we do...?" Elie asked the others.

Before the two goons attacked, several needles were thrown and hit their bodies.

"Irksome pests."

The two crumpled down, falling unconscious.

The creepy voice was familiar. Lloyd looked around, trying to locate the hooded assassin that they had met.

"Yin! Did you kill them!?"

"No. I simply used a form of acupuncture to cut off the flow of their chi. No matter how much strength they possess, they will be asleep for quite a while," the assassin replied.

"Thank goodness..." Lloyd sighed in relief.

"You sure have a knack for showin' up outta the damn blue. Did you come to investigate Revache, too?" Randy asked the masked figure.

"I'm here at Cao's behest," Yin revealed. "But it seems that this simple request will be more vexing than I thought. I always believed this Gnosis was nothing more than a rumor."

"Where did you hear that name?" Tio questioned. The police hadn't written any report about it yet. Unless it was something that Heiyue found out through their own contact.

"Just how much does Heiyue know?"

"About as much as you all," the assassin answered Elie's question. "Revache's disappearance, the existence of the D∴G cult and its remnants... Neither Cao nor I know anything beyond those two pieces of information."

So the suspicious action of Joachim was still unknown even to Heiyue, Lloyd noted.

"Lloyd?" Elie asked in concern.

"Hold up, Mademois-Elie," Randy stopped Elie with a hand. "Let him cook."

"Listen, Yin. Regardless of your intentions, St. Ursula is in a state of emergency. And odds are that the mafia is currently occupying the entire hospital. It's our job to verify whether the hospital staff is safe and act from there. Now that you know that...will you work with us, Yin?"

...

"What?!" Elie shouted in surprise.

"Heh. What are you babbling about, Bannings? Are you actually requesting assistance from someone you've tried to arrest? Someone you've labeled a criminal?" Yin taunted Lloyd. But he was ready for it.

"Like I said. State of emergency. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think you planned to uncover the truth behind all this, with or without us. If that's the case, don't you think there's merit in rescuing the people in there and hearing what eyewitnesses have to say?" Lloyd smiled at the assassin.

"Heh. So you wish to work as equals until the end of this matter, is that it?" Yin stared at Lloyd for a moment, trying to gauge his sincerity. It seemed like the assassin liked what he was seeing. "Very well. However, if you start to become a burden, I will act of my own accord. Is that clear?"

"That won't be a problem," Lloyd replied with confidence.

"Geez. I don't know whether to call you impulsive or what..." Elie sighed.

"Lloyd CAN be a bit too audacious in the heat of the moment," Tio chimed in.

"Hey, now's not the time for talk. Cecile, Juna, and Shizuku are waiting for us," Randy reminded the others.

"Right. Our top priority is locating the hospital staff and patients and confirming their safety. And while we're at it, we can ask them about the overall situation," Lloyd defined their objective.

"Understood!"

"Roger that."

"Heh. Shall we go?"

The five of them entered the hospital area.

Cecile, Juna, and Shizuku... please be safe...

---

The hospital door was locked, so they went to the dormitories in order to look for clues and fought more Revache goons and the Doven Kaisers. Yin was honestly a big help for using his Eastern technique to keep the downed member unconscious. Their effort bore fruit when they met Martha, the Nurse Head of the hospital, who informed them about the key being taken from her by the goons. They ascended to the second floor and quickly defeated them. Key in hand, Lloyd quickly went to the front door of the hospital.

(He didn't even consider the rooftop bridge.)

"Lloyd, wait a second!" Elie called, out of breath from chasing him.

"Yeah, I even have to carry Tio-tot with me," Randy followed behind her.

The red-faced Tio only sighed. "Please give me a warning next time, Randy."

From the shadow, Yin appeared. "Hmph. Your comrades need more training."

"We don't have time for this. Let's open the door!"

The other four people nodded, each brandishing their weapon.

Lloyd entered the key into the door and opened it.

Dark.

The lobby of the hospital was dark. However, the light from the outside seeped in through the windows. From there, Lloyd could make out the chaotic sudden attack from Revache. The chairs were flipped, and the boards had dents on them.

"There's no staff or patients anywhere in sight," Lloyd confirmed to the others.

"Not a trace of the mafia, either," Elie followed up.

"That's not true. I can sense them moving about... The hospital staff are likely taking shelter throughout the entire building," Yin revealed, shaking his head. "Hmm, what is this? I sensed some unconscious bodies."

"Agreed. I am detecting the presence of multiple people in here," Tio confirmed. "Sadly, I can't detect the unconscious people like Yin did."

Unconscious people meant the patients, or worse, Juna subduing the mafia. Not that it wasn't a good thing, but Lloyd didn't want Juna to get hurt.

"Juna..." Elie trailed off. "I'm worried about Shizuku and Cecile, too."

"Hm? What's that?" Yin pointed at the receptionist's table. His sharp eyes picked something under the darkness of the room. It was a paper placed under some weight to keep it from flying away from the wind.

"Paper?"

"There's a big, attention-grabbing word written there. 'For Lloyd.' That's you this paper refers to?" Yin grabbed the paper and read it. "Hmmm. Interesting."

He offered the paper to Lloyd, whose eyes took a little longer to adjust to the darkness.

304: Cecile, Shizuku.
302: Philia, Lytton, Dyson (wounded), random guy I didn't remember the name (running off to the linen room), Michael
202: Belldine, Ada, three patients
201: Lan, Gwen (she panicked, I calmed her down, but maybe you can help better), three patients.
1st floor northside lab: Sera, Chaleur, Chief Clark, Flora
ICU: several dead patients (life-support dead from the orbal power shutdown)

"This is...!" Elie exclaimed.

"The list of the people bunkered on each room. It must be Juna's works," Lloyd nodded.

"Heh. As expected of Juna," Randy smirked.

"But does that mean Juna faced the mafia and the hounds? I'm not sure she'd be unscathed," Tio pointed out. That brought everyone back.

"For now, we're going to each room and reassure everyone. After that, we'll go look for Juna," Lloyd decided their course of action.

"And subdue all the mafia, of course," Randy said.

"Alright!"

They went to the medical office area. Looking around in alert, they found no mafia there, so they quickly turned north to the lab.

"Crossbell Police Department," Lloyd said, knocking on the door.

The door was swiftly opened, and Lloyd saw the relieved face of Sera, the receptionist of the hospital.

"Lloyd?!"

"Sera. Is everyone from Juna's list still here?"

The receptionist nodded. "Yes. You're going to check on all of us?"

"Yes," Elie answered. "Do you know where Juna is?"

"I don't know. Maybe Juna went to the roof. Because I remember telling her that the mafia came from upstairs," Sera revealed.

The SSS plus Yin looked at each other.

"Right. Thank you for the information. We've called the CGF to apprehend everyone here. Please wait until then. There haven't been any Revache members on the first floor as far as we could see, but maybe they're still upstairs, so it's better if you wait here still."

After giving his command, Lloyd and the others quickly left the room and went back to the lobby to head to the second floor.

"I'm worried for Juna," Elie said, clear distress in her voice as they ran towards the stairs.

Lloyd didn't reply. But it was clear to anyone who saw him how worried he was.

"For now, let's just check on every room from Juna's list."

Tio's words got them to refocus themselves.

Once they arrived on the second floor, they still found no sign of the mafia. Doubt started to seep into Lloyd's mind. Did Juna take them all out? Nevertheless, they knocked on the door to Room 201

"Crossbell Police Department."

When the door opened, everyone saw Lan from behind the door. "Randy! Cecile's brother! I'm glad!"

"Me too, Lan. It's good to see you safe and sound," Randy grinned.

"Is everyone okay? I saw Juna mentioned about Gwen panicking?" Elie asked Lan.

"She's been okay, I think," Lan pointed to Gwen, who took one of the empty beds for herself. "I coaxed her to sleep. Thank Aidios, Juna was able to calm her down."

"I see... Please wait here again. We're gonna look for the mafia and check the others too."

"Right! Be careful out there, Randy, Lloyd."

"Thanks, Lan. When the situation's all right, what about grabbing some drinks with me?" Randy winked at the nurse.

"Randy!" Elie chastised her colleague.

"Can't keep yourself down even in this kind of situation, huh?" Tio sighed.

"Anyway, we'll go. You too, be careful, Lan," Lloyd nodded before gesturing for everyone to leave the room.

They continued their way to the corridor, running past the nurse's station before Lloyd stopped.

In front of them, four Revache goons were laid down on the ground, unconscious. Weapons were strewn around them.

"Whew," Randy whistled. "Did Junie take them all out? Nice one."

Yin approached them and put his hand around their nose. "Still breathing. They're unconscious."

Considering how strong they were under the influence of Gnosis, it didn't paint a good picture for Juna to face all of them. How wounded was she?

"Yin, can you make sure they stay unconscious?" Lloyd asked the assassin for help.

"Sure." As Yin threw his needles into the four unconscious bodies, he hummed.

"What's wrong?" Elie asked the assassin with some hesitation.

"Their flow of chi had been messed up from the start. I can guess that's how they went unconscious in the first place," Yin observed before turning to Lloyd. "This Juna of yours, did she know Eastern technique too?"

Lloyd shook his head. "I don't know, but she's learning Eight Leaves under Arios MacLaine. Do they have your chi-disrupting technique, too?"

"Make sense," Yin nodded to himself. "I seldom encountered their practitioner, but they're infamous in the East. The style's founder combined eight styles of Eastern swordsmanship and supplementary martial arts. They might have one or two techniques that disrupt the flow of chi in your opponent's body."

"I see... Thank you for the explanation, Yin. Let's go, everyone!"

Lloyd and the others checked the people in Room 203 and later Room 302. There were some mishaps with Representative Gable; the man Juna didn't know who ran away to the linen room. But in the end, they managed to coax him to bunker with the others in 302. After that, they knocked on the door to Room 304.

"Cecile, Shizuku. It's the SSS."

The door was opened, and Lloyd was instantly greeted by a tight embrace from the older nurse.

"Lloyd!"

"Whew. The babyfaced lady killer charm works as usual," Randy whistled.

"Randy!" Elie elbowed the red-haired man before she sighed at his nature.

"I'm glad you're okay, Cecile."

"For now, how about we enter the room first?" Tio suggested, to which everyone agreed.

---

Inside the room, Lloyd and the others explained what they had done, what Juna had done, and their mission to find Juna. Cecile's expression of worry never left her face.

"So, Cecile, did Juna say anything else except for our arrival?" For some reason, Juna had a lot of faith that the SSS would arrive and help. It warmed his heart that Juna believed them that much, but he wanted to know if Juna told them anything else.

"None," Cecile shook her head with a frown. "Lloyd..."

"I know. You're worried about Juna," Lloyd answered the unasked question. Giving his sort of older sister a reassuring smile, Lloyd continued, "We'll definitely find her."

Cecile stared at him for a long minute before she let out a fond sigh. "You truly are Guy's brother. That way of reassuring people is just so him."

"Ah..."

"No, don't be sorry," Cecile smiled. "I've made peace with his death a long time ago."

Lloyd frowned. While he could agree, there was one thing still that prevented him from entirely making peace with Guy's death: the mystery behind it. Still, he wasn't obsessed because Guy definitely didn't want him to waste his life. And besides, Juna told him that it would be uncovered, so he would take her word for it.

Lloyd and Cecile continued talking, In the meantime, Elie and Tio were with Shizuku.

"How are you feeling, Shizuku?"

"I'm okay," the younger girl replied Elie. "It's a little scary to hear the chaos at first, but it subsided later, so it is no different from usual. And besides, Juna told us that you would definitely come, so we calmed down."

Tio nodded to herself. "Juna really believed in us, didn't she?"

"Thankfully, we didn't disappoint her. Although..." Elie frowned.

"We're still missing her," Tio finished. They went silent for a few minutes in contemplation before Randy approached them.

"Yo, sorry, Shizuku. Lloyd called Mademois-Elie and Tio-tot."

Tio and Elie looked at each other in confusion. They had just talked to Shizuku for a short while. What did Lloyd need them for?

"Lloyd?" Elie asked their leader.

Lloyd just closed his eyes.

Cecile had just told him something that he thought required everyone's attention.

"Do you remember what Arios told us this afternoon? Shizuku was held up for another health assessment," Lloyd started before turning to Cecile. "Cecile, can you please repeat what you and Juna found out?"

"R-Right. Shizuku was declared healthy three days ago and was told she could leave today by Dr. Mark. However, Juna told me that last night, Arios got a phone call from Dr. Mark saying that Shizuku needed a last-minute assessment." Cecile paused to take a breath. "Now, that isn't strange on its own. There were plenty of cases where we had to take last-minute assessments of the patient's health. But... Dr. Mark has been taking paid leave since two days ago.

The SSS looked at each other while Yin silently leaned on the wall.

"Arios did not say the doctor's name, didn't he?" Tio tried to remember and found no mention of the doctor's name from Arios when they talked this afternoon. Unfortunately, that meant they couldn't confirm Juna's testimony about the call from Arios.

"Yes. We can assume that Juna knew because Arios told her," Elie confirmed. "Still, Lloyd, is this the thing you want us to know?"

Lloyd shook his head. "Please continue, Cecile."

Nodding her head, Cecile continued her story. "Seeing the discrepancies in the situation, Juna and I went to Sera to ask for the schedule. I mean, it can just be a miss in the scheduling, but I did note that it is weird for Dr. Mark to call Arios when he's on leave. Juna seemed to think so, too. In the end, Dr. Mark has been on leave since two days ago, and his work is substituted by Dr. Guenter."

Elie widened her eyes while Tio exhaled.

"And then, what is Juna's reaction?"

Lloyd asked Cecile.

"Huh? Juna's reaction?" Cecile questioned before she answered. "She was angry because it was Joachim. Just the usual Juna."

This was bad.

Juna didn't realize that Joachim was suspicious. Lloyd quickly changed the subject before Cecile could pick up. "I see. Thank you for the information, Cecile. We have to go now."

"Right. Stay safe, Lloyd, everyone."

"Of course. Everyone, let's go!"

"Yes!"

Notes:

Ahem. First of all... IF WE CAN HAVE BRUH MOMENT FOR RANDY I WANT MY OWN MEMETIC RANDY TOO! Alright, now that's out of the gate. This is mostly a reiteration of the canon events in the hospital... except for Juna's involvement. We then entered the hospital and no mob! Thank you, Juna. I'm sure the casual players will hate you while the hardcore one will love you for it. There's an achievement if you finish the game under level 40, and the hospital's mandatory mob battle gives too much exp. I myself didn't get that achievement because I'm filthy casual.

Chapter 24

Outside Room 304 of the St. Ursula Hospital, the SSS plus Yin walked away until they were on the corner before Lloyd let out a frustrated sigh.

"Lloyd?" Elie noticed the frustration in Lloyd's tone.

"You seemed to notice something when that nurse talked," Yin addressed Lloyd, who had been silent since before they entered Room 304.

"Juna still didn't know Dr. Guenter's suspicious act," Lloyd explained.

"...That's certainly true. Even Cecile didn't know," Tio agreed with what Lloyd said.

"Wait, you don't mean that this attack happened without Juna knowing who's the culprit?" Elie gasped when she realized what Lloyd implied.

"Damn it!" Randy punched the wall in frustration.

"Right. I have a feeling that Dr. Mark's absence from Cecile's story is a deliberate act by Dr. Guenter. Most probably, he was drugged like the mafioso we had to fight," Lloyd continued telling them his theory.

"It makes sense," Tio nodded.

"What is the purpose of setting that up and attacking this hospital?" Yin questioned the detective.

Lloyd looked at the robed figure with a frown.

"That's true. I still hadn't grasped the purpose of attacking the hospital," Lloyd lied naturally as he breathed. Unfortunately for Lloyd, one figure noticed it. "In any case, we'll get our answer when we confront him. Let's look for Juna on our way to the neurology department."

The five of them continued their way, opening the door to the rooftop. Looking around for clues of Juna's whereabouts, they found an unconscious Doven Kaiser and a wounded, knocked-out Revache goon.

"That's..." Elie exclaimed in surprise.

Her reaction was understandable, as Juna did her best to incapacitate the other mafiosos non-lethally before. What made Juna have to carve a big wound on the mafioso's chest this time?

"Look at this," Yin pointed out, far from the place where the goon laid down.

"Could it be Juna's blood?" Tio questioned, saying what was on everyone's mind.

"It could be that guy's, though I'm not so sure about it," Randy offered his thoughts.

Lloyd bit his lip. He had a feeling that everybody knew whose blood was splattered on the ground. It was just none of them wanted to acknowledge it. The thought of Juna being wounded because she was alone was just...

Unconsciously, Lloyd's grip on his two tonfas tightened.

"There's no sign of her jumping from here to the ground. Nor was there any blood near the debris blocking the bridge between this building and the dormitory. You already know where she is," Yin provided his findings to the SSS.

Indeed.

Lloyd looked at the research ward building. It seemed to loom over them.

On the corner of his eyes, he spotted a movement of the door. Preparing his tonfa, Lloyd went into a stance to face any possible threat.

A mysterious fog emerged from inside the building, accompanied by two flying, wiggling mollusk-shaped creatures that looked straight out of hell.

"W-What is that!" Elie managed to shout despite being stunned by their appearance.

"And the fog, too. Tio-tot, can you find out if it's dangerous?" Randy turned towards the blue-haired girl.

"Access. Analysis starts," Tio quickly turned on her senses to find out about them. "Confirming the nonexistence of the higher elements. This isn't like the Stargazer Tower. The fog itself doesn't feel dangerous. I can't pick up anything."

The two monsters flew towards them.

"They're approaching! Everyone, prepare yourselves!"

---

After the battle, which was definitely not easy, Lloyd posited his theory that the monsters were drugged with Gnosis, too, just like the mafioso. Everyone voiced their agreement before braving the research ward building together. On the second floor, they found the rest of the staff still unaccounted for: Dr. Gailey, Chief Ursuline, and Dr. Lago.

Really, the only one unaccounted for is Dr. Guenter.

Ursuline did say that she saw a plain-looking man bringing the monsters into the research ward. That was another clue, although 'plain-looking' was too broad for him to even think about the culprit. If Juna was there with them, he was sure that Juna would've caught something from that and worked an answer.

After scouring every nook and cranny of the research ward, they finally arrived at the fourth floor, where Dr. Guenter's room was located. Lloyd looked at the others, who nodded at him. Juna and Dr. Guenter were still not found. This was the last room in the research ward.

Lloyd then opened the door before leading everyone to follow him inside.

The mysterious fog was still present inside Dr. Guenter's room. The room was dimly lit by the moonlight coming from the opened window. Nearby, a figure showed their back towards them.

"Earlier than I expected," the figure said, a clear male voice that was familiar to them.

"Ernest!" Elie declared in surprise. How couldn't she? Everyone expected the confrontation with Dr. Guenter but instead met someone who should have been in jail.

"Hello, Elie. It's been about two months now, hasn't it? The night is young, yet the moon looks positively gorgeous," Ernest turned towards them, showing the SSS his entire appearance.

(It was just a blink, but Lloyd swore Yin was trying to hold back his laugh.)

"Ernest... Your eyes...!"

Indeed. Ernest's eyes were demonic red. A clear sign that he was different from before.

"Hmph. He's already given up his humanity," Yin remarked with a huff.

"Oh, the legendary Yin has graced us with his presence, has he? My future would have been secure--if only you kept your damn mouths shut. Allow me this opportunity to sincerely express my gratitude towards you all," Ernest declared.

"The shadows are my domain... and I won't allow anyone to steal my name for their own ends. Especially those who offer their souls to demons," was Yin's sharp reply.

"So you are the one responsible for manipulating the monsters here," Tio concluded.

"How the heck are you out of jail?" Randy asked in surprise.

"More importantly, why are you here?" Elie gathered her composure and questioned the older man.

They all voiced the questions in Lloyd's mind, but weirdly enough, Lloyd didn't care for the answers.

"Heh, heh. Prison? That pathetic building, just like this hospital, has already fallen into our hands," Ernest laughed at the questions aimed at him.

"The prison guards should all be members of the CGF stationed at Bellguard Gate... Are you sayin' the mafia attacked the gate, too?!"

"Heh. Not exactly," Ernest rebuked Randy's conclusion. "Also, don't mix us up with those pieces of filth, Revache. They're nothing more than puppets to help us achieve our goals."

Lloyd's mind was still ignoring the scene in front of him. Everything took a backseat to gather every evidence they found on their way here.

Signs of Juna's struggle, the mafias controlled by Gnosis, Dr. Guenter's disappearance, and the fact that Juna was still nowhere to be found. He couldn't ignore the possibility any longer.

"Dr. Mark's absence... The call to Arios last night... Shizuku being held up for one more day... And the attack on the hospital. Everything was set up for a singular purpose."

Lloyd interrupted, laying out the fact before he took a deep breath. His words caught everyone's attention, and now all of them, including Ernest, was looking at him.

He only needed confirmation from the former secretary to complete his conclusion.

"Where is Juna?!"

The other SSS members were caught off-guard by Lloyd's growl.

Ernest let out a booming laugh.

"Hahahahaha! Juna Crawford... is in our hands!"

Randy clicked his tongue. "Damn it!"

Elie gasped at what she heard. "Ernest... why did you take Juna?"

"Because my comrade foresees that the girl might be a thorn in our plan. She's an unpredictable wildcard. That's why we had to remove her from our way," Ernest revealed, a smug grin decorating his face.

Wild card? It was true that the SSS got a lot of help from Juna and her uncanny ability to predict everything correctly, even the fact that they would face the remnants of the cult. However, her ability was not publicly known. Only a small circle of connected people knew what Juna could do with enough information.

"There is one thing I don't understand. How did your partner know of Juna? No," Tio shook her head, trying to gather her thoughts. "I mean, Dr. Guenter already knew Juna, but I don't think he knows exactly how valuable Juna is."

Indeed. That was the missing link in Lloyd's recreation of the timeline of events. After all, if Joachim Guenter already knew since the start, then he would've removed Juna sooner. There must be something he missed in his analysis.

"Hmm, so you already deduce that much, huh? No matter. None of you can do anything now. If you want to know the answer, you can get it after defeating me!"

---

"Haaa... Haa..." Lloyd panted in exhaustion. Behind him, the others were also panting, except Yin, who kept his even breathing throughout the fight. In fact, Yin was the one who delivered the final 'blow' on Ernest.

In front of them, Ernest was on his knees.

"Heh, as expected of you, Yin. Defeating me as I am now is proof that you're even more of a monster than you're rumored to be..."

Yin only scoffed in reply. "Hmph."

"And I admit, I wasn't expecting the four of you to put up such a fight. You've exceeded all my expectations," Ernest finished with a mocking smile.

"Ernest, why are you doing this?!" Elie called out. Perhaps she still couldn't accept how different the Ernest in front of them was from the Ernest she had known all her life. "Betraying Grandfather and becoming a lapdog of this monstrous cult... How did you fall this low?!"

"Me? Fallen? No, Elie, I've simply come to realize the truth," Ernest shook his head before sporting a grin. "Oh, yes... I understand the true meaning behind this land of Crossbell... I can see everything for what it really is now!

"..."

"Utter nonsense," Tio muttered with a sigh.

Randy just snorted. "This guy's out of his mind."

However, Lloyd noted everything Ernest said, committing them to his memories.

"Former First Secretary, Ernest Reis... Under state law, you are hereby under arrest on the charges of assault, incitement of a riot, unlawful seizure of property, drug use, jailbreak, kidnapping, and more. Surrender and come quietly!"

Ernest did not buckle.

"Why the rush, Bannings? The night has just begun...and the show our comrade has written is just starting. Your personal invitation is right over there," Ernest pointed at the table.

Everyone turned their attention there except for Lloyd.

"Irrelevant," he quickly turned the others' attention back to Ernest. "If it's just information, I'm sure we could uncover everything ourselves. It's probably about KeA, right? She's vital for Crossbell's future. No, Ernest, the more important thing here is you. Where did you take Juna?"

For a moment, Ernest looked surprised at Lloyd's words. He took a deep breath and released a booming laugh. "Hahahahahaha! Judging by the surprise of your teammates, can I assume that you hid this information from them?"

"Lloyd, what did you mean by that?"

Lloyd did not answer them. Not because he didn't want to answer them but because he didn't want to tip Ernest off about Juna's ability.

"Juna's location is written there. As I said, my great comrade has set up such a fun show. It wouldn't do to go off the script."

"And I guess the script includes you getting away from us? No chance," Lloyd answered.

"That's what you would think," Ernest smirked.

Suddenly, Tio gasped. "I picked up a presence!"

"Reinforcement?" Elie looked around.

Lloyd knew where this was going. Ernest wouldn't try to defeat them now that he knew his current power wasn't enough. He even tried to distract them before. So what he wanted to do was obvious.

"Ernest!" Lloyd was the only one who ran towards Ernest. Half a second later, Yin reacted by doing the same.

However, it was too late.

Ernest, using all the strength left in his body, jumped outside the window.

"He jumped?!" Randy asked out loud, surprised by what happened.

"No," Tio denied. "An escape plan."

Indeed. They saw Ernest grabbing tight into a giant dragon, flying away from the hospital.

"Kh..." Lloyd was frustrated with himself for realizing Ernest's plan too late.

"T-That just now is..."

"It appeared to be Ancient Winged Dragon," Tio sighed in resignation.

No wonder Tio picked up the signature of something. It was a giant dragon they encountered in the Stargazer Tower before.

"Oi, oi, things just keep getting crazier!" Randy exclaimed in confusion.

"Hmph. I suppose it's impossible for us to pursue him now," Yin cooly backed off. "Time is of the essence. Hurry and take a look at his 'invitation.' After all, it must have been prepared by Reis' so-called comrade."

Lloyd nodded, agreeing with the robed assassin.

"That's right... Let's check it out."

The five of them crowded around the table. There were two files, one in black and one in white. Both of them had the symbol of a glowing red eye attached to a purple door with two keyholes and two pairs of wings.

"That symbol..." Lloyd's words grabbed everyone's attention, who now focused on the book.

"Could this be the official crest of D∴G Cult...?" Tio wondered aloud.

Lloyd is inclined to agree with Tio. This was a document pertaining to the cult, and it has a symbol. It pointed to the same conclusion Tio had.

"Hmm..." Elie thought for a second before she gasped, "Everyone, it's similar to the symbol we found in the temple!"

"You're right," Randy said after he squinted. "That temple was also the place we had to fight some fiend."

"Hoo? Such a place exists in Crossbell?" Yin asked with some interest.

"Yes. It's similar to the tower you had us go to," Lloyd nodded. "Anyway, let's check the file."

Lloyd opened the file case and found several documents inside. One section detailed Hartmann and his involvement with the cult. Apparently, the cult held some blackmail over him. That was how Joachim had free reign in Crossbell. One term caught Lloyd's interest. 'Paradise.' He had the feeling it wasn't the paradise as imagined by the Church.

"I can't believe it..." Elie said with a gasp at what they were reading.

"Heh, it seems that the world is beyond saving," Yin remarked snidely. "According to this file, Hartmann is blackmailed. How interesting."

"Someone must have found out one of Hartmann's secrets and blackmailed him into cooperating. But what is this 'Paradise?'"

"I am not sure... but most probably, it was one of the cult's lodges," Tio answered Randy's question.

"Joachim must've somehow survived the raid and then exploited the blackmail and asked for refuge in Crossbell to Hartmann."

Elie gritted her teeth. "Absolutely unforgivable. He's Speaker of the Diet. How could he do something as foolish as getting caught up in all this...? Because of people like Hartmann, Grandfather has been toiling with his work all these years, and Father was forced to abandon us and Crossbell..."

"Elie..." Lloyd put his hand to reassure her.

They continued reading the book, and it touched a bit about Gnosis.

"Hmm? Interesting. The hospital isn't actually the place where Gnosis is being manufactured. Plus, the shipment list in there suggests that the mafia isn't the only organization that the drug has wormed its way into," Yin pointed out after reading the section about the blue pills.

"There must be another place Joachim used as a base of operations. And it might even be the place where the missing people are being held," Lloyd made some assumption.

"Most likely," Tio agreed. "But where could that be?"

Lloyd gave it some thought. A place in Crossbell that could be used by Joachim to do his cult activities. Producing and shipping Gnosis meant it had to be a place that was accessible to vehicles. His assumption about the missing people being held there meant the place should be large enough to hold the entire Revache. Looking around all the places they had visited in Crossbell, Lloyd found nothing that could fit.

Meanwhile, the others were making their theories.

"I just wanna know who else they could've shipped this crap to, 'sides the mafia. You don't think they got Heiyue, do ya?" Randy asked the assassin. Considering his connection to Heiyue, it was a valid thing to ask.

"Hmph. Cao is not naive enough to try his luck with this foolishness. I'd say possible candidates include some sort of pharmaceutical company, terrorist cells, Jaeger Corps, or even national intelligence agencies," Yin denied the allegation.

Randy sighed in relief, "Phew."

"The grotesque reality of Crossbell's situation is becoming more and more apparent," Elie sighed in resignation. Changing Crossbell for the better was a daunting task. She then looked at Lloyd, who was still in deep thought. "Lloyd?"

Lloyd didn't answer and instead opened his notes, looking for the compilation of Juna's explanation.

"Looking for some words of wisdom from Junie, eh?" Randy grinned.

Lloyd flipped several pages of his notes in quick succession before he sighed. "No use thinking about it now. For now, why don't we move to the white files?"

Everyone except Yin gasped when they saw what was inside the book. It was a collection of victims of the cult's data from before they were raided six years ago.

"Those sick bastards... How could they do something like this?" said Randy in anger.

Averting his eyes, Lloyd addressed the relevant party in the room. "I'm sorry, Tio. We have to see what's inside."

Tio looked apprehensive but relented. "Please, do not apologize. Just continue with your investigation, Lloyd."

Lloyd turned the pages and was greeted with several pictures of children around four to eight years old in white oversized t-shirts. Several pages later, they found a younger-looking Tio's photo, looking at the camera without any emotion. It was as if her eyes did not see hope anymore.

"Haha... I think my looks have improved over the years," Tio tried to lighten the atmosphere. But all it did was make everyone feel for her even more.

"Tio..."

"Of course you are..." Elie comforted her.

"Haha, you're so cute now. I can hardly recognize you in the image," Randy said to her delicately.

Tio wiped a small tear from the corner of her eyes. "I know you are simply trying to cheer me up, but...thank you. Lloyd. Please continue."

Nodding, Lloyd opened the next page. There, on the top right, was a purple-haired child who greatly resembled Renne. No, Lloyd was very sure it was Renne. It wasn't a surprise to see her, considering Estelle and Joshua had told them about Renne. But it was still heart-wrenching to see the image of someone they were acquainted with in the file alongside Tio.

"Renne..."

"I take it that girl is an acquaintance of yours?"

"Yes," Lloyd nodded.

He then flipped some pages, trying to find more relevant information. He stopped when his eyes found a photograph stuck in the file.

"Oi oi, that's..." Randy declared in disbelief.

"KeA?!" Elie gasped in surprise.

"Lloyd. Is this what you meant by KeA being important for Crossbell's future?" Tio questioned their leader.

"That's the girl from the Schwarze Auction, right?" Yin asked before observing the photo further. "This looks like a newer photo than the others. Could it have been taken recently?"

Lloyd shook his head.

"I don't know," he answered Tio. "KeA being important to Crossbell is what Juna told me."

Turning to the assassin, Lloyd answered him next. "Yes. This photo shows KeA close to the age she was now."

But there was something that stuck in Lloyd's mind.

Before he could ponder upon some of the strange things, he heard something coming from the window.

"Teehee. I'd say you're on the right track now."

It was Renne, sitting on the windowsill.

"Renne?"

"How long have you been sitting there?" Lloyd asked the purple-haired girl.

"I wasn't able to sense your presence... You aren't an ordinary girl, are you?" Yin was impressed and wary at the same time.

Right. Lloyd forgot that only the SSS knew of Renne's background as the Enforcer of Ouroboros.

"I'd say I'm about as ordinary as you," she replied the hooded assassin with a giggle. "Allow me to formally introduce myself: I am Renne. Ouroboros Enforcer No. XV, the Angel of Slaughter. It's a pleasure to officially make your acquaintance, everyone."

She finished with a curtsy. Thankfully, she stepped from the windowsill, Lloyd thought with a relieved sigh.

"Ouroboros... You work alongside the Direwolf, don't you?"

"Oh, you know of Walter?"

As the two exchanged pleasantries, Lloyd refocused himself to think about the oddities of the situation. Joachim was from the cult, and they had a photo of KeA that they suspected was taken recently. A cursory thought would lead everyone to conclude that the D∴G Cult was the one behind KeA. But Lloyd wasn't so sure.

First, Juna said that the original culprit would possibly try to retrieve KeA after her memories were recovered. If Joachim were the culprit who switched the Rosenberg Doll with KeA, it did not align with Juna's theory. It also didn't align with the SSS's suspicion about Joachim wanting to take KeA under his care. The time timeframe of KeA's release and their visit to Joachim was short. Just one week. If Joachim was really the one to release her, then it wouldn't make sense for him to retrieve KeA just one week later.

Second, in the photo, KeA was shown to be in a fetal position, hugging her knees inside a glass ball. There was nothing odd about the pose, but the fact that KeA was inside a glass object stood out to Lloyd. It was as if-

"-Lloyd?"

"Huh?" Lloyd was brought out of his thoughts by Tio, who shook his shoulder.

"The two infamous people in this room have finished flexing their wide network of fellow criminal acquaintances," Randy pointed out with his thumb at the two.

"Oh, right. What do you come here for? Judging by your eyes... the white file?"

Renne smiled. "Yes. And with this, I finally have every piece of information I wanted to know."

So Renne was hunting for the remnant of the cult, too... Lloyd lent the file to Renne.

"Lloyd?" Elie's eyes told him that she had a question for him, but he shook his head.

"Yes..." Renne had a serene smile on her face. "I've always had my suspicions, but I lacked decisive evidence... As of now, 'his' injuries have been fixed, and you helped me overcome what I couldn't myself. Finally...my reasons for coming to Crossbell State have been narrowed down to one."

Lloyd put her reaction inside his mind. Juna told him that sometimes people unconsciously gave clues to her, like Tio's reaction. Because of that, Lloyd also tried to notice other people more closely. ...And Renne's reaction was telling enough that she was hiding something. Though he could compile all sorts of information about various things, he still didn't know how Juna came to her conclusions. The best he could do was pass it on to Juna later.

Juna...

"Renne. We didn't get to the end of the files. Was Juna's location mentioned somewhere?" Lloyd asked the younger girl.

"Hm? What about Juna?" Renne asked before her eyes widened as she took a slip of paper from the files and read the content. "This is... Juna is kidnapped?"

Lloyd's face brightened. "So it mentioned where she is?!"

Renne shook her head with a frown. She gave Lloyd the paper.

Juna is with us. Chase us to the end of Zemuria. Even I don't know what my great comrade will do to Juna.

"That bastard!" Randy growled, punching the table.

"He tricked us," Tio conceded with a sigh.

"Ernest..." Elie sighed in disappointment at the man she once knew.

Lloyd gritted his teeth. Ernest had played them. And it was after Lloyd boldly said that the mystery wasn't important, too. He was outwitted this time, to his frustration.

"How and why is she kidnapped by the cult?" Renne asked them, curious. And was there a hint of sympathy there Lloyd saw?

"That's the problem; we still don't know. In the first place, while Juna is always helpful to us, only a select few know of her brilliance," Lloyd answered her with a serious tone. "Ernest said something about Juna being a thorn in their plan, but we still don't know what plan it is and how Juna is being a thorn."

Yin hummed, hearing that. "I've always wondered why you were so worried about her since we teamed up. So she's your protege?"

Lloyd sadly shook his head. "I wanted to, but she wanted to become a Bracer. Still, that doesn't mean we won't help each other."

"Hey, Lloyd. You kept a note on Juna's 'wisdom,' didn't you? Let's consult the notes," Randy offered.

Lloyd nodded and read the notes again, trying to find some relevant information that could be helpful to let them know where Juna was kept. He then recalled his shallow analysis of the possible base of operation from before. It should be a base big enough to hold the missing people plus the entire Revache, close enough to the city that it could be accessible by vehicle.

"Where could Juna be?" Elie asked in worry.

"From the message, we can assume that Juna is being held at their base of operation. The question now becomes where is the base?" Tio posited a theory.

"Damn, it could be anywhere else..." Randy clicked his tongue.

Lloyd opened his notes. His eyes scanned the content and found advice from Juna.

Use your detective power to find a clue. After that, I'll try to see if I can connect the dots.

No, that was just Juna telling him to rely on her. But the advice about using his deduction might work. He looked around, trying to find a clue.

"Hmm? Detective. You look like you found something?"

Lloyd sadly shook his head. "No, but I'm trying to emulate Juna. Coming up with an answer from nothing is her specialty. What she needed was data. So I'm looking around for clues about the cult."

"Good idea," Tio nodded. "Let's just gather some clues."

As everyone snooped around the room, Yin and Renne included, Lloyd laid his eyes on the files again. The D.G Cult symbol in front of the file opened so wide it looked like it was staring straight at him. Did it resemble something? There must be something he could glean!

In an instant, a memory crossed his mind.

"Hmm..." Elie thought for a second before she gasped, "Everyone, it's similar to the symbol we found in the temple!"

"You're right," Randy said after he squinted. "That temple was also the place we had to fight some fiend."

"Hoo? Such a place exists in Crossbell?" Yin asked with some interest.

"Yes. It's similar to the tower you had us go to," Lloyd nodded. "Anyway, let's check the file."

Lloyd widened his eyes. What if...

He quickly scanned his notes on Juna's advice again, trying to find something related to his theory.

"Lloyd?" Elie was the first one who noticed Lloyd's frantic movement as he quickly flipped his notes.

"You find something?" Randy asked him.

Without looking away from his notes, Lloyd spoke, "Tio. Please open the Crossbell map we have in our bag. I'm cross-checking my theory with Juna's advice."

"Understood."

As Tio spread the map out on Joachim's table, Yin stopped and observed Lloyd.

"Is Juna's words really worth that much that a professional detective like him sought her advice?"

Renne giggled from beside her. "Oh, you don't know? She correctly deduced that Grandpa Rosenberg works with Ouroboros just from observing his maid archaism. I wouldn't be surprised if, just by seeing you, she'd be able to guess your real identity."

Yin had never lost his composure the entire time they checked every room in the hospital. He hadn't even lost her breath to Ernest. But for the first time tonight, the assassin froze.

"Oi oi, Renne. You're overstating Juna's ability. It isn't something like that. She needed some backstory first before she could foretell what would happen in the future," Randy playfully denied Renne's claim. "So don't worry, Yin. You're safe."

Randy finished with a wink, though that didn't help calm Yin down any better.

"There!" Lloyd's declaration took everyone's attention. "Everyone, check the map."

Once everyone gathered around the map, Yin and Renne included, Lloyd began his explanation.

"So, let's start the explanation. As we were looking for clues, my eyes laid upon the emblem of the cult again. The red eyes in front of the files here," Lloyd brought up the file with the cult symbol for everyone to see. "There's nothing strange about it, and I also tried thinking about how it could resemble something or anything."

"And so, what did you find?" Elie prodded.

Lloyd shook his head.

"Nothing. The symbol means nothing to me. However, the existence of the symbol itself means something. Elie, where did you say we saw something similar to it again?"

"H-Huh?" Startled at being addressed, Elie took a few seconds before answering. "O-Oh, you mean the temple near the Mainz Mountain Path."

Lloyd nodded and pointed at the location of the temple on the map. "That's right. The Moon Temple. Now, Randy. What did you remember the most about the temple that you told us before?"

"So it's my turn, huh? Well, if I remember it right, it's about how we needed to fight some fiend," Randy answered with a grin.

"Fighting fiend. And the other thing notable about the temple is that the higher elements were active. Isn't that right, Tio?"

"Yes," Tio confirmed. "The higher elements were active when we explored the Moon Temple."

"Good, everyone still following me?" Lloyd asked, getting nods of confirmation from the others. "Now, everyone, remind me again, one more location that also has the higher elements active?"

"The Stargazer Tower," Yin quickly answered. After all, it was the place where he led the SSS to clear his name.

"Where does this lead to?" Renne asked Lloyd, feeling impatient.

Lloyd then put his notes on top of the map, showing everyone what was written on a certain page.

"Read this."

A name is important. In fact, a name is the single most significant information you can have against something. Take, for example, someone calling themselves with a letter, like S, V, C, or something. Chances are their real name starts with that letter. If you're thinking of something, connect it with their name. You'll bound to find something.

Everyone looked at Lloyd. "I see. So what should I connect this time?"

Lloyd took a deep breath and pointed at the temple.

"Moon Temple. Why is there a symbol of the cult there? I can't say it for certain, but there is a chance that it was formerly a base of operation for the cult in ancient times. This is the theory I was working on. And then we have the tower you brought us, Yin."

Lloyd moved his finger to point at the tower.

"The tower and the temple already have an established connection: the higher elements. But if we look at it from Juna's perspective, there is something else connecting them."

Lloyd waited for the other to come to the same conclusion as him.

"Their names," Renne and Tio said at the same time.

"Stargazer Tower, Moon Temple. The star and the moon," Lloyd nodded. "Remember that names are important. Juna said that if we're thinking of something, we need to connect it to their names. The star and the moon. The connection is obvious: both are celestial objects."

Renne smirked. "I see where you are going with this, Detective."

"Hold on, Rennie. I know you're like a genius hacker or something, but I can't follow!" Randy interrupted Renne. "Please continue, for now, Lloyd."

"The star and the moon. Both are celestial objects. However, there is one more important celestial object that we see every day..." Lloyd trailed off as he continued. His eyes moved toward a certain place on the map: A place further east of Armorica Village, deep on the Ancient Battlefield. "The sun."

Lloyd pointed his finger to the Sun Fort.

It was very unlike his usual deduction. There was no logic behind it, only faith in Juna's words. However, Lloyd had no time to verify everything. They were on a race with time, and he'd rather take this very Juna-ish conclusion than nothing at all.

"That's..." Elie trailed off, unsure of the conclusion Lloyd had reached.

"That is a very Juna analysis," Tio nodded to herself. "I'll give you 10/10 on the Juna scale."

"Heh, alright. And besides, we've never checked that Sun Fort place before, right?" Randy palmed his fist in excitement.

Yin just looked around in confusion. "I don't understand."

Randy turned to Yin and grinned, "Don't worry, you're not the only one. All of us still don't understand how Juna connected the dots to reach a conclusion. Heck, I bet Lloyd, who just made a deduction, is also confused about his own conclusion."

Nodding at Randy's words, Lloyd explained, "Yes. We all don't know how she did it, but so far, it has always come true. This time, it doesn't come from Juna, but I hope that it'll also come true because I followed Juna's method."

"I see..." Yin muttered. Lloyd had a feeling the assassin still didn't understand.

"Heeh, so this Juna's power, huh? Reminds me of someone," Renne giggled as she whispered the last part.

"Alright, SSS. Now that we've decided on a course of action let's go-" Lloyd's words were cut by a call from his Enigma. He quickly took it out and answered the call. "Crossbell Police Department, Bannings speaking."

It turned out that Deputy Commander Sonya Baelz from the Crossbell Guardian Force was almost at St. Ursula. Lloyd and the others relaxed a little because now the mess at the hospital would be taken care of by Sonya and her division.

Renne had been gone long before Sonya arrived. She jumped from the window and landed on a 'big-ass archaism,' as Randy put it, before flying away, though not before giving them one last clue about KeA being the 'key' which, unfortunately, Lloyd had known from Juna since way back in April. (Her pout when Lloyd admitted he already knew was very cute.)

Yin stayed for a while to oversee the rescue of the staff and patients before he parted ways with them now that he had enough information to report to Cao. (He also talked about having something he needed to protect. Lloyd, as per usual, noted it in his notes for the future if he or Juna needed it.)

After their goodbye with Yin, the four police officers found Sergeant Major Seeker and Deputy Commander Baelz. Then, they gave them a brief rundown of the situation. It was agreed that the Special Support Section would be given a ride back to Crossbell City in a CGF vehicle.

Notes:

Lloyd casually dunking over Divergent Laws just by following Juna's words and connecting the correct dots to arrive at the correct conclusion. Amazing. That's Max DP Lloyd Bannings to you. He sees all, including those hidden behind the veil of Divergent Laws. I hope I've shown enough progress of Lloyd trying to understand Juna's perspective (of not being bound by Aidios) that him emulating her style of deduction is not an asspull. Lloyd still didn't understand, anyway. He was just blindly following it, and he still arrives at the correct conclusion.

Chapter 25

Once they arrived back at the SSS building, Lloyd and the others reported their findings to Sergei and Dudley. From the oddness of the bus schedule, the empty bus on Ursula Road, to the eerie silence of the hospital. They told their superiors about the dormitory, their effort to get the key to the hospital building, and how Juna singlehandedly defeated the mafia inside the hospital and reassured the patient and staff, so the SSS job was easier.

Then they reported about the rooftop, their subsequent infiltration into the research ward building, and the meeting with Ernest inside Joachim's office. All of them took turns narrating the fight and Ernest's escape. They didn't forget to explain how Hartmann was blackmailed. After that, Lloyd explained his analysis about the suspected place where Joachim, Juna, and the other missing person were, the Sun Fort.

"I see..." Sergei massaged his temple as he absorbed all the information the SSS gave.

Dudley, meanwhile, just clicked his tongue in frustration. "What is Joachim Guenter hoping to accomplish? And what does he have to gain by intentionally leaving behind incriminating evidence?!"

"All valid questions, Dudley," Sergei replied. He then turned towards the SSS. "And with our initial suspicion of him, there is no way this isn't a setup. Good job on that, Lloyd. I guess Guy's spirit really lives on you."

Lloyd nodded bashfully. Despite having his own stellar career, being compared to his brother would always trump any accolade.

Randy sighed beside him, "It's like the bastard is taunting us."

"I agree," Tio nodded at Randy's casual complaint. "Judging by these files and how obviously he craved our attention, I felt as if this whole series of events was nothing but a fanatic's provocation. And then there is KeA and Juna to consider, too..."

"Right... What's so special about the kid that would make him so obsessed with her? And why did he think Juna would become a thorn in his side that he kidnapped her to get her out of the way?" Sergei asked the questions, but they didn't know the answer.

"Is Dr. Guenter the one who put KeA in the Schwarze Auction?" Elie also wondered aloud.

Lloyd shook his head at Elie's question. "I had time to consider things when Renne was still with us, but I think Dr. Guenter isn't the one who did it. Juna did say that whoever released KeA would one day take her back, but I'm halfway sure that it isn't Dr. Guenter. Remember, the timeframe between the Auction and our visit to Dr. Guenter is just one week. It wouldn't make sense for him to release KeA only to recover her one week later."

"But that would mean..." Tio trailed off, eyes widened when she realized the implication.

Sergei was the one who finished her words. "There is an unrelated third party who knew things and kidnapped KeA from that doctor's grasp."

"It made sense," Randy nodded to himself after thinking over Sergei's words. "That's why Joachim insisted on taking KeA when you visited him."

"He's desperate because the girl stolen from him was in front of his eyes," Elie frowned at their conclusion.

The Joachim problem hadn't even been solved, and they had another mystery on top of it.

Dudley shook his head, "We can shelve that for later. Right now, it's Joachim." He indirectly told everyone to focus back on the current problem.

"Right. Dudley. How is the top brass reacting to the situation?" Lloyd asked the First Division officer.

Dudley shook his head in defeat. "Unfortunately, we've received a report that the prison has been attacked. And to put a cherry on top, I've heard that the police academy, plus the training grounds nearby, were raided, as well. The entire department is a hornet's nest right now. No one knows how exactly to deal with the situation."

"Then we can't count on their backup anymore," Lloyd sighed at the situation. "For now, let's move forward with asking the Bracer Guild for help. I'm sure they want their star intern back from the cult's grasp."

"I can see that, yeah," Elie agreed with him.

"But that was not all," Lloyd continued. "We will also ask the Bracers Guild to get KeA out of the state. Joshua and Estelle should be strong and well-connected enough to fend off Dr. Guenter's attempt. And besides, Liberl should be relatively safe and free from the cult's influence."

The revelation of Lloyd's plan caught the other SSS members off-guard.

"Liberl, eh? Agreed. That would be the most secure place for her right now," Sergei nodded in agreement. "I'll ask it again, though. Are you really okay with it? You'd be throwing away your ability to watch over the kid yourself. Is it worth it?"

Lloyd exhaled. "This isn't about my pride or self-satisfaction anymore. You can argue against this all you want, but if there's the slightest chance that KeA can be safe, I'm taking it. I promised Juna that KeA would be safe."

Technically, he promised that he'd keep KeA safe, but now it was clear that he couldn't fulfill it anymore. Juna was kidnapped, and Joachim was targeting KeA. If giving away KeA for a time would make her safe, then Lloyd wouldn't pick any other choice.

"Lloyd..." Tio looked at him in amazement.

"Man. There's no stoppin' you sometimes, is there?" Randy sighed at his words.

"If that's your plan, you'd best not dawdle. The last international flight leaves at 9:30. If we hurry, that girl could be on her way to Liberl by the night's end."

"All right, then. Contact the Bracer Guild. I'd offer Arios' name, but knowing him, Arios wouldn't want to leave Juna with the kidnapper," Sergei advised.

Lloyd nodded as he brought out his Enigma. "That's why I didn't consider him. If the situation were something else, I would like to formally request his assistance."

Lloyd then pressed some buttons and waited.

"Hellooo! You've reached the Crossbell branch of the Bracer Guild!"

When Michel finally answered the phone, Lloyd quickly went straight to the business. "Michel? This is Lloyd Bannings from the Special Support Section. Do you have a moment? It's an emergency."

"Oh, hey sweetie. What's the matter? If you were wondering where any of my bracers are, none of 'em made it back yet."

...

Lloyd suddenly had a bad feeling.

None of them had made it back?

"Even Joshua and Estelle?"

"Those two? Well, they should be in-- Wh-Who...? Identify yourself! I hope you aren't foolish enough to cause trouble in the Bracer-- Gah!"

Lloyd gasped. "Michel? What's wrong?!" He shouted at the phone.

"Bannings! What's the situation?!"

"The Bracer Guild seems to have been attacked by someone or some group. Just before our call cut out, I heard the sound of machine gun fire," Lloyd quickly answered Dudley's question.

"Don't tell me that the mafia's behind this! The Bracer Guild? Seriously?!" Randy shouted in surprise.

"Considering the circumstances, I'm not sure if I'd even be surprised," Sergei sighed, no doubt imagining the headache the attack would cause.

But there was something that caught Lloyd's attention. "I'm not so sure about that. A mafia raid? It doesn't add up."

"And what doesn't add up?"

"The sound of the machine gun. It didn't sound like the one Revache used. And Revache is controlled by Dr. Guenter... Damn it, what if he controlled some other group?!"

Elie gasped. "That's right! The shipping document clearly stated that Dr. Guenter shipped Gnosis in large amounts to several places. Some of them might not be manufactured for the mafia."

Suddenly, the phone in the lobby rang loudly, catching everyone's attention. Lloyd quickly went outside Sergei's office and answered the call, followed by the other SSS member and Sergei and Dudley.

"Special Support Section."

"Oh, Lloyd, is that you?! Th-Thank Aidios, the call went through!"

The voice was familiar.

"Wait... Sergeant Major Seeker?"

"Yes, it's me! There's something that I need to let you and the others know about! Contact with the Bellguard Gate forces has been completely severed!"

"Wh-What?!" Lloyd shouted loudly. Bellguard Gate? "How could that even happen?!"

Noel was under Commander Baelz, who oversaw the Tangram Gate. The two gates should have never lost contact.

"I-I don't know! We're trying to look into it right now... Deputy Commander Baelz instructed me to report all this to you, just in case!"

"Roger, thanks for the heads-up! Oh, by the way, the Bracer Guild is assaulted by an unknown group," Lloyd informed her. Though, Lloyd mused inside his mind. It might not be unknown at all.

All the relevant information was inside his mind, and Lloyd couldn't not connect them all. Was this how it felt, Juna?

"The guild was what?!" There were two seconds of silence from Noel, waiting for Lloyd to drop the joke. But Lloyd wasn't joking. "I-I understand! I'll report everything to the deputy commander ASAP! I'm not exactly sure what's going on, but be extremely careful, okay?!"

"We will. The same goes for you, too!"

Lloyd closed the phone before turning to everyone with a serious expression.

"Something happened to the Guardian Force?" Sergei asked, feeling the dread.

With Hartmann's connection, Joachim could've distributed it to any group without fearing the consequences. The Bellguard Gate squad might be one such case. After all, the sound of the machine gun Lloyd heard was different from the one Revache had. It closely resembled the ones deployed by the Bellguard Gate's soldiers. Randy would know. And speaking of Randy, didn't he always talk bad about the commander of the Bellguard Gate? If Lloyd remembered correctly, that was one of the reasons Randy joined the SSS.

And so Lloyd nodded.

"There is a big chance that the Guardian Force from Bellguard is compromised and controlled by Dr. Guenter," he explained. "Prepare yourselves. We might be next."

Not even a second later, Zeit jumped towards the front door and growled.

"Zeit?" Elie asked in concern.

Tio then translated the growl. "'Surrounded! Everyone, watch out!'"

"Everyone, prepare to evacuate. Lloyd, take KeA with you, understood?" Sergei commanded as everyone prepared themselves. "Tio, keep an eye on our surroundings. Elie, provide support. Dudley. We'll watch over everyone's six."

Lloyd then grabbed KeA and carried her gently. "KeA. Hold tight, and don't let go."

"Yes! Ehehe..."

"All right, everyone... Try not to break formation, eh?"

As Sergei said, the building window was bombarded by bullets. Two CGF members jumped inside and brandished their weapons. So, Lloyd's guess was correct.

"Go now! Evacuate through the back door!"

Everyone quickly ran towards the back door leading to West Street. Sergei and Dudley fired some bullets to cover for their escape.

---

After exiting the building, they stopped near the way to the Central Square.

"So they're really from Bellguard Gate?" Elie questioned Randy, who was stationed there before.

"Yeah. I recognize some of them," Randy nodded, confirming Elie's suspicion. "Damn it, Lloyd. Don't go pull a Juna out of nowhere like that! Especially when you're correct!"

"So Dr. Guenter's influence reached the Bellguard Gate, too?" Tio voiced her question.

"The commander was Preston, wasn't it? He's in Hartmann's camp, I believe," Sergei informed them.

"No wonder they fell easily," Lloyd frowned.

"Damn that shitty commander!" Randy shouted in frustration.

Everyone's attention was turned when Zeit growled again towards the West Crossbell Highway. A military vehicle came and stopped.

"Damn... They've cut us off!"

"Let's retreat to Central Square for now!" Sergei commanded, and everyone quickly ran towards the Central Square.

Once they entered Central Square, they stopped when Lloyd noticed the parked car with several soldiers observing the SSS building.

"Crap! What do we do?"

"We can try cutting through the Administrative District!" Elie tried offering a solution, but Tio shook her head when she felt something entering her senses.

"Negative."

More soldiers were coming from the Administrative District to Central Square.

"Through the Back Alley! Move!" Dudley gave a command. Everyone quickly moved through the back alley, being chased by the soldiers.

As Lloyd and the others reached the end of the Back Alley and entered the Entertainment District, Dudley and Sergei stopped to hold the soldiers off.

Lloyd panted in exhaustion.

"Are you okay, Lloyd?" KeA asked him in concern. He must have looked worse than he felt because even KeA had to ask him.

"No, it's fine!" Lloyd answered, not wanting to hurt the little girl's feelings.

"Oh, if it isn't Lloyd and crew," a familiar voice called out. Ilya Platierre came out of the Arc en Ciel building casually. Damn it, this was bad timing for them, Lloyd cursed inside his mind.

"E-Everyone..." Rixia greeted them.

"Hehe, look at these two cuties. You've even got your big puppy with you. I've gotta say, that's one interesting troupe you're traveling with."

Lloyd shook his head. "I'm sorry to cut this short, Ilya, Rixia. But it's better for you to take cover. We are being chased all around the city."

Ilya looked around before turning back to Lloyd. "By whom? Ah, I see. You just want to take these girls all for yourself, huh? What would Cecile say, lil' bro."

As if the soldiers heard that, a car suddenly came and stopped in the Entertainment District. From inside, six soldiers came out and were ready to engage the SSS.

"Damn it! Just how many are they settin' on us?!"

Tio and Elie fired their weapons to halt their advance.

"H-Huh? What was that? Is this some kind of new tourist thing? It sure looks like the real deal! Bravo!" It looked like Ilya still didn't understand the gravity of the situation.

"Please, you all need to hide! Now!" Elie said between her shots.

"Rixia, bring Ilya inside, please," Lloyd asked.

"R-Right."

Dudley and Sergei emerged from the Back Alley. Seeing the SSS engaging in a fire made him click his tongue.

"What the hell are you guys doing?!"

"Head to CPD headquarters ASAP!" Sergei commanded. All of them nodded and ran behind to the Administrative District. Though Lloyd dearly hoped they didn't have the soldiers barricading themselves there, considering they had a group of soldiers from the Administrative District before.

Indeed. When they entered the Administrative District, the CPD headquarters' front door was being hit by the mindless soldiers. Thankfully, the door was reinforced with steel shutters. Anyway, they sneakily went to Central Square via the fountain, but it seemed like some of the soldiers noticed them. Elie, Dudley, and Sergei had to cover for Lloyd and the others.

Once they entered Central Square again, it was devoid of any soldiers. So they were safe for now.

"Yay, we're back!"

"The Guardian Force appears to have dispersed for now," Tio pointed out after looking around Central Square.

"Did we shake 'em off, then?"

"Most likely," Lloyd answered between his panting.

"Everyone," Sergei called the SSS. "Listen up. From here on out, we're splitting up. Take East Street and get the hell out of Crossbell City. Most of the guardsmen running amok look like they're from Bellguard Gate. And if none of Sonya's subordinates are here, we can assume that they're still sane."

Sergei then continued his explanation. " After you reach the highway, contact Tangram Gate and get them to come pick you up. Then you can use their help to check around the Sun Fort."

"Roger. But, Chief, what about you two?" Lloyd asked the older officers.

"Dudley and I will stay here to throw 'em off your track. You better believe I'll grab their attention by the horns, all right."

"What the hell, Chief?!" Randy shouted in anger. Sergei basically told them to abandon him and Dudley.

"Relax. For the two of us, pummeling these ingrates and retreating will be child's play. Now, quit standing there like fools and go! There's no time to waste!" Dudley reassured the group.

"Dudley..."

"Let's go!" Elie waved everyone to go to East Street.

"Chief! Be careful, okay?" KeA shouted as Lloyd started to go.

---

The SSS ran through East Street and stopped in front of the Bracer Guild building. Noticing the state of the building, Lloyd couldn't help but be angry that they missed Joachim getting the Bellguard Gate under him. So far, with Juna's help, directly or indirectly, they had managed to stay on their toes. But this time, they completely missed it. Was that why Joachim took Juna with him?

Michel emerged from inside the building and greeted them. "Oh, it's you guys?!"

"Michel. Thank goodness... How's the situation here?"

"I'm fine, fortunately. I managed to make my escape during the attack and hid until they finished. After they left, I snuck back into the guildhouse, but I doubt they've left the city already," Michel explained.

So Lloyd gave the complete assessment of the situation to Michel, though he had to skip some unimportant things because of time constraints.

"I see. So that's what's going on," Michel nodded. "Y'know, it's about time for the Bracers to return to the city. I'll send in reinforcements immediately upon their return, so make haste for the highway!"

"Thank you!"

Lloyd and the others quickly ran towards East Crossbell Highway. Their destination was the Tangram Gate, with the intention to cooperate with Sonya and possibly track Joachim around the Ancient Battlefield.

Once they entered the highway, they managed to take some breath before a group of people ran towards them.

"Oh, come on!"

It was Revache.

"They must be a separate squad from the one attacking the hospital," Tio noted.

"Well, they do have around 300 members. Throwing some spares at us is easy," Randy sighed.

"I don't think we have much choice but to break through them," Elie declared to everyone's agreement.

Lloyd put KeA on the ground. "KeA. Get as far behind us as possible."

"Okay."

Once KeA was safe, it was time for battle!

---

The SSS easily dispatched the mafia goons, but their cheers were short-lived as more mafia members came from the highway.

"Damn... Doesn't look like we can keep moving forward, Lloyd. No time for mopin'. Let's turn around and head for the Downtown District," Randy told the others to lead as he kept an eye on the incoming Revache vans.

However...

"Ah..."

The mind-controlled CGF from inside the city finally caught up with them. They were trapped between two prongs.

"Wh-What are we going to do?" Elie asked nervously.

"We're really backed into a corner now..."

Lloyd gritted his teeth. He had to do something to protect KeA. And there was still the matter with Juna. No matter what, they had to save her, too.

Just when all hopes were lost, Lloyd heard the sound of another car.

"That's..."

From afar, a red car came trotting in full speed towards their direction.

"Mr. Crois' limousine!"

The limousine rushed through the Revache members and stopped in front of them. The door was opened from inside, and Mariabell's head came out, "Hurry up and get in the car!"

"Right!" Lloyd carried KeA as Tio and Elie bought time for them all to enter. The two then followed with Zeit jumping to the limousine's top.

Inside the car, Dieter told them that he and Mariabell were coming back from Calvard when he was attacked near the Tangram Gate. Running into the SSS was just a coincidence. A happy coincidence. Dieter then brought them to the IBC building, where the front gate was reinforced by steel. He offered them a safe haven for the night.

Chapter 26

Juna opened her eyes.

"What?"

Where was she? The last thing she remembered was... Juna gasped when she recalled her memories. Ernest Reis! Which meant that she was now captured by the cult survivor, Joachim.

"Damn it. That fraud doctor!" Juna spat to the side. Finding herself not restrained by anything, Juna looked around. She sighed when she realized that Joachim put her inside a prison with no weapon inside. So that ruled out Joachim being the careless type of boss. No, in fact, with how ridiculous the setup at the hospital was, Juna was sure that he was the calculating type.

She should have never trusted the glasses.

Juna heard footsteps and looked up.

The footsteps came from a nondescript Revache goon. But Juna had a feeling that he wasn't just some goon. He stood in front of the bar and smiled.

"Good evening, Juna."

Juna needed no time to process everything. "Joachim Guenter."

"Correct. Man, I was worried that you'd be overwhelmed by everything. But thankfully, you're a sharp one," the goon nodded to himself. "Make sense. After all, you were able to get an internship at what? Thirteen years old? That's amazing."

"Spare me the drivel," Juna spat. "I heard from Ernest. You considered me a thorn in your side."

"Indeed. Your sharp mind is hindering me. After all, wasn't it you who informed Bannings that KeA is important? I could've gotten my hand back on the Divine Child, but somehow, you know about her. I wonder what else do you know?"

Juna was in a predicament. She didn't want to engage him because she was powerless here. But the heck, what was that exposition about Divine Child? She wanted to know more, damn it. Okay, it was time to play the clueless girl.

"Divine Child?" Juna asked in confusion. In the meantime, she noted the specific wording from Joachim because she realized this was the gloating moment from the typical JRPG final boss.

The goon frowned. "...So you don't know, after all. I wonder where you got the information from in the first place. Could it be... the one taking her away from me?"

So Joachim was also prodding her. This was definitely a psywar. Okay, she'd gonna do her best.

"Wait. Are you talking about KeA? Wait, did you just say that you know it from Lloyd?!"

"Took you long enough," the goon scoffed. "That's right. Your trust in your ally betrayed you."

No. She was confident that Lloyd didn't lie to her. But the fact that Joachim knew about her... there had to be an information leak that Lloyd didn't know. It'd be too hard to trace it alone, so Juna had to put the thought aside for now and focus on the mind games with the final boss.

"No. Your words won't shake me. You must have known it from somewhere else. Joachim Guenter, what is your plan?!"

Juna tried the classic approach of directly asking the enemy. Her expectation was low. She was sure Joachim was smart enough to avoid saying his plan. But Juna wanted to offer bait so Joachim would think that she was straightforward enough to ask him directly.

After all, that was the usual persona she showed when she was at the hospital.

"You don't think I'd answer it, do you? Ridiculous," he scoffed. "Or maybe you're putting up a mask to fool me?"

Juna feigned ignorance. "Just you wait, Joachim! The SSS will definitely come and arrest you!"

"The SSS is busy running away from my mind-controlled mooks," Joachim took the bait. So Joachim attacked the SSS after successfully kidnapping her. Could it be because Joachim wanted KeA? Big chance.

"They'll definitely get here and save me," Juna said with confidence.

"Such confidence after they outright betrayed you. I don't know if you're foolish or just in denial," the goon chuckled. "Anyway, I'll save you for later. I want to see the reaction of Gnosis from Garcia Rossi first. Enjoy your last day in a gilded cage, and please look forward to your freedom."

Juna was honestly stumped as she watched Joachim leave her alone. Gilded cage? Freedom? Did he just imply that he'd release her soon? No, that wasn't right. He said something about Gnosis. The drug that made the people angry, strong, and apparently good at gambling. What did consuming it have to do with freedom and cage?

In the end, while she at least got new info about KeA being originally under Joachim before she was taken away and put on the Schwarze Auction for unknown purpose by the culprit, she felt like Joachim won their psywar by getting info that Juna was not involved in anything and there possibly exist a fourth faction that knew more than Joachim thought. Juna clicked her tongue when she realized something. She could've misled Joachim by mentioning Ouroboros and seeing his reaction. But it was too late to do anything.

Juna looked around the inside of her cell. There was nothing she could use as a makeshift weapon. Damn it. Joachim mentioned Garcia Rossi from Revache, but Juna didn't hear anyone near her. She was completely alone in this cell.

"Damn it..."

Juna sighed as she accepted her place in the narrative.

"I hate being the damsel. Can I really not escape my fate?"

Juna was the kouhai character. Getting to her to get at the SSS should've been expected. She didn't think much about it because, well, she wasn't technically with the SSS. But they still kidnapped her anyway.

"I guess I can't really change anything in the end."

No, she wasn't angsting. She was just lamenting the limitation of a video game narrative. Even if this world was real, plots needed to happen, and she was just in the perfect position as the SSS's junior, official or not. She really shouldn't involved herself with Lloyd.

But...

It wasn't like she regretted getting close to the SSS or anything. She enjoyed talking with Lloyd about the cases he solved. She liked Randy's bro-ness and wished she had someone like that back in her previous life. She asked for lessons on girly things that she had never experienced before to Elie and Tio. She loved the soft and fluffy fur of Zeit. And most importantly, she had another little sister in KeA. So yes. She would never regret knowing them.

"Oh well..." She looked at the bar preventing her from escaping. Arios might have trained her in the Eighth Form, but it wasn't like her arm could withstand steel or concrete, so using her Eighth Form to hack away the prison bar was out.

...

Juna looked at the prison bar again.

"Or is it?"

She turned her attention to her small, delicate arms before shaking her head. "No, bad, Juna! It's a bad idea!"

Needless to say, Juna considered using her arms to break metal and concrete as stupid.

In the end, Juna plopped down on the ground with a big sigh.

"Lloyd..."

She had to be satisfied with waiting to be rescued.

---

Once they arrived at the IBC, Lloyd and Elie tucked KeA for the night in Mariabell's room. At least KeA would be safe here.

"Let's go, Elie."

Elie nodded. They were now ready to explain the situation to Dieter and Mariabell.

On the corner of his eyes, Lloyd saw a collection of Rosenberg Dolls. They really were of a high quality.

"Those were Bell's collection," Elie, who noticed him, explained. She then approached one of them. "Hmm... this one is cute."

Elie giggled before coming back to Lloyd.

"You've been inside Mariabell's room before, Elie?" Lloyd asked after they closed the door and left the room.

"Yes," Elie nodded. "We have been friends since childhood, so I'm familiar with her room."

"I see," Lloyd hummed. "Then what was that last part about the doll?"

Lloyd casually asked his teammate.

"Hm? Oh, that doll," Elie smiled. "Bell has been collecting the Rosenberg Doll since forever, so I knew the one she has. That blonde one, I think, is new. It's the first time I've seen it."

Startled, Lloyd froze in his steps.

"Lloyd?" Elie turned her head when she didn't hear Lloyd's reply.

"A-Ah. It's nothing, Elie. So that doll is new, huh?" Lloyd gave her a reassuring smile.

"Mmhm," Elie nodded. "I always wondered why Bell spent so much money on them, but every time I see a new one, I think I understand. They're so life-like. The quality is top-notch."

Lloyd nodded.

"By the way, Elie. Where is Randy and Tio?" Lloyd changed the subject.

"They're already in Uncle Dieter's office, I think. Let's go."

Lloyd nodded. The two then entered Dieter's office to brief him about the situation. Inside the room, everyone had already gathered. So, it was time for Lloyd to explain the situation to Dieter and Mariabell.

---

"..." Dieter had no words after Lloyd explained the situation with the CGF, Revache, and the rise of the cult.

"Father..." Mariabell was the same.

Lloyd sighed. "We don't have evidence decisive enough to have an arrest warrant right now. It's all just words. We'll have to prioritize evidence collection at some point."

They did have the black and white files, but it couldn't be proof of Joachim's work because his name was not attached anywhere. If anything, that was proof against Hartmann because his name was clearly there in the document.

"You're right... From your perspective, that's the long and short of it. However, I feel overwhelmingly disappointed in myself. Of course, the remaining cult members are partially to blame. However... I'm dumbfounded at the fools who've associated with them and allowed this to happen," Dieter ended with an exhale before he continued. "I'm more than aware of the sheer complexity of Crossbell's state of affairs. I understand that the very existence of Revache and the rampant corruption of our politicians are, to some extent, unavoidable... However, it seems I was a complete and utter fool."

"Uncle..."

"Right you are. IBC is a mammoth of a business and holds considerable influence over Crossbellan politics. However, Father has intentionally remained neutral to this point," Mariabell elaborated.

"My naive laziness is the cause of our current predicament. I apologize. I doubt there's much I could do to make up for it."

Lloyd shook his head. "No need to apologize, Mr. Crois. None of us truly saw the sign until it was all too late."

None of them except for Juna. But she has her weird ability, so she didn't count.

"You're right. Lamenting will get us nowhere. I, Dieter Crois, with the entirety of the IBC backing me, will give you my full support to help put an end to this crisis."

"Thank you, Uncle," Elie gave her gratitude.

After that, they discussed the next thing they had to do. The result was that Tio would help the IBC engineer fix the connection to Tangram Gate and CPD Headquarters. About KeA and her protection, Dieter told them that he prepared some service for the SSS down on the first floor, so they were free to prepare themselves.

Now that Lloyd was alone, he had several things to do. First and foremost, getting everyone's equipment. He went back to the first floor and talked to everyone there. After that, he approached Guillaume (who was there to talk with Chief Roberts) and used the sepiths to make some new quartzes. Then he checked the lineup of weapons and equipment from Receptionist Lanfei before buying new ones and selling the old ones.

After that, Elie contacted him saying that she wanted a private talk, so she went to the 16th floor and saw her waiting for him. Without waiting for a signal, Lloyd approached her.

"Elie, so this is where you've been."

The two spent the next fifteen minutes talking privately.

Notes:

The private talk is the Final Bond Event between Elie and Lloyd. I didn't include it because nothing changes from canon.

Juna misunderstood her role in Zero as SSS's kouhai. I wish Juna's role in Zero is being the SSS's kouhai... sigh. And of course Juna's Juna-ness had her consider breaking the bar using her own arms. Thankfully she stopped herself. The next part is my favorite! Lloyd after being exposed so much to Juna and has been shown to be able to get into her headspace, realized something weird in Elie's statement. But he put it off because it wasn't important that time and the situation is an emergency. It's not canon, but I want to put a foreshadowing after all the talk about where the real doll is previously (which also didn't happen in canon by the way, thanks, Juna.)

Chapter 27

After the talk with Elie (he was so close, Aidios. But that announcement had to distract them. Elie's cheek was so soft...) Lloyd got a call from Dieter about something. He quickly went to the office again. Inside the office, there were only the Croises and Elie.

"Oh, there you are."

"What's the situation?" Lloyd asked. He wanted to know what was the reason for the call-up.

"Well, two of the CGF's squadrons have reached the front gate," Dieter started.

"Interestingly enough, they've ceased their assault. Either way that gate is made of a special alloy, so breaking through it would be quite the feat," Mariabell continued.

Lloyd nodded. "I see... Odds are, they've figured out that we're laying low in here."

The door then opened, and Randy and Tio went inside the room.

"Sorry, we're late."

"Did I hear that right? The CGF's hunkered down by the front gate?" Randy asked for confirmation.

"Yeah, they aren't doing anything, though..." Lloyd confirmed Randy's question. If they weren't doing anything, there must be a reason why they did it.

Dieter's phone rang, and everyone turned their attention to him.

"It's me. What? Huh? Hmm... What did you just say?"

Lloyd sucked his breath. Whatever it was, it didn't sound good.

"It seems that the CGF members around the gate are up to something. They're supposedly installing some cylinder-shaped devices near the gate," Dieter told everybody in the room.

"Don't tell me..." Tio gasped when she heard the shape of the device.

"Directional orbal bombs!?" Randy finished.

"Wh-what?" Lloyd asked his colleague. This was something he was unfamiliar with.

"It's a type of orbal bomb used in the military for sabotage operations!" Randy answered. No wonder he knew of the bombs.

"It pains me to state this, but I am unsure your special alloy gate will be able to withstand the explosion," Tio said to Dieter with a shake of the head.

"No way..." Elie looked concerned at Tio and Randy's admission.

"For a bunch of puppets being manipulated, they're fairly intelligent," Mariabell scoffed.

Lloyd looked at the others for a second before he spoke.

"Well, I guess we have no other choice. It's time, Randy. Let's head out."

Randy smirked. "You read my mind... We're outta options at this point."

"Lloyd?!"

"Are you two trying to get yourselves killed?"

Both Dieter and Mariabell asked in surprise. But Lloyd just shook his head. It wasn't in his intention to just give up and sacrifice himself like that.

"Not in the slightest. We're going to disarm that orbal bomb."

"Well, we're probably gonna have a few scuffles at this rate, but you can ignore that part," Randy laughed.

As the two were about to move, Elie called out to them.

"You weren't planning on leaving us behind, were you?"

"It is our duty as fellow SSS members to fight with you," Tio let out a smile as the SSS was united in their goal.

"Yeah, of course... We'll be counting on your support!"

"Elie, Tio..."

"It's just a part of the job, Bell," Elie smiled at her childhood friend. "No need to worry.''

"Rest assured, we have no intention of dying here. Be it the CPD, or Deputy Commander Baelz's squad... We'll hold the line until reinforcements arrive!" Lloyd gave his last reassurance to the Croises.

"We've got the home turf advantage, too. We can handle this," Randy punched the air in excitement.

Dieter looked at the four SSS members before he sighed. "Very well, then. May Aidios' protection be your shield, and please, be careful!"

The four SSS members, plus Mariabell, left Dieter's office. As they passed Mariabell's room, the door was opened, and the still sleepy KeA rubbed her eyes.

"Where are you guys going?"

The green-haired girl questioned.

"KeA..." Lloyd was startled by her appearance. Thankfully, Randy was quicker on the uptake.

"Haha... Nothin' to worry about, KeDo. Just a lil' job we gotta take care of."

Unfortunately, KeA was one sharp kid. Instead of believing them, she just looked at Lloyd and Elie in the eyes.

"Can I come with you, then?" She said with a smile.

"W-Well..."

"How do we put this?"

Both Tio and Elie sent worried looks to Lloyd. Lloyd sighed. He didn't want to use this card, but they were racing against time.

"Sorry, KeA. But it's about time for you to head to bed, right?" Lloyd turned to Mariabell. With a slight hesitation, he spoke to the conglomerate daughter. "Mariabell, can we leave her with you?"

Mariabell nodded with a smile. "Of course. I'll see to it. How about I make you some cocoa? It'll warm you right up, and then it's nighty-night."

After that, Lloyd and the others quickly run towards the elevator.

---

Inside the elevator, the four of them reflected on what they were about to face.

"We have to protect KeA. It's our duty," Elie tried to psych them up.

"Agreed!"

"I think now's a good time to remind you that the CGF are elite combatants. Drugs or not, these guys know what the hell they're doin'," Randy interjected, trying to ground everyone's expectations. "In other words, this battle's gonna be unlike any other we've faced before."

Lloyd looked at each of them in the eyes. Elie's eyes held no more doubt. Tio's eyes were not focused on her pain anymore. And Randy's... there was no uncertainty in there. All of them were ready.

They had really come a long way since they first met.

And so, with a smile, Lloyd gave his words.

"Our time together has led to this very moment. It all comes down to teamwork now. Our first objective is to disarm the bombs. Next, we'll prevent the soldiers from breaching the gates. May the Goddess watch over us! Keep your wits about you, everyone!"

"Roger!"

"Understood!"

"It's showtime!"

---

 

The four of them rushed out as the gate was opened. Two CGF soldiers were standing there near the bomb.

"As if I'd let you!" Lloyd shouted as they quickly entered a battle. "Buy me time!"

"Come on!" Randy threw a grenade and blinded them.

Lloyd and Tio used the time to prep themselves. Lloyd focused all the energy inside him and brought it out with a shout.

"Haaaaaaaa!"

Meanwhile, Tio was preparing an Orbal Art targeting the two of them.

Seeing the two finished preparing, Elie aimed her gun at them and used her craft. "Strike Bell!"

Time was accelerated. Tio fired Dark Matter at the two, sucking them together into one place. As the Arts subsided, Lloyd was already between them. He adjusted his tonfa and whirled around.

"Axle Rush!"

The two CGF soldiers fell unconscious as Lloyd finished moving.

"We've done, Mr. Guillaume; quick, defuse the bomb!" Elie signaled to Guillaume and the IBC security guards who hid behind them, motioning them to come for the bomb.

"Leave it to us, Miss," Guillaume said with a smile as they dragged the bomb inside.

"The next wave is coming. Prepare yourself!"

The SSS held ground in front of the gate as three new CGF soldiers ran towards them.

Seeing the three grouped up, Lloyd quickly went into a stance and unleashed a Brave Smash, stopping the three in their track.

"Good job, Lloyd," Randy said before he leaped and smashed the ground, sending the three up into the air.

"Cross Mirage!" Elie shot at the three of them from her place, sending them to the ground just in time for Tio's Arts to finish being cast.

"Ice Hammer!" A gigantic icicle appeared out of thin air to smash the three CGF soldiers from above.

Seeing as the three of them didn't even twitch after the last attack, Randy went back to formation. "Great job, guys."

However, their cheers were short-lived as another batch ran towards them. This time, it was four soldiers being sent in the batch.

"Tch, they're endless."

"We have to hold on!"

"Here they come!"

As if learning from the previous group, this group did not run in a formation. Rather, they spread out to not be taken quickly by the SSS like before.

Lloyd quickly assessed the situation and took command. "Elie, Tio. Prepare your Arts! Come on, Randy!"

"Right behind you, Lloyd."

Lloyd took the attention of one of them and corralled him to another one. The other two were handled by Randy. With each of them handling two, it would make it easier for Tio and Elie to focus on their attack.

He attacked one of them before he realized that the aftereffect of Burning Heart was coming. "Damn!"

Lloyd fell to his knees.

From the other side, Randy looked on as he heard Lloyd's shout of profanities. "Lloyd!"

But he couldn't get distracted. "Take this!" He focused his energy and unleashed a Salamander, burning the two soldiers he was facing.

Feeling a little faint, Lloyd could do nothing as the two soldiers rained their attacks upon him. Thankfully, he only had to endure for around ten seconds because by then, Elie's Aerial summoned a tornado and flew them away from him. At around the same time, Tio's Hydro Cannon blasted the two enemies Randy was fighting away, too.

Randy quickly went and finished the two soldiers as Elie moved and casted Recuria on Lloyd.

"Thanks, Elie," Lloyd took Elie's offered hand and stood up. "Sorry, Everyone. I forgot to use Burning Heart again before the time runs out."

"Nah, it's okay. Let Tio heal you," Randy replied as the three walked back to the front of the gate.

As Tio cast Teara to heal Lloyd's injuries. Two figures watched them from the top of a building.

"They seem to be having fun," one of the figures, which turned out to be Cao, remarked with a smirk on his face. "Judging by Yin's report, I assumed they would be slowly beaten back, but look there. They actually seem to be holding their own. They ARE full of surprises, aren't they?"

"Master Cao... They may be succeeding for the moment, but endurance can only last for so long," Cao's assistant observed the SSS.

"Your point? If they die here, all it means is that this was all they could amount to. Their hope and potential would die with them," Cao calmly remarked as the next wave of soldiers finally arrived. "Ah, look. The next challengers approach."

This time, it was a group of five soldiers. Lloyd gritted his teeth.

"Let's go, Elie!"

The two fell into a step as the five enemies charged against them. "Lloyd, please!"

"Leave it to me, Elie. Haaaaaaaaa!"

Lloyd ran towards the five soldiers and unleashed a barrage of attacks that couldn't be blocked. After he was done, he leaped back to Elie's side as the two looked on.

"Star Blast!"

The two declared in union as Lloyd rushed for one last attack, followed by a blast from Elie's Orbal Gun.

"Good grief. The two are having fun on their own," Randy remarked with a sigh as he saw the two in action, easily defeating five soldiers on their own.

On top of another building, Grace looked down at the situation with not a single trace of amusement.

"Umm... Grace, what the heck is going on here?!" Her junior Reins asked in a panic.

"Shut up and keep shooting!" Grace raised her voice. Honestly, Reins was too green sometimes. " Our only way of fighting the good fight is with the pen and camera, okay? So stay with me!"

"Y-Yes, ma'am!"

Grace sighed. "Don't worry, guys... I'm gonna make this the best damn article this city's ever seen. So don't go dying on me now! There's no point in telling everyone your heroism if you don't make it through this."

The next wave of CGF soldiers came.

Lloyd heard Randy suck his breath and followed his sight. One of the soldiers was a blonde female. Wait, wasn't that...?

Lloyd shook his head to regain his focus.

"Let's go, everyone!"

Randy fired another Crash Bomb and blinded their enemies, muttering something along the lines of 'Sorry, Mireille.' Once they were blinded, Lloyd did another Axle Rush followed by Tio's Absolute Zero, freezing the enemies. It bought enough time for Elie's Spark Dyne to finish being cast.

Two of them fell down, three remaining. Lloyd turned his attention to them but Randy was faster.

"Haaaaaa!"

He jumped into the air and smashed the other two soldiers, sending them into unconsciousness. One left.

"Sorry, Lloyd. Can you leave her to me?"

Lloyd smiled.

Elie used Strike Bell to accelerate Randy, and he gently used his axe to send Mireille into dreamland.

Panting in exhaustion, the four of them went into formation again. Elie struck up a conversation with Randy. "That was Warrant Officer Mireille, wasn't it?"

"Yeah... Damn it. What the hell is this bullshit!?" Randy shouted as he used War Cry, the signature strengthening move of Jaeger all around Zemuria, to rejuvenate himself.

From a safe distance behind a tree, the red-haired figure of Lechter Arundel grinned.

"Boy, oh, boy. They're having a tough time. At this rate, everything really might go according to Old Man Giliath's plan. Well, time to see how they'll respond."

He noticed the next batch of soldiers running towards the IBC.

"Aaaaand, it would look like this next sortie will be our final act. Break a leg, guys."

Tio and Elie gulped when they saw it was a group of ten at once. They were on their last breath, and they still had to fight ten at once?

"It's not the end!" Lloyd declared. "Let's go, everyone!"

And yet.

And yet.

Despite the speech from Lloyd, reality sunk in. They weren't enough.

The four of them were on the ground; they could only fall four of the ten soldiers. The remaining six stood menacingly in front of them.

"Limit reached..." Tio panted.

"Damn it. There's no end to 'em..." Randy cursed.

"To fall in a place like this?" Elie couldn't accept the reality they were faced with.

"Is that all? Well, I suppose you did put up an admirable fight," a voice greeted them from behind the soldiers. They parted to give way to the speaker, showing another CGF soldier.

"Loggins? What the hell, man?! Why are you--"

"No," Lloyd cut Randy off. "It's not your coworker."

"Then..."

"It's Joachim Guenter."

"Correct, Bannings. Haha, It seems as though you've read my invitation. How delightful."

"You've got some nerve, pal," Randy growled.

"What are you planning? It's like you want Crossbell to plunge into chaos! And for what?!" Elie questioned the doctor.

"Why did you kidnap Juna!?"

"Oh? If you wish to know that, I must insist that you become my comrades," Joachim said calmly. "Come, take a bit of Gnosis. You would gain access to everything I know, of course."

"Stop it! Stop making light of what you have done!" Tio shouted in anger. It was personal for her. "Y-You are nothing but a monster. A beast that does nothing but commit atrocities!"

"A beast, am I? Now, Tio, it would be unfair to pin the actions of every lodge on me," Joachim chuckled. "Then again, I DID collect all of the experimental data on our Gnosis prototype. And with that, I was finally able to perfect it in this ancient and holy land... Oh, yes! All is according to fate!"

Lloyd took note of the wording. Ancient and holy land...

"You're insane!" Elie said towards the doctor.

"Yeah. The hell are you on about?" Randy grumbled.

"Hahaha... It is none of my concern whether or not fools who've yet to reach Wisdom can comprehend my actions. Now, I have one simple demand," Joachim glared at them. "Return our Lady KeA to us."

"B-but why?"

"Lady KeA?"

Elie and Tio questioned.

So KeA was indeed important for Crossbell... Lloyd grimaced. Juna's prediction was once again confirmed by the enemy himself. "Absolutely not. I don't know what you wanted to do with her, but I made a promise to protect her with everything I have!"

"Oh, do not misunderstand. Lady KeA is our Divine Child... That you happened to stumble upon her is nothing more than happenstance. I am just restoring her to her rightful place," Joachim explained.

However, Lloyd noticed a peculiar wording in his words. "A happenstance, you say? So you losing her in the first place was also a happenstance, huh?" He tried to probe with the assumption they had.

Joachim went silent.

"That's right. Juna's words..."

Elie, please don't bring that name up right now! Lloyd pleaded. He quickly tried to shift Joachim's attention.

"We know whoever put KeA in the Schwarze Auction would come back for her. But honestly, we're not sure you are the one releasing her there in the first place. Insisting on treating KeA wasn't strange when we didn't know the context. But now, with all the context laid bare, it was strange. Why did you want to take her back one week after KeA was released? There is only one answer. Another party took her off your hands in the first place. And we'll protect KeA whether it's from you or them!"

Joachim frowned. "Now, now. That's quite the allegation. Nevertheless, I'm asking your cooperation again to return Lady KeA to our hand."

"Our answer won't change," Lloyd declared. "Joachim Guenter. We will protect KeA!"

"That's a shame. Hmmm... how about we trade? As you know, I have Juna with me, and you don't know where I kept her. If you release KeA, I promise to safely release Juna Crawford to you guys. A girl for a girl."

Lloyd shook his head. "Juna wouldn't want that."

Joachim looked at the steel in Lloyd's eyes before he let out a small laugh.

"W-Why are you laughing?" Elie demanded.

"'Juna wouldn't want that,' he says as if he knows her condition." Joachim continued laughing. "How ironic. Where do you think I got the knowledge about Juna to decide to wipe her off the board in the first place?"

...

Lloyd bit his lip. It was the thing that he still didn't have the answer to when the information about being kidnapped was confirmed. Who tipped him about Juna? She never outright showed her ability near Joachim. It was only disseminated in a small circle of friends between the Bracer Guild and the CPD: Estelle, Joshua, the SSS, Chief Sergei, and Dudley. Renne suspected things, but she was Joachim's enemy.

"That's..." Elie trailed off.

"That's right," Joachim grinned wickedly through the soldier he commanded. "It was the two of you, Lloyd Bannings and Elie MacDowell! You two gave me clues about Juna!"

Lloyd froze. When!? He looked back at his interaction with Joachim. He had never talked about Juna near him! Lloyd gasped when he realized one moment he had lowered his guard. "Don't tell me-"

"-My question to Lloyd outside of your room!"

"Indeed," Joachim laughed. The sound of his laugh honestly made Lloyd want to puke. "Thanks to you, I had an easier time getting to this point."

"W-What have I done? Juna..."

Elie fell to the ground in despair. Lloyd was nearly the same. But he remained strong. Maybe Juna's kidnapping was his responsibility, but that didn't mean he could abandon KeA right here, right now.

"So, what do you think of a trade? Lady KeA for Juna."

With a heavy heart, Lloyd shook his head. "I'm sorry, Juna is important, but in her own words, KeA is even more important. Stand up, Elie. We might have made a careless mistake, but that doesn't mean we can let our guard down."

Elie blinked before nodding, wiping tears off her face. "R-Right!"

"A shame. So our negotiations have fallen short, then? If so, I'm more than happy to step over your corpses on my way to retrieve my lady."

Everyone prepared themselves for a confrontation.

"Now, then...prepare to die."

"NOOOOOOOOO!"

The child-like voice of KeA rang, and her small body ran with all her might to the SSS. She spread her arms and glared at the mind-controlled CGF soldier.

"Oh, Lady KeA...!"

"Don't hurt them! If you do...I'll never forgive you!"

She stared at Joachim with fire in her eyes.

"KeA, get back inside!"

"We're fine, KeDo! J-Just head back inside like a good girl, okay?"

But KeA ignored Elie and Randy.

"I've come to usher you home, Lady KeA. I beseech you. Forget this foolishness and return to your rightful place. Though you may not understand your role in this yet, you remain our beloved--"

"Shut up! I don't care!" Joachim's words were cut off by the green-haired girl, who began glowing with white light. "Just promise me! P-Promise me you won't do bad things to them or Big Sis Juna anymore!"

Everyone looked at KeA in shock at her words but, more importantly, at her glowing appearance. Lloyd was reminded of the fact that he heard KeA's voice before she awakened.

Right now, she looked so mystical.

"KeA..."

"Heh... Hahahaha...! Worthy! You, my lady, are most worthy of being our Divine Child!" Joachim laughed in satisfaction. "Very well. If you come with me, my comrades will stay their hand, and I will personally send Juna Crawford to the SSS safe and sound."

"You mean it? You won't do anything bad?" KeA questioned the doctor.

"I swear it," Joachim nodded gently. "Now, come this way."

Lloyd couldn't do nothing! He had to act!

"No!" He moved and ushered KeA behind him, protecting her from Joachim.

"Lloyd..."

"No! Listen to me, KeA! You're afraid of the dark, right? If you leave us, won't you be lonely? I'm begging you, don't listen to a word he says! He's tricking you!" He shouted desperately. He couldn't allow KeA to go. KeA was...

His mind flashed onto the moments he held dear in his memories. How KeA wanted to sleep together with him because she was afraid. How they cooked dinner together and had fun eating with all the SSS, Chief Sergei, and Zeit. How Elie taught KeA about normal girls' common sense. How Juna played around with KeA. All of them were his precious memories with KeA. He wouldn't allow her to be taken away!

"B-But, I don't have any memories. I don't even know who I am. If I'm just a burden to you... why would you want me to stay?" KeA herself sounded so lost and desperate. So Lloyd kneeled down and grasped her shoulder.

"You've never been a burden to any of us." Slowly, unconsciously, Lloyd felt his tears falling down from his eyes. "I want... No, we ALL want you to stay by our side for as long as you can!"

"Huh?" KeA asked in confusion.

Behind them, Lloyd felt that everyone moved one step closer to KeA.

"While all of us were watching over you, we found the meaning that each of us had been seeking. It's because you came into our lives that we were able to grow into the people we truly need to be," Elie finished with a smile on her face.

"Yes," Tio agreed with her teammate. "For a long time, I've struggled to understand why I still live... what my purpose is... But now I feel like I can do anything if it's to protect you, KeA!"

"That's why, KeDo... That's why you shouldn't sweat about the small stuff like this," Randy grinned at the little girl, ruffling her hair. "All we want is for you to grow up happy and to keep that goofy, carefree smile on full blast. 'Cause that smile gives us the strength to push forward! To overcome the struggles we face!"

"Elie... Tio, Randy..." KeA was clearly holding back her tears.

"Grrrr..." Zeit growled from the side.

"And Zeit, too..."

"Remember what Juna said, KeA. Your memories will one day come back to you when the time is right. It's not a burden. So, believe me when I say that you don't need to listen to his words. That's why, KeA... don't leave us."

"Lloyd...!"

KeA then closed her eyes and nodded as the glow around her body receded. "...Okay. I'll stay with you."

Lloyd wiped a tear with his arms. "I see..."

"KeA..." Elie smiled.

Unfortunately, their moment was interrupted by Joachim.

"Heh heh... HAHAHAHAHAHA!"

He clapped sarcastically.

"Well done! Tricking our Divine Child with those meaningless gestures... I can now see that entrusting her to you was quite a blunder on my part! Special Support Section! Prepare yourselves to suffer a slow, painful death!"

Lloyd glared at the man. "We already know you lost her. Why do you still insist on painting everything under your control?"

Joachim ignored him and commanded the soldiers under his control to move.

"Stand back, KeA!" Lloyd shouted as the other SSS member made a wall to protect KeA from the doctor.

This was it. With the SSS still tired from the chain of fights, this could potentially be the last stand. Even if they fell here, they had to at least protect her for one last time from the cult's clutch.

All of them prepared their weapon. Even when no words were exchanged, they all knew of the possibility of this being the last time they could do it. Nevertheless, none of them backed down. Not Tio, who still had a bright future with her brilliant mind. Not Elie, who definitely could run for mayor in twenty years. Not Randy, who had experienced so many kinds of battlefields.

Lloyd silently asked them to bet their future with him, and everyone joined him.

He couldn't ask for better teammates, Lloyd quietly mused as he smiled.

"We've gotta at least get KeDo inside the gate!" Randy stated their mission.

"That won't be necessary."

Before the four of them could even move an inch, a strong, deep voice interrupted.

"What?!" Joachim exclaimed in surprise as the Divine Blade of Wind stood alone on the way to the IBC building.

Joachim commanded the soldiers to face him, but with a single glare, Arios' hand went towards the sword in his hip and went into a stance.

"Eight Leaves One Blade. Second form: Gale!"

Like a gale itself, Arios swept all the soldiers in his way and placed himself between the SSS and Joachim.

"Strike!"

With a swipe of his sword, he sent the remaining soldiers flying away, leaving only the one possessed by Joachim kneeling on the ground.

"Arios!" Lloyd declared, hope blooming in his heart.

"Man, what a great timing!" Randy grinned, seeing the Divine Blade of Wind in front of them.

"Did you plan that?" Tio asked flatly.

Arios just shook his head with amusement. "Haha. I don't intend for such a dramatic entrance. And I didn't come alone, either."

Arios gestured for the SSS to look down at the entrance to the Harbor District. Two figures were running and shooting some soldiers.

"Damn! He beat us to the punch again!" Dudley grumbled as he fixed his glasses.

"Phew. Apologies, Dudley. Age is starting to catch up with me, I'm afraid," Sergei replied between his panting.

"It's the chief!" KeA exclaimed happily.

"And Detective Dudley, too!"

The two then ran towards the IBC gate and cocked their weapon on the soldier possessed by Joachim.

"I-Impossible..."

"Haha... man, what an entrance," Randy casually greeted Sergei and Dudley.

"You two are safe! Thank the Goddess!" Elie sniffled.

"Good thing we ran into Arios when we did. Luck must be on our side today," Sergei commented.

"True. We managed just fine...with a bit of unexpected assistance, of course."

"What do you mean?" Lloyd asked before his ears picked up the noises coming from the Harbor District. "...Oh, I see now."

"Reinforcements!"

Wald and Wazy, the two leaders of the Downtown gangs, Saber Viper and Testaments. They stood together as they faced a new squadron of mind-controlled CGF soldiers. Soon, the entire body of the gang got involved in the fight, driving the soldiers back off from the IBC.

"Well, would you look at that. Not too bad for fightin' professional soldiers, eh?" Randy remarked at how easily they matched the drugged soldiers despite just being a gang.

"Unbelievable... How is this possible? It's just a group of measly delinquents!" Joachim shouted in anger.

Suddenly, Lloyd's Enigma rang, and he quickly took the call.

"That must mean that they were able to fix our communication systems!"

"This is the Special Suppo--"

"Th-Thank goodness! Lloyd, you're alive! Ever since I heard that the Guardian Force was after you, I've been in the dark!"

Fran's voice cut his words. Lloyd couldn't help but smile at the obvious worry in her words.

"Fran? So you're safe, too!"

"Yes! We've begun the counterattack! Also, the guild managed to patch up the communications terminal that was taken down during the chaos. Albeit limited, orbal communications are back online!"

"I see..."

"Hah! And who, pray tell, do you think was behind supplying them with the necessary technical information?"

This time, a different voice could be heard coming from the Enigma.

"Jona!"

"From now on, call me Jona the Genius! I've already restored the orbal network, too, with a little bit of help from the IBC. Don't let my hard work go to waste now!"

"Haha, we owe you!"

"Officers should be en route, so hold on for just a bit longer! I'm going to try to contact my sister and the guards at Tangram Gate, okay? Please be careful!" Fran retook the phone.

"Yeah! Remember, only losers die!"

But of course, Jona couldn't resist having the last words.

"I-Impossible..." Joachim still couldn't believe what was happening. What should have been an easy night to topple Crossbell had become a nightmare for him.

"So, the pieces finally slide into place," Arios declared as he unsheathed his tachi and leveled it to the soldier controlled by Joachim. "Joachim Guenter, high priest of D∴G Cult. Do you still intend on pursuing this folly?"

"Heheh. Folly, is it?" Joachim glared at Arios. "My force, including those morons in the mafia, is almost 1,000 strong. Our stamina is inexhaustible, and we have no need for sleep. I can play the waiting game. After annihilating those in our way, the Divine Child will be ours. Hahaha! Please, look forward to what awaits!"

A malevolent purple light came out of the soldier's body before he lost consciousness. There was no trace of Joachim inside the soldier anymore.

"He passed out?"

"T-That now was..."

"Well, it would seem that Joachim is able to control them from a remote location. And to make matters worse, it very well may be a considerable distance away," Tio observed.

"Could he be manipulating the Guardian Force in full from the Sun Fort, then?" Elie wondered aloud.

"So Estelle and Joshua have told you what they found?" Arios sheathed his sword again and joined the conversation.

The four SSS members looked at Arios in confusion.

"Moments ago, Estelle and Joshua uncovered the cult's lodge. It lies to the northeast of the Ancient Battlefield. Traces of the missing people have been found, as well, indicating that they're being held inside. They were investigating possible entry points last time I spoke to them."

"Ah... no. We took a look at the situation and assessed several possible bases for the cult. It took time, but we concluded that the only possible place is the Sun Fort," Lloyd explained.

"How..." Arios looked surprised at Lloyd's admission.

Randy grinned and patted Lloyd on the shoulder. "This guy deduced things from nothing like Juna always did."

"Speaking of Juna, Arios. I'm sorry that our action led to her kidnapping," Elie sighed.

Arios shook his head. "It's fine. I trained her, so I knew that she didn't go down easily. Even you were overwhelmed by the cult, right?"

The four of them nodded.

"We've uncovered so much of the incident just from clues left by Juna from a few weeks ago," Lloyd admitted. "And just as we're at the height of the incident, Juna is taken away, so she couldn't confirm things for us. Dr. Guenter is smart."

Tio frowned. "I just hoped he hadn't done any experiment on her."

Everyone turned their attention to Tio's statement. That was right. Joachim could've drugged Juna with Gnosis!

"Let's go take that son of a bitch down and save Juna!"

"It's not that simple, Orlando. Supposedly, East Crossbell Highway has been secured by a force the size of an army. And it seems to consist primarily of the mafia," Dudley interjected, bringing the mood down.

"Either way, we're stretched thin. It'd be crazy to recklessly charge into a fight against a guy we don't really know anything about. I don't know. If we had a car, we might be able to break their line somehow, but it's a fat chance. Most of our police cars were stolen by guards under his influence," Sergei concluded.

"Perhaps I can be of some assistance," Dieter approached them with Mariabell in tow.

"Looks like you guys had fun. But, KeA, dear. I was worried sick about you! Don't do anything rash like that again, okay?" Mariabell gave a smile to KeA, who only looked at the ground in shame.

"S-Sorry."

Sergei introduced himself to Dieter. "Nice to meet you. I'm Sergei Lou, Chief of the Special Support Section. So, tell me about this assistance of yours."

He quickly went to the heart of the matter.

"Well, there's a limousine in the garage. Considering it's bulletproof and as fast as an airship, I believe it would make the ideal bulldozer," Dieter revealed to the two senior officers.

"Ho..."

"That's perfect!"

Sergei and Dudley grinned at the revelation. With this, they had a way to go through the east highway.

"If that's our strategy, we need to decide on who will actually be on board. We also need people to defend this place, too," Arios interjected. He then turned towards the SSS. "I assume you'll want a chance to save Juna and capture Joachim Guenter?"

Lloyd nodded. "If it isn't a trouble. Joachim wants KeA. So it's better for you to guard her. I'm sorry, Arios. I know you want to save Juna..."

Arios looked at each of them in the eye. Lloyd felt like he was being assessed by the senior Bracer.

"Yes. However, I see your resolve. You feel responsible for Juna's kidnapping. Very well, I'll entrust her safety to you, SSS."

And thus, a decision was made. Sergei would drive the car with the SSS inside. They would go to the Ancient Battlefield, meet up with Estelle and Joshua, and raid the base, saving Juna and the other people. Of course, their main target was Joachim himself.

Notes:

WE'RE HERE! This is my absolute favorite part in Zero, and I hope I did it justice. Holy shit, this is just so amazing the first time I played it. At first, I wanted to skip the fight entirely but might as well write a small section about it. Of course, I don't forget about one of the best OST in all Trails series, Inevitable Struggle. Anyway, yes, the 'That won't be necessary' part is canon. There's nothing else I have to say other than buckle up, I guess. We're reaching the finale of Zero.

Chapter 28

Juna heard hurried footsteps approaching her cell. It seemed that she was gonna have a visitor again. Standing up, Juna stretched her body to prevent cramps.

What greeted her seconds later were not other people controlled by Joachim but the fraud doctor himself. Drabbed in a cape that held some weird symbols, the man scowled at her.

"I'm done with Rossi. You're next."

Juna blinked, absorbing his words before she grinned. It seemed like his hurried steps weren't for nothing. Time to shake him up. "Did Lloyd and the others defeat your 'army'?"

"Shut up!"

"They did, didn't they? Oh, Aidios, it's so funny!" Juna had full-blown laughter for the first time since her captivity. "Next, they're gonna storm this place and get you."

"Shut up!" Joachim punched the prison bar in frustration. The resounding sound of bones breaking was music to Juna's ears. This guy was rattled up. Even so, Juna noted that Joachim's power was beyond normal human as his punch bent the bar. Did he also consume Gnosis? "They don't even know this place!"

"Do they?" Juna saved all those questions for later and instead continued sowing the seed of doubt. "Lloyd is a detective, you know. He's gonna notice that there's a suitable place for you to establish a base after eliminating all the remaining possibilities. As a famous detective once said, 'once you eliminate the impossible, whatever remains must be the truth.'"

Oh, how she relished frustration leaking in his body language. He might have tried everything to hold back, but Juna knew better.

"...You..."

He was hesitating. Joachim was hesitating! She needed to capitalize on this! Juna mentally asked for forgiveness from Lloyd for what she was about to do.

"In my humble opinion, it's better for you to shore up the defense of this place, or else the SSS would just walk straight down and bring the fight to you."

Joachim frowned. He looked at her intensely, to Juna's confusion. Was she not persuasive enough?

"How are you so sure that Bannings would come to save you? He's the one leaking your involvement to me."

"How many times do I have to say this? I don't believe you," Juna retorted Joachim's question with a scoff.

"Shall I reveal the moment so that you'd be sure, then?" Joachim grinned. "Oh, MacDowell's despair was delightful when I revealed how I knew of you."

Juna frowned. Joachim was trying to get a rise out of her. She shook her head. "No need. If you say so, then you'll do everything to break my resolve. Unfortunately, my faith in Lloyd is unshakeable."

That was right. Her faith in Lloyd. It might born just because she identified Lloyd as the main character, but it grew because of all the interactions she had with the SSS. The fact of the matter was she believed in Lloyd's sense of justice and responsibility. While Juna still didn't believe Joachim's words, she had faith that Lloyd would try to save her because he felt responsible if it were true.

With the two of them having launched their attacks, the situation was a stalemate. So Juna went to the offensive again.

"What about you? Is this place secure enough? Lloyd would beat anyone you put as a guard."

"I am confident in the system I put," Joachim said neutrally. Dang it. It seemed like he caught on to what she was trying to do. However, it appeared that her needling bore fruit because Joachim started to walk away.

With one last glance, he scoffed before leaving Juna with some parting words. "Be ready to achieve true Wisdom and be freed from Aidios' machination after I dealt with those pests."

Once he left, Juna let out a huge breath of relief.

"I can't believe that worked. Thank Aidios that I know the SSS are the main characters."

It was easy to guess when Joachim was that hurried. The classic trope of the hero overcoming the calculating villain's prediction, usually with the help of the power of friendship. Still, she was not bluffing when she said Lloyd and the others would storm this base. This place was worthy to become a final dungeon. Either they would work things out to figure it out themselves, or people would tell them about this place, mostly because she was held here.

So yeah. Juna could've just relaxed and waited until she was rescued.

But was that the best move she could do?

No, Juna shook her head with a frown.

Lloyd was coming here, good. But at the same time, Joachim had finished playing with Rossi. The next time he came here, Juna would say goodbye to her consciousness.

That set the time limit. She had to escape from the cell before Joachim came back from doing whatever. The problem that made her stop thinking about escaping was that there was nothing in her cell to be used as a weapon.

"Do I really have to sacrifice my arms?" Juna questioned aloud, wondering once again if she should use her arms to break the prison bar.

Juna sat down with a heavy sigh.

If only there was something she could use as a weapon...

She closed her eyes, clearly not looking forward to breaking her arms.

"Hm?" On the corner of her eyes, she saw a yellow butterfly floating inside the cell. "Pretty~"

At times like this, she'd take anything to distract her thoughts. Thinking over and over again that she needed to escape while not doing anything would've just stressed her out. And that butterfly was striking enough to distract her.

"Wait."

Juna's mind went into overdrive. Butterfly. Butterfly... Where had she stumbled upon them before? She knew she had heard about it. But her mind couldn't come up with the answer fast. It was significant; she knew it.

Butterfly... Yellow butterfly...

"When I finally got out, I saw this yellow butterfly and started to chase it! It was sooooo pretty!"

Juna gasped when she remembered where she had heard about a yellow butterfly. "Colin. That's right, Colin saw a yellow butterfly and chased it to the West Highway."

Was it important? It was only a second time, not enough to establish a pattern.

Juna looked at the yellow butterfly again. Currently, it was perched just outside the corner of her cell. Strangely enough, it didn't perch on the floor or the prison bar. It was perched on a stack of... Huh? What?

"That's..."

Just outside of her cell, close enough for her hand to reach them, there was a stack of metal sheets. Juna quickly approached, and the yellow butterfly floated away from the metal sheets.

"I swear to Aidios it wasn't there before..." she muttered. But, then again, she didn't look closely outside after confirming that there were no other people in her adjacent cells. She only scanned the inside of her cell.

Juna shook her head. She put the weird development aside and instead began working on using it to solve her problem.

"Metal sheets. Metal sheets..." She carefully took one of them and tried to bend it. It was hard but doable. She had to use her strength and the wall to fold it. "Great."

Juna then placed a new sheet on the wall and pushed it with her lower left arm. Using her right arm, she bent the sheet following the contour of her left arm from top to bottom. Once it formed a U shape, she rolled it and folded one of the ends inside the other, making a cylinder bracer on her lower arms.

Testing it, Juna knocked her protected arm on the wall and felt the impact to her arms lessened by the makeshift bracer.

"Yeah, that'll do." She looked at the still-thick stack of metal sheets. "...on second thought, maybe two or three layers would be better, considering how thin one sheet of them is."

Five minutes later, both of her lower arms were protected by the metal sheets, which she turned into makeshift bracers. "Alright. Time to bust out of this place!"

---

The SSS, plus Estelle and Joshua, had entered the Sun Fort. They were on a mission to save Juna and capture Joachim. On the way, so far, they had defeated lots of monsters such as Prairie Bat, Orgone Spider, Black Onyx, Zan Su, Aka Manaf, and many others. The combination of those monsters warranted the necessity of the group to combine their skills, as some monsters were weak to physical attack while others were to orbal attacks.

Right now, they were on the Second Stratum, and the scenery around them was full of orbal technology.

Elie commented, "All the modern equipment here seems so out of place..."

"I wonder if Joachim modified all these contraptions himself?" Estelle wondered aloud.

"...I'd say so," Lloyd answered before he explained, "If I were to guess, Joachim used the equipment to complete his Gnosis research."

Joshua nodded. "Yeah, that'd make sense. Especially since we never found anything at the hospital that came close to this stuff."

"...!" Joshua and Tio both turned towards the door in front of them.

"Incoming!" Tio reported.

Two mafia goons walked towards them.

"It's them..." Lloyd said as everyone prepared their weapon.

"Tsk, tsk. Managed to stumble your way inside this maze, eh?" Randy muttered.

"All they stumbled their way into is a pummeling!" Estelle growled. "That drug may have made you stronger, but we outnumber y--"

"Wait a moment!" Tio cut the Bracer off. "Something's not right!"

Her feeling was correct. Not a second later, sinister purple light emitted from their bodies as they groaned in pain.

"AaaaAAAAAaaaaaaaaahhhHHHHH!"

"W-What's wrong with them?" Elie asked with some hesitation.

"Are they..." Joshua's eyes widened when the two mafiosos turned into demons.

"Metamorphosis...?!" Tio mentioned in shock.

"We can figure that out later!"

---

Once the six of them dealt with the two demons, they turned back into humans and fell unconscious.

"Th-They're..."

"It's like watching a nightmare."

Estelle and Elie muttered in sympathy.

"Demonization... I've heard of things like this, but this is the first time I've seen it myself..." Joshua remarked, seeing the two bodies on the ground.

Lloyd moved and checked the two's pulse. "They're unconscious. They'll be out for a while, but their lives shouldn't be in danger," he concluded.

"Phew... That's a relief."

The six of them stared at what they just defeated. A real-life demon not from Gehenna but transformed from people. What a terrifying thing Gnosis was.

"I am afraid that this is another power of the doctor's Gnosis. The transformation occurring in the user's mind can become so potent that it alters their body, as well."

At this point, Lloyd would take any kind of justification for what he had just witnessed.

"Whoa, Tio-tot... You aren't jokin', are you? That's freakin' ridiculous. They might've been some good-for-nothin' grunts, but they didn't deserve this..." Randy, who might have lots of connections with ruffians like them, clearly sympathized with their circumstances of being manipulated by Joachim.

"This Joachim... I'm going to rearrange his ugly mug with my staff. Just wait!" Estelle declared by punching the air in frustration.

"Let's go. We should comb the surrounding area for clues. There may be valuable information on the cult hidden somewhere nearby," Lloyd took the lead once more.

"Understood!"

---

"Eight Leaves One Blade, Eighth Form: Destructive Impact!" Juna went into a stance and pushed her arm forward. However, while the usual Destructive Impact used your hand, this time, Juna used her lower arm to protect them from breaking her bones.

Juna attacked the weak point of the prison bar, which did not exist before Joachim punched them in frustration. The sound of her protected arm meeting the prison bar resulted in a loud clang that reverberated through the empty cells.

It bent a little, but not enough. The power from Destructive Impact was lessened because she did it improperly. Hmm, maybe there existed an Eighth Form that used the lower arms instead of her palm or fist, but she didn't know. She'd ask Arios later. She repeated the attack again and again until, finally, there was a hole in the bar big enough for her to slip out.

"Alright!" Juna jumped in celebration. Getting out so soon was an achievement in itself. After several seconds of celebration, Juna regained focus and scanned her surroundings.

This was a final dungeon. The obvious thing was that she needed to find the way out. But where to go? She had no weapons or items, and Joachim would be coming for her.

"I can think that once I reached an intersection."

Juna quickly ran towards the exit. Once she was outside the prison, she looked around. It turned out that her prison was located on the cliffside. Maybe it was a precaution so strong enough prisoners wouldn't just bust out the wall? She didn't know.

"Thank Aidios, I wasn't strong enough to destroy the wall. I could've jumped to my death, haha..."

Juna saw only a way forward. Ascending the stairs, Juna saw weird eye-lookalike symbol banners plastered on the wall. Symbol of the cult? There was also a strange orbal device that emitted light. An illumination system? It wasn't like the orbal lamp she knew. More cult stuff?

Juna shrugged and entered the hall. The corridor inside was dark, but with the orbal lamps, it was bright enough for her to see the way in front of her.

She whistled when her eyes found the giant figure of a monster. It roamed the hall just before an intersection. It looked powerful with muscled inhuman limbs, but some part of it was clearly similar enough to human, such as the face.

"Oh damn..."

She quietly backtracked outside the hall again. Juna was sure the monster would chase her. She had to find a way to get around it. Or worse, she had to fight it barehanded. Oh, Juna wasn't deluded. She knew she was outmatched. This was obviously the final dungeon where the monsters outclassed her. But she also knew that Joachim would be coming. She couldn't just stay there. She had to move!

Determination coursed her body as she decided to do something.

She would do her best to sneak and run away from the monsters!

Juna entered the hall again and quietly put her back on the wall. Slowly, she moved, trying not to catch the monster's attention.

Right. After evading the monster, there was... Juna held herself from groaning out loud. After the monster, there was an intersection. There were three ways she could choose, and she didn't know what to choose. Damn it.

Which one? She had to choose before committing her entire power to run. Juna switched her attention between the three ways she could go. Left? Right? Or straight? Which one would lead her to the exit?

Just as she was about to choose, the yellow butterfly entered her sight. Juna paid full attention to it as it was ignored by the monster and went straight.

Was that a sign?

"Alright, straight it is..." Juna decided to believe.

She took a deep breath before she entered a stance. She had to match the timing with the monster. She'd go the moment the monster showed its back on her. Hold... hold...

The monster turned, and Juna was now in its blind spot.

Now! "Second Form: Gale!"

Juna kicked the floor and dashed. However, instead of going towards the monster, Juna ignored it and went straight to the other side of the hall. She used the speed of Gale to dash away instead of attacking the enemy.

The monster growled when it sensed her movement, but by then, it was too late. She was already out of its reach.

"Yeah!"

One obstacle cleared! Juna slowed down her movement when she sensed the monster not following her. Catching her breath, Juna leaned on the wall.

"Phew. I hope my decision to follow the obvious clues in the yellow butterfly is correct," Juna muttered between her panting. She had to wonder, though, what exactly was the yellow butterfly? Why was it helpful to her twice but almost sent Colin to his death?

---

Lloyd had just released Marconi and his underlings from the prison. It was a hard decision since it was Marconi, the leader of the mafioso. But ultimately, Lloyd decided to do so.

"This is only because it's an emergency. Incredibly strong monsters wander around this place like it's their home. Trying to escape is tantamount to suicide. My advice is to stay put and wait for the police to start their rescue mission."

Lloyd warned the mafiosos, but the elderly man just scoffed.

"Hmph. Don't go barking orders at me, brat! Your job here is done! Scram!"

Lloyd just sighed. He then remembered something.

"Don Marconi, I have one last question."

He fished a CPD badge out of his pocket. It wasn't his, but rather, the one they found in the Revache's base. It was Guy's CPD badge, which had a big slash on it.

"Do you recognize this?"

As he showed the badge to the head of Revache, Marconi looked on to the badge.

"I feel like I've seen this one before..." Moments later, he recognized whose badge it was. "Th-That's the badge of that insufferable detective...! How did you get your hands on that?!"

"Funny. I was going to ask you the same thing. Did you kill the owner of this badge? Did you kill Guy Bannings?"

Despite asking in a firm tone, Lloyd's eyes were not angry. He did not accuse. He just wanted confirmation. Juna said that the truth about Guy's murder case would be revealed. But as she had told them before, while she still thought her prediction would come true, there was no harm in Lloyd investigating it himself, just like KeA's memories.

"I-I don't know what you're talking about. Besides, you might meet the same fate as him if you get carried away. Better learn your place quick and make sure to keep us happy, or else..." Marconi tried to threaten the SSS.

But he cowed.

"F-Fine! I'll talk, okay?! That pest was named Guy, right? Well, sorry, 'cause we weren't the ones who killed him!" Marconi revealed. "Y-Yeah, we might have been planning on taking him out since he was such a pain in the ass to deal with... but still! Before we could act, some other guy did the job for us! That badge was just some piece of junk that my men took from the scene of the crime!"

"..."

Lloyd fell silent.

"Is that really the whole truth?" Elie questioned.

"He does not seem to be lying, at least. Though it is possible that he's simply an incredibly good liar," Tio offered an alternative take on the situation.

"If everything he said was true, removin' key evidence from the victim and hidin' it like a treasure... You got quite a strange hobby there, don'tcha, Marconi?"

"Ugh, shut it," Marconi sighed. "A-Anyway, we didn't kill him! Yeah, he was probably... No, absolutely killed by Joachim! After all, that detective was conducting an investigation into Joachim while annoying us, too!"

What? Everyone turned their attention to Marconi.

"My brother was..."

"So he had the mastermind pinned down long before we found out about it..." Joshua nodded in respect.

"Lloyd's brother really sounds like he was an amazing man..." Estelle smiled despite their situation.

Lloyd shook his head and refocused himself. "It doesn't matter. We'll learn the truth once we capture Joachim. We've spent enough time here. Everyone, let's move out."

"Right!"

---

After resting for a while, Juna exited the hall only to see more cliffs. She scanned her surroundings and found another monster. This time, it was even more menacing than before. It was a chimeric fusion of five big snakes. Clearly, it was inspired by Hydra. However, what caught her attention was the coloration. Its scales were brownish gold. She'd bet just the skin was tough, probably earth-element aligned, too.

Juna had to be careful here. Five heads meant five eyes to see everything around it. She quietly leaned on the wall again to make herself smaller. Slowly, she took one silent step. Unfortunately, it was at the time the monster turned one of its heads to her.

"Shit!"

Juna quickly abandoned subtlety and went into a stance. Tough skin. So she wouldn't risk attacking it.

"Second Form: Gale!"

Juna ran on the wall as one of the snake heads struck her previous place. Without looking back, Juna found an entrance to a building. She dearly hoped it was a way to the exit, but since all around her were bottomless canyons, she couldn't go anywhere but that building.

She entered and took a turn to one corner. The classic trope of a chaser was that they'd miss looking behind them. Juna hoped it'd work in her favor. But thankfully, the Hydra-inspired monster didn't even enter the building.

After catching her breath, Juna started walking along the hall and arrived at another intersection. However, this time it was different. There was a single platform in the middle, and hers and the path to the right had bridges, while the path straight and left had a gaping hole. Juna looked around and saw a lever on the path to the left.

"Ah..." The infamous puzzle to be solved by the players to progress through the dungeon. Wait. Since she hadn't encountered Lloyd yet, did that mean this was the correct path to the exit? Or had he completed the puzzle on this path, and the path to the right would lead to a dead end?

Juna was broken off of her thoughts by a growl from a monster. Damn it, she cursed inside her mind as she retreated before the monster could see her.

Wait. Now that she thought about it. Falling down from this place would lead to doom, wouldn't it? Why didn't she just lead the previous snakey monster to fall down the cliff? Ah, well, she'd do that if she had to backtrack. Right now, Juna prepared herself before she stood on the middle platform.

"Hey, you monster!"

The monster roaming had a humanoid torso complete with the arms, but its bottom was just a single limb. And it creaked whenever it moved. A golem? It turned its head when Juna called out.

"I'm here!"

Juna waved her arms, getting its attention. The monster ran towards her, brandishing its scythe.

Juna took several steps back so that she was standing on the edge of the middle platform. She went into a stance for Gale. Her timing had to be precise. She couldn't go too early or risk the golem stopped before it fell, but she couldn't go too late that her path of running was closed.

The monster growled as it ran.

"Now! Second Form: Gale!"

Juna kicked the ground and ran.

Was the monster wearing armor, or was it just living armor in the first place? Juna didn't know. However, the mass of the armor was enough to force momentum against it. The monster roared as it couldn't stop and fell into the chasm below.

"Fuuuuuhhhhh~"

Juna let out a breath of relief. She didn't believe it worked. If monsters were this stupid, she was very-- no, she couldn't jinx it. Please be careful, Lloyd.

Juna saw the yellow butterfly floating past her toward the path to the right, which was now in front of her. Without hesitation, Juna ascended the stairs and was greeted with an open door. The next room was another intersection, but a quick glance to the left showed that it was a dead end. Juna then turned to the right immediately. Once it reached a corner, there were several steps of stairs going down and a locked door to her right.

"More part of the puzzle?" Nevertheless, Juna ignored it and continued past the locked door.

She took the stairs up, feeling a little hopeful that this was the way to the exit. Juna concluded that this place wasn't a tower but an underground dungeon. The way to the exit is up.

As she walked, she heard the sound of explosions and clashes of weapons. What? Juna crouched around the corner, peeking from behind a torch.

"That's..." Juna's face turned into a big smile because she was seeing the SSS and Estelle and Joshua fighting a big bipedal monster wielding a... Wait, that demonic-looking sword!

"Haaaaa!"

She saw Randy jump and smash the monster with his poleaxe.

"Star Blast!"

Then Lloyd and Elie combined their power and finished the monster.

"Gaaaahhhh!" It screamed in pain before its body was enveloped in malevolent purple light and turning smaller and smaller until...

"So it really is Ernest..." Juna whispered. Unconsciously, a grin found its way onto her face. But she had to restrain herself from running towards them because of one thing: post-boss battle cutscene. Juna waited until Lloyd confirmed Ernest was unconscious before she came out of her hiding place and shouted.

"Everyone!"

The look of surprise and delight on the six of them was something that Juna would treasure all her life.

"Juna!" Lloyd shouted.

"I'm glad...! I'm truly glad!" Elie fell down to her knees, crying.

"You certainly made us worry, Junie," Randy grinned.

"Thank Aidios, you're alright," Joshua smiled.

Juna ignored them because she immediately embraced Tio and Estelle.

Slowly, tears began falling down Juna's eyes.

"I'm happy that you're safe," Tio sighed in her embrace.

"I..." Juna sobbed.

"Ehehe... It's okay, Juna. Cry as long as you want. I'll just hold you like this," Estelle said as she tightened her own embrace on Juna's body.

Juna couldn't see it, but Joshua let out a small laugh at Estelle's words.

Thus ended Juna's lone adventure inside the final dungeon.

Notes:

Trails protagonist has thier own personal 'get out of prison' sequence each arc, ergo, Juna is now a Trails protagonist.

Also Estelle is Bestelle

Chapter 29: Zero Arc End

It was three minutes after her cry when Juna was coherent enough for everyone to fuss over her. After that, the group exchanged information leading to the situation they were currently in. Once they were finished, Lloyd asked everyone.

"We need to assign two of you to go back with Juna. Anybody volunteered?"

"Lloyd, please. I can handle myself, as I've proven by getting here safely. I want to stay with you guys," Juna tugged on Lloyd's jacket.

Lloyd frowned. Deep inside, he knew that Juna would be safer with them rather than going back together with one or two of them. But... They intended to arrest Joachim.

"Junie... I know you're strong, but we're about to face the mastermind behind this all. We're worried about you."

Lloyd saw Juna sigh at Randy's words.

"You said you avoided the monsters around here, right? Isn't that because you know you're not strong enough?" Elie put a hand on Juna's shoulder and squeezed it. "Randy is right. This place is unsafe..."

"But I don't want to weaken you by cutting two powerful fighters out of your group," Juna shook her head again. It seemed that Juna really wanted to join them...

"What about staying with the other kidnapped people? I'm sure they can band together and wait until the police come," Joshua offered.

"But Juna said that Joachim wanted to experiment on her, didn't she? I think it really is safer for Juna with us," Tio argued.

Juna sighed for one last time. "Fine, then I'll tell you guys straight. You guys will be able to defeat that fraud doctor. Don't worry about that. And Lloyd, you said you asked Marconi about Guy's badge, and he told you that Joachim might be the murderer? I don't think so. In fact, with the information that KeA was originally in his care before suddenly being taken away and placed at the Schwarze Auction? There is a big chance that the one who took KeA from Joachim is the one or related to the one who murdered your brother."

Everyone gasped at Juna's words.

"That's..."

"Why?" Lloyd asked as he opened his notes after taking a deep breath to calm himself. "Can you elaborate?"

Randy nodded. "Your words are actually helpful."

Juna nodded before she began explaining things. "We're about to face the mastermind behind the cult incident. However, previous information established that the cult isn't responsible for KeA. Sure, that fraud doctor might have had KeA, but it isn't important. KeA being the Divine Child of the Cult isn't important. The important thing is that she was kidnapped and you guys found her. It placed weight around your relationship with KeA. Joachim might do everything he could to get her back, but he isn't the one who purposely left KeA in the auction. A third party did. So I'm very sure that you guys will face the third party soon after you defeated Joachim."

Juna took a break and sipped some water, letting everyone absorb her words.

The third party who kidnapped KeA from Joachim... they would also face them? Wait, didn't Juna say something to Randy, too? About how the SSS would face the Red Constellation in the future... was this related to that?

"I think you've said something along those lines, but not the exact words," Lloyd tried to remember as he flipped his notebook. "Ah, there it is. 'You guys will face the Red Constellation,' and 'the truth about Guy Bannings' murder will be coming to light.' Is it related to that?"

Juna nodded. "Somewhat. Remember what I said about weight? Lloyd, have you found something new about your brother?"

Shamefully, Lloyd shook his head. "No. I didn't find anything."

"Then the weight right now is currently light or nonexistent."

Weight?

"When you find new findings about Guy's murder case, slowly, the weight becomes heavier and heavier... Until it burst. That's when the truth about Guy's murder case would come to light," Juna finished her explanation.

"Um... Juna..." Elie suddenly started. "What kind of weight are you talking about?"

"I would also like to know that," Tio agreed with Elie's words.

Juna bit her lip. This was her ability to connect things, wasn't it? Did it turn into an ability to weigh something? Lloyd thought as he saw Juna glance at Estelle and Joshua.

"Umm... Estelle, Joshua, since we already know your story, may I use them as an example?"

Estelle blinked. "Sure, I would also like to know what you mean by weight. I dearly hope it wasn't body weight, ehehe..."

Joshua sighed, "Estelle... I'm pretty sure it wasn't that kind of weight."

"No, it's not your body weight," Juna laughed before she continued. "Estelle, Joshua, ever wondered why the Enforcers you guys encountered in Liberl are connected to your group members?"

Lloyd saw Estelle's mouth open in surprise and Joshua's widened eyes. Let's see... From what Estelle and Joshua told him, they faced Walter the Direwolf, Luciola the Bewitching Bell, Phantom Thief B, Renne, and Loewe the Bladelord. How did they connect with Estelle's group?

"Walter is Zin's fellow disciple in Taito. Luciola is from the same place as Scherazard. Both Phantom Thief B and Olivier/Olivert are Seekers of Beauties. And then there's Estelle and Renne. Of course, Joshua also faced Loewe, and both are connected. Why do you think that is? The answer is simple: weight. You get what I mean?" Juna turned towards the SSS.

Ah, so it was that kind of weight... Lloyd began to understand what Juna meant as he nodded at Juna's explanation.

"Huh?"

"Lloyd?"

"As expected."

What? Lloyd looked around to see that the other three SSS members were looking at him. Wait, was it only him who understood what Juna implied?

"Thank Aidios, somebody understood," Juna sighed. "Lloyd, can you help me explain?"

Lloyd nodded.

"The example Juna provided answered itself. Each of the Enforcers is connected to Estelle's group. Therefore, there is a weight behind those connections. For example, Renne posed as an innocent girl and got closer to Estelle, establishing a connection. That connection becomes the weight behind Estelle and Renne facing each other. This is the weight that Juna meant. The same could be said for the others as well. I still don't understand why it was guaranteed to happen, though..."

Juna clapped her hand as she smiled. "Perfectly explained, Lloyd!"

He let out a small laugh. "In other words, you said that Guy's case didn't have weight right now because there is no connection between it and the cult... But Marconi did say that my brother was also investigating Joachim before his death."

Juna blinked. "What? Hmm..."

Lloyd scratched his cheek. "Have I not explained this before?"

"I don't believe so," Tio answered. "When you recounted our journey here to Juna, you only said that you released Marconi, and then we jumped to the confrontation with Ernest."

"Okay then, forget anything that I said about your brother. Oh, but the explanation about the weight is still relevant, okay?" Juna decided.

Lloyd nodded. "Of course. I've written about them in my notebook."

Juna's cheek reddened when Lloyd mentioned the notebook.

"Aw shucks. But at least it really helped you, ehehe..." Juna laughed sheepishly in embarrassment.

"You know what, this doesn't solve the problem of Juna wanting to follow us..." Joshua suddenly remarked.

...

"That's right!" Estelle exclaimed.

Lloyd sighed. They were sidetracked by Juna's explanation and example. "Fine, I understand your earlier point, Juna."

"What?" Randy blinked in confusion.

"It feels like the two of them are always in a personal frequency..." Tio remarked, squinting her eyes at them in suspicion.

Even Elie looked at him with suspicious eyes!

"You guys... Juna had just demonstrated that her insight is useful if we bring her."

Juna nodded. "That's right, you guys will face that fraud. I figured he would let slip some vital information that I could quickly connect with something else. Of course, I'd retreat to a safe place if you really came to blow with him."

"Ah..."

"I see..."

"Okay, Juna. We'll bring you with us," Lloyd finally decided. "However, you will stay behind when we engage enemies, okay? We don't want you to get unnecessarily hurt."

"Thanks, Lloyd! And besides, I just came from below myself. At least I can guide you until near my prison."

"Alright. Let's go!"

"Right!"

As they walked, Juna tugged on Lloyd's sleeve again. Sensing that Juna wanted to talk privately, Lloyd assigned Elie to lead the way while he and Juna slowed their pace until they were the last in the group.

"What do you want to talk about, Juna?"

Juna had a complicated look on her face. "I... I don't want to make everyone worried. But I got out not without help."

Help? From what he understood from Juna's recount, there was nobody who helped her. "Who helped you?"

"It's not a direct help, per se," Juna raised her arms to show the makeshift protective gear she made herself. "Remember when I said I found this stack of metal sheets? I only got to see them because a yellow butterfly perched on it."

"Yellow butterfly?"

Where had Lloyd heard about it before?

"When I finally got out, I saw this yellow butterfly and started to chase it! It was sooooo pretty!"

"Colin?"

Juna nodded at his conclusion. "Yes. But I don't really care about that because I can finally bust out of the cell. However, moments later, when I arrived at an intersection, I was wondering where to go because there was a monster guarding it. I had to decide before I tried avoiding the beast. The same yellow butterfly floated past the beast and went straight, so I followed."

Lloyd was deep in thought. The yellow butterfly helped Juna find a path to reunite with them. However, the same butterfly led Colin towards the wolves... what was different?

Juna giggled. "No, Lloyd. I'm not asking you to solve it. I just want to raise your attention. You've encountered something supernaturally similar, haven't you?"

"I have?" Lloyd hummed, mind whirling. "Oh, you mean KeA's voice."

Juna nodded. "Yes. I still don't know why the butterfly led Colin to the West Highway, but it has twice helped me. The weight behind it means that Colin almost getting mauled by the wolves helped us."

Lloyd frowned at Juna's words. How could Colin almost die helping them?

"That's what I'm trying to find out, too."

"I'll think about that later. For now, let's focus on Joachim."

"Yes!"

Lloyd went back to take Elie's post as the vanguard while Juna fell into a conversation with Estelle.

---

The party continued their way through the Sun Fort's inner structure. Currently, they were passing the cliffs. When they were about to turn east, Juna suddenly called out. "Umm, everyone, please stop."

Everyone was confused by her request. Lloyd turned back to face the pink-haired girl. "What's wrong, Juna?"

Juna only sighed. "I feel like we're about to face someone significant soon. But it's not Joachim yet. For example, Joachim mentioned that he was giving Garcia Rossi Gnosis, but we haven't faced him at all. I suspect that he's waiting at the end of this."

Lloyd frowned. Juna's ability had never led them wrong, but he was still curious. "What made you so sure? Is it the weight again?"

"It's... kind of, but not really? I do think the weight is behind Garcia Rossi, but... it's more the connecting the dots part. I can't explain how, but see that narrow passage?"

Juna stopped them before they could walk through the passage, so everyone nodded. "A long passage where you couldn't escape? Or even a big circular area with the focus on the center? You are more inclined to face strong opponents there."

Everyone blinked.

"What?"

"Huh?"

"How come?"

Juna groaned softly. "Like I said, I can't explain, but I'm one hundred percent sure."

Lloyd didn't fully understand, but he trusted her. After scribbling Juna's quote about passages and the big circular room, he put down the notes and addressed everyone.

"Okay, I want everyone to prepare themselves. Tio, can you sense anything at the end of the passage?"

Tio reached out with her sense. In the meantime, Lloyd and Elie drank some coffee to rejuvenate themselves. Randy snacked on some food while Estelle and Joshua poured some tea from their flask.

"...There is something I picked up," Tio declared as she finished using her senses, catching everyone's attention. "It's quite a strong presence."

So, Juna was yet correct again.

Juna sighed, "No doubt about it. It's Garcia Rossi."

"The Killing Bear again, huh?" Randy commented.

"The last time we faced him, we were bailed out by Randy using his War Cry and Chief Sergei driving the boat for us to escape," Elie brought up their last encounter with the ex-Jaeger.

"I remember. But today will be different," Lloyd roused up their spirits. "We have to defeat him if we want to keep KeA safe!"

He looked at everyone in the eye. "Are you guys ready?"

One by one, everyone answered with a variation of 'yes.'

"Let's go!"

---

After a long time, they managed to defeat the demonized Garcia Rossi, and some words from Randy helped rouse him out of the brainwashing.

"Hmph. Look at you, talking like you're some kind of big shot... Whatever. I think... I might owe you my thanks..." the now fully conscious Garcia snorted as he panted in exhaustion.

"Joachim used Gnosis on you, didn't he?" Lloyd guessed, and Garcia nodded.

"Yeah... Direct injection, too. That bastard... I knew he was slimy from the moment I laid eyes on him. Damn it! He thinks he can do this to my men and get away with it...?!" Garcia roared in anger as he knelt on the ground, with no strength left after the SSS defeated him.

"You can rest easy. We'll apprehend him. I'm sorry to say, but I doubt you and your subordinates will be able to avoid arrest," Lloyd replied with a sigh.

"Hmph. Can't say we don't deserve it after this pathetic-ass display," Garcia snorted in amusement. "That bastard should still be in there. Hey, Son of the War God and... Lloyd, right? You guys may get on my nerves, but that bastard makes me want to punch a wall...Listen well. You will not...lose to him!"

The ex-Jaeger then fell unconscious.

After paying their respect (that man resisted demonization with his own sheer will!) Lloyd addressed everyone.

"The true mastermind behind this case is only steps away now. Considering how powerful Ernest and Garcia were, I'm afraid that this might be our toughest arrest yet. ...Everyone ready?"

"Of course!"

"Yes!"

"Always!"

"Let's wrap this case up!"

"Ready and able!"

"I'm ready!"

Lloyd nodded with a smile. "Good. We will now commence the arrest of D∴G cult high priest Joachim Guenter... Give it everything you've got!"

"Yeah!"

---

The group then continued their way and found themselves entering a big, bright room. All around them, there was only clear water as far as eyes could see. The only path in front of them led to a big, circular platform. Past the platform was a staircase towards the center of the place.

Was this what Juna meant when he said big circular place with a focus on the center of the room?

"What is this place...?" Lloyd asked, scanning the surroundings.

"An underground lake?"

"Feels like this ruin just gets bigger and bigger..."

Elie and Randy remarked.

Lloyd turned his attention to Juna, who looked around and nodded. "So this is the place, huh?"

Before Lloyd could ask Juna for clarification, Tio caught everyone's attention by pointing at something in the center of the room.

"Everyone, look!"

In the center of the room, past the staircase, there stood a tower-like structure with a clear glass ball on top of it. Behind it, the symbol of the cult was displayed proudly.

"That's the thing in KeDo's photo!" Randy pointed out.

"So we finally found where it was taken..."

"All I remember is a big, dark room... A light shined down from above, but it always made me a little scared."

Lloyd remembered KeA's words to him.

"She was trying to describe this place, wasn't she?" Lloyd concluded.

A burst of laughter that wasn't theirs rang.

"Haha... Indeed she was."

Everyone's attention shifted towards the source, and they were greeted by Joachim Guenter, the mastermind himself, standing below the glass ball tower.

"Figures," Lloyd heard Juna muttered silently.

"Wh-When did you show up?" Estelle demanded.

But Joachim didn't answer. He just descended the stairs.

"Welcome...to the holy ground of our origin. Ladies and gentlemen from the Special Support Section, as well as the esteemed guests from the Bracer Guild. I'm glad you could join me. Of course, I didn't forget about you, too, Juna," Joachim stopped by some distance from them before he continued. "What a smart girl to run away from me before I could dose you with Gnosis."

"You monster..." Elie dragged Juna behind her.

"Can't help it," Juna stuck her tongue out from behind Elie. "Who's the one angry enough to put a dent in the bar that I can exploit later? Certainly not me. Speaking of, are your hands okay?"

Lloyd saw Joachim's eyes twitch. So Juna was telling the truth when she said Joachim was rattled by their success.

"Joachim Guenter. I'm going to cut to the chase. Release everyone who's been brainwashed by Gnosis. Now."

Lloyd demanded.

"Of course. I wouldn't mind," Joachim nodded to himself. "I told you at the IBC, didn't I? Hand over Lady KeA, and everything will come to an end."

"Don't joke around. I've told you at the IBC, haven't I? There's no way I would hand KeA over to someone like you!" Lloyd declared determinedly.

"Yeah!"

"I'm with Lloyd."

"Of course!"

The others voiced their agreement with their leader.

Lloyd continued. "You said that you'd release Juna unharmed if we give KeA to you. I disagreed, and here we are. Juna is unharmed with us, and KeA is under Arios' protection."

Joachim bit his lip. It looked like he was holding back from lashing out.

"Oh, what a shame. You're making this conversation harder than it needs to be. Lady KeA has always been our humble organization's Divine Child. Our love. Is it so unreasonable that we would want the object of our worship back?" Joachim raised his arms dramatically.

Juna whispered quietly. "He's changing subjects. Keep prodding him, Lloyd."

Lloyd gave a subtle nod to Juna.

"Do you think we aren't aware of what happened six years ago?! You will never lay your hands on that girl ever again!"

"Better yet, tell us everything you know about KeA's identity! You know where she came from, don't you?!"

Nice one, Elie. Lloyd glanced at Juna, who had a smile on her face.

"Haha... How interesting. You're still clinging to the foolish idea that Lady KeA was born in this era..."

Huh?

"Th-this era...?" Tio voiced the question that was on everyone's mind.

"Very well, then. Divulging this information to people who haven't achieved Wisdom would normally be prohibited, but allow me to provide enlightenment for you poor, lost souls," Joachim scoffed as he fixed the position of his glasses. "Just a month ago, Lady KeA was sleeping in that cradle you see resting at the top of the altar. She had been slumbering there for over 500 years!"

Joachim exclaimed to everyone's surprise.

"What!?"

"Five hundred years!?"

"That's not possible..."

Multiple lines of disbelief came out of everyone's mouth. Lloyd glanced at Juna from the corner of his eyes only to see that she wasn't surprised in the slightest. In fact, Juna was deep in thought.

"Surely you can't be THAT surprised. While modern technology cannot hope to achieve such wonders, it's easily done with the technology of the ancient civilization," Joachim chuckled darkly. "Five hundred years ago, there lived a group of alchemists who gathered in this land with the intent of studying artifacts. Records say that this very altar was built using their powerful tools."

Juna gasped. "Alchemist? KeA is a homunculus?"

Everyone turned their attention to Juna, even Joachim.

"You... how did you know that term?! The notes left behind by the alchemist were kept under wraps by me!" Joachim glared at Juna before his eyes widened. "You also knew about KeA's importance that you informed the SSS... I asked you again, how did you know about her!"

Juna strutted forward from behind Elie.

"The weight. Lloyd finding something in the auction has weight. Then it turned out Lloyd found KeA, a little girl. It adds more weight to her importance."

"Weight?" Joachim furrowed his eyebrows, his anger turning into a contemplative expression. "Weight..."

Joachim was deep in thought.

Meanwhile, Lloyd now understood why Juna thought KeA was important. So, it was the weight of her connection with him, after all. Admittedly, he still didn't fully understand why those weights guaranteed that KeA would be important. Only Juna understood that. But he at least grasped the concept of the weight and the apparent connection between them and what could happen in the future.

"Are you--" Joachim gasped in surprise before he shook his head. "No. It's impossible..."

What? What was he talking about? Lloyd turned to Juna again, who now pointed her finger at Joachim.

"Anyway, I can see what you're trying to do with KeA. Judging from the cult's disposition towards worshipping devil--"

"Haha, we're not quite worshipping the devil. We simply use them because they're convenient in our fight in denying the very concept of this 'goddess.'"

"Th-then..." Elie asked in disbelief. "You don't believe in the Goddess?"

Joachim nodded. "Indeed. Aidios? Goddess of the Sky? There is no such existence! She was just a fabrication of the Septian Church to control the mass!"

"Great. The first atheist I met here, and he kidnapped children and dealt drugs," Juna muttered so quietly that Lloyd couldn't hear it clearly.

"Y-You can't be serious!" Tio shouted in anger. "If that's really the truth, what compelled you to do all those horrible things to us...?! All of them... Everywhere I looked, it was nothing but screams and cries for help! And I'm supposed to accept that the lodge I was in was one of the luckier ones...?! If you aren't worshiping devils... Why...?! Why did you do all those things?!"

"Tio..."

"Tio-tot..."

"Tio, I'm sorry to say this. But this man has no empathy. I bet you he organized those kidnappings and experiments just to perfect his drugs," Juna glared at the doctor.

Joachim took one more look at Juna. "You're correct. Every ceremony served the greater purpose of enhancing Gnosis toward its prime form. The willpower and hidden potential that blossoms when one is brought to their breaking point... That kind of data was a necessity if we wanted to perfect Gnosis."

This time, it was Lloyd's turn to glare at the man. However, he was not wavering and continued.

"The reason we used children for our tests was simply because it ensured more accurate data. You see, test subjects that have yet to reach puberty are, in various aspects--"

"That's enough!" Lloyd growled in anger.

"Have you no shame?! This cruelty is just..." Elie almost broke her formation just to comfort Tio, but she left things to Juna, who embraced Tio from behind.

"Never thought I'd meet someone more screwed up than we were," Randy remarked with a sigh.

"Oh, he's more screwed up than we all thought, alright," Juna said after she released Tio from her embrace. "Those experiments, perfecting Gnosis, his insistence on getting KeA back and using the term 'Divine Child' for her... why do you think the cult did all that?"

Everyone was silent at Juna's question, even Joachim, who now paid more attention to Juna.

"You wanted to ascend KeA into godhood, am I right?"

Everyone gasped at Juna's words, including Lloyd. Ascending KeA to godhood?! How could that be?!

"Hahahahaha..." Joachim laughed. "HAHAHAHAHAHA! Oh my, oh my. Spot on, Juna. That is, indeed, what the cult and I strive for. A True Goddess!"

Juna's words were validated by Joachim himself. So Joachim really wanted to ascend KeA into godhood? Forget understanding how it could be possible. The fact that he wanted to ascend someone to godhood was insane!

"I can't believe it."

"KeA..."

Randy and Elie muttered under their breath.

"Joachim Guenter. Based on everything we've heard, you must have been the person responsible for organizing these experiments all over Zemuria, right?" This time, it was Joshua who fired the question to Joachim.

"Haha. Precisely. However, my rank within the order isn't something to brag about. After all, we're all equals under--"

"To be honest, I don't give a crap about whatever your cult believes in," Estelle cut the cultist off. "But, you must've known about that place. One of the cult's most infamous lodges: Paradise."

...So it was about Renne... Lloyd took a step back, letting Estelle and Joshua come forward.

"Oh? You know of its existence, then? That particular lodge was formed by the high-ranking officials of the order. Whenever an influential figure visited Paradise and exposed their ugliest weaknesses, they became easy to bend to the order's will. Truth be told, that lodge deviated from my research principles, which I did not appreciate," Joachim elaborated.

"Judging by Hartmann's name on your notes, I want to confirm our suspicions," Lloyd interjected. "You are blackmailing him with proof of his visit to such a place to get help for the cult, am I correct?"

"I only began to truly understand what happened there after I pored over the results of every established lodge," Joachim answered with a nod. "After that aggravating operation six years ago, we nearly lost all of our precious lodges... Fortunately, we stumbled across the perfect backer for our cause: Speaker Hartmann. Conveniently enough, he came with the nice bonus of Revache & Co."

"Everything so far is according to our suspicion..." Lloyd sighed. "And you manipulated the Crossbell Guardian Force through the same connection, didn't you?"

"How'd you even get them to take your crappy drug in the first place?!" Randy demanded. No doubt he was angry about Mireille.

"Oh, that was simple. The CGF commander is Speaker Hartmann's protege, so he effectively dances in the palm of my hand. All I had to do was pass Gnosis off as a new supplement developed at St. Ursula. How fast he believed me did come as a bit of a shock, though..."

"Tch," Randy clicked his tongue in frustration. "That shitty commander was always a dumbass."

"If I can segue back to Paradise, there was something about its demise that bugs me. Instead of being ambushed by that operation, it was decimated entirely by the society that caused the Liberl incident last year..." Joachim exhaled. "Oh, dear, just what were they thinking?"

Both Estelle and Joshua were silent. They had interacted with Ouroboros, especially Joshua, a former Enforcer. So, only those two knew why Ouroboros raided Paradise.

"Well, the destruction of Paradise only left me with one genuine regret... That being the loss of a young subject who demonstrated a remarkable level of adaptability," Joachim grumbled. He must be talking about Renne. "Oh, she was simply a marvel! Through harnessing Gnosis, she could absorb other failed subjects' personalities and manifest them in her own mind! If only we could have recovered all of that oh-so valuable data, but alas..."

"That's enough."

"We have what we came for. You can shut your disgusting mouth now."

"...Sorry, Lloyd. I think we might have cut your interrogation short," Joshua looked apologetic as he spoke to him.

Lloyd shook his head. "It's fine. Thanks to your help, I was able to draw a lot of conclusions about the case. I'm prepared to arrest him now--without hesitation."

He then turned his attention towards Joachim, raising his tonfa.

"High Priest Joachim Guenter of the D∴G cult..."

"According to Crossbell State law, you're hereby under arrest on the charges of assault, incitement of a riot, unlawful occupation of property, misuse of drugs, and child abuse!"

"Telling you is just a formality, but rest assured the search and arrest warrant have already been approved!"

"The jig is up, buddy. Don't resist."

Elie continued, and Randy finished.

"Haha... How intriguing. I have an idea. Why don't we make a wager? Which of us will be the ones to accomplish their goal...?"

Purple lights suddenly enveloped Joachim's body. The space above him crackled with red malevolent energy. Once they receded, Joachim's hair had turned white, and an orbal staff appeared out of nowhere.

Everybody took a step back in reflex.

"H-His hair...?!"

"And some sort of orbal staff...?'"

"Ah yes, this is my true hair color," Joachim said regarding his new appearance. "You see, as a result of repeated Gnosis consumption, my body has been altered somewhat. Or I've simply gone grey due to not getting a wink of sleep these past several years."

"So, that explains how you were able to accomplish all of this while working full-time at the hospital."

It was strange how he could accomplish so much with so little time. It turned out that he didn't need rest and worked all night instead. No wonder he could achieve so much in just six years alone.

"Haha. Maybe you're a better detective than I gave you credit for." Joachim then raised his staff for everyone to see. "This staff here is one of the orbal masterpieces created by the ancient alchemists of Crossbell. Its power even surpasses that of an average artifact. And it allows me to command these to my every whim!"

Joachim finished his words with a smirk as he summoned two archaisms beside him.

"Tch!" Lloyd clicked his tongue in frustration. So it came down to a confrontation anyway.

"Now, I believe it's time for our finale to get underway. If things go as planned, today will be the greatest day the world has ever seen..." Joachim raised his staff. "The day when our desire to see Lady KeA become God and take her throne is finally realized!"

"Enough with your delusion!"

"We will never lose to someone like you!"

That was the signal for their confrontation. As promised, Juna stepped back and let everyone handle the fight while she observed.

---

Everyone panted in exhaustion as Joachim finally fell.

"We did it!"

"Haha! Looks like we won the bet!" Randy laughed, referring to the 'wager' that Joachim proposed.

"Throw aside your weapon and get on the ground!" Elie demanded.

"Haha... I'll have to decline," Joachim stood up. "Let me tell you something. Gnosis doesn't just enhance the user's physical strength and capabilities. It also heightens their sensory receptivity, unlocking humanity's true, hidden potential. When used correctly...anything can be achieved!"

Joachim quickly raised his staff, and suddenly, the image of a big singular eye was projected above him, stunning everyone.

"What?!"

"The hell is this?!"

"He warped the space around us?! But how?!"

"This is just like...Weissman's Evil Eye!" Estelle gasped in surprise, answering everyone's question with something they didn't understand.

"That should be impossible!" Joshua was the only one who understood what Estelle said.

However, Lloyd looked back and saw Juna running towards them.

"Stop, Juna!"

"Ho... That's right. For a moment, I forgot about you, Juna," Joachim remarked. Strangely, he didn't use Evil Eye again to restrict Juna's movement. Instead, he frowned. "Hmm..."

Juna tried to touch the pink barrier surrounding Lloyd. "Ouch!" But it stung her.

"It's impossible to break, as the two of you have experienced," Joachim turned his attention back to the two Bracers. "The two of you have had quite the adventure over the last two years, haven't you? The Liber Ark and... Phantasma, was it?"

"How does he know that?! It's like he's looking into our memories!"

"No way... Is he using them to recreate Evil Eye?!"

The two gasped in surprise as they struggled under the warped space.

"Weissmann... Heh. From the looks of it, he and I would have gotten along quite well. How interesting. I wasn't expecting this amount of intel on Ouroboros... Haha. I think that's enough on them to keep me entertained for a while."

Joachim then slammed the butt of his staff on the ground.

"Since there's nothing Juna can do, it would seem I'm the victor of our bet, after all," Joachim chuckled. "I know. How about a serving of Gnosis for each and every one of you? Soon, you'll be slaving away for a greater cause. And Lady KeA will have no choice but to return to my arms."

"You bastard...!"

"T-this was your plan all along! The reason you lure us here!" Elie realized.

"Now, now, I had wanted to give a dose to Juna before she escaped. I didn't expect her to come back here, and with a surprise to boot. But anyway, there's no other use for you, isn't there?"

Juna took a step back in fright.

Lloyd gritted his teeth in frustration. "If you already have this much power, why are you so obsessed with KeA?"

He shouted, catching everyone's attention.

"Even if she was born 500 years ago, just as you say, that doesn't change the fact that she's an ordinary little girl, does it? What does someone with so much power want with a girl like KeA?"

"Did I not answer that question already? Lady KeA is destined to become God. Comparing my power to that of Lady KeA's is quite ignorant. No, rather... Should I perhaps say the comparison in and of itself doesn't make much sense...?"

"Stop talkin' in riddles, jackass," Randy retorted.

"Geez, it's like Weissmann had a twin that we didn't know about..." Estelle sighed.

"Fine then, answer me this instead," Lloyd looked at Joachim in the eye, despite the struggle he faced under Joachim's restriction spell. "Who took KeA from you?"

"..." Joachim fell silent.

"You ignored our theory about a third party taking KeA away from you. It was as if you didn't want to acknowledge that. Doesn't that mean you don't know? Another group who managed to take KeA off you... the weight now shifted in their favor, isn't it, Juna?"

Juna gasped in realization. Slowly, her face sported a grin. "I see... yes, indeed. The weight is now behind the third party. All this talk about KeA becoming the cult's new goddess? It's all weightless. Worthless."

"You--!"

"Actually, I have another question," Lloyd cut the cult priest off. "Were you the one who killed my brother, Guy Bannings?"

Joachim bit his lip before nodding to himself. "I see... So that's how it is. Two brothers, ten years apart in age... After the older brother fell in the line of duty, the younger left Crossbell, only to return years later... Haha! What an amazing development! I had no idea that you were the little brother of that nuisance!"

"...Can I take that as a 'yes,' then?"

Joachim shook his head. "I'll admit, he came close to uncovering my true identity during his investigation. Guy Bannings was such a distraction I had no choice but to ask Revache to silence him...permanently. But some other faction killed our poor detective before Revache could. Three years ago, Marconi tried to-- Wait! Don't tell me..."

"It seems that your prediction was correct, Juna. The third party, possibly the one who abducted KeA from Joachim, is the one who killed my brother," Lloyd let out a smile despite the situation.

"Yeah... there's no weight behind Joachim. Not at all. And that only means one thing."

Juna confidently pointed her finger gun at Joachim.

"Joachim Guenter! Your reign of terror ends tonight!"

"Juna, you..." Joachim clenched his fist.

"Forcing your delusion on KeA, A girl as bright as sunshine itself, the light of our lives... She's grown more precious to us than you'd ever know..."

Lloyd took a deep breath...

"Lloyd?" Juna whispered.

"And we'll never let someone like you near her ever again!"

Lloyd pushed out with all his willpower and determination.

"Haaaaaa!"

The Evil Eye broke.

"I-Impossible!" Joachim stuttered in shock.

"...We can move?!" Randy jumped in place to check his movement

"The seal is gone!" Elie flexed her fingers.

"In the end, his Evil Eye was nothing more than a pale imitation of the real thing..." Joshua looked at Joachim in pity. "As soon as he loses focus, he falters. His mastery of it was far from perfect."

"And Lloyd's burning spirit was enough to smash it to pieces!" Estelle exclaimed proudly.

"Of course..." Juna smiled in delight as she shook her head. "Overcoming the barrier with all your heart and succeed... you truly are..."

"We've seen through every masquerade you've set for us, Joachim Guenter. No matter what you may have up your sleeve, nothing is going to stop us. Surrender now," Lloyd brandished his tonfas.

Joachim stared at every one of them before he started chuckling. "Haha... I suppose you leave me no choice."

"Hey, what are you mumbling about!?"

"Hahaha! I didn't think I'd be forced to use my trump card, but here we are!"

Joachim threw aside his staff and reached for something in his pocket. He opened his palm to reveal a bottle full of red capsules.

"That can't be..."

"Allow me to enlighten you once more. What you see here is perfected Gnosis. My life's work, you could say. If we call the drugs you found 'blue Gnosis,' then the only appropriate name for this is 'red Gnosis,' right?"

"Could it be...?"

"It's the ones that turned the mafia and Ernest into monsters!"

"Hahaha! Correct!" Joachim then poured everything inside the bottle into his open mouth.

"Don't!"

"That's too big a dosage!" Joshua exclaimed.

Joachim took several steps back.

"C-C'mon, we have to make him spit them out!"

Joachim then exhaled.

"I see... I can see it! The almighty 'D'... the origin of lost power!" His body was once more enveloped in a sinister purple light.

"HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"

Slowly, each part of his body turned bigger and more monstrous. It didn't stop until his body was even more gigantic than anything they had ever faced before.

The demonized Joachim then spread its arm loomingly.

"What?!"

Did he...?!

"Oi oi, you can't be serious..."

"Th-This intense pressure...!"

The SSS commented in shock at what they saw.

"J-Joshua, do you think...?"

"Definitely," Joshua nodded. "This might be worse than Weissmann fused with the Sept-Terrion..."

Lloyd turned his attention to the defenseless one within them. "Juna!"

But Juna didn't look surprised at all. Did she know what would happen?

AAAAH... HOW REFRESHING...

I FEEL IT... I HAVE REACHED THE TRUTH OF EVERYTHING...

I CAN SEE THE STATE OF THE WORLD... AND THE HIDDEN DESIGNS BEHIND IT...

"Kh... Get ahold of yourself!" Lloyd tried to reach out to him. "You're spewing nothing but lies! Truth isn't something you can seize just like that!

HAHA. ONLY HUMANITY IS BOUND TO SUCH TRIVIAL IDEALS.

I CAN SEE EVERYTHING.

THE TRUTH BEHIND LADY KEA'S DISAPPEARANCE, THE TRUTH BEHIND YOUR BROTHER'S MURDER... AND THE TRUTH ABOUT JUNA CRAWFORD!

IT ALL TIES TO THE INEVITABLE FATE OF CROSSBELL!

The truth about Juna? Lloyd glanced at the pink-haired girl from the corner of his eyes. She seemed... distressed at Joachim's words.

"Juna?"

"Stop makin' shit up!" Randy cut him off with a roar.

THERE REMAINS NO REASON TO ALLOW YOU INSECTS TO LIVE ANY LONGER...

NOW, LAMENT OVER YOUR FRAGILE EXISTENCE AND DIE BEFORE ME!

"His demonization is nothing like Ernest's."

"Yup, that moron was just a little baby compared to this monster..." Randy clicked his tongue in frustration at Tio's observation.

"There's nothing we can do but stand our ground and fight."

Lloyd nodded. "Yeah. Get ready."

He then looked at each of his group in the eyes. "Elie, Tio, Randy, Estelle, Joshua..."

"This is it: our last stand. Don't give up, no matter what!"

"Right!"

He then turned towards Juna.

"Juna, I don't know what got you feeling so distressed, but take care to not get hit by a stray attack, okay?"

In a move that was so unfamiliar to him, Lloyd put his hand on Juna's head and patted it softly.

"..." Juna's shoulder relaxed at his words. "...Thanks, Lloyd. Now go!"

Juna ran away to a safer place while Lloyd turned his attention back to the demonized Joachim. This was it. Their last fight for today. There was no way he would lose!

---

The demonized Joachim roared.

"OOOOOOOHHHHH!"

"W-What's going on!?"

"He seems to have gone completely berserk... At this point, I'm not sure how much longer his body can withstand the pressure..."

"No way..." Elie trailed off.

"GYAAHHHHHHHH!"

The demonized Joachim slammed his two arms to the ground, and weird, red claws emerged from under the ground and grabbed everyone, including Juna, who was observing them from afar.

"Ah...!"

"Shit!"

"Damn it!"

"OOOOOOOHHHH!"

With that roar, the roots gripped their bodies even harder.

"Nggh!"

Oh no, Juna was suffocated!

"Damn it! If this holds up...!" Randy gritted his teeth in anger.

"We've made it this far! There's no way we can let this end now! Not until she's... Not until we can finally hold that girl in our arms and grant her the happiness she deserves!" Estelle shouted.

Estelle was doing her best for Renne... The SSS was the same!

"We're the same! You can't stop us...! We're making it back to our little girl, no matter what!" Lloyd declared in defiance. "Guy...! Please! Lend me your strength...!"

"Heehee... I may not be your brother, but I could still give you a hand."

A familiar voice entered the conversation. Despite the endeavor, everyone turned towards the voice to see a giant crimson mech landing near them. On its palm stood Renne.

"W-We saw that back at the hospital!" Elie gasped in surprise at the giant, crimson robot.

"Pater-Mater!"

"Renne!"

Joshua and Estelle shouted in happiness.

"Pitiful, but he probably deserves this," Renne observed from her place. "I'll put him out of his misery."

The purple-haired girl then jumped away and landed on a pillar. "Pater-Mater! Blast him to smithereens! Double Buster Cannon!"

Pater-Mater bowed and blasted the demon, freeing everyone from Joachim's grip.

"His arms... We're free!"

"He's almost down!" Randy observed.

"This is your last chance! He can't keep it up much longer, so hurry and finish this!" Renne encouraged everyone.

"Ghh..." Lloyd stood up, followed by everyone else.

"Haaaaaaaahhhhhh!"

With a shout to rouse his spirit, he ran towards the demon for one last round.

---

The demonized body of Joachim began to emit red lights.

"Hah...haha... You continue to surprise me," it said, regaining control of his cognition. "I hate to admit it, but...you made me regain control... For that...you...have my thanks..."

"Joachim... you..."

Lloyd looked at the demon in surprise.

Even Estelle gave it a pity look.

"Haha. Please...spare me your pitying looks. Though I may not live to witness it... our centuries-long ambition is finally reached..." Joachim chuckled. But there was no passion behind it, just acceptance. "She can do it... Someday, Lady KeA will...!"

"..."

"And you, Juna... If only I reached the truth sooner..." Joachim trailed off. A tinge of regret could be heard from his tone of voice.

"The truth?" Lloyd couldn't help but ask.

"I was wondering... why I couldn't read your mind... And then that impossible knowledge... and your explanation about weight... At first, I dismissed it as a coincidence. But... I should've taken you seriously... Juna Crawford... If we had you, then the cult... would surpass this point even before we got raided..."

Everyone made confused noises.

"What?" Juna looked anxious.

"Aaahhhh... Aidios is cruel. To put you in my grasp... only to never realize your worth..."

The demonized Joachim then tried to grasp something above him, something invisible, before his entire body turned into dust. No trace of him existed was left.

"..." Lloyd was silent, pondering upon Joachim's words. Did he just say Aidios, the goddess he didn't believe in, was cruel?

"Don't think so much about her words, Junie," Randy tried to cheer up the younger girl. "He's full of nonsense."

"But... I still feel sorry..." Elie looked at the floating dust in sorrow.

"Don't let it eat at you. The moment he swallowed all of those pills, his fate was sealed," Joshua reminded everyone.

"Yeah, that's true..." Estelle nodded. "Still, I would have liked to have saved him if it was possible..."

"Yeah..." Lloyd agreed with her. "He wasn't able to snap out of his delusions, even with death staring him in the face. I had hoped that he would answer for his crimes and admit his guilt. I wanted that so badly for the victims and even for himself..."

"Lloyd..."

"Don't beat yourself too much, Lloyd," Juna exhaled. "He chose this for himself. It's unfair, I know. But there's nothing we can do."

"Juna..."

"Right. We ain't the Goddess, pal! Things aren't always gonna go our way! Look, we only got this far 'cause we worked our asses off! I'm not sayin' this is the ideal outcome... but it's still pretty damn good, ain't it?" Randy piggybacked on Juna's statement and cheered Lloyd up, too.

"Randy, I..."

"During the operation against the lodges, a lot of cult members committed suicide. Guy, Arios, and Chief Sergei stepped over countless dead bodies to save me. Unfortunately, there are times when sacrifices are inevitable," even Tio contributed.

"He was responsible for his own destruction... but the consequences of his actions still have to be taken care of. Crossbell State is still in a panic, and we still don't know the status of the Gnosis victims... We don't have time to grieve yet," Elie put a hand on Lloyd's shoulder in support.

"...Thank you, everyone. Everything you said was right. Now isn't the time to feel down. Plus, we have promises to keep! To the chief and to KeA!"

Lloyd regained his spirit.

"It would appear that this is the final curtain, then," Renne giggled from her place on the pillar near Pater-Mater.

"Ah..." Estelle gasped when she realized that the one she was looking for was there.

"For your information, I never intended to help at the last moment. Heehee... Loewe's heroism must have rubbed off on me," Renne giggled again.

"Renne!" Joshua shouted as Renne jumped onto Pater-Mater's open palm.

"...I've settled all my past regrets and grievances with Crossbell. I enjoyed it, but I think my presence will cause more harm than good. So, it's about time I take my leave..."

"Renne," Estelle said as she and Joshua approached Pater-Mater.

"...Yes, Estelle?" Renne said as she looked away from the two. "I'm just...not ready to be caught yet."

Estelle's face scrunched up in a frown. "You're still on that? Listen, I've said that you're already one of us. So, sorry, Renne. You're already caught."

Renne gasped in surprise.

"The last time we met in the SSS building, we haven't faced each other like this, have we?" Estelle chuckled. "Finally... we're face to face. You are as adorable as we last saw you."

Renne frowned. "Compliment will do nothing to help you."

Estelle shook her head with a smile. "Renne, we know everything there is to know about you. Your past, your sorrow, your pain... But also your happiness and everything you love doing. You can't run away from us. Not anymore."

"..." Renne started sniffing.

"I-I thought... I thought you'd give up... After learning about Paradise... Once you learned about Paradise, Estelle, I was convinced you would...!" Renne said in between her sobs.

"If I was the same person I was two years ago, I might have," Estelle admitted. "But after meeting wonderful people like you and Loewe, I've become stronger than I once was. No matter what things happened in the past, good or bad...they're irreplaceable moments that make you who you are. And, with every bit of my heart, I can't help but love you."

Estelle's smile was as bright as her name.

"Ah..." Renne was left speechless.

"Honestlly, It might be better for you to return to your family here in Crossbell. But, no matter how unreasonable this may sound, we want you to be a part of our family, Renne. That's what brought us to Crossbell and what we decided once we were here."

"... I don't understand..." Renne sobbed.

"▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅" Pater-Mater suddenly let out an incomprehensible noise before it took a step forward, getting closer to both Estelle and Joshua.

"Pater-Mater?! Why are you moving?!"

"C-Could it be...?" Estelle gaped.

"So that's it... You've been worried about Renne, too," Joshua smiled.

"▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅" The gigantic mech then kneeled and put Renne on the ground.

"S-Stop, please...!" the helpless Renne could only turn away from the two Bracers who did everything to chase her. Thus, Renne did not see how Estelle moved and embraced her from behind.

"Caught you."

Renne couldn't hold her tears anymore as she cried on Estelle's embrace.

"Thank you, Pater-Mater. The adjustments made by the meister gave you the ability to move on your own, right?" Joshua turned towards the giant mech who replied with indescribable sound.

"▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅"

"Never again. I'm never letting you get away from us again," Estelle tightened her embrace on the smaller girl. "From here on out, where we go, how we live, what we do... Let's figure those things out together... But first, how about heading back to Liberl? I know Tita has been waiting for a while... for you to come home."

Renne didn't answer Estelle. She just continued crying, letting out all the pent-up emotion she buried inside her heart.

From the side, Lloyd and the other SSS member, plus Juna, looked at the scene with fond eyes.

"I'm really glad..." Elie said, sobbing herself at the reunion.

"Yes..."

"Haha... Didn't think I'd be sheddin' a tear today," Randy tried to mask his own tears with laughter but failed to do so because his cheeks were wet.

Lloyd looked at Juna, who smiled but also covered her face in embarrassment. "Was this how I looked when I cried on Estelle's shoulder?"

"Hahaha..." Lloyd chuckled at her words.

Joshua turned towards them. "Everyone... Thank you so much for everything. I really don't know what to say... I don't know how we could ever come close to repaying you."

"Don't mention it. We were only helping out a good cause. I sincerely believe that you two made this possible by never giving up and, more importantly, never giving up on her," Lloyd replied. "Joshua. Allow me to be the first one to congratulate you."

"Thank you, Lloyd. And you too, Juna. In the end, your words came true."

Juna just scratched her cheek with a sheepish grin. "Ehehe... you're welcome, Joshua."

"All of this is making the wait to see KeA that much harder," Elie smiled.

"Agreed... Zeit and the chief, too."

"Haha, then let's get a move on!" Randy ushered everyone.

Lloyd nodded.

"Special Support Section, prepare to withdraw. Our mission may be complete, but we still need to arrest the Revache members and escort the civilians to the surface. Let's move out...!"

---

Once they left the Sun Fort, it was already morning. Everyone involved had been waiting for them at the entrance of the Sun Fort. And so the SSS had a mini-reunion with KeA, while Juna had one with Arios. (No, Juna did not jump to tackle Arios like KeA did to Lloyd. That was a fabrication! Delete it from the report!) It turned out that the mind-controlled CGF soldiers fell unconscious after Joachim died. With the SSS tying the mafiosos and putting them inside the cells in Sun Fort, everything was resolved.

"Still, I think the hardest part is yet to come," Elie sighed.

"Indeed," Deputy Commander Baelz nodded. "We'll need to provide an explanation to the citizens and brace ourselves for potential international backlash. We must also administer the proper care to any CGF members that were affected by the brainwashing."

"The mafia members will probably have to be restrained for the time being," Noel continued.

"Not to mention, we still have to assemble the trail of evidence linked to this case. You can kiss your free time for the next month goodbye," Dudley sighed in resignation at the busy day they would have.

"Haha. Please allow the Bracer Guild to assist you in your endeavors," Arios offered his and the Bracers' help.

Juna nodded, arms still circling Arios' waist. "Yes! We'll help!"

Lloyd laughed. "Juna, your help is not optional because you're deeply involved with the case."

Everyone chuckled at his words.

"Haha..." Sergei also chuckled. "Lloyd, Elie, Tio, Randy. I'll need that report of yours at some point...but take your time. For now, have you settled all of your business?"

Lloyd and the others looked at each other before they smiled.

"Yes, sir!"

"Haha... Good work, team. I have to admit, you guys have really matured," Sergei closed his eyes. "Guy would have been proud of you."

"Chief..." Lloyd's eyes glistened with unshed tears at Sergei's words. Finally, he was one step closer to his brother.

"..." Arios looked at the scene with a nostalgic look, no doubt remembering his former partner in the CPD.

After that, Grace and Rein ran to the scene, and they posed for a photo. Grace said it would appear as the headline for Crossbell News Service.

---

In the wake of the D∴G cult incident, Crossbell was left in disarray. The mafia and guardsmen being controlled through an illegal drug, as well as the misconduct of many officials, including Speaker Hartmann... All of it was made public by the Crossbell Times. It was said to be the largest scandal in Crossbell's history.

Mayor MacDowell responded by dismissing the police commissioner and the Guardian Force commander. Following that, he demanded a full investigation be conducted by Deputy Commander Baelz and the chiefs of the CPD. Detective Dudley, no longer held back by corruption, was able to bring to light not only a connection between the cult and members of the Imperial Faction, but also one involving the Republican Faction. Arrests began to skyrocket. The citizens' unrest and distrust towards Crossbell politics had reached a boiling point.

During this time, IBC CEO Dieter Crois took the opportunity to declare his candidacy for mayor. He publicly pledged to heal the political system and follow the ideals of Mayor MacDowell, who had chosen not to seek reelection. Before leaving office, the mayor also announced that special elections for the seats of the arrested diet members would be held, as well. Candidates from all backgrounds are expected to vie for the spot of Speaker of the Diet.

One month after the incident, Mayor MacDowell summoned the SSS to the City Hall's reception hall to give them personal accolades for their effort in solving the incident.

Estelle and Joshua decided to return to Liberl with Renne. Though the Bracer Guild's manpower was cut, the CPD more than made up for it through political reform. Lloyd hopes that he can reduce their burden and continue to strengthen their partnership in the future.

Before leaving, Renne reminded the SSS of some difficult questions, like the truth behind what happened 500 years ago, who put KeA on the Schwarze Auction, and the identity of the killer of Guy Bannings, who might be the same person as the one who put KeA on the auction. Joachim's fixation on Juna after he consumed the red Gnosis was also still a mystery. Thankfully, while Renne didn't know the answer, the SSS still had Juna with them. Finding the truth behind those questions was Lloyd-- no, the SSS's duty. Promising to reunite one day, they gave their farewells and parted.

The days returned to normal for the SSS.

As for Juna...

---

In the morning streets of Crossbell, a pink-haired girl was running through the street. On her hip, a wooden eastern-styled sword was hanging as she moved her legs to get to her destination. She nimbly weaved through the crowd and entered the Central Square. Near the Bell, she descended and finished with a jump to the front door of the SSS building.

Opening the door with a bang, one Juna Crawford exclaimed.

"I'm not late, am I!?"

The occupant of the room chuckled at her distress.

"No, Juna. You're not late."

"Good, I don't want to miss KeA's first day at the Sunday School," Juna sighed in relief.

KeA pouted, "Come on, Big Sis Juna. I can go alone!"

Juna theatrically gasped. "KeA, you'll never know what you'll encounter on the way there!"

"Humumumumu!" KeA pouted at Juna.

Elie and Lloyd just laughed. "I know how you feel, Juna."

"But KeA has to take the first step to be independent," Lloyd finished Elie's words.

"Anyway, stop dawdling, guys. KeDo's first day is about to start!" Randy reminded everyone.

KeA then took her steps outside. It wasn't her historic first step, nor was it any special. But it signaled a new start for her, for the SSS, and for Juna.

To a new, better Crossbell!

-Trails from Zero, finished-

Notes:

I never expected something I randomly thought up after Randomguy published AnelaSI could spawn this entire series. And I even dismissed Clifford inserted to Juna at first because it's too obvious. But since I wanted more 'Juna in Crossbell' fic, I randomly wrote the first chapter with no expectation. Then it turned into 'let me at least reach Renne.' then it turned into 'since Renne is now finished might as well finish the entire game.' I still can't believe we're at that phase of the fic. Thank you for everyone who read this fic.

Now onto the chapter itself. First, Juna explained 'weight' and by weight she actually meant narrative weight, but there's no way she's gonna say that to the 'uneducated mass,' so I just settle on 'weight,' And Juna even had good examples! Just why exactly, the Enforcers the Sky Gang faced were those exact five? All of them are connected one way or another to the Sky Gang! There must be something! And that is the narrative weight behind the gang facing a facet of themselves. Zin and Walter, Schera and Luciola. Olivert and Blueblanc. Estelle and Renne, and Joshua and Loewe. The result of this? Everyone's mind cannot comprehend it. Well... except for Lloyd. The first part describes why most of the Xanadu!Zero players likes the LloydxJuna pairing. They made such a good partner in crimecrime-busting. If you noticed, Juna had lots of personal moment with Lloyd compared to the others throughout the fic. The way they remembered the yellow butterfly is even the same. Actually, I put a lot of 'Juna and Lloyd had similar kind of thought' throughout the fic, like at the top of the hospital after Juna is kidnapped. The Garcia part is a late addition, but I just couldn't miss Juna pointing out 'hey, it's about time for a boss encounter. Have you prepared yourself?' moment like JesSIca did.

And then we arrived at the heart of the matter. Joachim's exposition. Of course Juna couldn't shut her mouth when she heard alchemist. Homunculus is a classic. The document being held by Joachim is my own take on it, but surely no normal person knows the term unless it was told by somebody related to the alchemist (or Black Workshop, I guess.) And then after Joachim boasted his plan, of course Juna would realize what it was and say it out as soon as possible to prevent her allies from getting surprised (which backfired because, lol, it's someone trying to ascend another to godhood of course anyone would be surprised, even if it's coming you, Juna) But honestly, her true aim isn't to take control of the narrative, but to lessen the shock. The last declaration after the Evil Eye is something I realized when reading the script on trailsdb and 'hey, now that everyone realized there's a third party involved, wouldn't it narratively guaranteed the SSS would succeed here to face the third party later?' After that Joachim would be rattled by the words (since he somewhat understood Juna's implication, thanks Gnosis) and quickly go to the second phase.

And then we arrived at the post battle scene. Joachim, now fully conscious, had seen everything, including Trails to Azure's plot. He can't even wait for the official release smh. So Joachim knew about Juna's status as someone exempt from Aidios' Law. His last words describes his feeling well. Why did I exactly use that wording? Well, first, I think he would now know that Aidios is real. Then he realized that everything lined up perfectly for him to lose Juna, though he didn't know why (would Gnosis give him the power to see other timelines? I'm leaning on no.) So there was only regret.

After that is the epilogue, which I cut and add and modified. To a better Crossbell.

Thank you for everyone who followed me this far. If I have the chance to, I want to write Trails of a Junior Bracer in Crossbell Azure Arc, but let's just see in the future.

Chapter 30: Azure Arc Start

It was mid-summer in Crossbell. On the East Highway, two people were seen facing each other. No monsters were around them, courtesy of the older one between them.

"Show me," Arios MacLaine demanded from his student. His student just nodded with a serious look on her face. Under the hot summer sun, Arios watched as Juna Crawford unsheathed her wooden sword.

"Second Form: Gale!" Juna kicked the ground and moved faster than normal eyes could see. But to Arios' trained eyes, her movement needed to be even faster. Still, compared to her previous attempts, it was serviceable.

"You've grown stronger," he commented once Juna stopped and panted. "Still, your Gale is not fast enough to generate winds. Aside from that, your form is perfect."

Juna grinned at Arios' assessment. "Ehehe... thanks, Master. I'll do my best to increase my speed further."

Arios nodded. "I heard you've also succeeded in using the Sixth Form?"

"Yes!" Juna answered in excitement. "Back at the hospital before I was taken away by Ernest Reis--" Arios had to hold back a wince. It was his mistake to bear that caused his student to be kidnapped by a cultist. "--I was fighting some mafia goons, and under duress, I managed to use Arc Slash!"

Without waiting for his input, Juna already took a stance for the Sixth Form.

"Arc Slash!" Juna unsheathed her sword quickly, and from the blade, a beam of energy came forth and flew through the air, harmlessly dispersed once it reached a particular range. Arios frowned. It was an Arc Slash, but...

"Juna. Observe." Arios went into his own stance for Arc Slash before taking a deep breath. "Sixth Form: Arc Slash!"

Arios fired the sword beam toward the sky. It was a faster and bigger beam than Juna's, but that wasn't what he wanted to show the girl.

"...Huh?" Juna gaped once the slash turned smaller and smaller from her eyes until it was completely gone. "It's still going!?"

Arios nodded at his student's question. "Good job on succeeding, but your Arc Slash is weak. What you should strive for in developing Arc Slash isn't the power or speed but the range. And out of the three aspects, range is the hardest to improve. Try to experiment to see how you can improve it."

Juna nodded enthusiastically. "Understood!"

As Juna moved to do some training, Arios couldn't help but sigh. No matter what Juna said to him, he still felt guilty for letting her be kidnapped. He was her student, no matter how half-hearted he was at being his teacher. It was what Master Ka-Fai declared. He did not even want to become her teacher, but he felt indebted to Juna for helping Shizuku and being with her when he couldn't. In his doubt, he deferred to his Master for guidance, and his esteemed Master told him to teach Juna.

Juna produced another Arc Slash. It still dispersed once it reached the same distance as before, but to his eyes, it appeared a little faster than before. Still, it wouldn't do to let her know now.

Unconsciously, a smile graced his rough face. Juna was by no means a bad student. Arios himself had relearned several aspects of Eight Leaves by teaching Juna. But still... his mind went back to the report written by the SSS and Juna about the entire Gnosis incident. Lloyd placed so much emphasis on Juna's help to uncover the true mastermind behind the seemingly unrelated incidents. Coupled with what Estelle and Joshua said about who helped them reunite with Renne...

He couldn't get closer to Juna than he was now.

"Arc Slash!" Arios saw Juna fire another Arc Slash. This time, the speed was noticeably faster. "Ah! Master, it's faster than before, right?! I'm not hallucinating, am I?"

"No, you aren't. It is faster than your first Arc Slash. I trust you now understand what I mean about experimenting?"

"Yes," Juna answered. "I swung my sword faster, and the Arc Slash became faster. Why?"

"Before I answer, why don't you experiment more?" Arios challenged. Juna replied with a cheerful 'Yes' before she went back to do Arc Slash.

Returning back to his musings, Juna was sharp and smart enough to connect spread-out clues. Then there were her gut feelings. As he once said, Juna reminded him of his late partner, Guy Bannings.

Because of that, he intended to pause Juna's tutelage under him. After all... Crossbell was about to enter a new era.

"But eventually... someone's bound... to take my place..."

A flash of memories.

It was really just a flash.

Arios clenched his fist.

"Ooh! So overcommitting my swing somehow made it weaker."

He was brought out of his remembrance by Juna's words.

"Hmm... what about taking a deeper breath than my usual...?" Juna mumbled to herself.

Seeing her student being her usual self, Arios couldn't help but laugh. Really. Juna was making it hard to distance himself from her. She was just so earnest.

He did not deserve Juna to enter his life. Not at all.

"Juna," he called his student out. "Come here."

"Yes, Master!" Juna ran towards him.

Before Estelle and Joshua went back to Liberl, Estelle told Arios that Juna felt unhappy that she was too weak to help them in the Sun Fort. However, what Juna lacked wasn't the technique, as shown by her singlehandedly defeating Revache's goons by herself. What she lacked was the physical strength to contend with the monsters.

So Arios intended to teach one final technique before he paused Juna's tutelage.

"As a reward for succeeding in using the Sixth Form, I'll teach you something. Observe me."

Arios then put his sword parallel to his chest and closed his eyes. He exhaled before his feet moved intricately, twisting his body so it made a 360-degree turn several times; all the while, he maintained a steady breathing rhythm. Power coursed through his body. He stopped once he felt it was enough of a demonstration.

"Haaaaaa!" Green energy surrounded Arios as he opened his eyes. He then made a slash into the air.

It wasn't Arc Slash, but the power behind his swing cracked the air.

"...That's a dance, isn't it?" Juna pointed out dryly.

"Indeed," Arios confirmed. "It is the Petal Dance, a self-strengthening move from the First Form. I heard from Estelle that you're lamenting your lack of strength and couldn't help them and the SSS. I hope you can rectify that with this."

Juna's face brightened once Arios explained. "Thank you, Master! How do I do it?"

"Stand still, and let me practice it beside you. Try to imitate me."

Arios then spent the next three hours tutoring Juna on how to dance.

After all that training, Juna lay down on the grass, panting from exhaustion.

"I still don't get it, huh... damn, who knew dancing is really hard. I'm starting to appreciate Ilya and Rixia more for their flawless performance in Arc en Ciel."

"Just keep it up, Juna," Arios gave his encouragement. Juna was agile enough to grasp the technique fast, but she still couldn't draw her inner power to strengthen herself. However, it was nothing a diligent training couldn't fix.

"By the way, Arios. Since Shizuku is out of the hospital. What'll you do for her education?" Juna suddenly changed the topic.

Arios hummed at her question. It was true that Shizuku could not go to a normal Sunday School because of her disability. In fact, the whole time she was under the hospital's care, Juna was one of the few people who helped teach Shizuku a few basic things she missed in Sunday School after the accident.

"Oh well, if you still don't know, maybe I'll try doing something about it."

"...You don't need to, Juna. I'm Shizuku's father. I should be the one doing that," Arios tried to make Juna back down. And besides, if what he heard from St. Ursula was true, then they would soon get a new doctor to replace Joachim. He would send Shizuku back for assessment by the new doctor.

"But, well... you're about to be busier than ever, right?" Juna pointed out. "Otherwise, I don't think you'd teach me a new move this early."

Arios let out a small smile. "You know me so well..."

Indeed, soon, he wouldn't have time to rest. But not because of Bracer's works.

"Oh yeah, tomorrow you're going on a joint mission with the CPD and the CGF, right?"

Arios nodded. "Yes. Where did you hear it from? Lloyd?"

"Yep," Juna answered. "The SSS temporarily disbanded after the Gnosis fiasco because most of the members were called out, so Lloyd and KeA are alone in the building. Well, there's still Chief Sergei, but he's busy. And Zeit is smart, but he can only talk to Tio. I think Lloyd is a little lonely that all his friends are away."

"Is that so?" Arios raised his eyebrow.

"Well... it's just me speaking. I don't know how Lloyd feels. Anyway, what's the mission about? Or is it classified?"

It wasn't classified, but considering who they were chasing... "Yes," Arios lied. Juna had never shown any kind of trauma from being kidnapped, but who knew if the news of Ernest Reis' escape would trigger her?

"Awww, too bad. Oh well, good luck tomorrow, Arios. I'll go home."

"See you later, Juna."

As Juna ran towards East Street, Arios saw her back going further and further from him.

Good.

The best place Juna could be was far from him.

---

---

It was a fine morning in the SSS building. Lloyd went down the stairs to rinse his mouth and wash his face. Today was the day of his mission, and he had to leave KeA alone until he returned. The SSS was on temporary hiatus because most of its members were needed elsewhere.

Tio was called back to Leman by the Epstein Foundation for some new research, probably Orbal Network-related. Randy was called by the CGF to supervise the rehabilitation of the Bellguard Gate soldiers, who became the victims of Joachim's Gnosis. Elie wasn't really needed by anyone, but because of Lloyd's own assignment, she decided to help her grandfather and went home for a while. If what she had said was correct, though, she'd be back either tomorrow or in two days. Lloyd himself was assigned to the First Division under Dudley for training.

Sitting down on the table, Lloyd used the stove to boil some water. As he waited, Lloyd thought back on the mission he was about to undertake. It was a joint mission from the CPD with the Bracer Guild and the CGF. It was a mission to capture former Speaker Hartmann and former First Secretary Ernest Reis, who fled to Erebonia but was denied political asylum there. Reports said the two turned 180 degrees to Calvard to flee. The coalition aimed to capture the two of them before they went far into Calvard.

Once the kettle whistled, Lloyd turned off the stove and poured the water into a glass before putting a teabag into it. As he waited for the tea to cool down, Lloyd heard footsteps coming from the stairs. From the corner of his eyes, Lloyd saw KeA rubbing her face cutely as she yawned, going to the sink.

"Good Morning, Lloyd," KeA said after she came back from the sink, face refreshed.

"Morning, KeA," Lloyd said with a smile. "What do you want for breakfast?"

"This time, it's my turn to cook!"

Lloyd bit his lip. Elie had been teaching KeA how to cook, but she was only allowed to cook under Elie's supervision. Lloyd was not confident he could supervise KeA, considering his own limited cooking skills.

"KeA... I'm sorry, but I'm not sure I can help you, so why don't you wait until Elie comes back tomorrow or the day after to cook?" Lloyd offered a compromise.

KeA pouted. "Mmmm, fine!"

"Ahahaha... sorry, KeA. I promise I'll make it up to you later."

Without further ado, Lloyd quickly checked the ingredients left in the kitchen before deciding to make some Rustic Omelet Rice.

Twenty minutes later, three plates of Rustic Omelet Rice were served on the table. KeA's eyes shined in delight at the smiley face he made with ketchup on top of her Omelet Rice.

"Thank you, Lloyd! When Elie comes back, I want to make this with her!"

Lloyd smiled. "Good idea. I learned the recipe from Elie, actually. I know she can make an even superb dish from the same ingredients, so you'll be in good hands."

Not long after, Sergei came down and brewed a cup of coffee. The familiar smell hits Lloyd's nose. "Hmm? An omelet rice for breakfast? Isn't it too heavy? Well, not that I don't like it."

The three of them then ate the breakfast merrily. KeA asked for more ketchup to draw more expressions on the omelet rice.

Once Lloyd cleaned the dirty dishes, he went back to his room to prepare for the mission. When he came back down with a bag full of all his things, Juna was already sitting on the sofa, talking animatedly with KeA.

"Oh, Morning, Lloyd!"

"Morning, Juna," he greeted back. "You're here for KeA's Sunday School? Isn't it a little too early for that?"

"What are you talking about? It's almost nine," Juna replied, pointing at the clock. "We're here because KeA wanted to say goodbye to you before she has to go."

Oh... he must have taken a long time to prepare his things.

"I see... See you later, KeA. I'll definitely come back." Lloyd then patted KeA on the head. Turning to Juna, Lloyd took out the notebook from his pocket. "So... anything I should pay attention to?"

Juna shrugged. "Well, since the mission itself is classified, I can't tell you anything about it. As you know, for me to connect the dots, I need information."

But the mission wasn't classified? If it was classified, he wouldn't tell Juna that he had a joint mission with the Bracer Guild and CGF. Lloyd wanted to blurt it out but held himself back. Why did Juna think it was classified? Ah, maybe it was Arios telling Juna that. But for what reason?

He could just reveal it to Juna, but looking at the girl shrugging her shoulder, what would make Arios hold back from telling his student? Maybe it was because the mission involved Ernest, and Arios didn't want to make Juna worry? Possible.

"Ah, sorry." Lloyd laughed sheepishly.

In the end, even if he believed that Juna wouldn't be shaken by the news of Ernest's situation, he did not want to step on the toes between teacher and student.

"Anyway, good luck on your mission! Come on, KeA!"

"Okay!"

The two then left the building.

---

Marble looked at the rows of rowdy children sitting on the desk inside one of the Cathedral wings. Being a teacher at the Sunday School (even though it was held not just on Sunday) meant that she had to face this sight every day. And yet, they were children. Full of innocence that should be protected and guided. And it was her job.

The door to the Sunday School wing was opened loudly, catching everyone's attention. From behind the door, four familiar figures came to her sight.

"Yahoo! Morning, everyone!" Juna Crawford, A former student of hers, greeted all the children inside. Then, without her prompting, her two siblings, Ken and Nana, ran inside the room and sat beside each other.

"It's Juna!"

"Juna!"

"Morning, Juna!"

The children greeted her, with some even standing up from their desks and running toward her.

"Momo, thanks for your help yesterday. How about I treat you to one of Oscar's special bakery later?" Juna patted Momo's head.

"Okay!" Momo then talked with KeA, who came alongside Juna and her siblings.

Seeing KeA already engrossed with her own conversation, Juna smiled and approached Marble.

"Sister Marble! Thank you for your work, as always."

"The pleasure is mine, Juna. Seeing all these children and teaching them the value and knowledge they needed for life... it's really heartening to me. You included."

As she said before, Juna was a former student of hers. But Juna wasn't just some student. Juna was a prodigy who skipped her supposed 'grade' of education a few years ago. A seven-year-old Juna had already grasped everything they taught her, so she was moved to the older kids' classes again and again until a year later when she was in the same class as the twelve-year-old children.

"Aww..." Juna scratched the back of her head with a sheepish laugh.

One of her worries back then was Juna's social life would be stunted by being in the vicinity of older students. But thankfully, it was just a worry in the end. Juna made some friends, whether they were younger, older, or around her age. In the end, Juna graduated when she was twelve. She could've graduated earlier but held back and helped teach some of her friends. After graduation, Marble heard Juna got an internship at St. Ursula. It is one of the youngest internships in St. Ursula's long history. Marble was very proud of her students and glad she had the opportunity to teach Juna.

"Anything I can help you with? Considering it's almost time for the class to start."

Juna's face relaxed into a smile. "Just a little time, Sister Marble."

The two then went out of the room for a while for a private talk.

"You know Shizuku? Arios MacLaine's daughter. She went blind from an accident a few years ago. Long story short, because she was admitted to the hospital so early in her life, I don't think she ever got formal schooling. Not to mention, her father is as busy as ever. I've been teaching her the basics here and there, but I can't do it full-time," Juna explained. "Since Shizuku is blind, I don't think you can just put her around all these children and teach her the same way you taught others... so can the church help teach her privately?"

Marble frowned. She might not know Arios MacLaine personally, but he was well-known even to the church's clergy. The accident that took away his wife's life was a long time ago. This Shizuku would already past her formative year. Add in her special condition... Juna was correct that she couldn't be taught like the other students. But she didn't have free time because of her obligation to the church. She could ask Sister Juju, but Juju has been busy, and she didn't think the Archbishop would lessen her responsibilities.

"Can you do it, Sister Marble?"

Her mind went back to the announcement from Archbishop Eralda. That could work.

"I'm sorry, Juna. But I can't spare my time for Shizuku. However, there might be someone else I can ask. Archbishop Eralda mentioned that we would get a new Sister from the Holy City... once she arrives, I will ask if she could spare her time teaching Shizuku."

"Great! Thank you, Sister Marble! Please teach Ken, Nana, and KeA to the best of your abilities!"

Juna then left the cathedral in a hurry.

Juju, who had just come inside moments before Juna ran, asked her. "What was that about?"

Marble shook her head with a smile. "Juna is just being Juna."

Notes:

I'm really tempted to use Yahallo in the Sunday School scene but I refrained. Anyway, I'm back! Though I only have clear idea for about up until Chapter 1 of Azure ends, so I'll stop there and focus back on Buggy CS after.

I wanted a breather chapter before I delve to Azure's prologue, so have a setup chapter. ...at this point, this fic is just a collection of setups without any payoffs. But don't worry since this is not Falcom but Falcon the master planner, all the setups will have satisfying (hopefully) payoffs. We have angsty Arios who can't get away from Juna's pull, Lloyd preparing for the prologue mission, and Sister Marble from the cathedral to show Juna's prior education history properly.

Chapter 31

Lloyd panted in exhaustion as he grabbed his left shoulder. The combined power of Dudley, Arios, Noel, and him managed to defeat the demonized Ernest. However, Lloyd knew this wasn't the end.

"AAAAAAHHH!"

The demonized Ernest roared. It raised his two arms, and in a flash, the situation two months ago came into Lloyd's mind.

"It's coming! Watch out!" Lloyd warned everyone for precisely a second before it slammed its arm to the ground. All of them safely jumped back and avoided the spikes coming from the ground. He might have caught off-guard in the Sun Fort, but not now!

Arios slashed the spiky hands coming out of the ground, followed by shots from Noel and Dudley to render them inert.

Its last resort failing, the demonized Ernest roared again.

"AHHHHHH!"

However, unlike before, this one wasn't full of rage. This one was... filled with pain and regret.

Lloyd's mind immediately recalled what happened to Joachim. "No!"

"I-Is he melting?!" Noel muttered as she observed what was happening in front of her. The demon's body was surrounded by red light, and it shrunk in size slowly but surely.

"This matches what was written in the report on Joachim's death!" Dudley mentioned. After he was defeated, Joachim made one last resort attack. When it failed, the demonized Joachim began to regain its mind. If the same pattern was here again...

"AAAAAAH..."

"NO... NOOOOOO!"

"I DON'T WANT TO DIE... I DON'T WANT TO DIEEEE!"

Lloyd grimaced each time Ernest shouted in pain.

"How pitiful," Arios closed his eyes.

Even so, Lloyd was reminded of his failure to bring Joachim to justice. If what happened to Joachim would happen to Ernest here, then soon Ernest's body would turn to dust as he ultimately died in agony.

Gripping his tonfas, Lloyd made up his mind.

"Lloyd?!" Noel shouted in surprise once Lloyd made his move to approach the demonized Ernest's body.

"What do you think you're doing?!" Dudley asked with a click of his tongue.

But Lloyd ignored all of them and paid his full attention to Ernest.

"Pull yourself together, Ernest! You can't give up here! Don't lose yourself to it!"

"AHHH... UGHHH?"

Even if Ernest continued thrashing around, Lloyd didn't waver.

"There's no way you ingested as much red Gnosis as Joachim! There's still hope! Don't give up now!" Lloyd continued encouraging the demonized Ernest to get a grip back on reality.

"AHHH... GAHHHH..."

"Lloyd..."

"Bannings, you..." Noel and Dudley's tone got softer once he probably realized what Lloyd was trying to do.

"WH-WHY?" It shouted in confusion

"AFTER ALL I'VE DONE TO YOU... WHY ARE YOU...?"

"That doesn't matter right now," Lloyd cut him off. "Yes, you're a criminal, but that's no reason to let you die down here. And besides, I refuse to put Elie and Speaker MacDowell through the pain of your death. So please, Fight through this!"

This was the only thing Lloyd could do. Joachim chose to die for his belief, but Ernest did not want to die. He had to do his best to support Ernest!

"ELIE... SPEAKER MACDOWELL... FORGIVE ME. HOW COULD I...?"

And yet, when the situation was almost resolved, the demon's body shrunk further into dust.

"GAH... AHHHHHHH!"

Lloyd gritted his teeth in frustration. Would the end be the same? Was there nothing he could do to salvage the situation and let Ernest be tried by the judicial system?

"Is there anything we can do?" Noel, sympathizing with Ernest's plight, also wanted to help.

"I'm not sure. This isn't exactly my area of expertise!" Dudley shouted in frustration.

"True..." Arios' calm demeanor spread to everyone. "But it would seem the real expert has arrived just in time."

"What?"

"'Oh, Aidios, who art in heaven. With thy light, guide home this lost lamb who was drawn to evil.'"

Suddenly, two white rings of light circled around Demon Ernest, halting its fade.

Lloyd turned his attention to the entrance, where a dignified voice was singing... no, it wasn't a song, but a verse from the holy book!

"Church scripture?" It seemed that Noel came to the same conclusion that he did.

The figure citing the verse came into their view. It was a spiky green-haired man in a priest's robe. In his hand was a crossbow, but there was no arrow. Lloyd relaxed a little, seeing that the newcomer probably used it to kill the demon on the way here instead of intending to hurt Ernest.

"Who are you?" Dudley asked the man but was ignored in favor of the demonized Ernest.

"Sorry. Kinda running short on time. Treatment first, introductions later. Mind if I take it from here?"

Startled at being addressed by the green-haired priest, Lloyd could only shake his head. "N-No, not at all."

The priest nodded before turning to Demon Ernest, still wailing in pain.

"Almost at your limit, huh? I'm impressed you've held out this long. This should help."

The priest then started chanting more verses from the holy scripture. His body started shining with light. "'Blue seal of mine, shining from the abyss.'"

Behind him, a white triangular pattern formed as the priest opened his eyes.

"'Clear the miasma and light this lost lamb's way home to salvation!'"

Everybody gasped in amazement as even brighter light engulfed Demon Ernest until they needed to close their eyes. When it was safe to open his eyes, Lloyd saw the unconscious body of Ernest lying down on the ground.

"Ernest!" Lloyd immediately came closer and checked his condition. Pulse was okay. Breathing was normal. Lloyd let out a sigh of relief. "He's okay."

"Phew... And not a second too soon," the priest also did the same. "He's gotta be out of commission for several days at the least."

Lloyd nodded. "Thank you. That's great to hear."

"What a relief..." Noel let out a smile.

"J-Just hold on here. Who exactly are you?! I can tell that you're a priest, but what are you doing in a place like this?" Dudley questioned the priest. Well, with how paranoid Dudley was even to fellow police like the SSS...

Lloyd could only laugh sheepishly when the priest turned to Arios. "What's the deal, Arios? You didn't bother to tell 'em about me?"

"You said you weren't sure if you would make it in time. Given your position, I decided to keep your involvement secret until necessary," Arios replied with a shake of his head.

"So that's how you played it," the priest smiled. "Man, you haven't changed a bit. Still the same thoughtful guy as ever!"

"I could say the same to you. Thank you. It was nice to have the backup."

Now that Lloyd took a detailed look at the priest, something tickled inside his mind. Green hair was not rare, but a green-haired priest...

When you have a distinct description, most likely, the first person you met with the same description is the person described.

Juna once told him that was part of why she suspected Harold to be Renne's father. Lloyd still couldn't understand why Juna said that, but... 'Green-haired priest' was distinct enough, he might as well try it.

"Excuse me, are you Father Kevin Graham?"

"Oh, you've heard of me?" Kevin turned to him and questioned back.

Lloyd smiled. "Estelle told me a lot about you."

"Oh, you must be Lloyd Bannings. Well, same to you. Estelle also told me a lot about you."

The two shook hands with smiles on their face. Kevin then turned towards Noel and Dudley.

"Well, I think I still need to introduce myself, anyway. My name is Kevin Graham, a member of the Septian Church's Gralsritter. Arios called me in to lend you guys a hand. Pleased to meet'cha," Kevin greeted with a playful salute.

"I see... A knight of the Septian Church's Congregation for the Sacraments," Dudley nodded to himself. It seemed that he had heard of the secret knight order of the church. Lloyd himself only knew about it when Estelle regaled her adventure through Liberl to fight against the secret society, Ouroboros.

"Gralsritter and...congregation for the what?" On the other hand, Noel didn't know anything about it.

Lloyd and Kevin spent the time on their way back to Altair talking with Kevin about his own perspective on the Orbal Shutdown Phenomenon, with Arios, Noel, and Dudley chiming in between. He thought that Juna would love to hear more about the Orbal Shutdown Phenomenon, especially from a new perspective.

The hours passed, and they were now ready to return to Crossbell. Lloyd and Noel would go by train, while Arios and Dudley would wait for the official CPD car to detain the two escapees appropriately.

"Alright. As agreed, we'll trust you to escort those two back, Dudley," Lloyd said once the car arrived.

"Right. We have it under control," Dudley nodded before turning to Kevin. "Father Kevin. Allow me to express my gratitude. But I would have preferred it if you had contacted us beforehand."

Even with a new acquaintance, Dudley was still Dudley, huh?

Kevin sighed. "You and me both, buddy. The thing is, us Gralsritter aren't exactly welcome in Crossbell."

"Why is that?" Noel asked in confusion.

"I take it that we have the head of Crossbell Cathedral, Archbishop Eralda, to thank for that," Dudley revealed.

"Oh, right. Sister Marble mentioned something before about the Gralsritter being experts in Thaumaturgy," Lloyd chimed in

"Yep. That's one of the things we do," Kevin nodded before expanding. "Long story short, stuff happened, and now the archbishop sorta hates our guts. He prohibited the Gralsritter from setting foot in Crossbell, like, ever again."

"Archbishop Eralda... I met him once. He didn't exactly strike me as friendly. Strict is more like it," now Noel grasped why Gralsritter was not well-known inside Crossbell.

Kevin chuckled.

"There's strict, and then there's Eralda. He's one of a kind, that man. Then again, given the stuff we do, I can't blame him. It's no wonder a saint like him would hate us."

Lloyd frowned. "Stuff you do?"

"I've heard cases involving artifact retrieval can turn ugly fast. Regardless... You really helped us out back there, Kevin. Thank you once again," Arios changed the topic.

"Haha. Didn't I owe you one, anyway, Arios? Truth be told, I wish I could tag along to see what's going on with this cult stuff. Well, I don't want to get on the archbishop's bad side, so gimme a ring if you learn anything new, m'kay?" Kevin winked at Arios.

"Sure. I'll contact you through the guild if I come across anything." Arios then turned towards him and Noel. "Lloyd. Sergeant Major Seeker. You two did excellent work."

"I dunno. I don't feel like I was particularly useful, if I'm being honest," Noel said sheepishly.

Lloyd frowned at Noel's self-depreciation. "Not true, Sergeant Major. You were a huge help."

He then sighed.

"If anything, I feel like I'm the one who let us down. I should have been able to follow through and make the arrest without relying on outside help."

Even the SSS arrest of Joachim was helped by Estelle, Joshua, and Juna as moral support.

"Don't be so conceited," Dudley scoffed. "You knew from the beginning that this was an arrest by the Special Support Section in name only. Regardless, would you really call what you did worthless?"

Before Lloyd could reply, Dudley continued his tirade. "Humility is well and good, but objective self-assessment and situational awareness are essential for a senior detective. You may have only been acting with the First Division for training, but you should still take that to heart."

He finished with a harrumph.

Lloyd smiled at hearing Dudley's rough encouragement. "Dudley..."

"Haha. He struggles with handing out compliments, doesn't he?"

"Just say he did a good job already."

Both Noel and Arios caught what Dudley was trying to do and teased him.

"Oh, shut up," Dudley denied to everyone's laughter. "Anyway, Bannings. With this, your First Division training is now complete. Take what you've learned here and use it as you move forward with the SSS."

"I will. Thanks for everything," Lloyd nodded, acknowledging his words.

The two then went away with the car, leaving Noel and Lloyd with Kevin in front of Altair station.

"Aren't you two a lucky pair? Even if they are in different professions, ain't it still nice to have two role models like that to look up to?" Kevin mentioned when the car was out of their sight.

"It absolutely is," Lloyd answered without embarrassment.

"Agreed. Chief Sergei as well," Noel joined him.

"So, now what? You two gonna take the train back to Crossbell?"

Lloyd nodded at Kevin's question. "Yeah. What about you, Father Kevin? Crossbell is only one station from here. We'd love to have you visit so we can give you the thanks you deserve."

Juna would probably be happy to meet another person involved with the Orbal Shutdown Phenomenon.

However, Kevin politely rejected the offer. "I appreciate the offer, but there's someone I have to meet after this. Truth be told, I wouldn't mind getting my grubby mitts on more info about the cult..."

Lloyd's mind recalled the sight he saw inside the Sun Fort.

"Is the church looking into it, too?" Noel queried, but Kevin shook his head.

"Not exactly. The last time we officially involved ourselves with them was during that incident four years ago," Kevin revealed.

"Wouldn't that be after the suppression operation carried out by the coalition of the Bracer Guild, police forces, and national armies?" Lloyd asked for further clarification. This was new info for him.

"Yes. The church had to bust down a lodge that had slipped through the cracks," Kevin said with a frown. He then leaned forward and lowered his voice. "Just between you and me... that lodge was said to be the worst. The rituals they were conducting there make the human experiments here in Altair look like child's play in comparison."

"Is that so?" Lloyd bit his lip. Even more despicable than what they had just seen... Unbelievable. And people like Joachim were involved with those sorts of things.

"Disgusting. They were the lowest of the low," Noel grumbled with abhor.

"Arios bailed me out back then. Since I still owed him big time, this worked out pretty well," Kevin continued.

"I'd say so. Thanks to you, we were able to take the fugitive alive. You have our gratitude. We couldn't have done it without you," Lloyd conveyed his gratitude again.

"Nah," Kevin shook his head with a smile. "It's just like Specs said. It's 'cause of you he survived."

Lloyd blinked.

"Because of me? How?" He asked back with confusion.

"When things were at their worst, your words got through to him. If not for that, I probably wouldn't have been able to do anything," Kevin revealed to him.

"You think so?"

"Yes, I'm sure of it!" Noel suddenly exclaimed from the side. "It was thanks to you that he could regain himself, Lloyd."

"Sergeant Major..."

"Haha... I guess Estelle was right about you and the Special Support Section. If we ever get the chance, I'd love to hear more about the cult case. It should be settled, but you never know what else could pop up."

Somehow, those words felt like a premonition. Especially because Juna had made lots of predictions. Red Constellation... The third-party involved with KeA... Part of the SSS's temporary disbandment was because they knew Juna's words might come true. The four of them tried their best to prepare themselves for the future.

"True," Lloyd said, unconsciously more serious than he intended. "I guess this is goodbye for now."

If Kevin heard the undertone, then he didn't show it in his face.

"It was nice meeting you!" Noel chimed in cheerily.

"Right back at ya!"

The two of them then entered the train station to go home.

---

Once Lloyd and Noel entered the train station, Kevin sat down on one of the benches.

"So that's Lloyd, huh? Interesting."

It didn't escape his notice how Lloyd changed his expression when he mentioned 'what else could pop up.' Did he know about what could happen in Crossbell?

"If he knew, the odds look like they'll be stacked against them this time."

"Kevin."

The man looked up when he heard a familiar voice calling him. It was Ries with a paper bag on her chest. Pleasant smells wafted through the air and reached his nose.

"Aren't you late? And what's with the bag?"

"That little stand over there sells Altair's specialty: roasted chestnuts. Fresh from the oven and exquisitely sweetened. They're delicious," Ries answered, popping one into her mouth.

Kevin smiled, seeing his squire enjoying herself. Never change, Ries.

"Speaking of... I just talked with the Crossbellans, who called me here. One of them might know the gravity of the situation that could occur. Are you going to be okay on your own? I could tag along, y'know?" Kevin spilled his worries. No matter what, Ries was his precious person.

However, Ries only shook her head. "No, thanks. Knowing your track record, our cover would be blown instantly."

Kevin felt that straight into his heart as Ries continued. "I'd rather Archbishop Eralda not burn me at the stake for sneaking you in."

"W-Would he really go that far?" Kevin sighed. Eralda was a sensitive matter to the Congregation for the Sacraments. "Then again, I don't think he'll ever forgive what happened with Owen from the Congregation for Divine Worship. Since that incident, he's had zero tolerance for the Congregation for the Sacraments."

Owen was a corrupt member of the Congregation for the Divine Worship whom he had to kill. In fact, he was his first target after acquiring the moniker of Heretic Hunter.

But it was things of the past.

"And that's exactly why it's best if I go undercover by myself. You know that, don't you, Kevin?"

"Ugh... Fine, I get it! Honestly, though. Why did the boss lady have to send you into the lion's den alone?" Kevin wondered aloud. Ein was an enigma, as usual.

"I think she made the right choice. Don't do anything reckless while I'm away. Do I make myself clear, Kevin? I don't want you causing trouble for Cesar and Marcia." Of course, Ries had to bring up the name of his other squires. There was nothing he could do but to agree.

"Fine, fine. Message received," Kevin exhaled before fussing over her again. "Be careful. Okay, Ries? There's no telling how bad things are about to get. If you really need some help without revealing yourself, try the Special Support Section or look for Juna Crawford. That's Estelle's message when I asked about Crossbell off-handedly. If they still can't help, call me. And don't forget about our trump card, too."

"I'll keep that in mind," Ries nodded. "Is the situation truly that bad?"

"Yeah... Crossbell is the kind of place where the sacred and profane are intertwined." The fact that Lloyd himself seemed to be on edge was telling enough. "And it looks like the snakes are startin' to slither around in the shadows again."

Kevin looked up to the sky.

"'The City of Sin.' It might not be long till Crossbell lives up to that name."

Notes:

This is taken straight from Azure's prologue. Of course, with deviations. Lloyd recognized Kevin from Estelle's recount of OSP and is encouraged to interact with him by Juna's advice (which, by now, has turned into a convenient plot device to move things along for the SSS.) Estelle said green-haired priest and here is one, so Divergent Laws state that he must be Kevin Graham (not that he knew it's Divergent Laws in the first place.) Hmm? What do you mean there is another green-haired priest already making his move in Crossbell?

There is a contradictory info about Owen between the wiki and the game (which I took the side of.) In the wiki, specifically the Sky 3rd's summary, it said that Owen is from the Sacrament, but Owen's title is Bishop, which is a Divine Worship title according to the wiki. So I checked the game (because I don't know what keyword to use in trailsdb, one of the weakness of trailsdb's structure, I'd say) and it was clearly stated that Owen is from Divine Worship instead of Sacrament.

Also, aren't you too confident in Juna, Estelle?!

Chapter 32

The SSS was chasing Lechter for Detective Emma's request. He had successfully eluded their grasp two times, once in Long Lao and once on top of the Times Department Store. This time, they wouldn't let him go away.

The four of them entered Barca Casino and looked around. Finding no clue of Lechter on the first floor, they went up to the second floor and immediately saw Lechter playing the slot.

"Forget walls. Dogi, you're crushing my hopes of ever hittin' a real jackpot. What's it gonna take for me to line up some Feenas and rake in the REAL mira?"

"There's nowhere left to run, Lechter."

"Please surrender and confirm your identity."

Lloyd and Elie demanded the red-haired intelligence officer.

Lechter just glanced at them, hands still on the machine. "My i-den-ti-ty... Identity, identity... Which one to use..."

"Just be honest for once in your life..." Lloyd sighed. He really was elusive.

"I'll tell you what. Ask me anything, and I'll answer with a simple yes or no," Lecther offered a compromise.

"Fine. Have it your way. First question, are you Lechter Arundel, second secretary for the Imperial government?" Lloyd started. Elie, beside him, prepared her notes to dictate what Lechter said word to word.

"Yes," Lechter nodded in confirmation.

"Second, are you also a captain of the Imperial Intelligence Division?"

"Yes," Lechter answered Lloyd's question with another confirmation.

He actually admitted it... Lloyd was amazed by what Lechter had just said.

"My turn," Elie continued from him. "Is the purpose of your current visit officially related to your duties within the Imperial government?"

"Yes... and no."

So he might be visiting for two different purposes, then.

"Do you intend to stay for more than a month?"

"Haha... The answer is no. I'll be leaving in a week," Lechter replied with a chuckle.

Lloyd glanced at Elie, who shook her head. So they probably won't get anything further, then. At the least, they had confirmed his identity for the support request.

"Sorry to have troubled you, CAPTAIN Arundel," Lloyd injected a bit of sass to his words.

"Thank you for your cooperation."

"No problemo. Oh, by the way... How's the kiddo doing? You took her in, right?" Lechter shifted the conversation again, just like before his escape. Narrowing his eyes, Lloyd replied warily.

"KeA? She's fine."

"I suppose we should thank you for your help that night," Elie said with a grateful smile to Lechter.

"You did help us make our grand escape," Wazy chimed in from behind.

"Hmm? I don't know what you're talking about. I spent the night playing with my dearest new friend, Noire," Lechter smiled without care, referring to the cat of one of the auction's attendees. So that was his stance for the auction, huh? "That reminds me. You guys reeled in Old Man Hartmann, yeah? The last thing I expected was for him to end up in a hostage situation. I know you were just there to make an arrest, but thanks for that."

Lloyd was a little taken by surprise. "So, you know about that."

"It hasn't even been three days since those two were arrested..." Noel trailed off in amazement at Lechter's reveal.

"Well, confirming that was one of my reasons for coming here," Lechter easily revealed. "And the other one is--"

"Oh, there you are! What'cha up to in here?" An unfamiliar voice reached Lloyd's ears as Lechter's face turned towards it. From behind them, a crimson-haired girl with a stark appearance that caught his eyes suddenly approached Lechter. "Weren't you supposed to be buying me some Arc en Ciel tickets? So, what's going on here?!"

Lechter casually replied with a grin, "Chill. I scored some VIP tickets for the evening performance. Don't forget to thank me."

"Really?! Thanks! I've been DYING to go!"

Throughout the time the crimson-haired girl talked, Lloyd couldn't help but closely scrutinize the girl. She looked... out of place in Crossbell. It might be because her association with Lechter means she was an outsider herself. And that shade of hair...

Feeling herself being looked at, the girl turned her head to look at Lloyd.

"Oh?"

Lloyd awkwardly smiled when she smirked at him. "Can I help you?"

"That scent... That smell is so...nostalgic."

Before Lloyd could respond, the girl quickly went to his side and bit his earlobe. Lloyd shuddered at her speed and accuracy.

"W-Wait!"

"Eeeh?!"

Elie and Noel looked scandalized while Wazy whistled in appreciation.

"Wh-What was that for?!" Lloyd slightly raised his voice, startled by her sudden attack on his body parts.

"Heehee. Thanks for the taste. Yeah. You definitely got the smell," she nodded to herself, ignoring his question. "I can't really smell it on those two, but..."

She leaned towards Elie and sniffed her. "You've got a little bit of it, too!"

"Huh?"

With an agility that surpassed his eyes, the crimson-haired girl appeared behind Elie and started squeezing her chest.

"Ahhhh!"

"Elie!" Lloyd shouted in concern. That settled it. This girl was dangerous. To be able to go behind Elie in an instant...

Lloyd bit his lip.

As he stewed in his thoughts, the girl continued copping a feel on Elie. "Ohhh... Aren't you the lucky one? I've got nothing on you that I'm starting to get jealous!"

"W-W-Wha?"

"Haha, What a wonderful view."

Noel was still overwhelmed by the situation while Wazy opened his eyes as wide as he could.

"P-Please stop...!"

Elie's cries of stop caught Lloyd's attention.

"Miss, can't you see that you're making Elie uncomfortable. Please stop," Lloyd flashed his CPD badge.

"Haha. She really does whatever she wants. But if you keep it up, you're gonna get arrested for sexual harassment, ya know," only after Lloyd flashed his badge that Lechter joined the conversation. Truly a paragon for all intelligence officers.

"Huh? It's not sexual harassment. I'm only gettin' to know her!" The girl tried to dodge the accusation.

Lloyd bit his lip. There was Lechter here with them. Should he reveal it? After half a second of consideration, he decided to do it.

"Maybe in the Red Constellation, it isn't. But here in Crossbell, it is considered sexual harassment because the other party does not consent."

The relaxed situation turned serious when Lloyd mentioned the name of the most famous Jaeger Corps.

"R-Red Constellation?"

"The infamous Jaeger Corps..."

"Oh? So Dolphy has told you about me?" There was an undertone of interest behind her words.

By Dolphy, did she mean Randy? Good one. He might use it to obfuscate the truth even further. Randy hadn't told them anything. Despite Juna's warning, Randy still hadn't felt comfortable enough to trust the SSS with his full background, so it was all conjecture. Still... this was the route he decided to go for.

"Not so much. But he did tell us to be wary of his relatives," Lloyd said with a smile, hiding his anxiety. He could be more specific if he could glean more insight from limited information like Juna, but alas... he had to make do with doing his best to emulate Juna.

"Ahahaha! So Dolphy really told you about me!" The girl grinned.

"Nice to meet you, Mister. Name's Shirley!"

"I wanted to say it's nice to meet you, but I'd be lying. What are the Red Constellation doing in Crossbell?"

Before Shirley could reply, Lechter interrupted. "Welp. That's our cue to go, Shirley. I'm gonna live it up at Mishelam tonight until I drop."

"Aw... I was just starting to have fun. Oh well, See ya, Mister."

The two then left the SSS alone inside the casino, though not before Lechter gave Lloyd one last look. Of course, the man had to break the awkwardness with a playful wink as a parting shot.

Once Lechter and Shirley were out, Lloyd exhaled a long breath.

"Whew. That was intense."

"L-Lloyd?" Elie asked him with concern. He looked around to see confusion in Noel's eyes while Wazy smiled mysteriously.

"Let's report to Detective Emma and go home first before I explain." He didn't want to repeat his previous carelessness of talking about Juna in an open place where somebody could eavesdrop.

The four SSS members nodded before going to the CPD Headquarters to report their findings. Of course, they omitted the part about Lloyd recognizing Shirley. When he reported the questioning, Lloyd described Shirley without mentioning her name. Not that Lloyd was trying to undermine the First Division, but telling them about it would just raise their suspicion. Sure, he could use the same excuse that Randy told the other members, assuming that the First Division knew of Randy's background, but he did not want to sell his teammate to the First Division's questioning like that. Let them reach a conclusion of their own.

After they finished reporting things to Detective Emma, Lloyd and the others went back home for him to explain things to the others.

"So..." Elie started once they sat down on the sofa.

Lloyd nodded. "Right. Elie. Remember what Juna said we'd face?"

Elie's eyes widened at his question. "R-Right. Juna said the SSS will face Red Constellation in the future. Lloyd, that's..."

"Correct. That's one of the reasons we temporarily disbanded as a group. We wanted to improve ourselves so that we can be ready when the time comes. It looks like the time is soon."

Wazy hummed at the bits of information while Noel opened her mouth.

"Excuse me, but why did Juna say that?"

Lloyd chuckled. "It's a long story. Just take it at face value for a while. I'll explain it later when we have more free time."

"Alright," Wazy nodded in understanding. "Then, can you please explain how you know the girl is part of Red Constellation? They're famous, but even I personally don't have any connection to the Jaeger's scene, so I don't know their appearance."

"Didn't Randy tell you?"

"No, that was a bluff," Elie answered Noel's question. "Randy hadn't told us anything about the Red Constellation."

"Correct. And I personally haven't read the report on them," Lloyd revealed with a sheepish laugh. "However, following Juna's advice, it was a fifty-fifty guess whether she was Lechter's relative or Randy's. And her shade of red resembles Randy more, so I took a gamble."

Elie gasped. "That's right, the Hayworth case!"

Nodding, Lloyd began to explain to Wazy and Noel, who looked confused about what the two were talking about. "You see, Juna once correctly guessed someone was someone else's daughter just from the hair color. When we asked, even Juna herself couldn't explain, but so far, Juna's weird advice was mostly correct, even though they had no logical basis. I think I'll lend you two the full reports of the cult incident's investigation. You'll see lots of traces Juna left behind."

"How...? Hair color?"

"I don't understand, but please continue."

Noel and Wazy were definitely confused when he said hair color.

"Okay, so, aside from her hair color, there was her action when she met us," Lloyd continued, making Elie's face reddened in embarrassment. "She allegedly smelled something that only stuck with me and Elie, while she didn't say anything about Noel and Wazy, the new SSS member. What did the two of us have that the two new members don't? That is the proximity to Randy. With that in mind, I concluded that there was a chance that Shirley was from the Red Constellation despite Randy never telling us anything. I had a decision to make. Do I reveal my hand here or not? Should I tell her that I know the Red Constellation now even though we'd definitely clash in the future?" Lloyd closed his eyes and sighed. "My decision is yes. Part of it is because Lechter is there."

"Lechter?"

"Why?"

Elie and Noel questioned him.

"Ever since the auction, Lechter seemed a little too interested in how we knew about the trunk. We hid the fact that it was Juna who told us by deceiving him, but I think he caught that we lied to him. Despite that, he still helped us, so I felt a little bad ...until he revealed that he was an intelligence officer today. So because of that, I had to reveal that I know Shirley is from the Red Constellation."

"I see... I didn't get the full picture, but I think I know what you're trying to do," Wazy nodded to himself. "You're trying to divert Lechter's attention from Juna. If you feigned ignorance while still being wary, Lechter might catch that you're playing ignorance. So you opted to go all in to hide Juna."

Lloyd nodded. "Even if I had to paint a target in my back, it's better me than Juna. Of course, it's not foolproof. Lechter might be thinking that somebody, the same person who fed us info about the trunk, told me about the Red Constellation. Thankfully, Shirley didn't catch my bluff and even revealed her connection to Randy, vindicating my gambit."

Noel frowned and pointed out something. "I don't remember her telling her relation... You guessed it first."

Lloyd scratched his cheek. "Ah... that was me pulling Juna, though not perfectly. Shirley revealed a nickname, Dolphy. It indicates familiarity. Seeing her hair color and familiarity with Randy, I extrapolated that she was a relative of him, though I don't know their exact relation."

Elie's face lit up with a smile. "You fooled her twice. First about the Red Constellation and second about her relationship with Randy. She was taken by your correct guess that she didn't question why you said relative instead of a specific familial relation."

"Yes. Thank Aidios, she didn't catch it. I had to divert by asking about her purpose here, which Lechter cut off, giving me a breathing room to relax," Lloyd finished his recount.

"Whoa..."

"Hmmmm..."

Noel had a starstruck expression while Wazy was looking at him with interest.

Elie sighed. "Sorry, Lloyd. I was taken off-guard. Diplomacy should be my thing, especially fresh after helping Grandpa."

Lloyd shook his head. "No need to be sorry, Elie. That situation was so sudden, even I was caught off-guard too by her assault."

To be honest, having your earlobe bitten by a girl younger than you was embarrassing.

"Fufu, but that gave us quite the spectacle... right, Lloyd?"

Elie's face reddened even further by Wazy's teasing, but Lloyd just blinked.

"Ah... to be honest, I didn't see what happened properly. I was thinking about what to do and only heard Elie's..." Okay, Elie moaned; it was as simple as that. But there was no way Lloyd could consciously say that in front of her!

"Haha... So you are embarrassed about it, too, huh?" Wazy shamelessly laughed at the situation he had created.

"Ahaha..." Noel laughed awkwardly, not knowing how to react.

"I-In any case, we don't know what the deal is between the Imperial Intelligence Division and the Red Constellation Jaeger Corps, but we need to expect anything that could happen," Lloyd took a deep breath. "Now that we've finished the request with Lechter let's contact Chief Sergei to see if it's time for his request yet."

Just in time, Lloyd's Enigma rang, and Lloyd picked up the call. It was Sergei who told the SSS to go to the Police Academy. As planned, they would go exterminate the monster before continuing their way to the Police Academy.

Notes:

Here it is! I actually wanted to publish this yesterday but I forgot. So we got to the first payoff of Juna's presence and prediction! I present you, Lloyd pulling off another Juna moment and get the situation to be more serious than it was in canon! Also, I deliberately made Shirley not saying her last name, if you're still confused why Noel don't know they're related. By the way, I find it weird that the SSS really don't know anything about the Red Constellation (except Randy by virtue of being ex-member) despite them being one of the more famous Jaeger Corps in canon. Anyway, Randy still not telling them despite Juna's prediction is just Lloyd not wanting to push his friend to say anything he doesn't want. But it doesn't excuse him not reading the report from the police database smh Lloyd. At least now he knows not to talk about serious matter outside their own turf. It just took a kidnapping to open his eyes.

Chapter 33

The SSS had just finished their requests for the day. Who would have thought that Mayor Crois would give them a new Orbal Car made by the Zeiss Central Factory? Certainly not Lloyd. He would take it, though. Using a car would make navigation around Crossbell easier, and it would help avoid the monsters on the highways. The giddy feeling that the group felt even overshadowed the fact that they met another Red Constellation member who looked really strong and dangerous. Thankfully, Lloyd's observation training bore fruit when he managed to guess the number of passengers inside a moving train after a glance. He didn't know what would happen if he guessed wrongly.

The four of them were now walking towards the cathedral, intending to get KeA.

"After all that work we did today, the last place I wanted to go was the church," Wazy sighed.

"You're not the worshipping type, are you, Wazy?" Noel engaged him in a conversation. At the least, it would beat any more complaints from Wazy.

"It's not that I have a bad relationship with Aidios. I've just never really meshed with the churchgoing crowd," Wazy dodged the question. "And don't churches themselves feel creepy to you?"

"That's a little strange coming from someone who named their street gang after the Testaments," Lloyd retorted.

"Weren't all of you referring to your fights with the Saber Vipers as 'crusades'?" Elie also questioned the green-haired gang leader, who only smiled.

"That was mostly Abbas' idea."

Lloyd did not believe it one bit.

"Excuse me," their conversation was interrupted by a voice from behind them.

Turning their heads, the SSS saw a pink-haired woman in a Sister getup. She had a big suitcase on the ground beside her.

"Sorry to bother all of you. Is this the way to Crossbell Cathedral?" She asked them.

"Yes, it is. In fact, we're going there."

Elie squinted her eyes. "R-Ries?!"

The Sister widened her eyes when she recognized Elie. "Elie... it's been so long. That's right, I do remember you saying that you were from Crossbell..."

"Right!" Elie immediately ran towards her, grabbing her hand. "Heehee, I never expected to run into you today, Ries."

The other approached Ries.

"You know her, Elie?"

"Yes. You recall that I studied abroad before joining the SSS, right? I met Ries while in the Holy City of Arteria two years ago. She took really good care of me," Elie explained.

"Arteria..."

"Isn't that the location of the High Seat of the Septian Church?" Wazy questioned, to which Ries nodded.

"Yes. That's right. My name is Ries Argent. I was recently appointed to a position at Crossbell Cathedral. It's a pleasure to meet all of you," Ries bowed a little.

"Likewise. Lloyd Bannings, Special Support Section of the Crossbell Police Department."

Lloyd didn't miss how Ries' eyes widened a little when he mentioned his affiliation.

"So, you're going to be working at Crossbell Cathedral now... But I thought you were..." Elie trailed off before Ries whispered something that nobody could hear. Lloyd saw Elie nodding for a bit before the two separated.

"I still have to report on my arrival to the cathedral, so please excuse me. Do you all have business there, as well?"

"Yes," Elie answered. "We came to pick up a girl from Sunday School. She was supposed to go home earlier, but according to her friends, she's still at the cathedral."

"Oh, I see... Then I should leave you to it."

"How about we go there together? Elie looks like she wanted to catch up with you," Lloyd offered.

"Oh, if you wouldn't mind..."

The five of them continued walking towards the cathedral. Elie was in animated conversation with the coolheaded Ries. Lloyd turned to Wazy.

"Something wrong? You're kind of staring off into space."

"It's nothing," Wazy smiled, shaking his head.

"Speaking of Arteria, Noel and I actually met a priest back in Altair," Lloyd off-handedly mentioned to Wazy, Elie, and Ries.

"That's right. Father Kevin!" Noel chirped in.

"It was honestly surprising to meet someone from Estelle's story. But he really is as amazing as Estelle said. I'm glad I met him." Lloyd smiled, recalling his conversation with Kevin. "That's right, I'm sure Juna wants to hear about Father Kevin's side of the story. How about we invite Juna for dinner?" Lloyd asked the others.

"Sure," Noel nodded. "I wanna get familiar with Juna, too."

"More chance for me to tease you and her," Wazy grinned. Was it too much to say that his grin felt really evil?

"Lloyd... I see... then KeA and I will prepare the best dinner," Elie nodded to herself. "Sadly, Tio and Randy are still away."

"It might be true," Lloyd closed his eyes. "But distance is just another barrier that we have to overcome. Let's call them. They might not have our dinner, but we will still have the camaraderie."

Everyone looked at Lloyd.

"Fufu, you really are amazing, Lloyd," Wazy was the first one to break the silence.

"R-Right. That speech is... wow..." Noel was once again amazed at Lloyd.

Elie exhaled, "I feel obligated to take Randy and Tio's place and say that your speech is as cheesy as ever."

Ries did not say anything; she just stared at him, a strange look on her face before she smiled.

"You seemed like a rather tight group. May Aidios bless your group."

Lloyd gave Ries a grateful nod. "Thank you, Sister."

The five of them then entered the vicinity of the Crossbell Cathedral, with Ries bidding her goodbye, and went to see the archbishop.

Meanwhile, the SSS waited until the class was finished before entering the room.

"KeA," Lloyd greeted with a warm smile on his face.

"Oh, everyone. What are you doing here?"

Lloyd exhaled before explaining. "Well, since you were late, we came to pick you up."

"More importantly... KeA, why were you in the senior-level class? "

"Oh.. um, well..."

KeA felt a little hard to find words for her explanation. Marble gave her a small help, "Have you not told Lloyd and the others, KeA?"

The green-haired girl shook her head with a frown.

"KeA asked to attend senior classes. Juna also endorsed her decision. So I let her. My only condition was that it be for mathematics and natural science only." Marble explained. "Turns out little KeA is as smart as little Juna back then!"

"So that's it..."

"KeA never ceases to amaze us," Elie smiled at Marble's compliment.

"Umm... I'm sorry that I didn't tell you... I know I'm still a kid, but I study math a lot and..."

"Haha, you don't need to apologize, silly," Lloyd chuckled, patting her green head. "If that's what you're interested in, that's fine. We won't stop you, KeA."

"Right. It's a good thing you like studying and exploring your academic curiosity. I'm in favor of it, as well."

KeA smiled. "Really?!"

"But you have to promise to keep taking classes with Ryu, Anri, and the others, too, okay? You gain more from Sunday School than just knowledge, you know," Lloyd lectured.

"I agree, KeA," Marble joined in the lecture. "Your mind is as sharp as Juna, I'm sure of it. But Juna is just..."

"Mind-blowing?" Elie offered a word. "I think I remember seeing her in my Sunday School class for about a week before she was moved to an even further class."

"That's right. Mine, too," Lloyd agreed, remembering his neighbor's apparent genius. Juna appeared one day in his class and next week she was gone because she was put in the senior class. If he remembered correctly, he was twelve at the time, putting Juna at around nine years old.

"Yes, but not just that. As you said, Lloyd, Sunday School is also important for making friends. Juna excelled at those. Anytime she was moved into a new class, she made friends with them quickly. That's the aspect that I think Juna has over KeA at her age," Marble patted KeA on the shoulder.

"...The more I heard about Juna, the more impressive she is," Wazy hummed.

"It contrasts greatly with what I saw from her..." Noel trailed off.

"Big Sis Juna is great! If it weren't for her, I wouldn't have the courage to ask Sister Marble to take more advanced classes," KeA cheered happily.

After that, the SSS thanked Sister Marble and went home.

---

Ries had just settled her belongings inside the shared room. Exhaling a little, Ries looked at the corner of the room given to her. This was an undercover mission, so she didn't bring much to avoid scrutiny. The meeting with the SSS was a welcomed surprise. Thank Aidios that she was met by the SSS. She didn't expect to see a familiar face with them. Thankfully, Elie promised to not let the others know of her real occupation as the squire of the Gralsritter. Although... her mind went to the blue-clad member of the SSS.

"Sister Ries. Welcome to our Cathedral. Please be at ease for the duration of your time working here."

She was broken out of her musings when a senior Sister called out to her. If Ries remembered right, the one greeting her was Sister Marble, an older Sister who usually taught the Sunday School.

"Thank you, Sister Marble. Are you here to give my assignment?"

Marble shook her head with a smile. "It's the archbishop's authority, not mine. I'm just here to ask you something. A little while ago, a former student of mine pointed out that a girl who spent most of her life in the hospital because she lost her eyesight hadn't gotten her Sunday School education appropriate for her age. My former student requested me to teach her, but I have an obligation to teach all the other children. If you don't mind, would you spare your time to personally teach the girl?"

Ries thought for a while. If she accepted, would it eat so much time she couldn't look around? On the other hand, accepting it would mean it wouldn't be out of mind to see her walking around in the city. So it was all about how hard Eralda would assign the usual sisterly tasks to her.

"I wouldn't mind." In the end, she accepted it, not because of the cost-benefit assessment. She just wanted to do it to help a girl who lost her eyesight.

"Great!" Marble clapped her hands. "Then, tomorrow, I'll introduce you to Juna, who can tell you more about it."

...Juna?

"If you really need some help without revealing yourself, try the Special Support Section or look for Juna Crawford. That's Estelle's message when I asked about Crossbell off-handedly."

"That's right. I'm sure Juna wants to hear about Father Kevin's side of the story. How about we invite Juna for dinner?"

So, the Juna Lloyd mentioned was indeed the same Juna that Estelle told Kevin. She was interested in her after what Kevin said, and now a chance fell into her lap. Unconsciously, Ries smiled. Aidios helped those who helped others, indeed.

---

It turned out that Tio had called them first to inform her of late rejoining because of some things in the foundation. She expressed her dissatisfaction that she couldn't join them for the later talk. As for Randy, he did not pick up the call after being called three times, so with a heavy heart, they had to talk without him, too.

Dinner made by Elie and KeA was plentiful but not as lavish as the upper class usually had. Lloyd had come to Juna's house but found only her mother and siblings while Juna herself was still not home. He didn't understand why Lina looked so excited when he formally invited Juna to dinner with him, but she nodded fervently. She then said she would direct her daughter to have dinner in the SSS building.

Soon, Juna entered the building and greeted them. "Good Evening, SSS!"

After the occupants of the building greeted Juna back, she turned towards KeA.

"So, KeA, how was the advanced class?" She asked as she sat at the table.

"It's tough, but I think I can follow the lesson. Sister Marble is a good teacher," KeA answered.

"Yes," Juna nodded. "Sister Marble is amazing! If it wasn't for her, I wouldn't be able to graduate early."

That was news to Lloyd. But Sister Marble really was amazing for consistently teaching new generations of children in Crossbell.

"Anyway, let's just have dinner first," Elie offered.

"By the way, Juna. I met Father Kevin Graham in my mission. Yes, that Kevin Graham."

Lloyd said, only for Juna's eyes to shine.

"Tell me more!"

Lloyd and Noel recall their meeting with Kevin and the tales Kevin shared with him.

Dinner ended without much fanfare. And so after He and Elie put everything in the sink, they returned to the table to have a serious talk with Juna.

"So, what do you guys need me for? Another 'consultation?'" Juna started. Everyone could hear the emphasis on the consultation part.

Sergei puffed his smoke.

"Lloyd's the one who arranged for this. It was supposed to have Tio and Randy, too, but we can't contact both at the moment."

Juna furrowed her eyebrows.

"I think I have an idea what this is about, but I need to think first."

Oh? Lloyd couldn't help but smile. As Randy put it, Juna was about to 'pull a Juna.' It could be better for Wazy and Noel to see rather than being explained about what Juna could do.

"That's fine," Lloyd answered her. "Just tell us what you think."

Juna hummed, tapping her finger on the table repeatedly. He looked around to see Noel looking back at him in confusion. Wazy observed Juna casually, his gaze switched between Juna and him. Lloyd sighed internally. It seemed like Wazy was determined to tease him and Juna again.

A few seconds later, Juna sighed. "I can only conclude that you encountered a trouble. But I don't know which one you met between the Red Constellation or Guy's murder case. Still, I'm leaning on Red Constellation. Does Randy already know?"
 

Noel was speechless, while Wazy only chuckled.

"Spot on as usual," Elie shook her head in amazement.

"That's right. I have some idea about what the Red Constellation's presence in Crossbell means, but I want to ask you for confirmation," Lloyd revealed before he answered Juna's question. "Randy didn't pick up the call, so I decided to inform him later once he picked up."

"Lloyd, you already have an idea about what the famous Jaeger Corps are doing, but you haven't told your teammates yet?" Wazy playfully shook his head. "Despite that, you're spilling your ideas to Juna easily... it's sad to see that we're just an afterthought."

"C-Come on, Wazy..." Noel tried to placate him.

Lloyd sighed. "I know you're just being playful, Wazy. I just don't want to assume without confirmation."

He then turned towards Juna.

"We met two members of the Red Constellation on our patrol today. One is Shirley, a girl your age who called Randy with the nickname Dolphy. The other is an intense man with a frightening aura around him," He explained. "We met Shirley when we were chasing Lechter Arundel from the Empire's Intelligence Division. The two were familiar with each other, with him buying Shirley a ticket for Arc en Ciel. At first, I didn't have any idea about what the Red Constellation was doing, but later, I thought of one interesting point: The West Zemuria Trade Conference."

Noel whispered to Elie, but Lloyd's ear could still pick it up. "Western trade what?"

Ignoring Elie, who explained things to Noel, Lloyd patiently waited for Juna to come to a conclusion.

A few seconds later, Juna nodded. "Oh, definitely. One hundred percent sure they're here for that. Maybe they were hired by the Erebonian representative for something. Whether it was to protect them or to potentially scare the other party, I don't know."

Lloyd winced. His fear was confirmed. The Red Constellation was indeed hired by the Empire for the West Zemuria Trade Conference at the end of the month. But even Juna couldn't guess whether it was for defense or offense. They needed more information.

"Eh? How did you come to the conclusion?!" Now that Noel got the explanation about the West Zemuria Trade Conference, she realized the logical leap Juna had to arrive at the conclusion.

"I'd be interested to hear that, too," Wazy joined in. "Especially how you initially narrowed the problem to the Red Constellation."

Lloyd stared at Wazy for a while before he shook his head, waiting for Juna's explanation.

"Hmmm, you two are new, so you didn't know. But well... I'm very certain that the Red Constellation will come to clash with the SSS. I said that much to Lloyd a few months ago. As to how I guess it now, well... it's obvious that Lloyd approached me first, which means he wanted my help," Juna winked at him, who sheepishly laughed at being caught. "But that's okay, I'm happy to give you my help. It's just really easy to see. And considering what I said to him before... I'm leaning toward the Red Constellation problem."

Wazy was about to dig more, but Lloyd shook his head. Wazy probably wanted to know why Juna was very certain about the Red Constellation, but he'd brief him later. Thankfully, Wazy backed down.

"Then, what's our next move, Lloyd?" Elie asked after several seconds.

Lloyd contemplated the situation. If they really were hired by the Empire, then there was nothing they could do to prevent them from entering and exiting Crossbell City. It seemed that Elie also came to the same conclusion. Assigning police watchers would also be counterproductive to the preparation and the actual event itself.

Sergei put out his smoke. "We're one step too late to try doing anything to them."

That was correct.

Lloyd sighed in disappointment. There really was nothing they could do if Erebonia hired them.

"Well, I can ask the guild if they know anything about what happened in the west," Juna offered. The guild... That was right. The flow of information from the Bracer Guild transcended borders because of how it was structured.

"Aren't the Bracer Guild in Erebonia..." Elie trailed off, knowing the news from two years ago where the majority of the guild's branches in Erebonia were closed after assaults from a Jaeger Corps.

"Well, Michel said there are some branches still operating, but it was only in some areas," Juna answered.

"Will they share information, though?" Noel asked. She was a soldier, so while familiar with what the guild did, Noel probably didn't know how it worked from inside.

"The guild is not beholden to any nations, so supposedly even cross-nation branches can coordinate easily," Wazy answered. For a former delinquent, he was really informed about a lot of things.

Hmm, wait.

"Do you want to ask for the situation in Erebonia to determine why the Red Constellation was hired?" Lloyd looked at Juna in amazement. He only questioned why Juna wanted to do it when he thought about everyone's reaction to Juna's offer. None of them questioned why Juna wanted to do it, and that's when Lloyd realized what Juna wanted to do.

"Yes. I mean, we can try looking for news from the media, but I'm sure they're gonna censor what's shown to the outside world. Gotta appear strong to Zemuria!" Juna faked a punch to the air. "So the next best thing is to look for insider information from the guild branches in Erebonia, or what's left of it, anyway."

Juna then turned serious, "There are two possible reasons why Erebonia hired the Red Constellation, as I said before. Either they want to intimidate others into cowing for them by a passive-aggressive act, or they want to protect themselves from outside threats. Therefore, we need to know the recent news in Erebonia."

"Ah, it's to feed you info so you can guess what will happen!" Elie finally understood.

"That's right," Juna confirmed Elie's guess. Juna's specialty was getting deep insight from limited information. There were lots of proof of her ability that the SSS had witnessed before. This one should be no exception. Getting information about the situation in Erebonia meant Juna could possibly deduce the reason behind Red Constellation's appearance at the West Zemuria Trade Conference.

However...

"If possible, don't tell anyone except Michel about this, Juna. Well, if Michel doesn't ask, then I hope you can keep silent. As Chief Sergei said before, we were one step too late to try doing anything about them. But with you here, we can one-up them and prepare ourselves accordingly," Lloyd requested.

Just like with Joachim, they kept their information closed at hand. What caught the SSS off-guard with Joachim was Lloyd and Elie's conversation being overheard. He did not want to repeat the same mistake. It was why Lloyd told everyone to wait until they were in the SSS building before explaining how he knew Shirley was from the Red Constellation. He did not want anybody to overhear him anymore, especially inside a shady place like the casino.

The same applied in this case. Controlling who knew the information would do much to prevent any information leakage.

"Lloyd... are you still angry at yourself for letting Juna's ability leak to Joachim?" Elie understood him, so he unashamedly nodded at her with a bitter smile.

"Hm? I smell some unresolved tension," Wazy pounced after seeing some opportunity.

Unfortunately for him, his target this time was Juna. The ever-spirited girl.

"Ahaha, come on, Lloyd. I've forgiven you for a long time for that. In fact, I've gotten more clues about the underlying plot in Crossbell because of it."

"Underlying plot?" Noel asked out loud.

What Juna meant was the yellow butterfly. He and Juna still didn't understand what it signified, but they noted the yellow butterfly nonetheless.

"Ahaha... maybe later we need to catch everyone up to speed," Lloyd diverted their attention.

"It was supposed to be tonight, but Randy and Tio couldn't join," Elie sighed.

"In any case, please ask the guild about it, Juna, and don't forget to keep it under wrap."

"Roger!" Juna saluted. "Is there anything else?"

Lloyd looked around him to see if there was anything else they could discuss with Juna. It seemed like there was nothing else. However, before Lloyd could say anything, Wazy opened his mouth.

"Right, I think Lloyd didn't say this, but he actually revealed his knowledge about Shirley being in the Red Constellation for you, Juna," the green-haired former delinquent grinned at the chaos he was about to unfold.

"...Huh?" Juna raised her eyebrow.

"Wazy!" He tried to stop the former gang leader, but it was futile.

"You realized from Lloyd's story that Lechter Arundel was also there, didn't you? He diverted Lechter's attention from you to him by revealing his hands. I think he did the same back in the Schwarze Auction."

"Oh..." Juna's cheek had a smidgen of blush before she looked down, not keen on being observed. "Thank you..."

"Y-You're welcome, Juna. You're important to us. And a slight misstep had resulted in you being taken away. I don't want that to happen again to you," Lloyd smiled at her, though she didn't look at him.

"..." Elie eyed him from the side. What?

"I-I see..." Noel awkwardly laughed because she didn't know what to say.

Sergei hummed. "That's enough embarrassing them, Wazy. It's already late. Lloyd, why don't you accompany Juna home?"

"No need!" "Chief!?"

"Hahaha, you're quite fun, Chief," Wazy laughed at the setup from Sergei.

"I-I can go home alone! It's not far, anyway," Juna raised her voice to drown Wazy's laughter.

"R-Right," Lloyd nodded. "But I think I want to do it, anyway."

Juna gaped at him before she averted her eyes and sighed. "O-Oh... okay..."

Thus, he and Juna left the building through the west exit. As Juna said, it was a close walk. Juna brought her weapon, too, so he did not need to do it. But Lloyd wanted to, anyway.

The two walked silently under the night sky of West Street, illuminated by the orbal lamps placed all around. The street was already empty; all of its usual occupants went home earlier. All in all, the atmosphere was silent and serene.

"Um... Juna?" He tried to start a conversation. "I'm sorry about Wazy. He looks like he is testing the water about what he can freely say. If you're feeling uncomfortable, forget what he said earlier."

This was one of the reasons why he wanted to walk Juna home. He wanted to clear the air of awkwardness between them.

"I can't," Juna replied. "Forgetting Wazy's words means disregarding what you've done for me. Even though I want nothing but to forget them, I can't do that to you and your resolve. Instead, let me say this, Lloyd."

Juna ran in front of him and turned back.

"You're even walking me home because you want to say those words, right? Don't worry. I understand and take no offense. But as I said before, I can't forget them. So, thanks, Lloyd."

She finished with a smile and a tilt of her head. The dim light from the orbal lamps failed to hide the brightness of her smile.

For some reason, Lloyd can't look away.

"A-Ah... yeah. You're welcome, Juna."

Juna then ran towards the entrance of Bellheim Apartment, leaving him alone to ponder what Juna had just said.

"Forgetting Wazy's words means disregarding what I've done for her, huh..."

Unconsciously, Lloyd smiled as the door to Bellheim Apartment was closed once Juna entered the building. He then returned to the SSS building only to face Elie's flat stare and Wazy's delightful laugh. Haha... Lloyd kind of missed this closeness when he was with the First Division. Wazy and Noel were new, but they slotted in nicely.

He couldn't wait until Randy and Tio were back.

Notes:

The meeting with Ries! There is actually not much divergence here except that the SSS don't have plan to have dinner together with Randy and Tio. But well, meeting Ries here actually reminded Lloyd that he hadn't told Juna about his meeting with Kevin and it diverged into inviting Juna for dinner. What a funny coincidence, right? I mean, there is definitely no relation between this new Sister who came to Crossbell and Kevin except that they're both from the church, right?

Of course, Lloyd also used the chance to confirm his hypothesis about Red Constellation's arrival in Crossbell to Juna. Unfortunately, they don't have any more information since Randy is uncontactable in his training camp. Probably looking at the night sky with Mireille beside him or something. N-Not that it meant anything! She just wanted to talk about the trainee! - Mireille, probably. And I really can't resist to put the shiptease for LloydxJuna there. Xanaduverse shippers be crazy about this one important mandatory event between Lloyd and Juna. Lloyd told Juna to forget Wazy's words, but Juna doesn't want to because it would mean she need to forget about Lloyd's effort to protect her from Lechter. A heartfelt gratitude that Lloyd won't forget anytime soon. By the way, this mandatory event will raise Juna's hidden bonding points. Whether Juna will have a Final Bonding Event as a main character, or just giving the SSS a special equipment, even I still don't know. But Max DP Lloyd will Max DP Lloyd and do his best to max all the bonds.

Also, it's a little bit unrelated, but I just finished watching Precure All Stars F (I held back from posting this for one and half hours to watch it first) and I cried. It's literally a masterpiece. It's worth the wait! The fight scene there is honestly better than most shonen anime. AND IT EVEN INCLUDES MY FAVORITE SCENE FROM GO!PRINCESS PRECURE AAAHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!

Chapter 34

Ries was called from her task by Sister Marble. Marble was bringing a pink-haired girl younger than her who had a wooden sword on her hips. Her face had an ever-present smile as Marble started to talk.

"Ries, this is Juna. Juna, this is Ries. Now, Juna, Ries is the one who kindly volunteered to teach young Shizuku."

"It's nice to meet you, Sister Ries. I'm Juna Crawford," Juna introduced herself.

"Nice to meet you too, Juna. My name is Ries Argent."

"Now, Ries. If your task for this morning is finished, then you can go with Juna," Marble offered.

"Ah..." Ries looked back. "Give me five minutes."

Five minutes later, she and Juna left the church with umbrellas on. It had been raining since early morning, and so far, it didn't show any sign of stopping. The pitter-patter of their footsteps on the wet ground filled their ears. Unfortunately for Ries, the umbrella couldn't stop the splash of water from dirtying her dress.

Juna, who did not have the same problem because she didn't wear a long dress, winced. "Sorry, Miss Ries. We could postpone it for later."

"No. Don't tell anyone about it, but I'm volunteering to break away from my duty in the cathedral," Ries playfully winked. She could delay it, yes, considering the weather. But she wanted to meet Juna and get to know her. She was the girl that Estelle and Joshua held on a high note. There must be something about her.

"Is that so? Thank you!" Juna then puckered her lips before she asked. "What do you do in the Church, anyway?"

Ries raised her eyebrow. "Interested? I'm still new, so I handled administration. Maybe once I've been here longer, I will be given more responsibilities."

They entered the Residential District. Ries had scouted the city beforehand, so she already knew the way. But she let Juna lead a few steps ahead of her.

"No. I still want to become a Bracer. I'm just curious because Sister Marble is teaching while Sister Juju and Sister Hatina have to do miscellaneous tasks around the cathedral," Juna answered as she led Ries south to West Street.

"Now I'm the curious one. Why do you want to become a Bracer? I'm friends with some Bracers, so I'd like to hear your opinion and aspirations."

Juna stopped near Talys General Store just before the stairs went down. She turned back to Ries and looked at her. Ries felt as if Juna was unmasking her with her stare. What did she say? Did she unintentionally blow her own cover?

"Juna?"

"A-Ah, sorry. My mind's a little distracted, so I find your question surprising. Let's see... there is actually no special reason for me. I wanted to learn Martial Arts and begged Arios because he's cool. Since Arios is a Bracer, I might as well become one."

Ries was not someone who could detect lies or deceit, but even she could tell Juna was lying when she said her mind was distracted. Juna must be surprised by her words. Inwardly, she panicked a bit that she had broken her cover. But she presented a calm self to Juna.

"I see..."

Should she? Ries narrowed her eyes at Juna, who now continued walking down the stairs to Morges Bakery.

"Let's buy some bread. Have you tried Oscar's bread? They're to die for!"

Ah, she remembered eyeing the store but had yet to have the time to buy its product. Now, she had become curious about it.

"Sure."

The heavenly smell of freshly baked bread found its way to her nose when they arrived in front of the store. Ries' stomach couldn't help but growl, to her embarrassment. Juna just chuckled before she opened the door and went inside.

"Morning, Oscar! What's on the menu today!?"

"Morning, Juna. I have my specialty as usual. By the way, have you seen Lloyd? I have a support request, but he hasn't turned up yet."

As Juna talked with this Oscar, Ries looked around to see so much bread. If Kevin was here, he'd gleefully pointed out that Ries' eyes turned into stars.

"Excuse me," she interrupted Juna and Oscar's conversation. "Give me two full bags of everything."

---

Ries left Morges Bakery with a beaming smile on her face as she chewed on the tasty bread. It was soft but firm. The crust was very crunchy and tasted a little more cooked than the inside, just like how she loved it. And the fact that it was still warm made it taste ten times better in the drizzle.

"Wow... Miss Ries. You looked so happy."

"Of course. The bread is very delicious. Thank you for introducing me to the store, Juna."

"You're welcome."

The two then walked past Morges to the Central Square.

"Sooo, how did you know Estelle?"

Swallowing her mouthful, Ries answered, "I met Estelle through Kev--"

Ries froze.

"You... w-what? When did I say I know Estelle?"

Juna just grinned, "Ahaha... sorry. I just guessed when you said you know Bracers."

Kevin, what exactly did Estelle say about this girl!? Ries shouted inside her mind.

"Don't worry, Miss Ries. I won't say anything if you're here undercover."

"...What do you know about me? And how did you get the information? Did Estelle tell you?" Ries put down the half-eaten bread inside the bag. This was not the time to satisfy her stomach.

"Ehehe... I just guessed. Miss Marble told me the new Sister is from Arteria. So you're definitely more than just a new Sister. Then you mentioned you know Bracers. There are lots of people who are Bracers all around Zemuria, but I have a strong feeling it's Estelle and Joshua. It seems like my guess is correct," Juna explained. So it really was just a wild guess that she got right. With a sharp mind like that, she'd be better serving the police.

"...And?" Ries prompted. She wanted to see what else the girl unearthed from her.

"You sure you want me to guess again?" Juna raised her eyebrow.

"Yes." Kevin did say that if she needed help, she could go to the SSS or Juna Crawford. She wanted to test her capabilities.

"Okay, then. Judging from what you almost blurted out, am I correct to assume you also know Kevin Graham?"

It was only the first guess, and the younger girl managed to stun Ries once more.

"Then you probably met Estelle in the Phantasma incident."

Estelle, what other secrets did you tell this girl?!

"Oh, don't be too panicked. Estelle did say what happened in the Phantasma is personal to Father Kevin, so she didn't tell me any details. And it's right after I begged her to know more about the Phantasma incident!"

Ries unconsciously let out a breath of relief.

"Thank you, Estelle," she whispered.

"Oh, but last night Lloyd did mention that Father Kevin is from Gralsritter. So you being involved with him means you're also from the same order. That's probably why you're undercover, right? What are you looking for in Crossbell?"

Ries almost lost her grip on the bags full of Morges' bread.

"Th-That's enough," she sighed. No wonder Estelle and Joshua found Juna helpful. She probably did Estelle's part of thinking when they were in Crossbell. Well, sharing the burden with Joshua, anyway. Not that it was bad. She also relied on Kevin for the thinking part.

"...Miss Ries..." Juna's eyes turned serious. "What does the Septian Church want with KeA?"

...

This girl was scary!

Kevin, Estelle... what had you unleashed on her?

"I can assure you, Juna, that we are not looking for KeA's custody. Rather, we will observe her and intervene only if necessary. We didn't know of her before a report came to our leader, so I was dispatched to confirm them. You can take my word for that."

"...Fine, I trust you." Any trace of seriousness was gone the next second. "So, let's continue our way."

"Right..." Ries sighed. It was not even a week, and Juna had already blown her cover. It seemed like she woke up a sleeping tiger when she asked for more.

The two then walked until they arrived in front of the guild. Juna then slammed the door open.

"Morning, Michel!"

"Good Morning to you, too, Juna. And who's that behind you?" The receptionist greeted Juna and saw Ries. It prompted her to introduce herself.

"Good Morning. My name is Ries Argent, a Sister of the Septian Church."

"She's the one who volunteered to teach Shizuku," Juna explained to Michel.

"Ah," Michel hesitated. "About that..."

Was there something wrong? Ries raised her eyebrow but kept silent.

"Arios had Shizuku back to St. Ursula. Rumor had it, a new Doctor came in, and Arios wanted to see if the new Doctor could help Shizuku."

Ries saw myriads of emotions cross Juna's face before she settled on one.

"Arios did WHAT!?" Juna shouted in disbelief. "I can't believe him! Why is this the first time I heard of it?! Shizuku is still there yesterday! Why doesn't he tell me anything about this?! I'm also invested in Shizuku's well-being, damn it!"

Once Juna finished her rant, she panted in exhaustion.

Ries turned to the receptionist, Michel.

"Nice to meet you, my name is Ries Argent. A new Sister assigned to the Crossbell Cathedral."

"Oh, nice to meet you too," Michel winked. Though, Ries could tell that it was just a playful one instead of anything more serious. "I'm Michel, the receptionist of Crossbell Branch's Bracer Guild. Sorry that you had to see that."

"No, no. It's okay," Ries said, then turned to Juna. "So... since apparently Shizuku is back in the hospital, shall we postpone the meeting with her?"

"No," Juna shook her head. "If you don't really mind, then I'd like you to meet Shizuku now. To St. Ursula, we go! ...but after something, I need to talk with Michel first. Does that sound good?"

Ries could deny her, but honestly, she was a little terrified of her. This girl dissected her mission in just one meeting. She'd better stay on her good side.

"I can do that."

After a nod, Juna then talked to Michel. Fortunately, Ries could still hear her.

"Michel, I have a request from Lloyd. Can you contact the guild branch in Erebonia? There's something that Lloyd and I wanted to know."

"Hmm? Well, most of the branches are closed because of government pressure, but some are still open. Let's see... Legram's one of them. Let me call them. What do you need them for?"

"It's... for his investigation. He told me not to say anything right now, even to you, Michel. But I suppose I need to," Juna sighed.

"Ah... if it's for that, then you can keep silent. You'll tell me if the situation calls for it, right?"

It was amazing to see that Juna had the full trust of the guild's employees. Juna wanted to become a Bracer and did everything she could to make it a reality.

Michel then called the Legram branch and had some pleasantries before handing the orbal telephone to Juna.

"Hello. My name is Juna Crawford. I'm an aspiring Junior Bracer! Right now, I'm 15, and I've been training under the Crossbell's bracers; I hope I can join the organization in the future!" Juna introduced herself before she let the other end respond.

"Right. Thank you, Miles. The reason for this call has something to do with a police investigation in Crossbell. I was asked to do it because I'm quite close to them. You see, we want to gather some info on the political climate in Erebonia, but we're not sure if the news that reached Crossbell is censored or not. So, can you please give me a summary of the political situation there?" Juna stopped and let the other side absorb the information. Juna wanted to know the situation in Erebonia? If she last read the report coming from the Partitioner who was assigned there... There was a huge tension between two political factions: The Nobles and the Reformists.

"Right. ...Right. Oh, I see... I'll tell Lloyd about that later. ...Huh? Are you sure?"

Juna's chirpy voice dropped when she heard something from the other line. Ries narrowed her eyes. What did Juna hear?

"...How bad was the divide?"

So Juna heard about the rift between the two sides. Ries then saw Juna wince. "Right. Right. Thank you! ...can you be ready to answer another call in a few minutes? I might have to tell you something important alongside Crossbell's branch, but I need to call someone else first."

Juna then handed the telephone to Michel.

"Michel," she addressed the receptionist with a heavy trepidation. "You know Lloyd's Enigma number? Please call him here immediately. It's serious."

Even Michel looked worried by Juna's seriousness.

Ries frowned. What did Juna hear? What made her turn serious?

---

"Wazy..."

The SSS had just left the Downtown District. Wazy walked ahead of them without any umbrellas. It seemed that after his fight with Wald, Wazy still felt unsatisfied by the situation.

They went to the Downtown District because Wazy said that Ashleigh, the owner of Neinvalli Exchange, might know something about the situation in Erebonia. As it turned out, Ashleigh confirmed that a lot of weapons were smuggled inside Erebonia, raising the SSS's concern. She did not confirm if it was her goods or not, nor did she tell more about the buyers, but a lot of weapons moving were not good news.

After that, they were confronted by Wald, the leader of the Saber Viper, who sought Wazy, and the two ended up fighting, with Wazy easily walked the park with him. Wald was unsatisfied, but Wazy left him alone, which was their situation right now.

"Wazy, are you okay?" Noel delicately asked the former Testament leader.

"Sorry, you guys had to see that," Wazy turned and smiled at the SSS. "I think I got a little carried away back there. That's not usually my style."

He confessed under the rain.

"Sure, but..." Lloyd sighed before he shook his head. "No, never mind. It happens to the best of us."

"I don't understand why things have to be the way they are between you two. With that said, I respect the way you handled yourself back there," Elie gave her two cents. Wazy did his best to avoid angering Wald, even though he made it look like he was running away from the rivalry. But apparently, that was the wrong way to defuse him because all it did was make Wald even madder about Wazy than before.

"Yeah, me too," Noel smiled at her fellow new member. "I think Wald will understand one day."

She then offered the umbrella Wazy discarded in his fight.

"Haha... I hope you're right," Wazy shook his head before taking the umbrella. "Sorry for taking our time. Let's get back to the support requests."

At that exact moment, Lloyd's Enigma rang.

"Who is it?"

He ignored Elie's question and picked it up. "Special Support Section. Lloyd Bannings speaking."

"Lloyd. Come to the guild," Juna said with a serious voice that made him frown. "The situation is dire."

"Okay, wait for us in a few minutes."

Closing his phone, Lloyd turned towards the SSS. "Juna called us to the guild. She said it's a dire situation."

And the mood was brought down again after everyone tried lifting Wazy's spirit up.

"Well, what do you all waiting for. Let's go."

The four of them then quickly walked towards the guild. Once they opened the door, the first thing Lloyd saw was Sister Ries, who was standing on the side.

"Ries!"

Elie immediately went to her old friend. Lloyd ignored her in favor of assessing the situation. Michel was on the phone, while Scott and Wenzel had an unusually serious face as the three stood behind the receptionist counter. Juna, the one who called them, was drawing something on the paper. She looked up when she heard the door was opened and nodded once her eyes met Lloyd's.

"Alright. Everyone here. It's an emergency. First of all, SSS, say hello to Miles, the receptionist of the Legram branch of Bracer Guild," Juna started with a clap.

After various greetings, Juna continued.

"Now, for context. Yesterday, Lloyd was asked to investigate a certain figure from the Empire. Can you tell us?"

"Right," Lloyd nodded and began telling them about his encounter with Lechter Arundel. Wenzel, who was from the Empire, had winced when Lloyd mentioned the name. He skipped the chase and went straight to the encounter and questioning in Barca Casino. After that, he told everyone who they met next: Red Constellation.

"Red Constellation... What are they doing in Crossbell?" Scott hummed.

"It will be explained later," Lloyd replied and continued. He then told everyone about his next encounter: an eyepatched ferocious man whom he suspected also from the Red Constellation.

At this point, everyone from the guild gasped.

"That's Bloody Shirley and Ogre Rosso!" Michel, who had read enough reports from all over Zemuria, recognized the two figures Lloyd mentioned.

"Damn... with Scarecrow to boot," Wenzel sighed.

"So this is why you said the situation is dire..." Ries turned to Juna, who shook her head.

"Let Lloyd continue."

Lloyd continued his retelling of the brainstorming session with Juna. He told everyone his suspicion that the Red Constellation was hired by Erebonia for the West Zemuria Trade Conference. Still, neither Lloyd nor Juna could conclude whether it was for intimidation or protection. So, he asked Juna to gather information.

At this point, everyone's face was grim. Even Miles from the other side was silent.

"Okay, so next is my turn. Michel contacted Miles, who gave me the information I needed to connect the dots. Thank you, Miles," Juna took over.

"Miles said you're welcome, and he wanted to know about the dire situation you're talking about," Michel said after hearing some words from the telephone.

"Miles said that the political climate in the Empire is heating up. There are two major factions vying for power and influence: The Noble Alliance and the Reformist Faction. The Noble Alliance wanted nobility to preserve their power, while the Reformists advocated meritocracy without putting importance on one blood. Even a commoner can climb up the ranks." Juna paused to let everyone absorb the information. "Miles told me that last month, a group of terrorists called the Imperial Liberation Front aimed to kidnap the Imperial Princess but failed due to some intervention from a group of military students."

Hmm... Lloyd's mind began to whirl. Reformist vs Noble... terrorrist... Juna saying it was dire...


"The Red Constellation was hired for protection."

Juna clicked her finger, pointing it at Lloyd. "Exactly. The Empire hired the Red Constellation for protection because of the political turbulence inside their own country. So what made them hire such an infamous Jaeger group? The answer is simple."

Juna closed her eyes and sighed.

"The West Zemuria Trade Conference will be interrupted by a terrorist attack."

Notes:

And here we see JunaSI in her natural habitat of suprising people with her Trope-reading. Seriously. I didn't intend for Ries to become that startled, but holy shit Juna that was an amazing way to let Ries' guard down before dropping the bomb. It was honestly unintentional for me. I was just having fun writing the section, then 'hey, there's Morges around the corner, let's go there!' that would certainly make Ries happy. ...until I realized that Juna peeling of Ries' character trope after that means she's actually unintentionally becomes manipulative. Like, this new character was trying to pry about her. Mentioned about bracers, and she came from the holy city. That definitely screamed main character material. So she just distracted her with Oscar's bread (which, mind you, always worked) before turning the tables on Ries. After that, of course Juna tried to apologize because it wasn't her intention to blow Ries' cover in Crossbell. She needed Ries to teach Shizuku, after all!

And then came the second part! A phone call with the Erebonian branch of the guild! Where else if not the one and only Legram branch with Miles to boot. Guy got a cameo in the prequel arc lmao. Of course Juna then would hear about the kidnapping attempt. And that lead us to the last line of this chapter: The West Zemuria Trade Conference will be interrupted by a terrorist attack. This is what I've been building up with the SSS knowing about Red Constellation earlier than canon and having Juna who involved the guild with the investigation. Now I need to cook more... oh well. Enjoy the barely hidden implications in this chapter!

Chapter 35

Needless to say, after Juna's confident declaration, everybody raised their voice. Some are concerned, others in shock. Even the other side of the phone was not silent.

Lloyd gathered everyone's attention by clapping his hands together. "Everyone, please... one at a time. You're overwhelming Juna."

Now, everyone looked at Juna, who winced and closed her ears. It seemed like she had expected them to raise their voice.

"Now, does anybody have a question?" Everybody raised their hand. Of course, Lloyd sighed. "Okay, one by one, counterclockwise, starting from Scott. Juna will immediately answer them to make it fair."

"...Terrorist attack?" Scott said after some deliberation. It was surprisingly a lot of questions packed into one. He guessed the others would ask anything else that Juna didn't answer here.

"Yes. Now, this is just me connecting the dots, but everything just fits. Why does the Empire hire a Jaeger group? To intimidate all the lesser nations and Calvard? No way. But if you add the news that the Imperial Princess was almost taken away last month? Now it's obvious. They're clearly here for extra protection," Juna explained.

"But this is just a guess, right?" This time, it was Michel's turn to ask questions. Hm? Lloyd perked up when he noticed something. Did the guild not know of Juna's 100% rate of gut feelings? But he put that for later.

Juna sadly smiled. "Yes, it is. But now that we have arrived at that conclusion, can you confidently say that it won't come true? No, right? Therefore, there is a chance, no matter how miniscule it is, that the West Zemuria Trade Conference will truly be attacked by terrorists."

"I'd second Juna's guess," Wenzel spoke up when it was his turn. But rather than questioning Juna, he instead supported Juna's theory. "The Blood and Iron Chancellor is pragmatic enough to hire Jaeger for protection. He is, after all, the one who forced the guild to disband after the attack from the Jester Corps two years ago. But the most damning evidence is the involvement of Scarecrow, Lechter Arundel. He's always involved with the deepest conspiracy in Erebonia, and he won't act without Chancellor Osborne's command."

Lloyd had heard about it. Wenzel was originally from the Erebonian branch before he was transferred here after Chancellor Osborne pressured the guild to stop their activity on Erebonian soil. Now that someone from Erebonia put his weight behind Juna's guess, everyone went pensive. Not long after, Ries spoke up. Actually, what was she doing here?

"...How sure are you of this, Juna?"

But it wasn't Juna who answered, but Elie.

"Juna's 'guess' after she connected the dots from information has 100% accuracy."

Lloyd nodded at Elie's words. "Time and time again, the SSS put our faith in Juna, and we always got rewarded each time. I'd advise you to believe her, especially since the matter is this dire."

Scott and Wenzel looked at Juna in surprise. So, his earlier guess was correct. Juna didn't show her uncanny ability to guess things correctly to the guild. Now the question turned into, 'Why?'

"I know you guys really trusted Juna, but this is a serious matter... I feel like we can't just take her words at face value," Noel said. "Don't we need more proof before we can take a decision?"

"I agree," Wazy nodded. "But Juna said this is just a guess, right? I take it she doesn't have proof aside from her words?" Juna nodded after being addressed by the green-haired former gang leader. "Then, how about you explain how you arrived at that conclusion?"

Wazy was correct. The best proof that Juna needed was to explain how she arrived at a conclusion, mostly because the only one who could piece her clues was him, who had trained himself to understand Juna's words. Even Elie couldn't understand Juna as fast as him and needed time to understand.

"Alright," Juna exhaled. "But there are lots of unexplainable things. The closest I can describe them is my 'gut feelings,' but it really is not."

"What Juna meant is that she can connect information together to form a conclusion. What makes it different from a normal thought process is the information involved," Lloyd took over explaining Juna's ability. At this point, he had to trust all of the people there since Juna herself revealed it to them. Considering the scope of the situation, though... It was understandable. Neither Juna nor the SSS could do something without help for the West Zemuria Trade Conference next week. "It's actually hard to understand. Thankfully, Juna had provided a notebook concerning some of the more common information that I can use to help connect the dots."

Once Lloyd put the book on the table, everyone turned their attention to the book.

"That book is honestly incomprehensible," Elie sighed. "I tried reading, and I can read it, but I can't understand how Lloyd and Juna use them to conclude something."

"It's not that hard. You just have to see the situation at hand. For example, Juna once said 'When you have a distinct description, most likely the first person I meet with that description is the person described.' I noted it down and put it in that book. And then, in my last mission, I met a green-haired priest. It sounded normal until I remembered Estelle's story about the Orbal Shutdown Phenomenon and a green-haired priest's involvement in it. I asked if he was Father Kevin that Estelle mentioned, and he confirmed it," Lloyd elaborated on his recent example. "So yeah, those incomprehensible facts, the unknown reason why those are facts in the first place, is the basis for Juna's analysis and prediction. Please continue, Juna."

Even so, after Lloyd gave his own example, not everyone understood his explanation. Scott and Wenzel looked at each other in confusion while Michel hummed and wrote something down on a paper. Ries took a peek at Lloyd's notebook and let out an interested hum. Actually, he still didn't know what Elie's friend was doing here. Noel tried to look assuring, but Lloyd knew she did not understand. Wazy, the one who told Juna to explain, furrowed his eyebrows, trying to process what Lloyd had just told them.

Juna then faked a cough. "First, let's establish some facts. Lloyd met with Bloody Shirley and Ogre Rosso. Bloody Shirley is seen talking with Lechter Arundel, who simultaneously confirms that he is a member of the Erebonian Intelligence Division. Combine those three facts, and you get a most likely prediction: Erebonia hired the Red Constellation. This is what Lloyd and I have established last night. Following me so far?"

Yes. This was a rehash of their conclusion last night. He nodded at Juna's words. It was not a hard fact since there was no evidence pointing to the hiring of Red Constellation. Still, Lloyd suspected it, and now, after Juna confirmed things, he was very sure of it.

"Next came the question. Why did those Erebonians hire the Jaeger Corps? Well, we can intuit their reason judging from big events that would happen soon: The West Zemuria Trade Conference. Lloyd connected it himself last night. He wanted me to confirm if his own guess about Erebonia hiring Red Constellation for the conference was correct. And after I think about it, Lloyd is most likely correct."

"Hold on," Scott interrupted Juna. "What do the big events happening soon and Erebonia hiring Red Constellation have anything to do with each other? I mean, when you said it like that, I can understand what you mean, but I don't think I can make the connection by myself..."

"It feels like you jumped to a conclusion," Noel rephrased Scott's interruption.

That was the mystery behind Juna's ability. Even Lloyd still didn't know how Juna's information-processing ability to connect the dots and arrive at a certain conclusion worked.

Juna grimaced. "That's... just... how it is. Sorry. I can't explain it myself. It is the facts that I used as the basis for my analysis. I actually haven't said anything about it to Lloyd, too, so there was nothing in the notebook."

"Okay," Wenzel clapped to make everyone focus back on the problem. "So your first guess is that the Red Constellation is hired by the Erebonian government. What's next?"

"Right. So, if they were truly there for the conference, what were the Red Constellation hired for? There has to be a reason. Otherwise, just any other group will do. But it is the Red Constellation that appeared here in Crossbell, not any other, so why? From that, there are only two major possibilities. Either the Empire wants to intimidate the other party or protect themselves. Now, this is the limit of information Lloyd and I had last night, so unfortunately, that means I can't connect the insight with any more information. Thus, I asked Michel, who kindly connected me to Miles from the Legram branch," Juna pointed to the phone in Michel's hand. "Miles then told me about the political situation in Erebonia, as you two have heard before, and about the ILF who attempted to kidnap the princess but failed. Following me so far?"

This part had just happened ten minutes ago; it should still be fresh on everyone's mind.

"Now we can establish more facts: Erebonian politics are heating up. A known terrorist group is making its first wave by attacking the capital city and trying to kidnap a royal family member. They failed because a group of military students stopped them. This is where my weird facts strike again. The terrorist? They will attack until they succeed. Their first attempt failed. And wow, would you look at that? Next week, there is a big chance for them to attack another Erebonian royal family member! This aligns with my prediction about the Red Constellation's presence here in Crossbell."

Juna finished her explanation. Everyone was absorbing the information.

"So you think they will target the Debaucherous Prince?" Michel pointed out something from Juna's explanation. The list of invited guests was already published by the newspaper, and the representative of Erebonia included Prince Olivert Reise Arnor, the infamous Debaucherous Prince.

"Yes," Juna nodded at Michel's question. "They've already targeted the princess before and failed. They'll target the Prince next. I'm sure of it."

"I see..." Michel hummed at Juna's answer.

"You know, I still don't understand most of it, especially since you keep jumping at the points you're trying to make. But I can see what you're trying to tell us," Wazy smiled at the pink-haired girl.

"How about it, everyone? While I trusted Juna one hundred percent, I know you might not. However, now that Juna has pointed things out, you can't dismiss it as nonsense either," Lloyd made his point. Juna had explained things as best as she could. It was now for everyone whether they wanted to take the possibilities Juna mentioned and make countermeasures or not.

...If they didn't want to, though, Lloyd would still push for the CPD to do something. He had to.

"...You're right. It's not that I don't trust Juna. She's our beloved junior, after all, but this is not a small matter that I can just take her words at face value, even after her explanation. However, I do acknowledge that the possibility of those coming true is not zero." Scott voiced his thoughts.

"I still think that the conference will be attacked because Scarecrow is involved," Wenzel frowned. "Thank you for letting me know, Juna."

"We need to talk about this with everyone, even the HQ in Leman, I think," Michel decided. "We'll take your prediction as the worst-case scenario, Juna. Now, what will the SSS do?"

"I'll contact Dudley. The higher-ups in the CPD trusted him. There must be something we can do to mitigate the situation," Lloyd told everyone in the room. "We're too late to prevent anything from happening. Red Constellation and the terrorists... both are out of our hands. But those hands can still do something to help protect our beloved city, and it will take everyone's cooperation from the guild, the police, and the Guardian Force to make it succeed."

"Lloyd..." Elie trailed off with a fond smile on her face.

"Miles said that we here in Crossbell are amazing," Michel suddenly said, relaying messages from the neighboring country. "Speaking of... Juna, is there something else? Miles had something to do and wanted to end the call."

"Oh, wait!" Juna took the phone and spoke, "Thank you so much for the information, Miles! I hope this will be the first of many! Hmm... yes. Yes... Oh, also, if possible, I want to know more about the group of military students who foiled the terrorists. ...Oh? Are you serious!?"

Juna's expression turned into a surprise before she shook her head. "Yes. ...Yes. Oh, I would be glad to. Thank you!"

She then handed the phone to Michel.

"Well, my job here is done. Let's go, Sister Ries! Time to go to the hospital!"

"Right..."

Juna and Ries then left the guild. Really. Juna was like a force of nature. After dropping a bomb that shook the entire room, she just casually left them without second thoughts.

"I think it's also time for us to continue our support requests. Michel and everyone, thank you for your time. I hope that we can count on the guild's strength during the trade conference."

"Of course!"

"Alright, SSS. Let's go."

"Yes!"

---

Crossbell was still in a downpour when Ries and Juna arrived at the bus station. The two sat down in the empty shelter. In heavy rain like this, fewer people came and went to the hospital. Seeing that nobody was there, Ries started to talk.

"Juna... that was..." Ries referred to the talk in the guild. Even after a walk from East Street to Station Street, Ries' mind was still in disarray.

"Hmm? Oh, me connecting the dots and predicting things?" Juna casually asked Ries back. Once she nodded, Juna continued. "Well... sorry you have to see that."

She sheepishly laughed as if it was no big deal.

Really... This girl...

"...I'm interested in the 'incomprehensible facts' that Elie mentioned. Do you know where you read it before?"

The casual attitude suddenly dropped. Juna looked at her seriously with no blink.

"Um... Juna?" It felt weird being stared at by her. With others, she felt that they were judging her. But with Juna? It felt like the younger pink-haired girl dissected her.

"...What does the Septian Church want?"

"...You haven't answered my question," Ries pointed out, a little unnerved by Juna's serious tone. There was no trace of her chirpy personality.

Juna sighed, dropping her serious face. "If it wasn't an emergency... No, Sister Ries. I did not read it anywhere. It's just there inside my mind. Been able to comprehend those facts since I was little," Juna answered as she pointed her finger to her head.


Was it really possible...? For Juna to be able to do that since she was little... that meant...

Ries bit her lip.

"So, what does the Septian Church want with me?"

She shook her head at Juna's question. "...You really have an inclination about what I'd do?"

Juna smiled bitterly. "It's easy if you can understand my thoughts. You're from the secret order of the church. Stumbling upon my weird analysis is just a coincidence, but you're probably still expected to make a report to your superior."

She then sighed.

"You being so silent on your way here is probably a sign that what you've seen me doing is abnormal by even the church's standard. So, really, it's easy to see."

Juna was one hundred percent correct. Standard procedure dictated that she had to report to the higher-ups; in her case, it was Kevin as her Dominion. Kevin then would escalate it to others above him, and they would make a decision.

"So what would it be? A secret order to kidnap me? Or would you dispose of me because I'm dangerous? Or maybe involuntarily join the church 'or else?'"

...What kind of image did she have of the Septian Church?

Well, she could do some of that. Not all (she wouldn't dispose of someone like Juna), but some.

But...

"I don't think I will report you," Ries decided.

Juna's eyes widened in surprise at her words.

"I know I'm supposed to, but I would only do that if I deemed you a threat. Right now, you are an earnest girl trying to do her best for Crossbell. You even told the others about a potentially dangerous attack by terrorists, revealing yourself to other people without care for your own safety. That's enough for me to judge your character," Ries elaborated with a smile. "However, I offer you to come with us to Arteria once my mission here is finished to learn more about your oddity. How about it? Are you interested?"

Ries offered to the other girl, whose eyes teared up.

"U-Uwaaaahhhhh!" She glomped Ries and cried on her shoulder. "I thought I was going to die! Thank you, Miss Ries! Thank you!"

"A-Ah..." Ries was frozen as she felt Juna's body envelop hers. Slowly, she patted the younger girl's back gently. "You're welcome, Juna."

Ries recalled the information in Lloyd's notebook. She read some of the 'incomprehensible facts' that Lloyd said were all from Juna. She could not claim that she understood them. However, she noticed what they were. Patterns of events that could unfold summarized into several pages full of bullet points. Not even the apocryphal books of the church had that many concentrated secrets on how to predict the future. And yet everything was contained inside a single notebook that police used to help solve cases.

Juna said all of the information had been there inside her mind since she was little. Ries could not believe it. It should be impossible, according to the scripture and teachings of the church. Because if Juna did not lie...

Then that meant Juna understood the Laws that governed things beyond what the Goddess had intended for humans to understand: Divergent Laws.

Notes:

There you have it. I think we'll have one more chapter to go before Chapter 1 of Azure is finished and I can go back to Buggy CS. And yeah, that's the full prediction from Juna. Considering her sample size is small, I think it should be a correct conclusion for her. And finally the D word is here!

Chapter 36

"Feeling better?" Ries asked the younger pinkette after she wiped her tears. She only nodded before opening her mouth.

"Um... about your offer... I'm sorry, but I can't answer it now."

Ries frowned. "May I know why?"

She did not intend to force Juna's hand, but she was honestly curious that her peaceful offer was being hung in the air.

Juna smiled at her. "You see... There are still lots of things the SSS and, by proxy, Crossbell will face. I don't know the scope of your mission, but I think it might end before the problem in Crossbell is resolved. So I can't go away before that."

Juna turned her attention once the honk of the public bus was heard. "That's the bus! Come on, Miss Ries."

She stood up from her seat before turning to her again. "Oh, and Lloyd is relying on me, and I don't want to disappoint him," she finished with a wink before running towards the incoming bus with splashes on each step.

...

Why would she run to the bus when it would stop right here in front of them? Ries shook her head. Fortunately, Juna remembered her umbrella so that she wouldn't be soaked.

Still, at least Juna did not reject her offer outright. But there was one thing that Juna had missed. Her mission was also tied to Crossbell. There was a big chance that it wouldn't end without a big conflict like two years ago.

"..."

Should she disclose her full mission to Juna? With how she could deduce the most likely scenario from just a few loose pieces of information, they might find a solution with the 'Divine Child,' KeA, and the plot that could consume the entirety of Crossbell.

"No," Ries sighed to herself. "I can't just rely on her. If my read of her is correct..."

Then Juna would have just burdened herself further to help her.

Ries was not desperate enough to do something like that to someone she had only known today.

---

The support requests brought the SSS to an abandoned mine in Mainz. When they checked the inside, Noel caught a whiff of an explosive, causing a landslide that closed the entrance, trapping the four of them inside. They had no choice but to look for another exit, exploring the abandoned mine. For some reason, the higher elements were active inside the mine. A point that Lloyd would note down and think about once they found an exit.

Right now, the four of them were about to enter a narrow passage and--

Hold on.

"Lloyd?"

"What's wrong?"

Noel and Elie asked him in concern from behind.

"Elie. Remember Juna's words about narrow passages back in the Sun Fort?" Lloyd asked the one who was with him back when they busted the cult's secret place.

"...I can't recall it clearly. But Juna did say something about narrow passages, yes." Elie answered hesitantly.

"Another of her advice?" Wazy hummed.

"Even about narrow passages?" Noel asked in confusion.

It was easy to understand why Noel would be confused. The quote itself almost didn't come into his mind. But thankfully, he remembered it in time.

"Lloyd, didn't you note it down?"

"Yes," Lloyd nodded, answering Elie's question. "I had it in my notebook. But I remembered it clearly. Juna said, 'A long passage where you couldn't escape? Or even a big circular area with the focus on the center? You are more inclined to face strong opponents there.'"

"Huh?!" Noel asked, even more confused than before. "What?"

"Oh yeah, I remember now. After that, we immediately faced Garcia and Joachim."

"So it really came true?"

"Yes. Which is why I want us to prepare ourselves before going. Maybe take five minutes to rest and recover our stamina," Lloyd offered the team.

"I see... that's certainly a good idea, considering that it looked like this is the deepest part of the mine," Wazy nodded in agreement.

The four of them then grouped together and sat down to rest, with Lloyd taking the first guard duty.

"Hold on, if what Juna said is also applicable here... then there might be a strong monster at the end of the mine!" Noel realized the implication of Juna's words. "We need to exterminate it for the village's safety!"

Spoken like a true Guardian Force member, Lloyd couldn't help but smile. "Yes."

"Whoever trapped us here probably knew of the strong monster's existence and wanted to pit us against it," Wazy realized. That was also the same conclusion Lloyd reached when he realized the possibility of a strong monster waiting at the end of their exploration.

"That's..." Elie gasped. "Could it be related to those people we saw at the doll studio?"

"I don't deny there was something suspicious about them."

The two people at the doll studio... considering what Juna told him before...

"... Most probably, those two people are connected to the secret society, Ouroboros," Lloyd told the others.

"..."

"What!?"

"Juna told me during her own investigation to look for Renne, she discovered that Rosenberg is connected to Ouroboros, mostly because he harbors Renne, a former member. Meanwhile, we know that Mr. Rosenberg is professional enough to not want to disclose his customer and usually uses intermediaries to sell his dolls. That's why I thought they are probably from Ouroboros," He explained. "Still, whatever they're asking of Mr. Rosenberg, I don't think it has any connection to the one trapping us."

"...I suppose you're right," Elie sighed. "But you need to rein in your surprise delivery, Lloyd!"

"Agreed... it feels like I'm getting more surprises here in just a few days than the entirety of my time in the CGF..." Noel patted her chest with a sigh.

"Fufu, I'd say keep at it, Lloyd. I love seeing all of them flustered," Wazy winked at him.

"A-Ahaha..." Lloyd awkwardly laughed at Wazy's demand.

Seconds later, Wazy stood up to guard and told Lloyd to sit down. The SSS rotated the guard each minute, letting everyone to rest.

"Alright," Lloyd said after they rested. "Everyone ready? Then let's go and exterminate the monster!"

"Yes!"

"Of course!"

"For the villagers!"

The four of them walked in formation past the narrow passage and into a big circular clearing. Their backs were against each other, eyes looking around to spot any threat.

It wasn't long before Wazy noticed something coming from above them. "Watch out!"

The four of them jumped back to see a crystal purple dragon with a pair of red wings descending towards them. Even just a swish of its wing was enough to blow them away. But the four of them stood their feet.

"What is that?"

"Dragon?!"

"Definitely not an average monster. Be on your guard--!"

The dragon roared, and the SSS felt invisible pressure pressing down on their bodies.

"Aaaaahhh!" Elie shouted in pain. It was indeed painful. Lloyd gritted his teeth in frustration. But the worst thing was not the pain.

"I can't move...?!"

"I'm also losing my strength..." Lloyd added to Noel's realization. Yes. The worst thing was not the pain but the strength they were losing and stunning them.

"Th-The vibrations are sapping our energies!" Wazy clicked his tongue. "This is bad!"

Lloyd made a split-second decision.

"Elie, Noel, Run for it!"

"N-No way!"

"Right! We have to get out together!"

Elie and Noel disagreed with his decision. Damn it, this wasn't the time for that!

The dragon roared even louder, putting them under more vibrating pressure. The incoming pain was unbearable as Lloyd gasped.

"Ghhh!"

Even so, Lloyd looked left and right. The SSS was his responsibility. "Haaaaaa!"

He forced himself to stand. Despite the pain accumulating in his entire body, Lloyd forced himself.

And yet, his effort was fruitless because the dragon let out an even bigger roar.

"Gaaaaah!"

Just as all hope was lost, Lloyd heard something that soothed his heart.

A howl.

It wasn't just a normal howl. It was a familiar howl.

"That's..."

From the passage, a figure ran at full speed before he jumped and swung his axe. "Raaaaah!"

It hit the dragon and stopped the vibrations holding the SSS back, freeing their bodies to move.

"Randy?!" Noel shouted in delight at the appearance of the redhead.

"WOOF!"

"And Zeit, too," Lloyd smiled.

"We can talk later! Let's snuff this thing! Strike it with everything you've got!" Randy reminded them of their situation.

Lloyd nodded before brandishing his tonfas. "Understood!"

The five of them then faced against the dragon.

---

The dragon was defeated. According to the Battle Scope, its name was Fairy Drake. Thankfully, the five of them managed to subdue it before it vanished from the scene. Lloyd noted the strangeness of the scene before he put down his tonfas and exhaled.

"Phew."

"Phew indeed." Wazy chuckled.

"Making me fight some crazy-ass monster my first minute back on the job. I just went through survival training, y'know..." Randy let out a playful sigh before shaking his head. "Well, whatever. Glad we pulled that one out."

"Thanks for the save, Randy."

"How did you know we were here?"

Randy nodded at Elie, who posed the question. "After I wrapped up training and was dismissed, I went straight back to the SSS building. Then I heard you guys were on your way to Mainz. By the time I finally caught up, you were already neck-deep in it down here."

Lloyd and the other three looked at each other with an incredulous look.

"Fufufu ahahahaha!" Wazy was the first one who laughed.

"Really, what are the chances?" Even the usually composed Elie couldn't help but shake her head incredulously.

"Hmm? What's wrong?" Randy turned to Lloyd with questions on his face.

"It's just..." Noel hesitated, amusement clear in her expression.

"We realized from Juna's advice that this narrow passage would lead to a strong monster. So we decided to exterminate it and took five minutes of rest. If we took ten minutes rest, we'd probably meet you just outside the passage," Lloyd smiled, answering Randy's question.

"Damn, we could've met in better circumstances, huh?" Randy chuckled, finally understanding the situation.

Five minutes really was just an easy, arbitrary number. And yet, none of them raised a fuss. If only any of them complained that the rest period was too short, then even Lloyd would consider extending it. But none of them did.

Lloyd's mind went back to another of Juna's explanations about the weight. Could it be possible that the weight would be greater if Randy came and saved them instead of meeting them before? But why would that make it weigh more? More things to ask Juna for later.

"And none of you knew the cave-in was done being opened by the Mainz miners either..."

"So Gantz went back and called for his fellow miners..." Lloyd nodded in understanding.

"What about Zeit?" Elie stroked his soft fur.

"The good boy came in after the entrance was open, so he and I rushed here. I don't need Tio-tot to translate that you're in danger. I'm glad I did," Randy explained.

"Woof." There was an undercurrent tone of exasperation in Zeit's woof.

"Haha. Thanks, Zeit."

"Remind me to pick up some meat for him later."

After that, some miners called out to them, and the five of them, plus Zeit, were escorted to safety outside the abandoned mine.

---

Inside the car, Lloyd briefed Randy about the situation in Crossbell, from meeting Shirley, who turned out to be Randy's cousin, to Juna's conclusion that the West Zemuria Trade Conference would be attacked by the terrorists from the Empire. They also told him about the cave-in, which Noel suspected was done by some explosives.

"We still don't know who was responsible and for what reason they did it," Lloyd finished his retelling with a sigh. There were still a lot of things they didn't know.

"Where could they have found explosives like that? Even the CGF doesn't use those kinds of things regularly," Noel wondered aloud.

Wazy, the ever-skeptic, raised a challenge to the CGF soldier, "Are you sure it couldn't have just been a blast charge that was lying around in their old mine? Granted, I don't know much about explosives, but still..."

"No. It wasn't," Randy quickly disproved Wazy's theory. "Based on the smell of the residue near the entrance... I'd say that was a newer model of explosive. No older than one or two years. And a high-performance one at that."

"I'm shocked you could discern all of that just from the smell..." Noel said in amazement.

"So what does that mean?" Elie questioned, prompting Randy to continue.

"It's not like gunpowder weapons are completely obsolete. They've fallen out with regular armies, but even now, some people prefer 'em. ...Especially jaegers."

The red-haired man ended with a deep sigh.

Hold on. Jaegers?

"Are you saying..."

"It's definitely my cousin and her group," Randy confirmed with a nod and a frown. "I don't know why the Red Constellation would trap you like that. Maybe Shirley feels excited that you caught her off-guard and want to take a jab at you."

Lloyd frowned. While he trusted Randy and weighed his words, Lloyd didn't think the Red Constellation would use their resource to trap them inside an abandoned mine just to poke around. Call it his gut feelings, but there must be something behind it. Something to keep the SSS occupied.

Just as he was wondering about the motive, he got a call from Dudley explaining that Revache's old compound was bought by a new company called Crimson & Co. from Erebonia.

Randy sighed after hearing the name.

"Well, shit."

Now, there were too many things happening at once. Randy confirmed that the Red Constellation trapped the SSS inside the mine. At the same time, Revache's old property was bought by a new company from Erebonia.

As Juna said once, there was no such thing as too much coincidence. Either one thing was a coincidence, and the rest were planned, or all of them were planned since the start.

"Don't tell me..." the metaphorical orbal lamp lit up above Elie's head. It seemed that she also managed to come to the same conclusion as him.

"Oh, so that's it..." Wazy hummed.

"Yeah, you guys' guess is correct. Outwardly, Crimson & Co. is an Erebonian company that manages one of Heimdallr's most poppin' clubs: Neue Blanc. But in reality... they're a front used to fund Red Constellation."

Everybody in the car went silent. All of them managed to deduce that they were trapped to prevent them from interfering with the transaction. If the SSS caught a whiff of it, Lloyd was sure that they would do their best to stop it. But the Red Constellation went out of its way to distract the SSS away from the city proper.

One name came into his mind.

"Lechter Arundel. He's the one behind our cave-in. He probably told the Red Constellation to distract us from the city to make a smooth transaction."

"...Yeah, I can see that," Elie chimed with a sigh.

"Damn it... Noel. When we get back to the city, would you mind taking us to the Entertainment District? Park her right by the Back Alley entrance." Randy asked the driver.

"S-Sure..."

Lloyd looked outside the window. The car passed a bridge above them, and his eyes caught two figures standing there.

That was...

One of the two figures met his eyes, and they smiled. The car had already passed the bridge before Lloyd could take a proper look. He turned his head to look from the rear window, but the car moved too fast for him to see the figures after they passed the overhead bridge.

"Lloyd?" Elie asked him after she saw him moving his head fast.

"...No, it's nothing."

The car continued its way to Crossbell.

---

"Well now, that was interesting," An androgynous youth in a pink suit and bright green hair smiled as he saw a car that had just passed him and his associate go away in the horizon.

"What's so interesting about that 'car?' I have more useful models in my labs." The youth associate, an elderly man with blonde bowl-cut hair, scoffed at his observation.

"I'm paying attention to inside the car. Judging by who they were, I guess this is my stage for now, then," the youth couldn't help but feel giddy at the one his eyes just met a few moments ago.

"I see. If so, then I shall head back first. Then again, stopping by the deserted mine could be interesting."

"If that's where you're going, then be careful. In the meantime, the Fool is needed elsewhere."

"Heh. Do your worst. Ah, that reminds me. Our assignments for this plan have been decided. You, the Seventh Anguis, and I are going to be in charge," the elderly man in a lab coat remembered a point he had to say.

The one who called himself the Fool then looked up at the sky.

"Really, now? Whipping out the big guns, are we? I suppose it makes sense. There are going to be some...tricky pieces on the board. Maybe it's for the best," the Fool grinned in mischief.

"That was my thought exactly. Before I forget, I think I'll leave the operational report on the Astral Code in your hands. I'm quite excited to see how it fares in a low-level network environment."

The Fool grinned even further after hearing his older colleague's words. "Yeah, yeah. I'll take care of that when I've got free time. Well, then... For the sake of our Grandmaster."

"Indeed. For the sake of the Grandmaster."

The man in the lab coat then went away, leaving the Fool alone on the bridge.

"...Haha, there may not be an audience, but there's probably no harm in making a declaration."

He then glanced at the sky again, eyes twinkling in mischief as if he were staring at something or someone.

"I, Enforcer No. 0, Campanella the Fool..." he started saying confidently, still looking at the sky. "...as the Grandmaster's representative, hereby declare the Phantasmal Blaze Plan as now in motion."

---

Mainz's weather was clear, but when they arrived back in Crossbell, it was still raining. When they stopped the car near the Back Alley, Randy immediately hurried towards the former Revache compound. Lloyd had to leave the others behind to catch up with Randy, who was now standing in front of the new Crimson & Co. building. On the opposite side were Shirley and Sigmund Orlando, Randy's apparent relatives.

"Uncle... Shirley..."

Lloyd kept silent as Randy greeted his relatives.

"Ahaha. Long time no see, Dolphy!"

"It's been two years, but you haven't changed a bit."

Aside from them, there was also Lechter standing there.

The other SSS members finally arrived, and Lloyd raised his hand to keep their silence.

As Randy and the two from Red Constellation were having a stare-off, Lloyd looked at Lecther, who was muttering something under her breath. He wanted to ask what the man was doing, but he held back.

"Lechter... are you involved with the purchase?" Elie seized the silence to questioned the Imperial. Good one, it was also one he wanted to know.

"Maybe a little bit. Maaaaaan. It's a good thing we beat Heiyue and the Four-Eyed Lily Dragon or whatever to the punch," Lechter casually answered.

"Heehee, that's right! I had to back off in the Eastern Quarter, but this time, I'll get to play with them all I want," Shirley continued. Lloyd noted the information in his mind.

"You mean that war you guys waged with Heiyue last year in Calvard?" Randy retorted, but neither Shirley nor Sigmund answered. "So, tell me, Uncle. What are you doing in Crossbell? What the hell are you planning?"

"Haha. We're here for business, obviously," Sigmund gave a non-answer. "More importantly, I've got something to tell you, Randolph. My brother finally bit the dust."

He tried to distract Randy. So Juna's prediction was most likely correct. Lechter helped them establish a front in Crossbell. Maybe it was part of the parcel for the protection they'd give for the conference.

"Wha...?" Randy seemed to not expect that.

"Happened last year while you were MIA. He and Zephyr's boss ended up offin' each other," Sigmund continued before Shirley followed with a deranged grin.

"A battle to the death between the War God and his bitter rival, the Jaeger King! You shoulda seen it! It was awesome!"

"..." Randy had a forlorn look before it instantly turned into a bitter smile. "Haha... That so? Stupid old man... He died doin' what he loved. Bet he had a real satisfied look on his smug-ass face, didn't he?"

Randy...

"Yep! He looked like he had the time of his life! Lucky old man. I wish I could find a rival like that," Shirley answered Randy's question.

"If nothing else, he went down with no regrets. Aside from having a worthless deserter of a son."

Randy's eyes widened, but before he could say anything, Lloyd intervened.

"There is nothing worthless about Randy."

Sigmund and Shirley turned their attention to him. He ignored the small whistle from Lechter, who looked surprised at what he was doing.

"You're the one from yesterday."

Lloyd nodded. "Lloyd Bannings. Special Support Section of Crossbell Police Department. I have to thank you, Red Constellation, for notifying us about the monster in the abandoned mine. Without your intervention, the people in Mainz could be in great danger."

Sigmund grinned, showing his teeth.

"What notification?"

Lloyd looked at him with a smile.

"The one you did with some explosives."

"Ahahahahahaha!" Shirley guffawed. "I thought you were a prude after trying to stop me from feeling your lady friend's bouncy tits. But you're actually fun!"

"What the heck, Shirley! You did what to Mademois-Elie?!"

"Oh, you should've seen it, Randy! She let out such a cute squeak!"

Lloyd ignored the bickering relatives and focused back on the older man.

"You're welcome. Was it strong?"

Lloyd closed his eyes. So Sigmund had admitted that it was them. Probably as he suspected before, then. They wanted to acquire the building without any interruptions. Now the question became what the Red Constellation aimed for doing that, even helped by Lechter.

...Would Juna's prediction about the SSS facing the Red Constellation also come true?

"Yes. Yes, it was. Without Randy coming to our rescue, we would struggle to win against that monster. That's why..." Lloyd opened his eyes and stared down the Ogre Rosso in the eyes. "Randy is not worthless."

"Ha! Hear that, Randolph? Seems like you know someone with fangs," Sigmund laughed. "Keep your schedule open, Randolph. We'll be in touch."

"Later, Dolphy!"

"Catch ya guys later!"

The three of them then entered their new building. Leaving the SSS alone under the rain.

"Randy..."

"Heh..." Randy snorted. "I think I'm beginning to see what she meant back then."

"Huh?"

"Our cute informant, I mean."

Juna?

"Never mind that. Let's go home," Randy ignored their confused look and started walking away from the Back Alley.

Notes:

That's it for a while. Now I'm going back to Buggy CS writing my hardest part yet (making up entire dialogues for the Branch Campus from nothing.) Anyway, some of the points from the Zero arc made a comeback! The narrow passage is definitely boss fight, and the narrative weight behind the tapestry of fate. But of course without Juna there, even Lloyd can't understand the intricacy behind the narrative weight. He just saw and realized that somehow, Randy was late even though one of them could've ask for more time to rest so Randy would arrive before they entered the boss room. This is Max DP Lloyd, after all. And Max DP Lloyd sees all, including Campanella, who was overjoyed and recognized that it was his time to mysteriously expose things, especially after Novartis said some unnecessary things that he could've not said.

Chapter 37

1204/08/23 11:00

"I see..." Mayor Crois said once Lloyd and Dudley briefed him about a potential terrorist attack. Of course, Lloyd did not say that it came from Juna but from 'someone the SSS trusted.' Dudley was worried about it coming true and managed to secure a talk. Sadly, the Vice Commissioner couldn't be relied upon to escalate matters.

"Yes," Lloyd nodded, confirming. "That's why the SSS wants you to consider postponing the conference. At least, until this matter is truly researched by the police."

"The First Division also recommends to postpone the conference. So far, this information hasn't been leaked, but we still want to confirm the accusation," Dudley followed up.

"Keep the lid. Don't let this information leak out," Mayor Crois commanded. "However, we can't postpone the conference. It still has to go on as planned."

"But, Mayor--"

"We have staked our place in Zemuria by inviting other countries. If we delay it because of unconfirmed information, we'll lose face," Dieter cut Lloyd off with a grimace. What went unsaid was the response from Erebonia and Calvard at the news of the postponement. They would pressure Crossbell more and more to fold under them.

Dudley and Lloyd looked at each other before nodding.

"In that case, I offered an alternative. We increase the security personnel and coordinate with the Bracer Guild and the CGF," Dudley spoke.

"Granted. That's what I want to do when I consider your proposal to delay the conference. It seems that we're on the same page." Dieter nodded before turning to Lloyd. "Lloyd. Are you interested in being stationed at the Orchis Tower at the time of the conference?"

Lloyd nodded. "I have to ask the others because the SSS worked as a team, but I would be honored to be part of the security team in the building. I imagine they would also like to do it. At least, I'm sure Elie would."

Dieter was like an uncle to Elie. There was no way she wouldn't want to join the group watching the building.

"Good. Dudley, I'll leave the coordination to the CPD."

"May I get the rundown of events for the conference, sir?" Dudley asked. But Dieter shook his head.

"Not now. I'll provide it to you in D-1 of the event."

"But sir, D-1 is not enough!" Dudley raised his voice. "I'd be okay if we don't have a potential terrorist attack looming over our heads, but considering our suspicions, it won't be enough to prepare everything."

"It's exactly because of that that I want to keep it tight. But I do understand your plight, Dudley," Dieter nodded. "Very well, I'll share it with you on D-2."

That seemed to calm Dudley down because he nodded, fixing his glasses.

"If I may, Mayor Crois," Lloyd interjected before Dieter could dismiss them. "Is it too much to ask if you can send missives for the invitees to increase the number of their personal guards?"

Dieter looked pensive. "Hmm... we can't postpone it because Crossbell will lose face. But if it's just informing them to increase their guards, it can be done. But it must be delivered quickly and securely so the news won't be leaked. And we can't show any weakness, either. Fine. I'll search for available messengers and write to them about increased security personnel. I doubt they would entertain our claim, though. Thank you for the idea, Lloyd."

Lloyd shook his head. "It was nothing. The more prepared they are, the bigger the chance for the attack to fail."

"If there is nothing else, then you two may go and prepare yourselves."

Taking the cue of the dismissal, Lloyd and Dudley left the room.

"That was a daring one, Bannings. But I guess I should've expected it from someone like you," Dudley said on their way back to the CPD Headquarters.

"Well, I just don't want the worst to happen..." Lloyd said to his senior.

"Agreed. If somebody was hurt, then Crossbell's image in Zemuria would also be tarnished. I personally think it's a little ridiculous that the mayor declined our recommendation, but we'll just have to follow him and do our best. You too, Bannings," Dudley looked at him.

Lloyd smiled at Dudley's words. "Yes! About the plan, will the First Division handle it, then?"

Dudley gave a nod. "Yes, though I'm sure Emma and the rest won't be happy about it."

Dudley then sighed.

"Bannings, I trust you and your consultant this time because this is a matter of grave importance, and I can see the logic in your conclusion about the Red Constellation's appearance in Crossbell. But don't think I will immediately trust you next time if your prediction this time comes true."

Lloyd internally winced because that was his stance on Juna after wrongly saying that her conclusion was incorrect in the Hayworths' investigation. But the thing was, Juna simply had an extraordinary ability that didn't let them down when they put their faith in Juna. Outwardly, Lloyd just gave a flat laugh. "Ahahaha. Of course, that's why I look up to you, Dudley."

Dudley fixed his glasses before going off to the CPD headquarters. "Keep at it. Your instinct and that girl's prediction might be a useful spare weapon when the CPD reaches some dead-end. We'll reconvene in two hours with the others."

Was that a compliment? Lloyd smiled at the retreating figure. Now he understood why Dudley was well-regarded by the CPD.

---

1204/08/23 13:00

The door was closed as Dudley came in. "Everyone here?"

Lloyd took another look around. He was there as the representative of the SSS. Beside him, Sergei sighed; he was also the representative of the SSS, but also the CPD. On Lloyd's opposite, Arios stood calmly with Michel beside him. The two were the guild's representatives. Besides Michel, Sonya Baelz sat straight, as expected of a commander from the CGF.

Dudley then took a seat beside Sergei and started the meeting. "Then we can start the meeting for the coordinated effort against potential terrorist attack for the West Zemuria Trade Conference."

In Lloyd's opinion, the name was too long, but everyone in the room was the straight-laced type, so none of them pointed it out to Dudley.

"First thing first, I want to know everyone's stance and what they can offer for the security duty in and outside the tower. CPD will mobilize all the divisions for security inside and in the perimeter of the Orchis Tower. Sergei, I hope the SSS can comply and join our ranks for this."

"The SSS has been offered to be stationed at the Orchis Tower, and after some discussions, they decided to take it," Sergei answered the bespectacled man.

That was correct. Lloyd talked with Elie, Noel, Randy, and Wazy, and they agreed to accept the offer. So, for the duration of the conference, they'd work under Dudley's command.

Sonya then spoke up, "The CGF will offer several platoons of soldiers for the endeavor. I don't think I will join in, though. I had to be on base in case of a surprise attack from Tangram. The same can be said for Bellguard's new commander. We need to cover all the potential points of entry."

Dudley nodded before turning to Michel and Arios. "And what is the guild's stance about this?"

"We will offer all the able-bodied Bracers under our employ. Sadly that means we can only offer five people. So I think it's best if we're placed around the civilian area, except for Arios, who should be in the tower with everyone else," Michel answered. "I have passed the message to the HQ in Leman, so hopefully, they can provide some help. But with the tight schedule, let's plan for the worst-case scenario where they can't send any reinforcements."

Dudley wrote the information onto the whiteboard. "Alright. Let's discuss formations. Mayor Crois hasn't shared the rundown of the conference, but I've got his word that we'll get it on D-2. He wanted D-1, but I managed to persuade him. We'll have another meeting on the 29th. For now, let's discuss the general plan. Commander Baelz, how many platoons can you lend us? I'm thinking about one platoon divided for the general security of the guests while another platoon is present for the meeting itself. The rest can be assigned to the building security."

Sonya nodded but followed with a question. "Is one platoon enough for the guests?"

"It should be. We'll also divide the CPD for that, though our manpower isn't as many as the CGF, but we can do it," Dudley answered. "As for the tower itself, Mayor Crois said it didn't need too many soldiers because it has state-of-the-art security technology."

"Then, I'll assign one of the Bracers below the tower, one in Harbor District, one in Administrative District, and one in Central Square. Is there any better place for them?" Michel asked Dudley, who hummed.

"Take the Administrative District out and put them in the Entertainment District instead. Hopefully, if the terrorists really attacked, we can have the civilians around the tower perimeter evacuated by the one stationed there and spread into three sides to Central Square, Entertainment District, and Harbor District," Dudley offered.

"Understood," Michel wrote it in a note.

They hadn't discussed the finer details, but one thing stuck out to Lloyd. Who would coordinate between the CGF, CPD, and the Bracer Guild? Dudley could do it, as he was well-respected by everyone, but... Lloyd looked at Sergei, who almost picked up his cigarette before remembering present companies.

"Chief... amidst all this collaboration talk... who would coordinate our movements?" Lloyd asked his senior officer.

Sergei sighed. "My subordinate raised a good point. Who would coordinate?" He asked Dudley.

At once, everyone looked at Michel.

"Are you sure? Because my experience coordinating an operation is only with Bracers, who aren't stuck with rigid chains of command," Michel asked. "And I don't think I can do it alone."

"Take Fran with you," Sergei offered. "She's usually coordinating cases for the SSS. I'm sure she'd be a great help."

"I'll call for her," Dudley left the room.

Lloyd used the chance to raise his hand. "If I may offer another name, I want Juna to be with you there, Michel."

"Juna?" Arios raised his eyebrow. "Are you sure?"

Lloyd smiled. "It's exactly because I want to prevent Juna from danger that I want her with Michel. And besides, with her great insight, I'm sure Juna can help us coordinate our movements better."

"Hmm... that's certainly true. Juna has helped me lots of times before. Alright. I'm gonna invite Juna here."

Five minutes later, both Fran and Juna arrived in the meeting room. Dudley and Michel explained things to them, including how Sergei and Lloyd put up their name to help Michel coordinate on the field.

"I see... I would be honored to help everyone!" Fran saluted.

Contrary to Fran's exuberance, Juna put a hand on her chin, thinking. After a while, she then exclaimed. "Ah! Lloyd! You just want to put me away from the Orchis Tower!"

Lloyd couldn't help but laugh sheepishly at the accusation because it was correct. "Haha..."

"Arios! Are you of the same mind?!" Juna asked Arios, who was her teacher. Arios nodded silently.

"Geez, fine." Juna sighed. "I'll help Michel. How do we communicate? What's the communication protocol in CPD or CGF?" she turned to Dudley.

"Ever since Enigma was fully released a few months ago, most of the officers used it because it is convenient. The rest still used Orbal Radio Transceiver. As for CGF..." Dudley passed the question to Sonya.

"It's the same with us. We're transitioning from Orbal Radio Transceiver to Enigma to ensure the reliability and quality of the call," Sonya elaborated before adding. "Mostly because of corruption, though the one who hasn't converted from the transceiver to Enigma still used it."

"I see..." Juna nodded and then turned to Lloyd. "Lloyd, does Enigma have the conf-I mean, a multiple call function?"

"A multiple call function?" Lloyd immediately opened his Enigma to look up such functions. "I don't think so. Why?"

Shaking her head, Juna sighed. "Nothing. It's just gonna be a chore to connect and disconnect calls to several different Enigmas to inform everyone. Any chance we can use the Orbal Radio Transceiver? It can broadcast information to be picked up by multiple devices, right?"

...That was certainly true. If there was one weakness in Enigma that Lloyd realized but didn't deem too important before, it was the fact that he couldn't call multiple people at once.

"Unfortunately, the unused assets have been gone without any trace. I assume it was 'donated' by Preston. There was no account of it being sold or given away in the book," Sonya shook her head, lamenting her previous coworker's sleazy attitude.

Of course, the previous commander of Bellguard Gate had to make everything harder for them. He had been doing that since June by being fooled by Joachim. No wonder Randy couldn't stand him.

"Same with the CPD, after the previous Commissioner was fired, we launched an internal audit, and it turns out some reports were fabricated, and some assets were not reported at all," Dudley said with a sigh. "It's shameful to admit, but hopefully, we can change things for the better in the future. We've placed a quotation to the transceiver producer for another three batches, but the estimated arrival is in three weeks."

"Did we order from the same company?" Sonya raised her head, interested. "Because they also estimated our orders to arrive in three weeks."

"Dudley, Sonya, what about rerouting some of the current Orbal Radio Transceiver from the other CPD members?" Sergei asked for an alternative.

"Then how would they coordinate between them?" Dudley pointed out.

"Damn... if only Tio is here... wait!" Juna turned to Lloyd, face serious. "Lloyd, Renne's good with tech, right?"

"Ah, do you want to ask for her help? For what?"

"Developing a new feature for Enigma. I'll make the proposal and rough design. It's urgent!"

Juna instantly left the meeting room.

Sonya and Dudley looked at him. "Is she always like that? What even is she talking about?"

"Ahaha... unfortunately, Juna is always like that. The only time she was focused was when she was training with Arios," Michel answered the question. "Isn't that right, Arios?"

Right. Juna was infamous in St. Ursula for dragging Arios to Shizuku. Her running away without saying anything was just her standard behavior.

"Even her focused state is a lot like that," Arios smiled, probably remembering the times he was training her.

"She said Tio, but if I remember, Roberts is still here, right? Why don't you call him?" Sergei reminded him.

"And I'll inform the Bright siblings about Juna needing their help," Michel chimed in.

"Right." Lloyd then called the number Roberts gave them when he offered his Orbal Protocol Address to play Pom Pom Party.

"Hello."

"Chief Roberts. It's me, Lloyd Bannings, from the SSS," Lloyd started.

"Ah! Lloyd, good afternoon. Do you need something?"

"Yes. The CPD might require your presence for something. Can you spare some time to visit the CPD Headquarters right now?" Lloyd asked the scientist.

"Sure! Sure! By the way, how was the Pom Pom Party? It's fun, isn't it? Why haven't you invited me to play with you again?"

Lloyd let out an awkward laugh. Why did it feel like Roberts was desperate? "I'm sorry, I was busy."

"Okay, when you have free time, let's play Pom Pom Party again! I wanted to play with Tio, but she never received the invitation!"

Ah, so it was back to Tio again, as usual, with Chief Roberts. "If I have time, yes. We're waiting for you, Chief Roberts. Thank you."

Ending the call, Lloyd informed the others. "Chief Roberts will be coming here soon."

"As for the Brights, Renne was just starting to settle in, but Estelle said Renne would help when I mentioned Juna's name," Michel said after ending his call.

"She agreed without hearing what help she could provide?" Lloyd asked Michel, who nodded. Renne likely felt indebted to Juna for helping her and wanted to repay her. Well, and Joshua and Estelle, too.

"Yes. I said that Juna needed help with her orbal technology expertise. Maybe that could be part of Renne's consideration."

"Who is Renne? And why did Crawford ask for her?" Dudley asked him.

Lloyd bit his lip. How would he even begin to explain...? He turned to Michel, who was as lost as him.

Surprisingly, it was Arios who spoke.

"Renne Bright was a former Enforcer of the secret society, Ouroboros. She was officially adopted by Cassius Bright."

"O-Ouroboros? The secret society?" Fran, who was silent up until now, raised her voice in surprise. "H-How did Juna get familiar with her?"

"By being her usual, nosy self," Arios scoffed, though Lloyd couldn't feel any resentment from him. He thought that Arios and Renne had similar disbelief in how the pink-haired girl entered their lives, judging by Cecile's story about Juna. They let her get close, and suddenly, she was part of their lives.

"But that's what makes Juna, Juna, isn't it?" Michel laughed at Arios' words.

"She wouldn't become my student if she were any other way."

"And what relation does she have with this? A former Ouroboros agent is not someone I'd ask for help at this juncture," Dudley frowned in disapproval.

"Well, as Juna said, she's good with orbal technology," Lloyd started. "I think she's better than Tio at it. Don't take my words at face value, though, because I'm not that well-versed in orbal technology myself."

"I see," Dudley nodded, satisfied by the answer. "I'm still on the fence, but if you're sure about it..."

Maybe Dudley let it go because it was Juna, the source of the prediction about the attack in the first place.

Now, everyone in the room was waiting for Chief Roberts and Juna.

---

1204/08/23 14:00

"So you're Juna Crawford, huh?! It's nice to meet you! I'm Roberts, the chief of the Crossbell Branch of Epstein Foundation!" Roberts shook Juna's hand excitedly after Juna had entered the meeting room. "Tio has mentioned you a lot of times, actually! Your idea about real-time updates of criminal cases was intriguing, and we at the Foundation are interested in developing your idea further. You see, we're still compiling the data from the first iteration of Enigma and the second iteration we're giving everyone in Crossbell now in order to further increase the features released for the next iteration of Enigma. Actually, we wanted to just put another feature, but your idea sparked some discussion, and in the end, we decided to recalculate the development program."

"R-Right. Ahaha..."

Seeing the look on Juna's face after hearing all those sentences from Roberts, Lloyd thought it was time to intervene. "Alright, Chief Roberts. Please let Juna go so she can start. Juna, we're inviting Chief Roberts here because I'm sure whatever your proposal will be, it will be sent to Chief Roberts later, so Chief Sergei thought we should just invite him now."

"And here's Renne from Liberl," Michel put down the Enigma in speaker mode.

"Good afternoon, everyone, Juna."

"She sounds so young..." Lloyd heard Fran mutter.

"Hey! Why am I not included in the everyone!" Juna exclaimed before sighing. "Whatever. In any case, thank you for waiting," Juna put the papers on her arms down. "I actually wrote my idea down, but since Renne is on a call, I'll explain it for her sake. Hear that, Renne!"

"No, actually. I was preoccupied with something else," She teased Juna with a condescending tone.

"Tch. Moving on to the idea itself. Should I just go straight to the point, or should I explain from the introduction and background of my proposal?" Juna tapped the paper.

"You can go ahead and skip the introduction. We've explained the circumstance to both Renne and Chief Roberts before you came," Sergei answered Juna's question.

Juna blinked. "Alright. So I am proposing some new features for the Enigma, one with urgent priority and needs to be finished before the trade conference, and two others with lesser priority. If Chief Roberts or Renne estimates that you can't do it, then that's fine; we from the coordination team can cope. It'd be a hassle for us, though, so I really, really hope you can do it," she said, opening the first paper and giving it to Chief Roberts. "First, the urgent feature. I call this a conference call feature. It's a feature that lets you connect multiple calls together as if you're in a conference. Imagine this: We are having this meeting, but none of us are here except for the CPD. Commander Sonya is in her office in Bellguard. The SSS is in their building, the Bracers are in the Guild, Chief Roberts is in his office in IBC, and Renne is in Liberl. We are all in different places, but everyone is connected to one call, one Enigma."

Juna let her words sink in. Everyone was in a different place but connected to one call... Lloyd imagined the situation.

"I mean, we can still do that with the current features, but we need more than one Enigma to connect more than two different places. If Lloyd and Chief Sergei couldn't come here, for example, we need one more Enigma here and one with Lloyd to make one more call. I want to eliminate the need for more Enigma here. Everyone can stay connected with just one Enigma in each person. I don't know enough about how the Orbal Telephone system connects each call, but if it's too far-fetched to do that with it, Crossbell still has one trump card: The Orbal Network."

Orbal Network... the new city-wide system implemented in collaboration between the Epstein Foundation and Crossbell City. Lloyd didn't know much about it, but Tio was very excited about the project's ongoing development. She said that it would change Zemuria once completed.

"Tio explained to me that OrbalNet used a communication protocol where you connect one device to another using a set of specific numbers called the OrbalNet Protocol Address. Since OrbalNet allows multiple devices to connect to one OP Address simultaneously, we can apply that concept to a call."

Chief Roberts gasped. "That's brilliant! I can see what you intend to do, and I'm honestly taken aback that we didn't consider it ourselves. Using the OrbalNet communication protocol to make a call is ingenious!"

"And since the Orbal Network Project's main objective is the massive exchange of data at a rapid pace, if you want to make the OrbalNet a success, it has to be able to make a call. After all, a phone call is just a real-time exchange of data from one point to another," Renne finished from behind the phone.

"Yes! We definitely will make this!" Roberts then frowned. "Though, I'm not sure if we have the manpower to focus on a new feature from scratch in just a week... Especially since the current Enigma release still can't connect to the OrbalNet."

"Hmph, Mr. Roberts, is it? I shall lend my hand. This sounds interesting, and I can see the wider application of such a feature, not just a coordination between multiple points at a potential terrorist attack like you guys are about to face," Renne offered to help. Lloyd couldn't help but think that those words were just to tease Juna. After all, Michel did say that Renne would help when Michel mentioned Juna.

"Definitely! I'm making the three proposals because they apply now and in the future. I'm glad you guys understand my first proposal. Now, onto the second and third. It's a package, but I put it as two different proposals because the platforms are different." Juna went to her second proposal, ignoring the rest of the people aside from Roberts and Renne, who still hadn't grasped what she was talking about, including him. She gave another paper to Roberts, whose eyes started to scan the document.

None of them were experts in technology, so they didn't understand the latter parts of Juna's first proposal. They did understand what Juna wanted to achieve with the 'conference call' proposal, though. A feature in Enigma that would allow someone to make multiple calls so the coordination effort would be easier for Juna, Fran, and Michel. As for the OrbalNet discussion... Lloyd caught Sergei's eyes, and he shook his head.

Sergei smiled wryly and shook his head to him. At least he wasn't alone...

"The second proposal is a small... orbal circuit embedded inside the Enigma that constantly emits orbal radio waves. The purpose is simple: A constant tracking system for each Enigma. Since the CPD and the CGF are transitioning to use Enigma instead of Orbal Radio Transceiver, this is something that I feel really needed in Enigma as a device," Juna paused.

"A tracking system? Using orbal radio waves?"

"Why have I never thought about it before?! A tracking system for the Enigma! And we can just modify a normal tracker to fit inside Enigma, too!" Roberts exclaimed loudly.

"I don't think that's what Juna meant, Chief Roberts. Otherwise, Juna would just say it like that."

"Yeah, I mean, I don't understand how normal tracking bugs currently in circulation work, but my idea is to use a new, unused radio frequency for a single purpose, and that is tied to the third proposal..."

Juna gave another paper to Chief Roberts.

"The third proposal is simple but hard to execute, I think. A fully digitized three-dimensional map of Crossbell region accessible via OrbalNet. The purpose of the tracking system's unique frequency is to make the tracker visible on the digitized map. Can you imagine how easy it is to assign formations to the troop in the field when you have a fully three-dimensional map?"

"I see... so for example, when the terrorist ran towards the Geofront, as long as one team keeps them visible in their eyes, you will know where they are and can assign another team to intercept," Renne theorized.

"Exactly!"

"Hmm, intriguing. The common tracker still uses radar that ignores terrain. What you're saying is that we improve the monitoring system and make it fully readable for everyone."

Juna nodded at Chief Roberts' words. "But not just that; There is another, more mundane, application: You can track missing people as long as they have their Enigma with them. And in the future when Enigma can access OrbalNet, too, everyone will have their personal map in their pocket."

"I see... I see! This is why you said you know this won't be achieved anytime soon! You are aiming for civilian use! Brilliant! You are as brilliant as Tio said you are, Juna!" Chief Roberts declared before shaking Juna's hand. "We'll take it. The Foundation will try to fulfill your first proposal before the trade conference, and in return, we'll get to take the second and third proposals as a long-term project."

"I'm going to Crossbell tomorrow. I hope we can have a fruitful collaboration, Chief Roberts. By the way, may I bring someone from the Zeiss Central Factory? It's for learning purposes."

"Oh, sure! See you tomorrow, Miss Renne!"

The call was ended from the other side. Lloyd looked at the smile on Roberts' face. Coupled with calling her Miss Renne while he didn't put a 'miss' before Juna's name, why did it sound like Roberts misjudged Renne's age?

Also, he was still shaking Juna's hand. Time to intervene again. "Chief Roberts..."

"Oh, right! Juna, we'll do our best to make your proposal a reality. This could revolutionize the usefulness of Enigma!"

"I prefer the term ubiquitous," Juna said with a laugh.

"Ubiquitous! Right! That's a fitting word. Let's make Enigma a ubiquitous device!" Chief Roberts raised his hand to the air in hype. Unfortunately, he was the only one to do so inside the room filled with CPD, CGF, and Bracer Guild members.

...

Awkward.

"A-Ahaha..."

Not even the stuttered laugh from Chief Roberts could dispel the awkwardness of the situation.

"In any case, that's everything from me. Anything else?" Juna asked everyone in the room.

...Why did everyone look at him? Chief Sergei? Lloyd looked at Sergei, who gave him a nod.

"No, Juna. It's enough. Thank you for your help," he said to the pink-haired girl.

"Alright, see you later!" Juna waved her arms before running towards the door.

"I, too, have to go back since this project has quite a short timeframe. Please direct Miss Renne to the Foundation tomorrow, SSS, or the guild. Thank you for the opportunity. We'll do our best!" Roberts also left, leaving the original meeting members plus Fran.

Sergei sighed and turned to Dudley. "Just as a precaution, you should procure some new Enigmas in case the new feature isn't finished in time."

"I agree. I'll try to appeal to the higher-ups," Dudley nodded.

"Ah, Dudley. If you succeeded in getting the permission, may I request one more Enigma? The SSS will cover the cost. We've been trying to request another one, but even leveraging Tio's connection isn't enough to bypass the queue," Lloyd suddenly remembered something that he and the other SSS members were trying to do to no avail. Maybe with Dudley's help, they could get a new Enigma.

Dudley raised his eyebrow. "I don't know what you're going to do, but alright. However, once I get the permission, give me a signed reason for it. I won't accept anything else."

The aftermath of the D∴G cult incident had the mayor dismiss the previous Chief of Police, who was corrupt and easily bribed. Of course, as the Ace of the First Division, Dudley did not want to be seen as being bribed by Lloyd.

"Of course. I will send it to you when you confirm you can get it," Lloyd agreed to the condition.

Sonya let out a breath. "This all wouldn't be needed if Preston wasn't Preston."

"If Preston wasn't Preston, then Crossbell would be better in general," Sergei chimed.

"Okay, since there is nothing else to talk about, it's time for the meeting to end. We'll have a more detailed meeting on the 29th."

And thus, everyone was dismissed.

Notes:

Sorry for the break, I was writing Buggy CS (And playing CS4) and didn't have time to think over this. But once I finished Buggy CS (Still haven't finished CS4 though), I had some ideas. I want to make the trade conference... grander than in canon Azure. Not better (since it was already awesome in canon), but grander and not constrained by game budgets. So I had to turn my brain on and find some reason for several casts to be in Crossbell. And here is the result. If you find the development too strange, then that's because it is just a medium to bring some beloved characters back for this Buggy Azure. I'm gonna fill the missing 'week' between the end of Chapter 1 and the start of Chapter 2 of Azure with some... developments that hopefully will be good enough to make the conference seems grander than canon. Also, because I swear to God I don't remember ever seeing the casts having conference call using Enigma in both Zero and Azure while Arcus already has the feature in CS1. 

Chapter 38

1204/08/24 09:00

"Thank you for flying with us today. We will be arriving in Crossbell shortly. Please be aware that there may be turbulence while landing, so we ask that all passengers take their seats."

Agate Crosner opened his eyes, hearing the announcement. He looked aside to see Tita and Renne still talking.

"-give you a tour after we settled in. Oh? Agate has woken up?" Renne had her usual smirk when she noticed his state.

"Agate, good morning! Don't bother him too much, Renne. He was tired from yesterday's request." Tita, little sweet Tita, took his side. It was true that after returning from his request yesterday, Estelle suddenly asked him to escort the two to Crossbell and take care of them for one week. It was classified as an A-rank request from the guild. He didn't know why, but Aina gave him no choice.

Still, one week... wouldn't that mean their stay was close to the start of the West Zemuria Trade Conference?

"You don't need to mother me, Tita. I'm not that tired," Agate scoffed. When he saw Tita's eyes looking down in disappointment, though, he quickly added, "B-But thanks, anyway."

He heard a giggle from the purple-haired girl. "Aah~, Agate couldn't just be honest, huh?"

"H-Huh?! What the heck do you mean by that?!" He deflected in reflex. Seeing the smirk on her face was grating. He wondered how Joshua and Estelle endured that freaking teasing smirk every day. "Still, I don't get why we must take the first airship from Grancel to Crossbell. Aina didn't say anything, and the mission didn't specify."

"To make it short, we're racing against time," Renne answered. "We're doing a project, which must be finished before the conference. That is why I enlisted Tita's help. Aside from her getting experience, we need all the help we can get."

"You sounded eager... it's really unlike you," Agate mentioned off-handedly.

"That's because the one requesting Renne's help is someone she felt indebted to!" Tita answered his question, to which Renne looked away in embarrassment.

"Tita! I thought I confided in you! Traitor!"

"Ehehe... I can't help it. You just looked so cute when you acted like Agate to this person you're indebted to," Tita smiled at her friend.

A person she was indebted to in Crossbell... could it be one of the SSS or Juna Crawford? Estelle had many good things to say about them after her and Joshua's stay in Crossbell.

"W-What do you mean 'acted like Agate?' I never looked like him just now!" Renne continued denying Tita.

As he looked at the two girls bickering in fun, the airship had landed safely.

"Let's go, girls. It's time to get off the airship," he reminded them.

"Right!"

"Okay."

Disembarking from the airship, the three went to collect their baggage before finding an empty seat in the lobby.

"So, are we supposed to wait for someone?" Renne asked Agate since he was their chaperone.

Agate nodded. "Yeah, Aina said that somebody from the Crossbell branch would be waiting."

His eyes then looked around the lobby, trying to find any sign of a fellow Bracers looking for them.

No one actually stood out in the busy airport lobby. Well... at least, before a pink-haired girl came rushing in.

"Uwaaah! I'm late!" Her shout actually made other people avoid her. Maybe out of consideration for her words. However, instead of rushing to board the airship, the pink-haired girl stopped in the middle of the lobby and looked around.

Agate heard Renne clicking her tongue. "Of course, it had to be her."

"Hm?" Agate turned towards the newly adopted Bright family member and asked, "What do you mean?"

"Renne... could it be-"

"Ah! There you are!" Tita's words were cut off as the pink-haired girl ran towards them. "Renne! And you two are Agate Crosner and Tita Russell, then?"

"That's right," Agate answered. Pink-haired girl. Knew Renne. Knew them. So she must be from the guild. Ah...

"Nice to meet you! I'm Juna Crawford. I was tasked to bring the three of you to the guild. Sorry, I'm a little late. I had to escort my younger siblings to Sunday School first."

"Nice to meet you too, Juna. I'm Tita! I hope we can be friends!" Tita smiled at the newcomer.

"Hm?" She blinked at Tita before turning to Renne. "Renne, are you sure we should bring Tita here to the guild? If Aeolia sees her..." she shuddered.

Renne shrugged her shoulders. "I don't know. Ask Agate. He's the one taking care of Tita."

Juna turned to him.

"And Aeolia is?"

"A lover of cute things. She's gonna squeeze Tita to death. I've been there before, and I don't want my new friend to be subjected to the same horror I felt," Juna explained with a sage nod as if that explained everything.

Agate sort of got it, though. It seemed like Aeolia had the same quirk as Anelace back in Liberl, or even worse, if Juna didn't exaggerate.

"We kind of still had to," he told Juna. "Me chaperoning them is made into a mission for some reason. An A-rank mission, too. So I can't skimp on that."

"Oh wow... you're an A-rank Bracer?! That's amazing! You're the same rank as Arios!" For some reason, Juna had stars in her eyes.

"I know, it's unbelievable, right?" Renne joined with a sigh.

His eyes twitched. "Listen here, you brat."

Renne just giggled at hearing him try to hold back his emotion. It wasn't worth getting angry at her. She was just having fun at his expense.

Agate sighed.

"I regret this already."

"You sure aren't when Tita asked for your help," Renne winked.

"R-Renne!" Tita blushed in embarrassment.

Looking at the three of them, Juna nodded to herself. "Ah, I see..."

What? Agate narrowed his eyes. From the corner of his eyes, he also saw Renne stop being playful at Juna's words.

"Ugh, I forgot you have that uncanny ability to become as annoying as a certain clown-face," she grumbled before flicking her hair. "Well, whatever. Let's go, Tita."

"I don't understand? But shouldn't we follow Juna?" Tita tilted her head in confusion.

"I'm also familiar with Crossbell, remember?"

"O-Oh right..."

Agate looked at Juna, who was being ignored by the purple-haired girl. She frowned before looking around.

"Oh, Colin? What are you doing here?"

In an instant, Renne showed her capability as a fighter and quickly hid herself behind a chair.

"H-Huh? Renne?"

Tita looked around in confusion because her friend was suddenly gone.

What? What just happened?

"Juna Crawford! You! You really are as annoying as Campanella!"

Juna just blinked. "Who? Anyway, are you sure you wanna go without me? What if Sophia or Colin spotted their 'guardian angel?'" She smirked at Renne.

Renne gritted her teeth in frustration. "Fine! Do what you want!"

She grumbled, to Juna's delight.

He looked at Tita, who was as lost as him.

"Crossbellans are weird."

"Hey!" "Hey!"

Tita giggled at the reaction to his words.

After that, there was some sort of ceasefire between the two native Crossbellans as they made their way to the guild.

---

1204/08/24 09.30

"Oh, we're the same age!" Juna put a hand on Tita's shoulder, pushing herself closer to the blonde girl. "I just turned fifteen a few weeks ago! There was this one girl the same age as me, but she moved away to Remiferia a few years ago."

"Then that means you're not the same age. Are you stupid?" Renne fired a shot at Juna. From what Agate observed so far, Renne and Juna had a caustic relationship but respected each other. They teased and made scathing remarks, but ultimately, they knew what the other could take.

"Yeah, well, there's a certain period when both of us are fourteen! That means we're the same age!" Juna said smugly to the purple-haired girl.

"That's not how it works! The word the same age means you and the other person are of the same age, the same number!"

In fact, Agate suspected that they could easily quarrel and make peace in quick succession because they knew what buttons to tick and what to not tick.

Juna suddenly had a look of realization before she sent a playful smirk. "What? Are you jealous that you're not the same age as Tita?"

"No. Being the same age is not important as long as friends get along," Renne frowned. "And by your logic, there is a period where both Tita and I are thirteen, and thus, we're also the same age. So why should I be jealous?"

As the two continued bickering, Agate thought that somehow the two seemed closer to each other than Renne was with Tita.

'Do your best, Tita,' he silently mouthed towards the girl who looked like she wanted his intervention for being in the middle of the two bickering people.

Somehow, seeing the expression on Tita's face, Agate felt like he could hear Tita groaning, 'Agaaaate!' in his mind, asking for his help.

"We're wasting time, come on." In the end, he relented and intervened. For Tita's peace of mind, at least.

"Don't worry, we're close. See? That's the Bell of Crossbell. We just need to take the right intersection, and you'll see the guild's emblem."

Juna was correct. Not even three minutes later, they saw the guild building. She then slammed the door open.

"Michel! Agate's here with Renne and Tita! Is Aeolia here?!"

"Not even a greeting?" Agate muttered under her breath.

"Oh, good. Please enter. And no, Aeolia's on a mission." The voice from inside the building called them. The three then entered, seeing a... normal guild interior not dissimilar to other guild buildings.

"Good Morning. I'm Agate Crosner."

"The Heavy Blade, I've heard much of you from Estelle and Joshua," the receptionist, Michel, greeted him from behind the counter if what Juna said was correct. "And you must be Tita! It's also nice to meet you, darling. And for Renne, it's good to see that you're okay."

"Nice to meet you!" Tita answered excitedly, while Renne just waved her hands with a smile at the receptionist.

"Anyway, my job here is done. See you later!"

Juna interrupted before leaving the guild.

"Hahaha, please excuse Juna, everyone," Michel broke the silence after Juna left. "She looks like she's in a hurry because she has another appointment. I believe she's going to the hospital to keep Arios' daughter's company."

"Arios' daughter?" Tita asked in curiosity, but Michel shook their head.

"It's not my story to tell. Suffice to say, Juna helped Arios reconnect with his daughter. Now, the Foundation has given the guild enough funds to cover your stay for one week. Where do you want to stay? Long Lao is closer since it's located in this district, and it's a good inn, but you have the option to stay at Hotel Millenium. The downside is, of course, its location in the Entertainment District."

Agate let the two children decide. He had already decided to bunk in the guild as usual.

Tita and Renne whispered to each other before nodding. "We've decided to stay at Long Lao, Michel."

"Because Tita knew Agate would use the guild's room, and so she wanted to stay close to him," Renne unnecessarily added. This brat...

"R-Renne!"

Michel giggled.

"I see... Yes. Long Lao is the better option if you want to stay close to Agate. Oh, and their food is great. I think Estelle and Joshua made it a habit to go there once a week."

"Really?" Agate looked skeptical. He knew those two could cook good food. It was essential to know how to cook if you wanna be a good bracer. Hell, even he could. But for them to go there once a week...

"Yes."

"Alright. Seems like a good choice," Agate looked at Tita and Renne. "Time to go."

"Hmm, do you need an escort? I believe Wenzel will be back soon."

"No need," Renne answered. "I'm familiar with Crossbell, remember?"

"Alright. After you settle in, please come back here. I'll call the Foundation to pick you up," Michel nodded and picked up the telephone to call the Epstein Foundation.

"Wait here for a bit."

Agate then went upstairs to put his belongings on one of the unoccupied beds.

When he went down, it was to see a blushing Tita between the giggling Renne and Michel.

He let out a loud sigh to announce himself. "Seriously? Have you guys not had enough of teasing Tita?"

"Oh, I'm not teasing dear Tita, Agate. I'm simply recounting our experience in Liberl," Renne had a catlike grin on her face. She definitely was teasing her. Agate wasn't an airhead.

"Michel had Estelle and Joshua here for several months. The two could've told Michel about it. There's no need for you to embarrass Tita," Agate rebutted.

"Oh, but Michel told me that Estelle didn't tell him the details about how Tita stood in front of Loewe to-"

"Ah, shut it!" Agate unconsciously raised his voice as he threw his face aside. Of course, Renne had to say that part, not the others.

"Hehee," Renne just continued giggling at his and Tita's expense.

"In any case, let's go to your inn," Agate changed the topic.

"Y-Yes!" Tita joined in to escape from the purple menace.

"I've contacted Zhang Hui and reserved one room with two beds for Tita and Renne," Michel told him.

"Thank you, Michel," Agate nodded in gratitude.

"Come on, Tita." Renne dragged the blonde girl outside, with Agate monitoring from behind.

---

1204/08/24 10:00

The three of them returned back to the guild to see Michel talking with a middle-aged man in a white lab coat.

"Ah, Chief Roberts. Here they are," Michel turned his head once he heard the door being opened.

Agate saw Roberts looking around before his eyes settled on Renne and Tita.

"Good morning, Chief Roberts. I am Renne Bright," the purple-haired girl curtsied at the scientist. "It's a pleasure to meet you."

"Nice to meet you, I am Tita Russell. I hope I can help," Tita bowed nervously.

Roberts gasped. "We have two more Tio?! Goddess!"

Renne giggled at that, and Agate noticed.

Nonetheless, Roberts quickly regained his composure. He quickly grabbed Renne's hand and shook it.

"Nice to meet you, I'm Roberts from the Epstein Foundation. We've been waiting for you. You too, Tita," Roberts turned to Tita. "Did you say, Russell? So you're a granddaughter of Professor Russell, then?"

"A-Ah, yes," Tita nervously nodded.

"Marvelous! Let's not waste any time, so let's go to the lab! Michel, thank you for getting them here."

Roberts then quickly ran outside. Tita and Renne looked at each other before Tita turned to Agate.

"I'll be right behind you."

With a smile, Tita nodded. "Thanks, Agate. Come on, Renne."

Before he followed them, Agate turned to the receptionist. "We'll be here for one week. Please take care of us."

"Estelle was correct," Michel said with a smile.

"Huh?"

"She said your gruff exterior hides a soft heart within. Well, not exactly a direct quote since it's Estelle..." Michel trailed off, to which Agate nodded in agreement.

"Yeah, she can't be that poetic."

The two shared a laugh before Agate excused himself to follow his charges to the lab.

---

1204/08/24 10.15

After Roberts introduced Renne and Tita to the Epstein Foundation branch team in the IBC building, Agate bid them farewell and returned to the guild. The team was comprised of six people (including Roberts.) They introduced themselves one by one. Clay, David, Mark, Ashton, and Peter. A small branch overall, but the five had been a team together since Leman.

Once Agate left, Tita observed while Renne took the lead.

"So, Chief Roberts, what's the progress, and how can we help?"

"Good point. Mark, what have you found out from your preliminary research about the feasibility of the project?" Roberts turned towards one of the scientists.

Mark nodded, acknowledging the question. "I contacted one of our colleagues, and it turned out that the Reinford Group, in collaboration with some of our scientists, managed to make exactly what the project wanted. However, when I asked for details, he said that it was classified by NDA, so he couldn't talk about it."

"Reinford group is... the one from Erebonia, right?" Tita asked Renne for confirmation.

"Yes. A weapon manufacturer company that branched out to cover technology, too. I did remember them asking for collaboration with our foundation, but I didn't know that they're making exactly what the project wanted," Roberts let out a small laugh.

"If that's the case, then we have two options to choose from." Renne moved towards the terminal and typed something to show everyone. "Either we follow their way to connect multiple phone calls by trial and error, or we use the specification that we discussed yesterday, Chief."

On the monitor, Renne typed two lines of options that the foundation could choose.

1. REINFORD
2. ORBALNET

"So, what will you choose? Using a normal phone line like the Reinford group or trying something new with the OrbalNet?"

The ease with which Renne took over the conversation showed how far behind Tita was compared to her. But Tita didn't lose heart. Renne brought her here to gain experience, and she wouldn't waste the chance.

Roberts and the others looked at each other before nodding. "Since we're a foundation focusing on technology, finding out that one of ours had found the way to do it via a normal phone line is good. It is something to be celebrated. However, that means that our only path is clear..."

"We have to discover a way to do it with the OrbalNet," Clay finished.

Renne smiled. "That's what I liked to hear. Then, if we split the problems into several steps we can take to solve the problem..."

She continued typing before showing some more lines.

"This is..." Roberts gasped when he looked at the monitor.

"Chief... when you said we got two more Tio, I couldn't believe it. But I think I'm starting to believe it."

Here they were. Letting a girl of Tio's age lead the meeting. And she even managed to break down the problem into several smaller, solvable ones.

On the monitor, Renne's diagram showed the steps they needed to finish the project.

1. Create some OrbalNet wave emitter
2. Create a connector so Enigma can capture the Orbal wave from the emitter and connect it to OrbalNet wirelessly.
3. Create the program to connect to multiple calls using OrbalNet as the medium to exchange data.

"We have to do this in one week. Chief Roberts, you can split the team into three so we can cut the time needed. Any disagreements?"

None of the scientists from the foundation disagreed. In fact, they were excited by the project. After all, when the first and second points were done, they could do more than just make multiple calls with the Enigma connected to OrbalNet.

Such as Pom Pom Party on Enigma! Who wouldn't want Pom Pom Party on Enigma?

"Let's go, everyone! Any volunteer?!" Roberts raised his hand in excitement.

"Um..." Tita raised her hand. Everyone turned to her, which made her a little nervous.

"Yes, Tita?" Roberts responded.

"I think I can do the first step. But I need someone who understands the OrbalNet to help me understand it. Grandpa made an emitter device to counter the Orbal Shutdown Phenomenon two years ago, and I have the schematics on my note," Tita revealed to the group.

"Then let me help you, Tita," David said.

"Then I'll take the second step," Clay quickly said after his colleague.

"I'll take the third," Peter followed.

"Second for me," Mark answered.

"Same. I've been involved with Pom Pom Party development. I want to try something new," Ashton shrugged.

The one left without an assignment was Renne.

"I'll take third. Once we finish that, I'll help the first team," Renne said confidently, to everyone's slight surprise. She only grinned at their reaction. "Oh, don't worry. Creating an Enigma application is easy."

"If you say so..." Mark trailed off.

"Alright. We've got one week to finish this. Worry not, as I said, not finishing this is okay, so do your best, everyone!" Roberts encouraged.

"Heh, since when do we become a team that buckles under the pressure of time?" Ashton said confidently.

"Yeah, whether we succeeded or not, we'll do it until the last second!" Clay followed up with his own words of encouragement.

"Let's go!"

The scientists went to their workstation, leaving Tita and Renne.

"They're a good team," Renne commented.

"Reminds me of some of the ZCF workers," Tita said with a smile before she turned to Renne. "Let's go, Renne. You don't want to disappoint, Juna, do you?"

"Hmph. Don't bring her name out of nowhere."

The two then went to their assigned teams to start the development.

---

1204/08/24 10:15

Once Agate left the IBC building after Tita safely arrived there, he returned to the guild to settle his things. He only put his trunk on one of the beds, not knowing whether that room was used by someone or not.

He arrived at the guild with nobody but Michel still there. "Yo," he greeted the receptionist.

"Done escorting them?" Michel asked with a nod.

"Yeah. Oh, I forgot to ask, but does somebody also use the spare rooms? I saw no personal things, so I just assumed the room I put my things in was empty," Agate asked Michel for confirmation.

"All the room's empty," Michel confirmed. "It's rare for other bracers to visit, and everyone assigned here usually has their own place."

"I see," Agate nodded. "Well, I'm gonna unpack my things. Thanks for the information."

"Don't worry."

"After that, may I know the reason why this is classified as an A-rank mission?"

The question caught Michel off-guard. Michel chuckled.

"Of course, somebody as experienced as you would notice. Alright, I'll answer after you come back down," Michel reassured him.

"Tch, of course, I would." There were too many suspicious things behind his assignment to accompany Tita and Renne to Crossbell, and there was no way he wouldn't pick them up.

Agate quickly unpacked in just ten minutes before he returned to Michel.

"Alright, seems like you've settled down nicely," Michel winked before turning serious. "Then I'll brief you on why it was classified as an A-rank mission."

And so Michel explained that a trusted source deduced that the West Zemuria Trade Conference would be attacked by terrorists from the Empire. The CPD, CGF, and the guild cooperated to defend the conference and minimize the effect of the possible attack on the civilians.

"That still doesn't explain why just chaperoning Renne and Tita for one week is classified as A-rank," Agate muttered. "Oh, unless helping to defend the civilians if the terrorist attacked is part of the mission."

"Exactly!" Michel grinned. "If the information is leaked, there might be severe repercussions, so as much as we hate it, we have to bring experienced figures to Crossbell without raising eyebrows. And it turns out that Renne needs to come here this morning! So, I collaborated with Aina to put together a quick mission and classify it as an A-rank. Thank Aidios, it's you."

Ending the explanation with a huff, Michel turned to him. "Sorry for the whole secrecy, but it is needed. The only guild members outside of Crossbell who knew about the possible attack were Miles from Erebonia and the higher-ups in Leman HQ, and I suppose Estelle and Joshua, too, because we needed to let Renne know of the situation yesterday."

"Not even Aina knows?" Agate raised his eyebrow in skepticism.

"I only told her I need an A-rank bracer to chaperone Renne and Tita," Michel revealed.

Agate sighed. "It's for the conference, right? Seeing that Olivier would be one of the guests, why not Scherazard?"

"To be honest, I trust Aina's decision since she's the one familiar with Liberl's bracers. But maybe you're just the first A-rank she met?" Michel shrugged, offering an answer. "But why do you want Silver Streak to be here instead of you?"

"Nah, nothing," Agate shook his head. "I was just wondering. Maybe you're right that I'm the first A-rank Aina met."

It wouldn't help Schera and Olivier if he revealed that he knew they were seeing each other. It would just bother them. In fact, everyone in the Phantasma gang knew about it, even though the two didn't notice it. Sort of like Estelle and Joshua's situation again.

"Anyway, I think Renne and Tita wouldn't be back until the evening. What are you going to do until then? I can offer you some requests," Michel winked.

Agate let out a snort. It had not even been an hour, and Michel had already tried to pawn some works his way. Was the Crossbell branch that understaffed? They had five people for one area.

"Maybe tomorrow. For now, I'm going to explore the city. It's not every day you get to visit Crossbell."

"Hahaha, very well. See you later, Agate."

"Later," Agate waved as he walked to the exit.

Notes:

Ideas... give me ideas on what to fill the gap before the conference. Though, I think it should be fun interactions that moves the story forward. I had wanted to write Agate meeting the SSS and Ries and whatever but decided not to. It's not that I don't think it's interesting, but it doesn't move the story forward to the conclusion that is the conference. The rest of this chapter, in contrast to a potential Agate meeting the SSS and Ries, moves the story forward by following up the previous chapter + setting up Agate's presence in the story. If there is nothing else I might have to use my last resort and timeskip to Azure chapter 2...

Chapter 39

1204/08/25 11:00
Valflame Palace, Heimdallr, Erebonia

Dear Participants of the West Zemuria Trade Conference

Greetings. This is Dieter Crois, Mayor of Crossbell, writing to you.

With this letter, I want to inform you that the security of the West Zemuria Trade Conference will be tightened to prevent any potential mishaps. I also encourage you to bring more personnel with you in case something unwanted happens.

Thank you for your understanding.

Warm regards,
Dieter Crois, Elected Mayor of Crossbell

Olivert Reise Arnor, the Prince of Erebonia, observed Mueller Vander's face as he read the letter carefully.

"So, what do you think?" The blonde Prince asked when he saw his trusty bodyguard finish reading and sigh.

"It is fishy, but not for what you think," Mueller answered after a few seconds of thinking.

"How so, my dear Mueller?" Olivert's eyes twinkled in amusement. His longtime friend even knew what he was thinking about without the need to voice it.

"You think it's fishy that they send it now of all times, right? Because if they send this at this point, that could mean they're too overwhelmed," Mueller looked for his validation.

"Indeed. I thought that it was bold, dare I say too bold of Mayor Crois to send this message if the situation were not so," Olivert nodded.

"I disagree with your assessment this time. The letter might sound so reassuring that you think they're trying to hide something. But remember the letter from Estelle and Joshua?"

Olivert tried to remember the letter that Mueller mentioned. He got too many letters from the two Bracers, and it was hard to pinpoint which letter Mueller meant.

"Hmm... the one that recounts their experience in Crossbell?"

"Yes. Crossbell has Arios MacLaine, the Divine Blade of Wind. They also had the rising star of the police department, the Special Support Section. Security shouldn't be too much of a problem," Mueller pointed out. "However, for them to suddenly send this out of the blue, then that means..."

Olivert grinned. "I see! They might uncover a plot to shake Zemuria to the core!"

"Nothing so serious," Mueller sighed. "Of course, when you find a point of interest, you'd latch onto that delusion of grandeur. But you're not entirely wrong. They might uncover something, or someone, plotting an attack, hence their increased security."

"I can think of a certain organization that might want to crash the conference," Olivert said with a despondent sigh. The Imperial Liberation Front. Despite the name, it was a terrorist organization aiming to undermine the administration of Chancellor Osborne. They had been increasing their activity around several months ago. In fact, just last month, they attempted to kidnap his dear little sister and almost succeeded were it not for the heroic act of a certain group of students.

"Yes. I have a feeling that the Chancellor's action might have drawn a bigger consequence this time," Mueller nodded in agreement. "What do we do?"

Olivert looked outside the window. What kind of move could he make now? Would it even affect any of the Chancellor's plans at all?

"Of course, we'll try our best to ask for increased personnel size like Mayor Crois recommended. But the reality isn't that easy."

"...the Chancellor might decline our request?"

Olivert shook his head. "It doesn't stop at that. I have a suspicion that our dear Chancellor might even reduce the personnel to make it as hard for Crossbell as possible."

Mueller looked grim at his words. Time to lift up his friend's spirit.

"Let's just hope that he sees sense and didn't just leave my protection to you, my dear Mueller," Olivert finished with a wink.

"There would be too much outrage if he tried that. The royal family is as popular as ever," Mueller disagreed.

"But I'm sure our dear Chancellor would try something. That's why I think I have the solution. Let's ask some of our allies to join us as a backup plan if Chancellor Osborne really wanted to undermine Crossbell."

What Olivert meant was that they should bring the neutral nobles who lend him his support. Preferably one who could hold themselves in an altercation.

Mueller frowned. "...I'm not sure they would accept your request, Your Highness."

Most likely because that would mean they openly admitted they sided with him. But that was okay.

"I know," Olivert gave him a reassuring smile. "But I know one or two that might be interested in joining me and are bold enough to openly declare they're with me."

"Who?"

Olivert winked with a wide grin. "That's a secret, my dear bosom buddy."

The Major only sighed at his antics. But that was exactly why he loved Mueller.

Oliver then remembered something. "Oh yeah, Mueller. Can you remind me to schedule a meeting with the SSS and Juna Crawford once we're in Crossbell? I want to meet the group of people Estelle and Joshua regarded highly."

"I will remind you when we're in Crossbell, Your Highness," Mueller said with a nod.

---

1204/08/25 12:00
Grancel Castle, Grancel, Liberl

Princess Klaudia von Auslese folded the letter and put it inside her pocket before sighing. The content of the letter was concerning, but the implication behind the letter was even more concerning than the content. Something was about to happen in Crossbell.

Right around these times, she could've gone to her trusty bodyguard, Julia. But the Captain was away at Leiston Fortress for something until this evening.

"I should write a letter to her. Sieg!"

The squawk of her falcon notified that it heard her shout. She brought out a paper and wrote something on it.

Julia,
Something came up about the conference. Possible need to increase the guard personnel. I'll talk to Estelle and Joshua first to find out more about Crossbell.

Once she was finished, Klaudia folded the new letter and tied it to Sieg's leg. "Sieg, can you deliver the letter to Julia in Leiston Fortress?"

An excited squawk was the reply she got.

"I see. Thank you. I'll give you a big treat later for doing me this favor," Klaudia smiled. The falcon that had been with her since childhood flapped its wings before going outside.

Klaudia sighed. "Now to talk with Estelle and Joshua..."

She went to the telephone in the corner of her room and called the Bright residence. After a few seconds, the call was picked up.

"Hello, Bright Residence, Joshua Bright speaking."

"Hello, Joshua. It's me, Kloe," she said softly.

"Kloe! Good to hear from you. How are-"

"Did you just say Kloe!?"

The voice changed into a girly one. Oh, Estelle... she never changed. Kloe couldn't help but smile.

"Hello to you too, Estelle. Did you grab the phone from Joshua?"

"Kloe! Boy, it's been a while since we heard from you. I know you're busy and all, but I missed you!"

She didn't answer her question... somehow this made her remember their adventures across Liberl two years ago. "I missed you too, Estelle."

She quickly went to the point. "Estelle, Joshua. Sorry for interrupting, but this isn't exactly a social call. I have just received a letter from Mayor Crois about the upcoming West Zemuria Trade Conference. I want to know more about Crossbell, and since you two went there for a few months, I thought about asking you."

"..." Estelle was silent.

"Estelle?"

"Sorry, Kloe. But may we know the content of the letter?" It was Joshua who responded.

Kloe bit her lip. Should she tell them of the problem? The moment she finished reading the letter, there were a lot of things in her mind. She did not want to bother the two, but it was Estelle and Joshua, her two friends who wouldn't mind being bothered at all. This was also a matter of national interest, and she would involve them with politics...

"Kloe?"

"Very well," Kloe made up her mind.

After telling them the content of the letter, she heard Joshua sigh. "So it really is about that, huh..."

"I'm sorry?" she asked for clarification. "What do you mean, Joshua? Something happened in Crossbell?"

"Yesterday, Renne and Tita went to Crossbell to offer her expertise in Orbal technology for an urgent project. The project itself is urgent because somebody in the police managed to find out that there is a big chance that the conference would be attacked by an irresponsible group of terrorists," Joshua explained.

"I see... so it is as I thought." The suggestion to increase security personnel meant they found something and warned the other guests about it.

"I think you should bring more royal guards with you, Kloe," Joshua advised.

"There is one thing I don't understand, though. I mean, you know I'm a straightforward person, so I don't really think much of the broad strokes, but Mayor Crois sending the letter bothers me a little," Estelle also chimed in.

"If you don't look past the message itself, you'll find nothing," Kloe answered. Estelle had the same suspicions as her. It wasn't that she thought the letter was deceiving. But sending the letter at all meant Crossbell was forfeiting its advantage.

"It shows weakness. Especially if Mayor Crois also sent the letter to Erebonia and Calvard." Joshua hummed in agreement with Estelle and Kloe's assessment.

"There must be an advantage gained from it," she concluded. "But what is it?"

"Ugh, if only Dad was here," Estelle muttered.

"That's a good idea, Estelle. Maybe I'll ask for insight from Lieutenant General Bright." His insight would definitely help her understand the reason behind Mayor Crois' letter.

"Yeah, you'd better do that," Joshua agreed.

"Anyway, the guilds are in it. Hopefully, some of us bracers could arrive there for the conference," Estelle informed. "Oh, but don't tell anyone else before any official announcement from the guild, kay?"

"Is that so? Then I hope everything goes smoothly."

If what Estelle said was true, then they'd gather together again. It had been a while since the last time they did. She would look forward to it.

Kloe frowned. If she looked forward to it, would it mean that she looked forward to the conference getting attacked?

"Kloe?"

"It's nothing. Anything else you can tell me?"

"Oh, when you're in Crossbell, you really should visit Mishelam Wonderland! Joshua and I only had one chance because we were so busy, but it was fun!"

And so Kloe spent time listening to Estelle and Joshua's tales about Crossbell. They weren't all related to the conference, but that was fine. Just listening to them like that reminded her of the fun times she had adventuring with them all across Liberl.

---

1204/08/25 11:00
Presidential Palace, Edith, Calvard

The door was knocked before President Rocksmith's assistant spoke from behind the door.

"Excuse me, Mr. President. Miss Rouran is here."

Ah, Kilika. It seemed like she wasn't as busy as usual to be able to come here when he summoned her. "Send her in."

With a creak, the door was opened, and the still impressive figure of one Kilika Rouran entered the room. Martial artists were built different.

"You asked for me, President Rocksmith?"

Nodding, Samuel Rocksmith, the current President of Calvard Republic, gestured to the seat in front of him. "Please take a seat, Kilika. I need your opinion on something."

Once the woman was seated, Samuel gave her an unsealed envelope with the contents still inside. He had already opened it and read it, but he wanted insight from someone who had come to Crossbell before he made any decisions.

Kilika's eyes moved from top to bottom before she massaged her temple and sighed as she finished reading the letter from Dieter Crois.

"What kind of scheme are you getting into this time?"

"Why, Kilika, that's the fun of politics!" He said jovially.

"So? I presume you want an opinion from me because I've scouted Crossbell before?" Kilika asked for confirmation. Seems like her sharpness was even better than when he first asked her to join his intelligence agency. Perks of the job, he guessed.

"That's right. From this letter, Dieter Crois seems like a formidable man. I'd love to have a fun talk with him."

Kilika snorted. "I'm sure what constitutes fun for you is different from me. Still, what have you found out about his intention, Mr. President?"

"Oh, plenty. He's a shrewd man. With his background as a businessman, I guess it was always in his blood." Dieter Crois was a former CEO of the International Bank of Crossbell. One couldn't achieve such a position without being shrewd or ruthless. "But the interesting thing is that letter itself. He won't send it unless he's really sure about it. If he was just bluffing, I can call his bluff, and he won't have anything left. So I want to know how he came to such a conclusion."

Kilika shook her head. "I don't know. From what I've gathered, Crossbell doesn't have its own intelligence agency. Maybe Dieter Crois hired some professionals, and they were entrenched deep into Erebonia or Calvard. The Agency will run a quick audit to see if there is any leak, though I doubt it."

"A shame," Rocksmith sighed. "I was looking forward to using the anti-immigration terrorist attack to show how small Crossbell is. And I assume the Blood and Iron Chancellor would do the same, so we struck a deal with Heiyue's Crossbell branch."

"Still, that wasn't the only weapon in your arsenal, isn't it, sir?"

Rocksmith smiled. "Oh, definitely. I would be a bad politician if that was my only card."

---

1204/08/25 12:00
Valflame Palace, Heimdallr, Erebonia

"Hm?"

Gilliath Osborne looked at the letter in his hands. Unconsciously, a smirk made its way onto his stern face.

"It seems that Lechter failed to get information about their informants." One part of Lechter's mission in Crossbell was to smooth his plan. But the other one was because Lechter was curious about some of the things that Crossbell's newest heroes knew. "But to think they had someone so good to predict the attack like this... interesting."

Osborne knew from the start that the Imperial Liberation Front would use his visit to Crossbell as a chance to attack him. He would presume that everyone who followed Erebonian politics and knew what was behind the scenes also understood the possible attack by the terrorist. He never expected that someone in Crossbell would be able to piece it all together.

"Now, I can't use the terrorist as a pretense to pressure them." He was so sure that President Rocksmith would play the same game, too.

"Lechter, I hope you can uncover who this person is." It would be interesting if this person was at least as challenging as the Debaucherous Prince.

"Now, what response would be fitting for the situation?" He wondered. If Crois sent this letter to him, he could assume the mayor also sent the letter to all the guests from Liberl, Remiferia, and, more importantly, Calvard. He had several contingency plans to pressure Crossbell if the terrorists didn't attack. He could pull one of them out of his sleeve.

His attention then went to the letter which was still in his hand. "I wonder if the informant is also the one who told him to send this letter."

Sending the letter might signal that Crossbell couldn't handle it or that Crossbell needed help with security. But that was exactly the message Crois wanted to send out. He wanted Erebonia and Calvard to underestimate Crossbell while determining the two powerful nations' intentions toward Crossbell at the same time. If Erebonia brought more guards, then Crois would know that Erebonia underestimated Crossbell's defense and might catch them off-guard, embarrassing the bigger nation in the process. If Erebonia had brought fewer guards, then Crois would have known that Erebonia had no intention of playing friendly with Crossbell. Crois might 'accidentally' forget to protect the VIPs and would blame Erebonia because he already sent them a head up.

Osborne grinned. It was quite a fun dilemma for someone in his position.

"I look forward to talking with you directly, Dieter Crois, and you too, mysterious informant. I hope we'll be able to trade words."

Notes:

The daily life of Crossbell residents are still in the plan, but I want to get this out first because it would clash with the tone. It's why I'm setting up everything to have a place and time unlike the usual. Anyway, the Calvardian side was a last minute addition so tell me if there's something I got wrong. I know nothing about the Calvard games. I Intentionally stopping myself from reading any spoiler/plot points summary. I've taken both Kilika and Rocksmith characterization from the Crossbell and Cold Steel games. Also, did I explain the whole thing properly? Does anybody still not understand? In short, there are lots of misunderstanding behind this chapter, and of course, Dieter seizing an opportunity, too, but mainly misunderstandings.

The long version? Dieter is using Lloyd's naivete to send a multifunction letter declaring that Crossbell is not to be played with. How? By wording it vaguely and giving suggestions to increase their security personnel. If they followed the suggestion from Dieter, then Crossbell should be able to one-up them and show them that Crossbell can stand on its own by rendering the extra security useless because everything's been covered by the combination of CPD and CGF. If they didn't follow the suggestion, then Dieter can determine that they're not about to play friendly with him, and if there's any 'accident', then it was their own fault because Dieter had already sent them a warning. This brilliant move only happened because Lloyd suggested Dieter to send the other nations a warning, so yeah... thanks, Lloyd. Or is it Mariabell?

Incidentally, everyone in the chapter got it right about the terrorists except Juna herself. Poor girl still didn't know that her deduction was wrong. Haha... anyway, isn't it funny that everyone is attributing Juna's deduction to some intelligence agency works? I wonder what kind of consequence would it bring...

Chapter 40

1204/08/25 12:00

It was a rare, slow day for the SSS. Unlike yesterday, when they were swamped with support requests, today, there were barely any requests that they had solved everything before twelve. Now, everyone aside from KeA and Chief Sergei was resting in the SSS building. Noel was cleaning her weapon while Elie was reading a book. Randy was with Lloyd, about to ask Juna (who visited them) things Lloyd wanted to know. Apparently, it was something related to weight? Wazy didn't understand what they were talking about, but considering the things he read in Lloyd's notebook were from Juna... he'd better pay attention.

"Right, so you want us to recount the entire day as usual? Alright. This is before Michel called us to come to the guild. At breakfast, Wazy told us that Ashleigh, the owner of Neinvalli Exchange, might know about the situation in Erebonia. She confirmed that there was a lot of movement for weapons inside Erebonia but nothing else," Lloyd started.

"I see... I guess it was her code of honor as a black-market goods seller?" Juna nodded to herself. Was she trying to convince herself? "Anyway, what happened next?"

"After that, we were confronted by Wald--"

Before Lloyd could continue, the door to the SSS building was opened.

"Excuse me." A gruff, unfamiliar voice entered the premises. It was coming from a tall, muscular redhead with spiky hair. From what Wazy observed, this new guy was even more muscular than Randy. That orange coat the SSS's redhead wore hid an aesthetic muscle beneath them.

"Can we help you?" Lloyd immediately turned his focus to the newcomer.

"Oh, Agate! What are you doing here?" Juna immediately ran towards the new redheaded man. It seemed like she was familiar with him.

"Yo, Crawford. I was visiting all the places of interest. I actually came here yesterday to introduce myself, but your boss says you're on a support request, so I came here again today." He then turned towards the SSS. "Nice to meet you. I'm Agate Crosner, a Bracer visiting this city for a week."

"Oh, A Bracer? Nice to meet you, Agate." Lloyd offered his hand. "I'm Lloyd Bannings."

"Yo," Randy saluted the man. "The name's Randy."

"Agate Crosner... the Heavy Blade? An A rank Bracer from Liberl..." Elie, as usual, knew a lot of things. "Ah, I'm Elie MacDowell."

"N-Noel Seeker. What is an A-rank Bracer doing here?" Noel asked nervously.

"Calm down, Noel. He said before, didn't he? He wanted to introduce himself," Wazy calmed the loaned CGF member. "Oh, and I'm Wazy Hemisphere."

Agate sighed. "The pretty boy is right. I ain't doing anything. I just feel like introducing myself because Estelle talked so much about you guys, the Special Support Section."

"Oh, you're that Agate! No wonder I feel like I've heard of your name," Lloyd clapped his hand in realization.

"The one from Estelle's story?" Randy asked, to which Lloyd nodded.

"Suddenly, I feel nervous about what Estelle and Joshua had said about us..." Elie laughed awkwardly.

"You think Estelle had the bone to talk bad about someone behind them?" Agate asked them, to which the three original SSS members, plus Juna, shook their heads in unison. "Anyway, Crawford. You're really busy, I see. Yesterday, you were fetching us from the airport, going to St. Ursula, and then training before picking up your sisters from the Sunday School. Today, you're here with the SSS?"

Juna just scratched her cheek in embarrassment. "Ehehe... I just feel like it's a waste if I do nothing, so I try to help anyone in need."

Lloyd nodded. "Yeah, Juna helped us aplenty before. In fact, I was in need of her help again to confirm my suspicion."

"Huh? Well, I'll be. I heard from Joshua that you're smart, but to think that a professional police even asked for your help..." Agate now looked at Juna differently.

"By the way, while Wazy was correct, may we know the reason for your visit to Crossbell?" Elie changed the topic. Yes, while he was correct that Agate was just visiting to introduce himself, the SSS still didn't know what Agate was doing in Crossbell.

Agate shrugged. "Not much. I am just chaperoning Renne and someone else. They are involved with the new Epstein Foundation project."

"Oh, Renne? I was actually in the meeting that decided her involvement. Please give my thanks to her for offering help. If she and the Foundation succeed, it will make the conference easier," Lloyd revealed.

Agate's eyes sharpened. "You were in the meeting? Then that means you know about the possible terrorist attack?"

"Ah!" Juna shouted, to everyone's surprise. "Sneaky Michel! Chaperoning Renne and Tita was just a cover for reinforcement! No wonder I was confused why an A-rank accompanies Renne and Tita."

"So that's it. Before the guild made any decision, Michel managed to secure one for Crossbell. We really need to thank them," Lloyd picked up Juna's words quickly.

The rest of the SSS had to process Juna's words for a few more seconds before they got it.

"So you're here officially to chaperone Renne and this Tita but unofficially to help Crossbell with the security of the conference?" Elie reiterated.

"Yes. You got it right," Agate nodded while giving Juna a side-eye. "I only knew when I grilled Michel myself yesterday."

"Wow... I'm not that familiar with Michel, but that sounds amazing," Noel sang praises.

Wazy nodded. "It takes more than enough guts to go behind the higher-ups and decide things on your own." He certainly knew how it felt.

"Anyway, since I've already introduced myself, I'll just go and-"

"Agate, wait." Juna cut him off before she started muttering something under her breath, "...interrupted... Agate... downtown gang..."

"What is Juna doing?" Noel whispered to Elie.

"Juna is doing her 'connect the dots' thingy, though, for the love of Aidios, I don't understand what dots she's seeing," Randy replied.

So that was Juna's skill at work? Interesting... Wazy wanted to know what kind of crazy things Juna would spout this time.

"Agate, can you stay and hear Lloyd's story with me?" Juna said once she finished muttering to herself. "Unless you took some requests from the guild and have to go..."

Agate shook his head. "Nah, not yet. I wanted to finish my 'tour' of the city before taking any request from the guild. What do you need me for?"

Juna then turned to Lloyd. "Lloyd, you wanted to understand about the weight that I said to you back in the Sun Fort, right? Then I'll just say this: There's a weight behind Agate interrupting your recount."

Juna's declaration caught everyone off-guard, including Wazy. What did Juna mean by that? He turned his attention to Lloyd, trying to see if he understood what Juna meant.

Lloyd's face was scrunched up, thinking of what Juna had said. A few seconds later, he sighed and gave up. "Alright, I still don't understand, but I trust you. Agate, if you don't mind, please take a seat. I'll continue recounting my experience that day."

"I'll go fetch a drink. Do you want a coffee or tea?" Elie quickly stood up.

"Thanks. A coffee might be nice."

Once Elie left for the kitchen, Lloyd continued telling his story.

"Right. Let's continue. After leaving Neinvalli, Wald confronted us."

"The leader of Saber Vipers?" Juna asked for confirmation.

"Yeah..." Randy answered. "I do hope you aren't getting involved with Downtown gangs, Juna."

"I did hear that the Downtown District was filled with gang members. But I didn't see them yesterday when I toured the city," Agate commented.

"Nah, I haven't even seen him before, but I did have to straighten some of the gang members when they made a mess in East Street. I heard his name through them," Juna answered.

Ah, now Wazy remembered some of his men told him something about a pink-haired, nagging menace. He didn't realize they were referring to Juna.

"Right, I did say that Wald confronted us, but it was mostly Wazy. In the end, after some exchanged words, Wazy fought Wald and defeated him in a one-on-one duel. After that, Michel called us to the guild. I don't think I have to explain that part, do I?" Lloyd continued.

However, instead of answering, Juna's forehead creased. "Juna?"

"Is that all? I was so sure there was something else from that," Juna asked Lloyd, fishing for more information.

Lloyd glossed over the confrontation. While Lloyd was technically correct, there was something deeper in Wazy's fight with Wald. Wazy didn't know why Wald wanted to win against him, but he knew that his fun rivalry with Wald had to end. It was why he ended up using more of his strength than needed to defeat him quickly.

"I think you should ask Wazy because I don't really understand their relationship myself." In the end, Lloyd passed the question to him as expected.

As the green-haired man saw Elie returning from the kitchen with a tray, he closed his eyes and hummed. "Do you really want to know?"

"Yeah," Juna nodded before elaborating. "There should be something important because of the weight. But so far, I haven't seen anything from Lloyd's retelling. I'd beat myself to oblivion if there really is something and I missed it."

"That's weird. From what I understood, you are connecting the dots from several pieces of information. But I don't see how you're so sure of it when you don't believe Lloyd is telling everything correctly," Noel mentioned.

Now, that was an interesting point that Noel made, Wazy pondered. It was weird if Juna could connect the dots from Lloyd's story when Lloyd himself didn't know.

"It's the weight. You see, when Lloyd began recounting his experience, Agate interrupted us. So the weight shifts, so the next part that Lloyd recounts would be important," Juna answered. "I... can't exactly explain how or why, but it just is. So when Lloyd's story felt lackluster, I feel there is something more to that."

Agate hummed. "How does my visiting shift this 'weight?' Actually, what kind of weight are you talking about?"

Randy was the one who replied to his fellow redheads. "It's a long story, and rather than overwhelming Juna here, let Lloyd explain it to you later," he said as he put his hands on Agate's shoulder.

Agate nodded before turning to Juna again. "...Alright, but you still haven't answered how my visiting shifted this weight of yours, Crawford."

"Well... that's because you're a former delinquent, aren't you?" Juna answered nonchalantly.

...

"Huh?" Everyone aside from Juna and Agate looked in surprise.

Frowning, Agate nodded again. "That's actually correct. Did Estelle tell you?"

"Nope," Juna denied. "Estelle and Joshua made it their mission not to divulge the personal history of their friends. Ask the SSS, why do you think they looked so surprised?"

"Then how...?" Noel asked in amazement.

"I think it's futile to ask how Juna knows. Let's just accept that," Elie sighed.

"Agreed."

"I see..." Lloyd trailed off, looking at the pink-haired girl seriously. "Juna, I understand. Originally, there was no weight to my retelling, but Agate interrupting us put a weight on my story. Why? That's because the section of the story that Agate cuts was about the fight between Wazy and Wald, the two leaders of delinquent gangs in Downtown.

"Lloyd? Again?" Randy looked incredulous. "It's been like the nth time you understood Juna earlier than us, and you have to dumb her words down so we can understand."

"Ahaha..." Lloyd laughed awkwardly. "In any case, Agate's timing puts weight on my story, but at the same time, my story also puts weight on Agate. Isn't that right, Juna? That's why you're so sure that there's something more to my story and Agate's background as a former delinquent at the same time."

Juna smiled. "Full marks, Lloyd."

Wazy was silent.

So that was Juna Crawford's mind at work, huh... He guessed Lloyd's book didn't lie.

"Wazy, do you mind telling Juna about the fight? I don't know what you two were thinking, just what you two said. And more importantly, I don't know how important the Downtown District and your relationship with Wald was."

Wazy hummed. Would he mind? No, not really. And besides, he wanted to know what kind of things Juna could find out about his relationship with Wald. Considering that Lloyd once told him that Juna had predicted that he would join the SSS and the content of Lloyd's notebook, he had an inkling about Juna's ability to predict things. Maybe this time, it could be a confirmation of his guess.

He exhaled before he replied. "Very well."

"I don't know when you started hearing about Wald, but I've been in Crossbell for a while comforting some lonely women. That's when I heard about some commotion in the Downtown District. A gang, the Saber Vipers, were blaring music out loud, being rude to anyone trying to intervene, and Wald even used violence when some Bracers stepped in."

"Does he have to say 'comforting some lonely women?'" Elie's eyes twitched as she muttered under her breath, but Wazy's sharp ears heard that, and he winked at the white-haired girl.

"I think I heard that from Scott. Wald faced him, and Scott lost because he only wanted to restrain, but Wald overpowered him," Juna nodded. So Wazy continued.

"I scoped out the situation and determined that founding a rival gang is the easiest way to reduce tension in the Downtown District. So I did. I headhunt some troubled youth and ask them to join the Testament. I rented a bar Downtown as our hang-out place and occasionally clashed with the Saber Vipers. The result was as follows."

"Status quo," Lloyd concluded nicely.

"Yes," Wazy nodded. "The status quo was enough to force Wald to hyperfocus the Saber Vipers on the Testament and stop bothering the Downtown District's residents."

"Wazy..." Noel stared at him.

"But it can't go on forever," Wazy continued. "As I said to Wald that day, the Testament doesn't need me anymore. They've grown. In the future, each of them will also outgrow the gang and walk their own path in life, just like what I'm doing here with you guys. However, Wald didn't understand. No, it's better to say that Wald didn't want to understand. Wald was so attached to his gang and lifestyle that he couldn't fathom ever leaving the gang. And part of that lifestyle is facing me, the leader of Testament."

Juna sighed. "So that's why you fought Wald..."

"Yes. I used everything at my disposal to beat him as a final act of good faith to someone who has become part of my life," Wazy finished.

Juna massaged her temple before she exhaled. "Well, now the pieces fit the puzzle. I think I understand now." She faced him. "Wazy, what is your feeling towards that event?"

His feeling? Wazy raised his eyebrow before answering. "Regret, to be honest. I regret that I didn't see the problem with Wald earlier. If I knew he'd feel that strongly about our rivalry, I'd lower the intensity of our earlier fights. Despite what he's doing, I am fond of everyone in Testament and Saber Vipers. They're good kids who are looking for places to belong, and our gangs are exactly that. Until they can pick up their life, they're welcome. But it seems that Wald doesn't think the same, and I felt a little foolish that I couldn't see it."

Wazy finished with a tired sigh.

Juna hummed. "I see. Then it's settled. To the Downtown District!" She pointed her fingers at the air and exclaimed.

Everyone blinked.

"What?"

"Juna... I think you should calm down and explain," Lloyd sighed.

"Lloyd, you did say you want to understand about the weight, right? Why don't you try to guess as we go to the Downtown District?" Juna offered.

"Let's go," Wazy was the one who pushed everyone to go. He had settled the score with Wald, but even if he couldn't see what Juna was seeing, the regret in his heart still gnawed at him. He wanted to at least see Wald and talk with him.

"Agate, too. You should join us. Your presence is important."

Agate only raised his eyebrow at Juna but nodded. "Sure. I'm interested in where this is going."

And so the SSS, Juna, and Agate headed towards the Downtown District, intending to see whatever Juna saw.

Notes:

The inspiration came from a comment from EvanderAdvent about Agate meeting Wald and DayDream idea from the Spacebattles thread. I took the concept and added the SSS and Juna. Remember when I said Agate's introduction with the SSS won't move the story? Well, now I make it to do exactly that. Oh by the way, if you visit the Spacebattles thread, there is a fanart of JunaSI there, I comissioned someone to make it. Go take a look.

Chapter 41

1204/08/25 12:30

The SSS, alongside Juna and Agate, arrived in the Downtown District. The crowd of seven attracted some attention from the resident of Lotus Height, who was passing by. It wasn't long before the gang members heard of their arrival.

"Wazy," Abbas, one of Wazy's gang members, greeted them. But as Wazy and Abbas exchanged pleasantries, Lloyd paid them no mind. He was still stuck at Juna's challenge. What did Juna see? What's Agate's importance? He might have deduced how his story and Agate's arrival had the hypothetical weight, but he still didn't know why.

"Anyway, let's go to their hideout!" Juna suddenly interjected the conversation between Wazy and Abbas.

The new group of eight approached Ignis clubhouse and saw Dino, one of the Saber Vipers members who was involved with the Gnosis case, guarding the door. Even before the door was opened, the loud music blaring from inside the building leaked outside.

"Yo, Dino."

"W-Wazy..." the blue-haired gang members return the greeting hesitantly. "What are you doing here with the cops?"

"The SSS is not here for official reasons," Lloyd quickly reassured the young man. "We are here to accompany Wazy."

"Is Wald in?" Wazy didn't beat around the bush.

Dino frowned. "Why are you asking? You're the one who made the boss depressed, so he stopped hanging out with us."

This is news to him. So Wald stopped hanging out with his hang because he was depressed after being defeated by Wazy? ..wait. What if-- no, he shouldn't ask Juna about his suspicion here.

Lloyd saw Wazy bite his lip. "Ah, sorry. I didn't mean to do that, but Wald... he has to learn that our rivalry isn't eternal. I hope he will pick himself up. If he came here, do tell him that I want to talk."

"...Sure," Dino replied with some hesitance.

After that, Abbas went back to the Trinity Bar while the SSS, Juna, and Agate walked back to East Street.

"Ugh. Damn it..." Juna cursed once they left the Downtown District. "I thought for sure that my gut feelings would be correct."

"Is this the first time you're wrong, Juna?" Noel asked the younger girl.

"Well, technically, I was wrong with Renne back at the Anniversary Festival," Juna answered truthfully.

"But you ended up being correct that the Brights would get Renne. You're just wrong on the timing," Elie elaborated. "Is this the same way?"

As they passed the guild, Agate stopped his steps and spoke, "Well, this is where we part ways for the day. I still don't know what you're talking about, but since whoever you're trying to reach in Downtown isn't there, I think I'll just go and take some requests. Oh, if you still need my help, I'll help you as long as I'm still here."

After a round of farewell and 'see you later' from everyone, they went back to the SSS building.

When they settled down, Lloyd called Juna out.

"Juna."

"Yes, Lloyd? You wanna continue your story? We were distracted by Agate's arrival and Wazy's story," Juna laughed sheepishly.

"Juna, Please correct me if I'm wrong. But I think I'm starting to see what you're seeing."

His statement caught the attention of everyone in the room.

"Lloyd?" Elie asked him in concern.

"Is it from your notebook again?" Wazy hummed in interest.

"The weight... Wazy telling the story puts weight on his relationship with Wald, like Randy's relationship with the Red Constellation had weight, as did Guy's murderer and me." Lloyd stared at Juna's serious face. "Is it correct to say that in the future, Wazy would fight Wald again?"

...

"What?!"

"L-Lloyd?" Elie looked concerned for him.

"Fighting Wald again, huh..." Wazy had a wistful look.

"Th-Then, what about Agate?" Noel asked no one in particular, still reeling from his question to Juna.

"From what I can understand, Juna is trying to use Agate's help as a former delinquent to reach out to Wald. I don't know what kind of outcome Juna sees, but I'm sure of it," Lloyd sighed.

"Oi oi, tell me that ain't true, Junie?" Randy turned to Juna, who had an unusually serious face.

"You're wrong, Lloyd."

For a second, everyone's face relaxed. But then Juna's next words dashed their hope. "Wazy telling the story doesn't put the weight. It just lets me notice the weight. It was already there by the time Wazy and Wald fought. In fact, if you look at it from another perspective, all the fights Wazy had with Wald before he joined the SSS puts more and more weight onto their relationship."

"Oh no..." Elie gasped when she realized Juna didn't deny Lloyd's conclusion.

"But how? It was clear that Wald was weaker than Wazy. What would fighting Wazy again accomplish?" Noel once more asked the right question.

Juna turned to Noel. "Have you heard of the phrase, 'the enemy of my enemy is my friend?'"

"Don't we know it? Our baby-faced leader here is quite familiar with the phrase, seeing as he will cooperate with anyone if it helps solve the case," Randy sighed before he realized what just came out of his mouth. "Wait, Junie... you aren't saying--"

"Wald will work together with Guy's murderer or even the Red Constellation," Lloyd cut in and finished Randy's words.

The entire room was tense at Lloyd's declaration. How could they not? Red Constellation, Guy's murderer, and now Wald. Not to mention, there was still the trade conference in a few days.

"..."

Sensing the gloom, Lloyd decided to speak up.

"Listen, guys. I know it feels overwhelming. Red Constellation, Guy's murderer, and now even Wald... And then there's the terrorist, too. Our future seems like it's full of hardship," Lloyd looked at each member of the SSS in the eyes. Elie, Randy, Wazy, and Noel. He also looked at Juna, who was nodding and smiling. "But that's exactly why we can't give up. It's OUR future. Juna had gone all the way to confirm the existence of the barriers in front of us. It is up to us to get over them."

The room went silent, absorbing Lloyd's words.

"Yeah, you're absolutely right." Elie was the first one to respond. "It is our future. No matter how hard it is, we have to face them head-on."

"Geez. Any more cheesy speech, and we'll be meltin', partner," Randy sighed good-naturedly.

"I wouldn't mind being melted by Lloyd's words. Preferably when we're alone together," Wazy followed up the joke.

"W-Wazy..." Though Lloyd noticed that his joke didn't reach his eyes. Was he...?

"Ehehe, but that kind of thing is so Lloyd," Noel drove everyone back to the track.

Juna only nodded. "Yup, yup. It's a trademark."

Once the mood rose, Wazy stood up.

"Since we have no request, may I be excused?" He asked Lloyd, the leader of the team.

Lloyd nodded in full understanding. "You may, though I hope you will be home by dinner."

"Don't worry. Unless I encounter some lonely women in need of entertainment, I'll be here before dinner," Wazy said in confidence.

"...Why doesn't that give me any confidence?" Noel voiced everyone's thoughts.

"Oi, Wazy. You have your Enigma, haven't you? If there are any ladies in need of entertainment, give me a call," Randy winked at the green-haired androgynous man.

"Listen here, Randy..."

As Elie chided Randy, Lloyd turned to Juna.

"Shall we continue? I still haven't finished recounting the day yet."

"Sure."

---

1204/08/25 13:00

Wazy was thankful that Lloyd didn't ask too many questions. Well, that was also because Lloyd thought he was still reeling from Juna's prediction about Wald. The truth was a bit of this and that. He still regretted his last confrontation with Wald, but he went out because he wanted to meet someone and confirm his suspicion.

He went to the bus station on Ursula Road and sat down on one of the corner seats. If he recalled correctly, the person he wanted to meet was scheduled to go to St. Ursula from morning to afternoon.

As a bus came and stopped and the people disembarked, Wazy smiled as he was correct.

"...Wazy," a red-haired woman in a church's habit greeted him.

"Yo, Ries," Wazy playfully saluted her. "I've been waiting for you."

Ries only sighed before she took a seat beside him. "So, what business do you have with a new sister like me?"

So, she was keeping up the charade. Wazy looked around to see that the bus stop was still full. Wazy followed. "I just want to get to know you better."

After around five minutes of small talk, the bus stop was almost empty.

Ries gagged, "Ew, Wazy, please never do that to me again. So this is how it felt to be those kinds of women, huh..."

The green-haired youth only laughed.

"So, the truth now. What do you want with me? I thought you didn't want to raise suspicion by directly associating with me?" Ries continued after seeing Wazy wouldn't respond to her request.

"Indeed," he agreed with Ries. "I still wanted anonymity. And besides, I rather liked my reputation here in Crossbell."

Ries stared at him.

"Wazy..."

Wazy sighed. "Sorry. I had a lot on my mind. But I want to talk to you about a matter of grave importance if you don't mind."

Ries didn't reply, but her expression told him to go on.

"What do you think of Lloyd's notebook?"

"...Notebook?" Ries questioned back in confirmation. "You mean the notebook containing Juna's advice? Otherwise, I don't know any other notebook from Lloyd."

Wazy nodded. "Exactly. I remembered you taking a look at that book before. What do you think?. I took a look after you, but I still wasn't convinced of the content. It might just be a coincidence."

"..."

Again, Ries didn't answer, prompting Wazy to continue.

"However, something Juna did a few hours ago changed my mind." Wazy looked to the sky. Aidios was the Goddess of the Sky. She surely was watching them. He prayed to her that what he would do was the correct action to take. "Juna can see someone's fate and weigh it when none of us should be able to. That notebook Lloyd has... it contains the steps needed to see someone's fate."

Ries opened her mouth before she closed it again.

"Juna confessed to me," she began after several seconds of silence. "That she could understand those 'incomprehensible facts' since she was little. I assume, then, that she did it to read someone's fate?"

"She read mine," he replied quickly with a chuckle. "And even without knowing anything about my background, she managed to divine something she was very sure of and proved it not a second later. Granted, Wald wasn't there, but now that it's been laid out openly, what else should I believe? Coincidence? When she's been doing this for longer than I knew her?"

"Wazy..."

"The other in the SSS lacked the full context of what Juna could do. We, Aidios' creations... our brain is not designed to be able to do that. Not unless you take some brain-enhancing stuff to overstimulate it --like Gnosis, for example. Even then, none of the cultists were able to fully do that, according to the church's report."

Wazy ended his rant with a sigh. "I'm sorry if it's a little unsightly. I guess my faith has just taken a blow because it directly involves me. When it was Crossbell's fate at stake, like the show at the guild, I could take it. But since it's mine..."

"Wazy, listen," Ries began. "Within ten minutes of talking to me for the first time, Juna uncovered my real occupation as a member of the Gralsritter. Do you know what she said to me after she revealed her terrorist attack prediction?"

Wazy bit his lip. "Hmm, that's right. You two left the building together, didn't you? I don't know what she said."

"She asked if the church would kidnap her or dispose of her or force her to join us because she understood those 'incomprehensible facts, '" Ries answered, to Wazy's little shock.

He then laughed. "Well, she's not entirely wrong on that front. We do have track records of doing that to the Cult."

Ries glared at him. "My point," she emphasized. "Is that for whatever Juna can do, In the end, she's just a scared teenage girl who wants to do her best for her country."

...

Ries was correct. Juna wasn't some evil mastermind who tried to upend Wazy's mission in Crossbell. Rather than be afraid of her and her ability, Wazy should get closer to her.

"I promised to bring her to Arteria. Juna agreed, but she wanted to do it after 'the problem in Crossbell is resolved,'" Ries continued. "I don't know how, but from what we can understand, she's very sure that Crossbell will face something in the future..."

Already feeling better, Wazy whistled. "Really? She's able to predict Crossbell's fate? No, if she's able to predict everyone's fate just by the history of their actions, then she reasonably could predict Crossbell's fate by the history of Crossbell's action."

Ries gave him a side-eye. "What exactly did she predict about you?"

Wazy's eyes lit up in mirth. "Now, that would be telling, would it?"

Ries sighed before standing up and walking away.

"Your problem's gone, right? Then goodbye."

Wazy didn't say anything. The fewer rumors about him and Ries, the better. Still, maybe the next time he was back in Arteria, he'd treat her to something.

...wait, no. His wallet wouldn't survive!

---

1204/08/25 13:00

"...And we defeated the Fairy Drake with Randy and Zeit's assistance. After that, we talked more about how and why we were trapped there, and Randy..." Lloyd's eyes went to him, who only replied with a grin before he continued. "Randy concluded that the one doing that was the Red Constellation. As for the reason... exactly after we concluded that, we got a call from Dudley. The Red Constellation, with the help of Lechter Arundel, acquired the former Revache's base and would reopen it as a club."

Juna was silent, absorbing his words.

"On the way back, I saw the two people from the Rosenberg mansion from the car. After that, nothing happened except Randy confronting his relatives."

Once Lloyd finished, he let Juna digest his story for a few minutes.

"So, what do you want to understand, Lloyd? What sticks out to your detective intuition?" Juna asked him. It seemed that she had fully absorbed everything and was ready to answer his question.


"The four of us minus Randy... when I propose five minutes of rest, each of us could've asked for more, but none of us did. And so Randy joined mid-battle. However, since you can see the weight behind our action, I wonder, would Randy arrive first before we join if I had asked for ten minutes or even twenty minutes of rest?"

"Huh? What's questionable about it? Of course, I would. I was with Zeit at the time, and he helped me find you," Randy answered.

Zeit even woofed in confirmation. Too bad Tio wasn't here to translate Zeit's words.

"But if my understanding of what Juna called weight is correct... then even if we take a two-hour break, Randy still wouldn't arrive on time," Lloyd elaborated.

"...I'm afraid to ask, but why?" Elie questioned.

However, it wasn't him who answered, but Juna. "Because the weight would be heavier if Randy arrived late, so he did."

"Huh? I'm sorry, I don't understand?" Noel voiced her confusion.

"Woof?" Even Zeit did the same.

Lloyd grimaced. "It's as I thought. If I asked for an hour break, then Randy would still be late because his way is obstructed or whatever. In the same vein, if we hadn't taken the five-minute break, Randy would still have arrived at the same moment because he and Zeit found a shortcut or anything. Did I get it right?"

"Yes. That's how the weight work."

"That's..." Elie trailed off in disbelief.

"No way..."

"Unbelievable..."

Randy and Noel also voiced the same.

"In any case, I think now I understand how it works. Though I'm not sure if I could analyze and conclude it as fast as you, Juna. Thank you for the confirmation."

"Ehehe, it's nothing. And besides, I love hearing about the SSS. You guys have lots of fans, don't you know? Ryu and Anri always take Momo, Ken, and Nana to play around as the Junior SSS," Juna bashfully deflected.

Ryu and Anri, huh? Lloyd's mind went back to the day SSS was founded. Their very first mission after Chief Sergei left them alone was actually saving the two boys inside Geofront. Although they failed the mission and had to be bailed by Arios...

"We know. And we appreciate them," Lloyd answered with a smile.

When he remembered how Ryu and Anri reacted by making fun of them after they failed and had to be saved by the guild and how they called themselves Junior SSS now, the SSS really had come so far to gain Crossbell citizens' trust.

"Is there anything else?" Juna asked now that his main question had been answered.

"...I don't think so," he answered. "Anyone else?"

"Nope."

"No questions here."

"Same."

"Woof!"

Honestly, Lloyd felt like he was forgetting something, but he didn't know what. Was the weight light, then, that he didn't remember at all? Lloyd put aside his feelings and smiled at the younger girl.

"...Alright. There you have it, Juna. Thanks for your help."

"No problem. Glad I can help you. See you later!"

Notes:

Yeah no confrontation with Wald here. I figured I don't want everything to end up too perfect for the cast, including Juna. So it ended up becoming another prediction for them. And now Lloyd is slowly understanding how narrative weight works. What about Aidios' mental block? ...Did you say barrier? *play Get Over the Barrier* Jk, as explained in the chapter, Lloyd still doesn't understand, but once he give more thought to it he sort of gets how it works. A blackbox, if you will. He can operate, but don't know the underlying mechanism. I hope I can show how amazing the combination of this plus Lloyd's detective skills in the future.

Chapter 42

1204/08/28 09:00
Crossbell City, Crossbell

Tita and Renne were taking a break in the Harbor District. A bowl of ramen from Ozelle's ramen stall was on their hands each. Tita grabbed the chopsticks, trying to pick up the noodle from the bowl before it slipped from the chopsticks again. She had been doing this for three minutes to no avail now.

"Uuhh... using chopsticks is hard," Tita sighed, to Renne's amusement.

"The key is to use your middle finger as the base to control the one stick that's not on your index finger," Renne told her with some giggles.

Renne then demonstrated how to do it to Tita, who still couldn't grasp what the purple-haired girl was trying to tell her.

"Uuuh..."

Suddenly, Renne picked up Tita's sliced chicken topping and ate it with a foxy smirk.

"R-Renne! Not fair!" she pouted in frustration.

"Sorry, sorry. Here, have some of mine," Renne put her topping into Tita's bowl, effectively exchanging the one she ate. "Anyway, I think you can just ask for a spoon from the stall owner. Why didn't you do so?"

"W-Well, I thought I could do it..." Tita trailed off in embarrassment.

"Ufufu! You're so cute, Tita!"

After letting Renne laugh for a minute, Tita stood up and went to the stall, intending to ask for a spoon.

"U-Um..."

Sensing her hesitation, the stall owner kindly greeted her. "What's the matter, missy? Can't handle the chopsticks, eh?"

Tita shyly nodded.

"Don't worry, lotsa people like you here in Crossbell. It's a melting pot of culture, after all, and I try my best to have my ramen as authentic as possible, so I encourage people to use chopsticks."

He rummaged something below the counter before presenting a pair of spoons and forks. "Here. It's for you. I hope you can enjoy the taste of my creation now."

"Thank you!"

"Ozelle! Give me my usual!" From beside her, a familiar voice greeted the owner. When Tita looked, it was to see Juna slapping some Mira onto the wooden counter.

"Coming right up, Juna!" the stall owner responded before preparing Juna's order.

"Oh, Tita! Are you on a break? Great choice for food. Ozelle's ramen stall is like, one of the best street foods you can find in Crossbell!" She then looked around before letting out a confused noise. "Where's your bowl?"

"Ah, I'm eating with Renne over there," Tita pointed to her friend, who was waiting for her.

"Renne? Perfect timing!" Juna clapped before turning to the stall owner. "Ozelle, I'll pick it up later! Let's go, Tita!"

"It's fine; I can just give it to you if you're going to eat with the missy over there," the stall owner replied before Tita was dragged over by Juna to the bench she and Renne used.

"Hey!" Juna greeted the purple-haired girl, who only scowled at her appearance.

"Ugh. Why are you here?"

Juna gasped. "How cold! And after I delicately did not shout your name as I ran because I know somebody might hear and pass it along to the Hayworth, too..."

Renne glared. "You know that this is why I hate you, right?"

"Aww, I love you too!" Juna said sarcastically as she opened her arms to hug Renne. The younger girl deftly dodged out of her range, leaving Juna clicking her tongue.

"Tch, my younger siblings can't dodge whenever I do that."

"Well, I am not them." Sighing, Renne changed the subject. "So, what are you doing here?"

"Can't I just greet my peer and friend and Renne?" Juna asked nicely, although her words weren't.

Renne's eye twitched. "This is revenge from the day I said 'everyone and Juna,' isn't it? Are you satisfied?"

"Plenty," Juna replied before sitting down beside Renne. "Anyway, what are you doing here?"

"I should be the one asking that. What are you doing here bothering us," Renne grumbled.

"Bothering you, obviously," Juna replied nonchalantly.

...If these two were left alone, the conversation wouldn't move an inch aside from trading insults with one another.

"Um... yesterday, we were pulling all-nighters for finishing the device. The others said no, but we insisted. Since everything's only finished just now, we only have time to get breakfast before we go back and test them. Hopefully, everything goes well and we can present it this afternoon and finish manufacturing it on a small scale tomorrow."

As Tita said that, the ramen stall owner came and gave Juna the bowl of ramen she had ordered. It reminded her that she hadn't finished eating yet. So, using the new spoon and fork, she ate the food.

"That's amazing!" Juna said once she gulped down the food. Seeing her skillfully using a chopstick made Tita feel a little down...

"So, what about you?" Renne asked Juna again. But this, either because her question was already answered or because she was eating, Juna answered.

"I just finished training in East Crossbell Highway. On the way back, the red buildings in East Street remind me of the red on Ozelle's ramen bowl, so my hungry self came here!" Juna exclaimed in cheer.

"What a simple answer from a simpleton. I shouldn't have asked."

"Re-Renne!"

"It's fine, it's fine. Exchanging verbal blows with Renne is fun, Tita," Juna, for some reason, defended Renne. As Tita thought... their relationship was very complicated despite their short history of knowing each other. "Anyway, Renne. Are you still keeping up with Ouroboros?"

Renne furrowed her eyebrows. "No. You do know that I am now officially Renne Bright, right? You think Estelle would ever let me back to the snake den?"

Juna shrugged. "I mean, I asked you if you're still keeping up with them, not still with them. You're a hacker; for all I know, you could've hacked them or something to keep up with the news."

Renne hummed. "No. I learned hacking from them. Anything I can do, they can do better. Why did you ask, anyway?"

Slurping her noodle, Juna said without any tension. "Lloyd saw two suspicious figures near the Rosenberg Mansion. We thought it's probably Ouroboros members, so I wanna ask if you know anything about it."

Renne coughed in surprise.

"Cough cough... what? Who? When?"

"Green hair in a magenta suit and a blonde old man in a lab coat is what Lloyd used to describe them," Juna answered. "A week ago before you came here. You know anything?"

"The professor and Campanella..."

Ah, Tita remembered the name Campanella. Agate fought him before and lost. To think he was here now... and near a terrorist attack, too.

"Do you think it's connected to the terrorist attack?" Tita voiced her concern to Juna.

"Could be. I need more information before I can get anything. That's why I asked Renne in the first place," Juna answered.

The girl in question only looked down at her empty bowl.

"Renne?" Tita tried to get her attention.

"No, it's nothing. I didn't keep up with them anymore, Juna. Sorry, I can't answer your question," the purple-haired girl finished with a sigh.

Juna stared at Renne before shrugging and continue eating the ramen. The silence between them was awkward. Before Tita could break it, Juna started speaking.

"I wonder what kind of Sept-Terrion Crossbell have."

This time, it was Tita who coughed because the food had entered the wrong pipe. Sept-Terrion?! Crossbell's? Tita was caught off-guard by Juna's random statement.

"Y-You!" Renne said in quiet anger.

"Hm? What's wrong? Isn't it easy to conclude that Ouroboros targets the Sept-Terrion based on their action in Liberl? If they're here, it means they're targeting Crossbell's, right?" Juna slurped another mouthful of noodles without any care.

That somewhat made sense to Tita. It jumped over a lot of things, but according to Estelle and Joshua, that was how Juna did things. And... if it made sense for her, it should make sense for someone as smart as Renne. She glanced at her friend.

Renne's hand formed a fist.

"Renne..." She quietly put a hand on her shoulder, squeezing it softly. Tita might not be as close to Renne as Estelle and Joshua, but she was close. Her friend was probably worried about her family. Not the Bright, but her real original family here in Crossbell.

"Anyway, thanks for the confirmation about those two Ouroboros guys. I still have a few hours before I need to go to the guild. I think I'm gonna check the library to look up anything about Sept-Terrion."

Once Juna left, Tita scooted closer to the purple-haired girl, who still looked down, holding back all her emotions. "It's okay, Renne. It's going to be okay."

"..." Renne looked up to her. "Tita?"

"Yes?"

"Do you think Estelle and Joshua would let me stay here for a while?" Renne asked her.

Tita smiled, reassuring her. "Of course they will. They love you, just like you still love your family."

Renne let out a small laugh. "Haha, so you saw through me..."

Tita enveloped her in a hug. "Because I'm your friend. Now, how about we go back to the lab? Chief Roberts is waiting for us."

"...Yes. Thank you, Tita."

"Ehehe... you're welcome, Renne."

---

1204/08/28 12:00
Crossbell City, Crossbell

"Afternoon, Michel, Agate."

The door was opened by a sight that was now becoming more familiar to Agate, of one Juna Crawford visiting the guild.

"Afternoon, Juna."

"Afternoon."

The two replied to the girl.

"By the way, Agate. I met Tita and Renne on the Harbor District. I'm surprised you let them stay the night in the lab."

"They what?!" Agate roared in surprise.

"Calm down, Agate."

"Yeah, Tita said she and Renne forced the issue because they're about to finish the prototype," Juna elaborated to calm the red-haired man down.

"...I see..." Agate sighed. "Tita is being hard on herself as usual. And it doesn't help that Renne was there to encourage her."

"Anyway, you're waiting for the call from Miles, right?" Michel changed the subject.

"Yes. He promised to connect me with the students from the military academy who foiled the terrorist plot last month. Apparently, they will be visiting the city Miles is assigned to. What's the name again? Legam? Legarm?" the pink-haired girl questioned Michel.

"It's Legram," Michel answered.

"Ah, right, Legram! I'll ask Wenzel about Erebonia in detail when he's free. The military academy students will be visiting Legram today, so I'm waiting for the call."

Michel laughed. "I see, I see..."

"What would you talk with them?" Agate asked. "Are you going to..."

Juna nodded at the implication. "Somewhat. I'm going to try getting some more facts about them to see if I can get some new information."

The door was opened, and Aeolia and Lynn entered the guild. "Good afternoon, Michel! The request for gathering Beast Flesh is completed," the lilac-haired bracer greeted him.

"Oh, Juna and Agate are here too."

"Afternoon, Aeolia, Lynn. Let me confirm the requests." As Michel took a pen and was about to check the contents of the bag on Lynn's arm, the orbital phone rang. "Ah, Juna, it's probably Miles. You can take it."

"Sure!" Juna ran towards the phone and picked it up. "Crossbell branch Bracer Guild; I speak for Michel."

---

1204/08/28 12:00
Legram, Erebonia

Rean Schwarzer and the other Class VII members assigned as Group A (which consisted of Jusis, Emma, Gaius, Laura, and Millium) were inside the Legram branch of the Bracer Guild. Klaus had said that the one assigning their task for the field study was professional themselves, and it turned out that it was Toval, the bracer who helped them back in Bareahard. After some pleasantries, Toval handed them their assignment.

"...Let me give those to you now."

As Rean and the rest of them perused the envelope, Toval clicked his finger.

"Ah! I forgot. Miles told me that someone from the guild wants to talk to you. Let me call them."

Toval then pressed some buttons on the orbal telephone before he spoke. "Hello. ...Ah, is Michel busy? Miles isn't here, so I'm subbing for him. I see. Okay, yeah, Miles told me that someone from the Crossbell branch wants to talk with the group from Thors Military Academy about something important. They're already here."

Everyone from Class VII looked at each other in confusion. A guild member from Crossbell? What do they want with them?

"Oh, that's you?" Toval laughed. "So you've been waiting for them, huh? Alright, alright, I won't take more of your time."

He then handed the phone handle to them. "Here it is. Who's gonna take it?"

For some reason, everyone looked at Rean.

"...I feel like you guys are singling me out," he sighed before turning to Laura. This was her hometown; why did he have to be the one taking it? Nonetheless, Rean took the handle from Toval's side and raised it to his ear.

"Hello, you're speaking to Rean Schwarzer, Class VII of Thors Military Academy. To whom am I speaking?"

Rean heard a soft, melodic hum coming from the other side. "Hmm... well, to not undermine the SSS's effort to conceal me, I might as well use an alias. Alright, you can call me the SSS's Informant."

What exactly was an SSS? Rean wanted to ask but held back. So he was dealing with more mysterious figures, huh? His mind went back to the encounter in the sewer last month. C...

"Nice to meet you, SSS's Informant," Rean said before he winced. His tone might have been a little sarcastic. He hoped the other side wouldn't catch it.

"Ahaha..." Rean heard a sheepish laughter from the other side. Well, it confirmed that this figure, the SSS informant, was a woman, then. "Sorry, but it'd be easy to trace if I used a single-letter alias. Wouldn't want the Intelligence Division to catch me after the SSS's effort."

She said that. As if it was that easy to open the veil of identities for those terrorists. C, S, and V...

"So, what do you want to talk about, Miss SSS's Informant?" To reach out to them meant that they knew something. But far away in Crossbell? What would they want to talk about?

"Before that, let me confirm some things. You can elaborate if my assumption is wrong. First, are you a student of a military academy? I know you are, but I just want to confirm some of my assumptions."

Rean didn't understand why she had to ask this question if she already knew the answer. Confirming her assumptions? Even so, Rean still answered. "Yes. I am from Thors Military Academy."

He heard some scribbles from the other side before SSS's Informant posed her next question. "Okay, next, are you a part of a special group or club in your school where you have to do something different from the normal students?"

"Yes," Rean answered the second question before he elaborated. "I am part of Class VII of Thors Military Academy."

He wanted to say more, but he remembered that the woman on the other side was from another country.

"Alright. Next, I heard from Miles that some students from your school helped foil some terrorist plot to kidnap the princess last month. ...Am I correct to assume that it's your group, the Class VII, who did it?"

"...Yes," Rean answered hesitantly. Nobody should know the details about the plot, considering that the Imperial Chronicle only said that Alfin was placed in great danger. Rean looked at Toval. He assumed the guild must have found out about it and told her.

The others seemed to sense his hesitation because they sent him concerned looks.

"Hmm, from your tone... it's you, isn't it?"

Rean felt his stomach drop.

"Did you hear about it from someone?"

He heard another laughter from the call. However, there was no malice, just amusement. "Sorry for worrying you, but I really have not heard it from anyone else. In fact, it's my specialty: using whatever information is available to predict something. And my gut feeling tells me that it's you."

He unconsciously let out a sigh of relief. Maybe she also predicted the truth about the kidnapping incident by just reading the Imperial Chronicle. "Is that all?" He really didn't want to deal with this informant character. One mysterious figure was enough.

"No, there's more, unfortunately for you." Rean grimaced at her answer. "Let me guess... you've foiled a plot of the terrorists to kidnap the princess last month. ...May I know if it is your first time meeting them or not?"

Rean eyed Gaius. The first meeting between him and Gideon from the ILF was actually in Gaius' homeland, Nord. He and the others from Class VII had to face a spider monster summoned by Gideon in one of the big caves in Nord.

"No, that was not my first time," Rean decided to answer but not elaborate more.

"As I thought..." Rean heard the woman sigh. "May I know what their objectives were in your previous meetings?"

Their objective... "I gather that you're trying to get more information to predict something? Otherwise, you wouldn't ask those questions. However, I need to know something else before I answer: what is your objective?"

"Well, if I weren't told to keep my mouth shut, I'd happily inform you. Alas, the higher-ups want to keep a tight lip on this matter..." She really did sound disappointed by what she was commanded. "But hey, don't worry. It's not something dangerous for Erebonia at all. In fact, I'm probably helping you Erebonians indirectly."

Rean bit his lip. Should he trust her? Looking at his classmates, who were full of concern, Rean finally made a decision.

"I'm sorry, but I need to discuss this with my classmates first. Is it okay?"

"Yep, yep." SSS's informant laughed again. Strangely, he heard a fondness behind her laugh. "You and him really resemble one another. I'll call again in ten minutes."

Him? Who? Rean wanted to ask, but he returned the handle to Toval after the other side ended the call.

"Who was it, Rean?"

"She does not want to be named," Rean answered Laura's question. "She uses 'SSS's Informant' as an alias. She's inquiring about our exploit against the ILF."

"Against the ILF?" Jusis frowned.

"Last month?" Emma questioned.

"Or was it the one in Nord?"

"Back in June, huh...?" Gaius mentioned. It was his homeland, after all.

"Millium is correct. She wanted to know about our previous clash with them. The thing is, she said that she is predicting the future using the information available, so she wants to know about our meeting with the ILF. I asked her for the reason, but she said her superior forbids her to talk."

"Predicting the future?" Laura hummed. "That sounds impossible."

"Yeah..." Emma followed. Though there was a strange inflection to her words.

"Oh, hey, that sounds similar to what Lechter does!" Millium chimed in. "Is she also from the Intelligence Division?"

"No, Millium," Jusis sighed. "Toval clearly said they're someone from the Crossbell's Bracer Guild before."

"Whoa! Someone like Lechter is there in Crossbell? Oh yeah, aren't Lechter in Crossbell right now? I wonder if they would meet..." Millium trailed off as she put her hands behind her head.

Like Lechter? Rean shook his head.

"In any case, what do you guys think? Should we trust her and tell her about our encounter?"

Everyone fell silent at Rean's question. Should Class VII trust this mysterious figure?

Laura was the first one to voice out her answer. "We need to know more about this mysterious figure first. Toval, did Miles tell you more about her?"

"Nope," Toval shook his head. "Miles did say that she's trustworthy, and the reason for his absence today is partially because of what she had done, I think. But that is his stance as a guild member. You guys are not Miles nor guild members. You are military academy students. You need to find your own answer."

As his friends discussed what they should do, Rean closed his eyes. There was no malice the entire time he talked with SSS's Informant. Why did she ask about the terrorist? Did she know about them? She said she was predicting the future. Did they know about the terrorist's next move?

"...how about it, Rean?"

His musing was broken when Emma questioned him. "I'm sorry?"

"Gaius, Laura, and I chose to tell SSS's Informant. Jusis and Millium chose not to do it."

"Trusting someone without them extending their trust to us is too one-sided," Jusis harrumphed.

"I'm a member of the Intelligence Division. I don't condone sharing information with another nation," Millium shrugged.

"What about you?" Laura asked him. "If you follow Jusis and Millium, then we're at an impasse. We need to find another method to break the deadlock. Hmm, maybe a duel would suffice..."

It was very Laura to settle disputes via duels. Rean smiled at her blue-haired noble friend.

"That sounds fun!" Millium raised her arm. "Fighting to defend your conviction is cool!" And, of course, the childlike Millium wanted to have fun, even if it was fighting against her classmate. Trust her to be cheerful in any situation.

"U-Um, do we have to fight?" Emma raised a question in panic.

But honestly, Rean wouldn't have his classmates any other way.

"Er, everyone. There's no need for that," Rean calmed everyone. "I think I want to try extending my trust to her. We might be strangers, but I have a feeling that, like us, she's interested in the ILF. Who knows, we'll have the chance to fight together in the future."

"Rean..."

"Of course."

Emma looked at him while Laura nodded.

"Hmph, as I expected you'd trust her," Jusis scoffed before he smiled. "But I guess you wouldn't be you without doing things like that."

"Ahaha, Rean is Rean, I guess," Millium grinned.

"I'll support whatever decision will be," Gaius said to him.

Rean nodded at everyone's encouragement. He turned to Toval. "Toval, can you call her again? I'm ready to continue."

"No need. It's almost--" the phone rang, cutting Toval's words off. "Legram branch Bracer Guild, Toval Randonneur, registration id 020240001. ...That's how you do it, girlie."

Toval laughed.

"Anyway, here he is," he handed the handle to Rean.

"You're speaking to Rean Schwarzer, Class VII of Thors Military Academy," Rean started.

"Hello, Rean. Have you decided, then?" The same melodic voice from before asked him straight to the point.

"Yes," Rean answered firmly. "I'll tell you about our encounter."

And so Rean told the mysterious SSS's Informant about Class VII's clash with Gideon from the ILF in Nord. How they tried to attack the watchtower near the border with Calvard and almost incited war. How they had found out the real culprit and chased them through the caves. Then, Rean also told her about the encounter in Heimdallr, the kidnapping of the princess, and how Class VII thwarted them again.

"That's a lot of detailed information," the voice mentioned. Of course. Rean had to write reports on them as part of the Field Study's curriculum. There was no way he wouldn't have detailed summaries of his own experience. "Thank you, Rean Schwarzer."

"You're welcome. I hope this will help you."

Rean heard a sigh from the other side. "They really are built different, huh... anyway, I want to thank you, is that okay? But you have to give me information about your special thingy that made you visit Legram."

Should he? Well, Class VII's journey through the country on field studies was already known all over. At least there were no state secrets involved.

"...okay. So, my class, Class VII, has a special curriculum where we visit places all around the country and complete requests from the local population. It's called Field Study."

"...That sounds like a Bracer's job."

"Because it is," Rean sighed. Even someone from another country noticed it.

"...hold on. Why would a military academy imitate the guild's way of doing things? Isn't your Chancellor the one who drove away the guild in the first place?" ...She was really sharp. Rean really couldn't let his guard down. "Hmmm... is someone in the school board trying to oppose the chancellor politically?"

Rean had to hold back a sharp intake of his breath lest he'd give away his surprise. Just last month, Class VII patron and founder Prince Olivert had just told them about part of the reason why he brought the concept of Class VII to the forefront. One of them was for them to 'act independently' in this turbulent time.

"...did I hit the nail again? Damn... sorry..." Somehow, Rean felt that she didn't feel sorry at all. "Anyway, you wanna continue?"

"R-Right..." By now, the others looked at him in concern again. Sorry, guys... "For the next five days? Today is August 28, and we're doing some requests in Legram for today and tomorrow. After that, we'll head to Garrelia Fortress on 31 for the second half of the Field Study."

"...Where is Garrelia Fortress again?" Rean heard small whispers from the other side. So she wasn't alone. "...I see... Hmm..." Rean heard more scribbles on the phone before SSS's Informant was back.

"Okay, is there anything else?"

"No," Rean answered. "Garrelia Fortress is the last part of our Field Study."

"Right. Wait a minute..." Rean waited. After two minutes, the voice came back. "Prepare yourselves. Is there a big landmark in Legram? Caves, underground tunnels, or big forest?"

One thing came to Rean's mind. "The Lohengrin Castle."

"A castle... perhaps it has some mystical legend associated with it?" Rean's mind went back to the small talk they made when they arrived in Legram a few hours ago.

"My friend might know more about it. Wait," Rean said, then turned to Laura. "Laura, can you confirm if there are mystical legends about Lohengrin Castle?"

"Mystical legend... well, it is famous for being the base of St. Sandlot back in the War of the Lions. Because of that, lots of people begin to revere it," Laura answered. "There are countless grandma sayings about the castle. It will kidnap you. It's filled with otherworldly beings that will eat you. Mostly just what the older generation used to curb children's curiosity."

"Right. You did say your family took the task of maintaining the castle on your shoulder," Gaius commented.

"Alright, thank you," Rean nodded before coming back to the phone. "According to my friend, yes, there are, but mostly to prevent children from going there."

"...Are you really kidding me?"

Huh? Why did she sound really angry all of a sudden? Was it something he said?

"Listen, Rean. This one is a freebie because it's too easy. Some children will be lost inside the castle either today or tomorrow," Rean heard a sigh.

"Huh? Then we need to--"

"I leave it to you about what to do. I just want to thank you for giving me the previous information," she cut him off. "Now, for the real one... Listen. This might sound crazy, but if I say that on the 31st, the terrorists will attack the fortress, would you believe me?"

Rean frowned at the question. Garelia Fortress? Being attacked? "I can't say I believe you."

"Well, it's up to you to do whatever you want."

"But since you go your way to predict things for me, I'll take it under consideration. Thank you."

"...Ugh, people like you really are the worst at doing that. Anyway, thank you for the information. Maybe we can exchange more in the future. See you."

And the phone call ended.

"What's wrong, Rean?" Laura asked him when she saw he hadn't moved from the spot after the call ended. "You looked dire."

What would be the correct decision here? Should he tell them about the two predictions SSS's Informant made?

Toval patted him on the shoulder. "Come on, you've been deciding things as a united front. Why wouldn't you be one now?"

Rean turned and saw his grin. Right. Toval was correct. Class VII had always been moving as a group. This time was no exception.

"Alright, so SSS's Informant gave me two predictions as a gratitude. It would be up to us to do anything about it."

Rean exhaled.

"First, she said that today or tomorrow, children will be lost inside the castle," he said mainly to Laura, who furrowed her eyebrows in confusion. "I think this is easy enough to prevent with Laura here. You need to gather all the children and tell everyone to not do it."

"Right, everyone in this town looks up to Laura so much," Emma nodded. "I can see them not wanting to disappoint Laura."

"Very well. We'll do it sometime today," Laura nodded with a conviction.

"What's the next thing she said?" Jusis, who noticed Rean's wording, asked him to continue.

Rean closed his eyes and bit his lip. "It concerned our second half of field study in Garrelia Fortress. She said that there is a chance that the ILF will attack Garrelia Fortress."

There were various gasps of shock at what Rean revealed.

"That's too big of a prediction," Gaius commented.

"Oh, definitely, nobody would believe us!" Millium responded with a cheer.

Rean nodded. "Yes. Which is why I don't know if we can do anything except to prepare ourselves."

"You guys should definitely tell Sara. She's a former Bracer, so if you said this SSS's Informant uses Crossbell branch to contact you, she'd be inclined to believe you more than she wouldn't," Toval advised.

"I see..." Bracers were weird. They were willing to trust people on the other side of Zemuria just because they came from the same organization. But at the same time, that also meant that the faith they had in their institution was unshakeable. Maybe, in the future...

Rean shook his head from any overarching imagination.

"Okay, everyone. Let's start with our first request. Toval. Thanks for the call."

"Don't mention it!"

And so Class VII moved to fulfill their requests.

---

1204/08/28 12:30
Crossbell City, Crossbell

Once Juna closed the call, Agate couldn't help but question one thing Juna said to the students from the Empire.

"Oi, Juna... did you just say that the terrorists would attack them?"

Juna didn't reply.

"Juna?" Even Michel now called out to her, looking concerned.

She ignored him. Juna's eyes never strayed from the notes she had been taking.

After two minutes, Juna snapped her head and looked around. "Lynn! Are you free? Can you escort me to Bellguard Gate?!" She asked in a hurry.

"Sure. But why?"

"Then let's go!" Juna dragged the older woman to the exit.

Agate and Michel looked at each other before Michel nudged him to go with them.

"Oi, wait. Let me help. I haven't been there before, but I sure can pitch in if monsters jumped you," Agate walked towards them.

"Thank you."

There were no smiles on Juna's face. Agate had only known her for a short time, but it was very unlike Juna to not smile at anything and anyone. What was happening?

---

1204/08/28 13:00
Bellguard Gate, Crossbell

The three consisted of Agate, Lynn, and Juna, rushed towards the Bellguard Gate. On their way, they defeated a lot of monsters because Juna was too hurried to sneak around them.

They arrived in front of the gate. Juna quickly turned to Lynn.

"Can we go to the rooftop or whatever it's called?"

"Yes, we can. Let me talk with the commander first."

Juna clicked her tongue at Lynn's reply, so Agate gestured to Lynn to go talk to the relevant people while he engaged Juna in a talk.

"So, talk to me, Juna. What got you up in a tizzy?"

The pink-haired junior probably needed that because she quickly turned to Agate and nodded. "Remember when I said that the terrorists will attack Garrelia Fortress?"

"Yeah, that's what I questioned you before," Agate pointed out. What do you mean by that?"

"They will definitely attack. I can't say how or why, but they will, just like I know they will attack the conference. With me so far?" Juna let him digest the information.

Agate bit his lip. "Alright. Let's say that what you said will come true. What do you need here in Bellguard gate?"

"I have something I need to see with my own eyes to confirm my hunch. Hopefully, I'm wrong. I really, really want to be wrong this time. However, I'm correct instead..."

Juna trailed off, leaving her words hanging. Just then, Lynn was back with a blue-haired woman.

"This is Commander Baelz. You've met with her, right? She quickly put aside her things when I mentioned you want to go to the rooftop," Lynn said.

"Sergei asked it of me once before," was her curt reply.

"Alright, thank you! Let's go!"

"Wait, slow down, Juna!"

The younger girl ignored Lynn's warning as she dashed to the stairs.

The others, including Agate, followed, though with a more sedate pace.

Once they arrived on the rooftop, they saw Juna observing Garrelia Fortress. Agate himself couldn't help but be impressed. It was huge. It was bigger than any fortress in Liberl. The only points of entry were the highway and the railway, which came from the Erebonian side. Everything else was covered with a combination of natural earthen walls and modified steel.

"Juna?" Lynn called out, cutting Agate's thought.

The girl fell to her knees.

"So that's how it is..." her voice conveyed a sign of frustration and helplessness.

"I don't understand..." Lynn wondered aloud, trying to get Juna's attention.

"Tell me, Commander... what are those two metal panels hiding behind them?" Juna asked the commander.

"...cannons..." Commander Baelz answered hesitantly. "Cannons strong enough to destroy Crossbell."

Cannons... the terrorists attacking Garrelia Fortress... combined with Juna not liking the situation...

Agate wasn't the brightest person in the room, considering his background. But even so, his experience told him one conclusion.

"Oi, Juna! Don't tell me--"

"Yes." Juna cut him off with a dry tone. "We've been had. We were too focused on the possible attack at the conference, so we didn't consider any other angle of attack."

"What do you..." Lynn still didn't get it, but even she slowly got the clue. "Oh, Aidios..."

"The terrorists would launch a two-pronged attack. One team targeted the trade conference, and another targeted Garrelia Fortress. The reason? To take control of the weapon and aim it at the biggest landmark in town: Orchis Tower."

Notes:

Hello and welcome to the latest chapter of the Azure/CS1 arc of Junior Bracer. Wait, did I say CS1? Hell yeah! The Rean part actually has been finished since December, and it's a big part of why I want to continue the Azure arc. So we can finally get to this chapter! It's a long six month journey since I wrote the Rean part and start preparing things from there. Could this be better? Definitely. Am I satisfied? Yes, yes I am. I hope you all are satisfied too.

Oh yeah, remember the thing Lloyd forgot last chapter? That was him reminding Juna to not look up Ouroboros. Thank Aidios he didn't because now Renne is considering doing something. Still, it's not like Juna would find anything about Sept-Terrion in the library. Everything about them should've been erased from the normal civilian publication. But wait until she realized she knew a member of the secret order of the church. As for how she came to the correct conclusion without any misunderstanding this time, well, it's simply because this is the main plot of a JRPG story. Something like that is easy to guess. She got the ILF target wrong because she's working on limited information and can't really draw conclusion that something called Imperial Liberation Front is not targetting the royal family, but actually the commoner Chancellor.

If you look and see the call between Juna and Rean, Juna actually tried to establish a mysterious character as the SSS's Informant but Juna being Juna she quickly went careless and the real Juna came out. Must be one confusing character for the Cold Steel-newbie players. Also yes, the entire chapter is not shown in the Xanaduverse!Azure so when Rean got a phone call in chapter 5 of CS1 the old-timers are gonna 'Holy shit it's Juna!' to the confusion of the newbies.

Anyway, I cheated by ending the chapter in the same cliffhanger as chapter 34, but well, this entire chapter isn't shown to the players so Juna can pull it once more without any consequence. What would happen next to Crossbell? What would Juna do? What about the SSS? Find out next in Trails of a Junior Bracer in Crossbell and Erebonia!

Chapter 43

1204/08/28 14:00
Crossbell City, Crossbell

The SSS was called to the guild. Michel said it was urgent. Since they had finished all the support requests for the day, the five of them headed towards East Street. Lloyd wondered what was so urgent that the guild needed their help, considering how reliable they were before the SSS even formed. Could it be...

"..."

"Lloyd?" Elie asked when she saw Lloyd stop walking.

"No, never mind," Lloyd shook his head and continued walking. He smiled when Elie shot him a concerned look. He didn't want to worry her yet when it was just a hunch.

They arrived at the guild to see Michel with a grim expression. "Michel?"

"You're here. Good, let's go upstairs," Michel replied hurriedly before going up the stairs.

The SSS looked at each other in confusion before following the receptionist. What kind of urgent things did the guild need? Even the usually casual Michel was serious. The last time they saw him acting serious was when Crossbell was in a pinch.

On the second floor, the SSS saw Agate tapping his arms while Juna paced back and forth in agitation. They stopped when they noticed the SSS coming, and Juna quickly sat down.

"Lloyd! Emergency! I don't know what to do!" Juna shouted in desperation before she told them about the new information she got from her ability.

To make it short, Juna contacted the students from Erebonia's Thors Military Academy and got new insights about the terrorists. With her calculating the weights and connecting the dots, Juna concluded that the terrorist would take over Garrelia Fortress and aimed the weapon at Orchis Tower.

"...Alright," Lloyd inhaled, taking all the information dumped onto him. This was bad. No wonder Juna didn't know what to do. They really couldn't do anything to interfere with Garrelia Fortress themselves.

"Juna, can you walk us through your deduction? What weights?" Wazy asked the pink-haired girl.

"R-Right," Juna took a deep breath before she began. "Remember the weight behind people's actions I mentioned a few days ago? There is a lot of weight between Class VII and the terrorists. I dare to say it's building up to the same weight as Estelle's group when they faced Ouroboros. So when Class VII said they were going to be at Garrelia Fortress on August 31, I couldn't see any other outcome except the terrorists also going there on the same day. From there, I tried to think of the reason, and Commander Baelz confirmed my suspicion that the fortress had huge cannons on the same day as the West Zemuria Trade Conference."

Everyone went silent at Juna's barrage of words.

"Your ability is really scary, Juna," Wazy sighed.

"Yeah, Wazy is right. But honestly, I'm halfway sure that it is this scary because it's you," Randy picked up the mood with a grin.

"I agree with Randy. Time and time again, you helped us and have proven to be correct. It is scary how you can predict things just by seeing the metaphorical 'weight' behind our actions. But the fact that you use it to help us is what's important," Elie moved and patted Juna's head.

"Lloyd... what can we do?" Noel turned to him.

Closing his eyes, Lloyd was thinking. There was nothing the people here in Crossbell could do about it. Garrelia Fortress was in Erebonia and under the Erebonian Army's jurisdiction. They wouldn't accept words from someone like Juna, nor if it was from him. The only one they would consider was probably Dieter himself as a mayor. But that didn't mean they would just do it. Erebonia held the power, not Crossbell.

"The easiest thing we can do is inform the students again about the possible attack on Garrelia," Elie tried to offer a solution.

"We've done it. The students and Toval have been informed, with Toval promising to contact Purple Lightning, who is currently serving as their instructor," Michel informed Elie.

"Purple Lightning?" Noel wondered aloud.

"Whoa, really? Her? A teacher?" Randy whistled, apparently familiar with this Purple Lightning figure. "Then again, if it's a Military Academy..."

"Someone you're familiar with, Randy?"

But it wasn't Randy who answered, but Agate. "She's a Bracer. Or was. The youngest who achieved A-Rank. She did it a few years ago when I was still B-Rank myself."

"That sounds impressive, but can we get back on track?" Juna pleaded to everyone who realized what they were talking about and laughed sheepishly in embarrassment.

"Right. We still don't know what else we can do..."

"How about escalating it to the higher-ups?" Wazy offered another possible solution. "Just like you reported it to Dudley and him to Mayor Crois."

"And then what could Uncle do? I hate to say this, but this time, reporting it wouldn't do a thing. Uncle would not want to cancel the conference. Crossbell's image would be tarnished," Elie responded from the political point of view. "Even if he called the Blood and Iron Chancellor, it would just be used as another weapon to attack us."

"That's certainly true..." Noel hummed, realizing the flaw of doing the same thing as before.

Agate sighed. "Our hands are tied up here. We've done our best to inform Toval and the military academy's students. The rest is up to them."


"There is one last thing we can do."

"Huh?"

"Lloyd?"

Everyone turned to him, who had been silent all this time. He looked at each of them in the eyes. "I want you to trust me on this. There is no guarantee something will happen, but there is a big chance that something will be done on the Empire's side."

The despaired look on Juna's face receded, replaced by a slightly teary eye. "Lloyd..."

Turning to the pink-haired girl, he ruffled her hair with a smile on his face.

"Juna. Good job on getting us this far, and thank you for trusting us with this information. Seeing those weapons and realizing that they might be aimed at Crossbell must be scary, huh? You were always the first one to reach a conclusion. No matter how reliable it is for us, you must be feeling burdened by that. For that, we are sorry."

Juna nodded wordlessly, looking embarrassed but letting Lloyd play with her head.

"Oh, Juna..."

"I didn't even realize how Juna is feeling..."

Elie and Noel remarked.

"However, you don't need to worry anymore this time. You don't need to do anything else. Leave it to us."

Juna shook her head in denial. "If it's something that I can help with, then I'd like to do my part."

"No, really. You don't need to do anything. In fact, just this time, I'd like you to not do anything," Lloyd insisted. "Because we will go look for Lechter Arundel and possibly work with him to handle this Garrelia Fortress problem. That's why I want you to take a backseat this time."

"What?!" Elie shouted in surprise.

"Arundel? That sleazy guy?" Noel asked in confirmation.

"Oi oi, you can't be serious, Lloyd?" Randy turned to him with an incredulous look.

"Randy, this is Lloyd we're talking about. In his first case, he worked with us gang members without any hesitation. Do you remember?" Wazy just shook his head.

"...Right. And there was that time we worked with Yin in St. Ursula." Elie sighed. "You really are unbelievable."

"...Alright. I trust you, Lloyd," Juna let out a contented sigh.

"Thank you for extending your trust. Let's go, everyone."

"Would it be alright if I follow you guys?" Agate asked. "It might help to have a bracer vouching for you guys."

"Yeah, that's a good idea. It might be worth mentioning to Arundel that we've contacted Toval and the students, too," Michel agreed.

"Will do."

The SSS plus Agate quickly left the guild to look for certain redheaded Imperials. Outside the guild, Randy instantly slapped Lloyd in the back.

"That was smooth, my man. The baby-faced ultimate little brother finally becomes the big brother this time," Randy grinned.

"Fufufu. It really was. I reckon if I pulled that move on some lonely woman, I'd be getting more than just money," Wazy chimed in, following Randy's lead. "Maybe I should invite Lloyd to work with me one of these days."

"Wazy! You can't ask a police officer to join you as a host!" Elie reprimanded.

"Haha, Mademois-Elie. You sure Wazy can't do it just because Lloyd's a police and not something else?" Randy winked at the white-haired girl.

"..."

"...Come on, Elie. I don't know why you went silent, but I need some defense here," Lloyd exhaled.

"Haha... somehow I got the feeling that part of Lloyd is what makes Elie goes silent," Noel closed their conversation with a laugh.

Agate looked at the SSS before raising his eyebrow, "So it's like that, huh?"

"Exactly like that, Agate," Randy laughed. "Did you have some experience observing those kinds of things?"

Agate nodded, "Yeah... it was Joshua. Nowadays, it's a lot calmer since we rarely meet up anymore."

Agate looked at the sky, reminiscing about his past experience. Lloyd let him. His mind wandered to the future. Would he have the same kind of face Agate had several years down the line?

"In any case, do you have a clue where to find Arundel?" Agate asked once he regained focus.

The SSS looked at each other before nodding. "There's only one place you can find him."

"Two, actually. Let's also try the casino," Randy interjected.

"...Why is it that I can see him there?" Elie sighed. "But never mind that. We should try the newly opened club in the Back Alley first."

"Neue Blanc. If our assumption is correct, Lechter helped facilitate buying the old Revache headquarters for Red Constellation," Lloyd revealed their destination.

"Yeah, I get the feeling he's the sort of guy who's right up my alley," Wazy said in amusement.

"Wazy... no inviting Erebonian's intelligence officer to join your night job," Elie sighed for the umpteenth time.

"Alright, alright..."

They went to Neue Blanc and were greeted by the bouncer, barring their way in.

"Special Support Section. What business do you have here?" The bouncer, whose appearance wasn't out of place from being a Revache member, asked them.

"Recognizing us, eh? Did Uncle put our faces in the warning category or something?" Randy remarked playfully, trying to reduce the tension.

"I feel honored," Wazy followed Randy with his own quip.

"We are not on official business. We're trying to see if we can find a certain someone inside," Lloyd tried to assure the man of their intention. "Is Lechter Arundel inside?"

The bouncer didn't answer. Or rather, from Lloyd's perspective it looked like the Bouncer didn't want to answer. Perhaps he was protecting Lechter by not saying anything.

If it was any other time, Lloyd wouldn't think it would be a problem, but this was urgent.

"It is important, as it involves Erebonia's national safety," he used his last resort. "We're here in good faith."

The bouncer frowned before reluctantly giving his way.

"Thank you."

The group entered the bar, looking around to look for the man they sought.

"There he is," Lloyd heard Randy say, pointing at one of the VIP sections. Lechter was having fun sitting on the sofa with some women.

"Hmm, I don't recognize those girls," Wazy muttered under his breath. If it was coming from Wazy, then Lloyd believed his words. Still, did that mean Neue Blanc brought their own hostess to Crossbell?

"No wonder some of the usual girls I knew are getting frustrated," Randy whistled in appreciation. "Their women are beauties, alright. Eris needs some good way to regain her customers back."

"This is not the time for that, Randy..."

"In any case, let's approach him," Lloyd stopped them from further fighting and started walking towards their target.

"...Ahahaha, yeah, that was-- well, look at what we have here. What does the esteemed Special Support Section need here?" Lechter greeted them with a smile once he noticed them. "And with the Heavy Blade to boot."

"Lechter. This is urgent. Can we talk privately?" Lloyd asked the man.

"Sure, sure," Lecther replied casually before asking the waitress for a private room.

The waitress escorted them to a private room. Once they were all seated inside, Lechter opened his arms. "So, what do you wanna talk about? Sigmund told me that he specifically made this private room soundproof so you can lay it on me."

In any other circumstances, Lloyd would have questioned what a soundproofed room inside a club was used for, but he would welcome it now as it suited his purpose.

"I'll get straight to the point. You know about the Imperial Liberation Front's planned attack on the Trade Conference. That was why you go out your way to hire the Red Constellation for protection," Lloyd started.

Lechter nodded, still with an easygoing grin on his face. "Yep. And you somehow know about it, hence the busy mobilization inside and outside the CPD and CGF. Man, you know that I was scolded by His Excellency for not being vigilant enough. But I knew better. That informant of yours somehow knew about it and told you."

Lloyd tried to not make any expression. Lechter was the real deal. Despite his casual air, he knew when to get serious. Just revealing that he knew was enough for Lechter to open up his own cards and demand more questions about Juna.

"So? Was that all?"

Lloyd shook his head. "No. I'm afraid things are about to get worse. Lechter, what do you think if I say that on the day of the conference, Garrelia Fortress would also be attacked by the ILF as they sought to control the railgun stationed there?"

"Hmm? That's would be--oi, are you serious?" His casual attitude was gone. Eyes narrowing, Lechter glared at Lloyd. "Who is your informant, really?"

For some unknown reason, Lechter began taking his words seriously. It was as if he suddenly knew that Juna's prediction would come true. Was he perhaps the same as Juna?

"We won't reveal them. I don't even want to reveal this to you, but there's nothing we can do in Crossbell against the attack on Garrelia Fortress. If I let the information be, then something unavoidable could happen. I am here telling you in good faith. Don't ask about our informant again."

"Yes, yes..." Lechter sighed. "But the situation has turned serious. Thank you for telling me this. I'll do something about it. I don't wanna die yet," he finished with a small laugh, to which nobody replied.

"Aww, that was supposed to be funny. You guys are too serious."

"If there is something else that we can do to help Erebonia this time, then feel free to ask more."

"Nah, no need. I'll handle it," Lechter waved his hand dismissively. "I'll make sure that the weapons in Garrelia Fortress won't be used by those folks in ILF."

Lloyd just stared at the Erebonian. "...Right."

As their intention was delivered and Lechter kind of dismissed them, Lloyd stood up, the others following him seconds later. Before they could leave, though, Lechter called out.

"Hey, SSS. Your informant... Are they open to work for the Imperial Intelligence Division?"

Elie was about to reply in anger before Lloyd stopped her by raising his hand.

"So?" Lechter prodded.

"They are under the SSS's protection."

And with that, Lloyd bade the red-haired man farewell.

Once they were outside the club, Randy couldn't help but breath out a sigh of relief. "That was somehow easy."

"Yeah, I didn't think that Lechter would just accept our information like that," Noel joined Randy.

"In the end, you guys don't even need my presence because Arundel believed you so easily," Agate remarked.

"Thanks anyway, Agate. It's nice to see that the guild has someone reliable like you in their ranks," Lloyd said to the bracer.

"Nah, don't sweat it. See you guys later."

Once Agate left, Wazy muttered out loud. "I wonder why Lechter believed us just like that."

"I was wondering about that too. It's really convenient, but there must be something behind his sudden demeanor change."

Right. Lechter was taking them casually before he suddenly turned serious. Lloyd put that aside back in the club because he prioritized getting Lechter to understand the gravity of the situation, but now, when he thought about it again, it was weird.

As he concluded back inside the club, it was as if he was the same as Juna. But could it be possible? And then there was Lechter's interest in Juna. Could it be because he realized that Juna might have something similar to him?

He didn't know, but as he declared to the pink-haired younger girl, Lloyd would protect her from the Empire.

"Alright, let's go back home."

The SSS then went home to rest. They had enough excitement for one day.

---

1204/08/28 14:45
Crossbell City, Crossbell

Lechter Arundel was the type of person who wasn't easily swept by the situation. His intuition made him that kind of person. As long as he had that fallback, he could aggravate people by being casual and carefree while he took everything seriously inside.

Yet, he never expected his intuition to flare up like that when the SSS relayed their information.

It wasn't that Lechter had not thought about it before. He had covered all his bases when it came to the ILF. The old man had told him to leave the attack on the conference because he would use it against Crossbell. After that, he tried to see if anything else flared up his intuition, and nothing of note was picked up, not even a possible attack on Garrelia Fortress.

But when Lloyd told him that the ILF would attack Garrelia Fortress, suddenly, his intuition told him that it would happen. It was as if his intuition suddenly registered the possibility after he was told directly by the SSS. Why did it suddenly flare like that when it wasn't before? Was it the SSS's Informant's doing? Were they somehow manipulating his intuition? How?

"..."

On further sensing, there would be heavy casualties, but the worst thing wouldn't happen if everyone did their part perfectly. That was what his intuition told him.

"Perhaps the SSS's Informant doesn't really have my kind of thing..." Otherwise, the SSS wouldn't have told him all that to ask for help. The informant would just tell them that their worst fear wouldn't be realized. "Still..."

The fact that they somehow changed his intuition was worth a merit. "I'd really love to meet you now, Mr. Informant."

He left the room to use the club's phone. His helping the Red Constellation buy the building meant that he basically got free VIP treatment, and he would milk it for all it was worth before he went back home. His intuition said that the worst possibility wouldn't happen, but it wouldn't hurt to tip the scale in the Imperial Army's favor.

"Hey, Claire. Can you help me use your super calculative mind to calculate something real quick?"

He heard a sigh coming from the other side.

"Lechter..."

---

1204/08/28 17:00
Legram, Erebonia

Group A had just finished the request from Klaus, Laura's butler, to have a friendly spar with the students from Arseid school. It was a spar they won, but then Klaus himself took the field, and Rean was really impressed by how amazing the man was despite his age. Still, with his friends, they managed to even win against the butler.

The group left the training hall to see that the sun was about to set.

"Oooh, looks like it's almost evening already," Millium muttered casually with hands behind her head.

"We arrived mid-afternoon. Exterminating the monster, changing the orbal lamps, warning the children, and sparring with the Arseid school takes time," Gaius pointed out helpfully.

Indeed. They had completed two of the required requests, alongside the optional request of changing the orbal lamps and a last-minute request from Toval to warn and dissuade the children from going to Lohengrin Castle.

"The sunset sky makes for a very picturesque view, don't you think?" Emma remarked as she focused all her attention on the horizon. Legram had Lake Ebel, so the combination of the orange sky and the reflective body of water made such an amazing combination for Rean, who lived his whole life in the mountains.

"It seems that the mist has cleared somewhat, too," Jusis said after looking around. The mists that spread around Legram and its surroundings all noon had subsided.

"I would venture a guess that tomorrow will be a clear, sunny day," Laura said with some spirit.

"..."

"Rean... are you still worried about what the SSS's Informant told us?" Emma reached out to him. He really was pathetic. Everyone was trying to be spirited, but he still made them worry.

"We've done what we can to prevent the children from getting lost," Laura joined in. "As for what she told us after..."

"I still don't believe that it is that convenient for us," Jusis cut in, referring to the information said by SSS's Informant and, by extension, the Crossbell Branch Bracer Guild about the possible attack on Garrelia Fortress. "Sure, we have faced them before, but that would not guarantee anything."

"What she said after is a big possibility, though. I mean, if I were targetting Gramps and have a free shot at him from the fortress, I'd consider doing it," Millium pointed out in contrast to Jusis. "I think I need to make a report for the Intelligence Division. Later, after dinner, though. We still technically haven't completed any tasks before reporting them."

"...Right. Toval said that he was going to contact Instructor Sara. I hope nothing bad will happen," Rean said with a smile.

He really was thankful to be surrounded by people who didn't take offense to his insecurity.

---

Notes:

Sorry for the long silence but IRL took all my time. Anyway, here it is. I could've made the Rean part longer but I feel that was enough since everything else would play the same for the night, just with the addition of everyone worrying about the second part of their Field Study. Anyway, Lloyd strikes again! He's the first one who realized that Juna is carrying the burden of knowledge. When I said Buggy Zero players will ship Lloyd and Juna I mean Falcon with their penchant for alluding the of pairing older man and younger woman in a platonic-like relationship as romantic ones is fueling the shippers' headcanon. Granted, it's only four year differences and not that big of a gap the Agate and Tita is, so the people in Xanaduverse is more accepting. This is before Rean or Kurt enters the scene as a new candidate for Junabowl. Right, what else? Oh yeah, Lechter. Now I've done his daydreams in Reverie but it still didn't explain his bullshit ability, so I sort of taking it as a hyper intuition about bad/good feelings, partially inspired by Randomguy's takes in JesSIca. As for what happened, basically I'm involving Lechter in the Garrelia Fortress business whereas I don't think he's involved in canon. Anyway, I can't promise the new chapter can come quick, but look forward to it!

Chapter 44

28/08/1204 18:00
Crossbell City, Crossbell

Everyone involved in the coordination effort against the terrorist attack was invited to the presentation about the research team's results. The SSS, being a part of the CPD, came earlier than the other representatives. There was only Dudley and Mariabell inside, sitting on the table. Lloyd was a bit surprised to see Mariabell there, but his mind quickly came up with some reason. Considering that the OrbalNet project was funded by the IBC, Mariabell was probably there to oversee the result of their hard work.

"Elie, come here!"

Elie turned to Lloyd when she heard her name being called. Lloyd nodded before whispering something to Elie, to which she nodded.

"Wew, Lloyd. Never knew you and Mademois-Elie were that close for you to kiss her cheek," Randy grinned from the side.

"Y-Yeah..." A blushing Noel glanced at them.

"I think congratulations are in order. So when are the weddings?"

"Wazy!" Elie exclaimed in embarrassment.

"Ahaha... I did not kiss her, thank you," Lloyd weakly denied.

"Were you perhaps whispering sweet nothings to her?"

The embarrassed Elie decided to retreat and went to her friend, who called out to her while Lloyd was being needled even more by Randy and Wazy.

"But seriously, Lloyd, what was that?"

"I just need some help from Elie."

As Elie was caught in a conversation with Mariabell, Lloyd led the SSS to sit down near Elie's table.

"Yo, Lloyd. You sure we should be sitting here considering..." Randy trailed off as Lloyd immediately understood what he meant. Without even glancing at his back, he could feel the glare Mariabell sent him because he sat near Elie and her.

"Elie is part of the SSS, so we should sit together."

Lloyd opened his notebook, glancing at the content. His eyes scanned the room to see if more people had come, but apparently not. Randy kept bringing him to conversations with Wazy and Noel, to which he only replied with some smile.

His mind was focused on one thing and only one thing.

"...right, Bell. Do you have any updates about my inquiry about the Rosenberg Doll?" Elie suddenly changed the topic of her conversation with Mariabell.

"...Ah, I don't think so. At least, I didn't hear about anything new from around four months ago. I do hear about a new doll being sold, but that's from Calvard and for next month," Mariabell replied.

Frowning, Lloyd wrote something in his notebook.

"I see... thank you for your help, Bell," Elie sighed in resignation.

"It's for KeA, right? If it was that guy asking, I wouldn't bother looking things up. I only did it for you, my dear Elie," Mariabell scoffed.

"Haha... by the way, I just realized that I've never asked you about it. But when I tucked in KeA, I saw a new doll in your room. It was really cute! When did you get it?" Elie casually changed the topics again.

"..." Mariabell paused. "That was a few weeks after you joined the SSS, dear. Would you like to join me in my room and see it in detail?"

Lloyd flipped back his notebook, trying to see if he had written something before.

"I would love to! ...if only we weren't in this situation," Elie ended her sentence with a sigh. "Sorry, Bell. Maybe next time."

Mariabell laughed elegantly. "Don't worry, my dear Elie. You will always have a standing invitation to come to my room."

Lloyd then saw Commander Baelz entering the room with others. He closed his notebook since the main event was about to start. Scanning the room, Lloyd found Juna sitting near the other Bracer Guild representatives. He sent her a smile, to which she replied with a wave of her hand.

"Everyone here? Good, good. Then I'll let Renne present the result of our research," Chief Roberts started, only to pass the ball to Renne.

"Come on, chief... you can do it yourself."

Roberts only grinned at the purple-haired girl, "I'm afraid I can't dumb things down for others as good as you, Renne."

"Fine," Renne sighed after hearing that excuse. "Tita, can you help me."

"R-Right!" Tita looked nervous being called by Renne. Maybe she was still inexperienced? Lloyd knew her as the granddaughter of Professor Albert Russell from Liberl and was involved with the Orbal Shutdown Phenomenon two years ago, but he admitted he hadn't been interacting much with her. On the other hand, he should've expected Renne's unusual circumstances to have molded her confidence.

Tita then operated on the terminal for a minute before she nodded to Renne.

"Alright. First thing first, we proudly present you with our newest invention: the Enigma Extension Module, or EEM, to make it short," Renne presented the real thing while the display behind presented a complete picture of the module. It was a small, keychain-like item. It was too small for Lloyd to see, but the picture from the Orbal terminal helped him understand. "Now, this is the item that's gonna change everything going forward. Why? Because with this, the Enigma I and II can now connect to the Orbal Network wirelessly."

Renne then put it back into her pocket. "But we're going ahead of ourselves. To make it easier for you to understand, I will have Tita present the whole reason why we can use the Orbal Network wirelessly. Tita?"

"R-Right," Tita's hand moved on the keyboard before the terminal displayed another thing. This time, it was a small-sized, tower-like item. Tita then rummaged below the table before putting the same item on the display near the terminal. "When we first arrived and thought about how to solve the problem of 'conference call,' it turned out that according to Mr. Mark, the researcher from Epstein Foundation collaborating with the Reinford Group, had solved it using normal Orbal phone call protocol. So the researchers here agreed to branch out to other means, in this case, using Orbal Network to make a conference call function."

Raising the item she just brought out, Tita continued, "Our first hurdle is twofold: how to connect the OrbalNet to the Enigma and how to connect the Enigma to an already existing OrbalNet. It sounds the same, but actually different. And this is the answer to the first question. This is the OrbalNet Wave Radiator. Its design and mechanism are inspired by Professor Albert Russel's design of the Zero Field Generator, but I altered some of the principles so that it will emit radio waves in certain frequencies. If you connect this device to an Orbal Terminal that is connected to OrbalNet like this one..." Tita pulled the cord from the OrbalNet Wave Radiator and inserted it into a jack on the Terminal's CPU. "The indicator lamp will light up to green, signaling that the OWR is radiating a radio wave that can be picked up by the Enigma. Renne?"

"Thank you for the brief explanation, Tita. Any questions?" Renne threw some lifeline to the guests who might not understand.

Lloyd looked around to see how everyone reacted. Mariabell looked like she understood, and Elie was beside him, thinking. But Randy, Noel, and Wazy were lost, judging from the look on their face. The others from the CPD, CGF, and the guild gave neutral looks, but one thing caught him by surprise. Juna was raising her hand.

"Anyone?" Renne asked again, missing Juna's raised hand. "No one?"

"I'm right here, hey!" Juna jumped in place, trying to get Renne's attention by shouting.

"Oh my, sorry for missing your hand. My eyes can't stand you. Do you have any questions?" Renne smiled wickedly at the pink-haired aspiring bracer.

"Nah, not a question; it's easy to understand Tita's explanation. Can't say the same about yours, though," Juna casually replied.

Lloyd sweatdropped at the two's ribbing. Renne hadn't even explained anything yet. Actually, since when did the two have beef with each other? The last time he saw them together, they seemed to get along.

"Then why would you raise your hand!?" It seemed that Renne had lost a little of her composure.

Juna shrugged. "OrbalNet Wave Radiator sounds too much of a hassle. Why don't we call it something simpler like 'router?' Its purpose is to reroute a wired OrbalNet connection to a wireless one, right?"

"That's... actually an apt summary of what it does, yes." Renne exhaled, looking a little amazed that Juna was keeping up with Tita's explanation. "Name and such can be discussed formally later. For now, we're sticking with the term we've been using for our own ease of explaining to other people. Is that acceptable, Chief Roberts?"

"I myself actually loved the term 'router.' We'll finalize everything tomorrow. For now, it is as you said, Renne; we'll be using the term we've come up with to make it easier," Roberts commented from the side.

"Alright then," Juna sat down in her seat again.

"R-Right. Moving on. This OWR device can be improved further in the future. Maybe later, it'll connect directly to the Orbal Network without needing any Orbal Terminal to power it. But this one will serve its purpose for the conference. We've produced four OWR devices to be distributed to the coordination team. Thank you."

Everyone gave applause to Tita's presentation. While Lloyd wouldn't say he understood everything, he at least understood the purpose of the OWR device they had just presented.

"Alright, thank you, Tita, dear. Now, we are going back to the Enigma Extension Module. If the OWR solves the first problem of connecting the OrbalNet to the Enigma, then the EEM solves the second problem: connecting the Enigma to the OrbalNet," Renne took over the presentation. The display behind her showed the Enigma Extension Module in more detail, as it had shown the OrbalNet Wave Radiator before. "This device contains the component to capture the radio wave frequencies emitted by the OWR to connect to OrbalNet. Let's just try to do it."

Renne brought up an Enigma II and plugged the EEM into the jack on the side of the Enigma II. Oh? Lloyd took out his own Enigma and checked the sides. The hole for the EEM was there. He wondered if the researchers thought that far.

"Once you plugged it in, there's nothing else you have to do other than wait. The EEM will automatically install software to your Enigma, and once the installation is finished, which is indicated by a beep, your Enigma will now use one of the lamps as a new indicator lamp to show your connection status."

Renne showed it, but since it was too small, Tita helped her by showing the picture of the connected Enigma. Oh, so the usual indicator lamp for no energy left is turned into an indicator for being connected to OrbalNet. It would inconvenience some Arts users like Tio, Wazy, or Elie, but it would be a fair trade-off for him or Randy, who only used Arts mostly to buff themselves.

"Now that it is connected, you can use the multiple call function. Tita?"

"Right!" Tita changed the display presented from the picture of Enigma to an Orbal application. "Since we were tight on time, we couldn't make Enigma initiate the conference call feature. So first, an Orbal Terminal needs to open a specified OP Address that will return an application to initiate and receive a conference call. We call this the Orbal Conference Call or the OCC."

Lloyd saw an application not dissimilar to Pom Pom Party in appearance, but instead of an entertainment application, this time, it was an application to communicate with multiple people at once.

"When the OCC is fully loaded, you can initiate a conference call by inserting some commands. Tita?" Renne asked her friend before Tita nodded and inserted some command that looked like nonsense to Lloyd.

Immediately after that, the display changed. There was now a list on the display, 'Terminal 169.668.77.45', alongside another number above it. '445865.'

"The list displayed all the connected devices. Since the terminal is still the only one connected to the OCC, there is only one there. But that will change once I connect the Enigma here. How? Well... it's easy," Renne smiled. "Just use it as you would call any other Enigma and Orbal Telephone, but add a 01213 as a prefix. As for the number you input, it's that big number on the screen."

Renne then pressed the quartz slot that corresponded to the numbers and waited. Not long after, the display had a new line on the list. 'Enigma II 118.67.88.112'

"And connected. Now to test it..." Renne left the room and closed it, leaving everyone waiting for her. Tita turned up the volume of the Terminal.

"Testing, testing, hello?" Renne's voice came out of the Terminal. "Can you hear my voice?"

"Loud and clear!" Tita cheerfully replied. "Mission one is half success, Renne!"

"Right. So now anybody wants to volunteer to prove that this will connect multiple Enigma at once?" Renne asked the audience.

Juna raised her arms. "Me! Me! Pick me! I wanna try!"

"...Anybody that isn't Juna?"

"Hey!"

"Do you even have an Enigma?"

Juna fell silent at that before clicking her tongue. "Tch, I don't like it when you're right."

"Don't worry, Juna. You can borrow my Enigma to try it out," Lloyd offered to the pink-haired girl with a smile.

"Really? Thanks, Lloyd!" Juna immediately ran towards him and took the Enigma he had brought out before going to Tita. "Tita! Where's my EEM?"

In an instant, Lloyd felt people staring at him. Not only the ones from SSS but also the guild and CPD. He whispered to Randy beside him. "What's with all the stares?"

"Seriously?" Randy whispered back incredulously before he shook his head. "Hopeless. This man is hopeless."

"Fufufu, maybe I really do need to bring him with me one of these days," Wazy chuckled. "His natural charm would melt the older ladies I usually accompanied."

Lloyd ignored the commentary as he focused on Juna in the front. She enthusiastically plugged the EEM into his Enigma before she stared at it. Once the indicator lamp lit up, Juna turned to Tita, "This means it's connected, right?"

"Yes. Now you can enter the number, Juna," Tita answered.

However, instead of pressing the corresponding number, Juna just glared at the Enigma for several seconds.

"Juna?" Tita asked the pink-haired girl.

Juna didn't answer. She looked around and met eyes with him.

"Llooooyd! How do you use Enigma again?" She ran towards him.

"My bad, I should've known you have never used it before. Let me show you," Lloyd chuckled a little before taking the Enigma from Juna's hand. "Here, I'll teach you."

Juna scooted closer to him, even taking some space from Randy. "Excuse me, Randy. So how do I do that, Lloyd?"

"Alright, first..." As Lloyd explained things to Juna, he couldn't help but feel more stares from everyone in the room. However, it seems that Juna didn't notice or just ignored them.

"Whoa, that sounds complicated. Why don't they just make another flip layer that contains numbers above or below the quartzes layer?" Juna nonchalantly said.

"Why didn't we think of that?!" Lloyd heard Chief Roberts shout in frustration in the background.

"Anyway, thanks for teaching me, Lloyd. I wish I could have an Enigma. Or at least a combat orbment," Juna sighed. "Arios still wouldn't give me any. He said that it'd divert my focus on training," she grumbled at him.

"Don't worry, Juna. For now, let's focus on the demonstration first," Lloyd patted her on the head. "Why don't you try joining the conference call?"

"Alright," Juna then pressed the quartzes, and before long, another row was added to the display. 'Enigma II 114.65.174.201'.

"Yes!" Juna shouted, but unfortunately, she did it near the Enigma's microphone, so the sound of her shout was amplified several times when it came out of the terminal in the meeting room.

Everyone winced and covered their ears in reflex, including him.

"Leave it to Juna to mess things up," Renne remarked with a sigh.

"Ah..." Juna looked on the ground, trying to avoid everyone's stare. "I am very sorry, everyone. In my haste and enthusiasm, I had forgotten about what we were doing in the first place." She ended her apology with a bow.

"Tch, this is why things should've been done by professionals," Dudley commented. "Bannings, guide your protege better."

Lloyd shook his head, "Unfortunately, she's not my protege. I want her to be mine, though."

Silence.

This time, not only was everyone staring at him, but they also gave him a judging glare.

"Y-You want me to be your protege, ...right?" Juna asked in stutter. Why was her cheeks blushing red, though?

"Yes? Am I not clear enough?" Lloyd turned to Elie and Randy, his closest companion. But Elie only facepalmed while Randy only snickered.

"No, Bannings. You are not clear enough," Arios answered. His eyes softened a little. "Juna is my student. If you want to take her for yourself..."

"Enough playing already. Can we get back on track?" Renne's voice cut through the situation and reminded everyone about the demonstration. "Juna, now that you're connected, try going out of the room and talking."

"Alright," Juna then left the room, and suddenly, her voice came from the terminal where Tita operated. "Test test, one two three, hello?"

"We can hear you, Juna."

"As much as I don't want to," Renne chimed in.

"Then the conference call function is a success!"

Renne and Juna entered the meeting room again, both going to their previous place. Once Renne was in front of them again, she continued talking.

"The demonstration is finished. I'll leave the next part to you, Mr. First Division Detective," Renne curtsied before taking a seat near Chief Roberts.

After that, Dudley distributed the EEM and the OWR evenly to each group. Lloyd got one EEM as he was the leader of the SSS, while he didn't get any OWR since the SSS would use the Orchis Tower's OWR. The monitoring team got one EEM and one OWR since their terminal would be the one initiating the conference call. Once everything got their part, Dudley began explaining the formation and timetables. Lloyd dutifully paid attention and even took notes on some important things. The Bracer Guild also confirmed that they succeeded in requesting temporary backups. More Bracers would be dispatched to Crossbell until the trade conference ended.

Two hours later, the meeting was finished, and everyone went their own way. Well, most of them. There was one more thing Lloyd and the rest of the SSS needed to do.

"Juna, I know it's already late, but may we have some of your time?" Lloyd approached the girl who was talking with Fran. They likely discussed things about the conference since they were both on the monitoring team.

"Ah, it's already late," Fran suddenly said before walking away. "See you tomorrow, Juna, Noey, and the SSS."

That left Juna with the SSS.

"Fran... if she wanted to help, she should've said so," Noel shook her head with a smile.

"Yeah, that attempt was too obvious," Juna agreed before turning to Lloyd. "So, what can I help you with?"

Lloyd shook his head. "We have nothing to ask you this time, but..."

He gestured to Elie, who smiled before revealing an Enigma II to Juna.

"I know it's late by around two weeks, but happy birthday, Juna!" Elie said to her. "This is the SSS's gift for you."

Juna blinked. "Huh?"

"We asked Dudley's help to procure an extra Enigma. He agreed once we revealed we want to give it to you," Lloyd helpfully explained. "We don't want another situation where you cannot contact people like during the cult debacle. That way, we can also be sure that you're safe and contactable anytime, anywhere in Crossbell."

"Here, take it, Juna," Elie put the Enigma on Juna's hand. The pink-haired girl took it before focusing all her attention on it.

"Heh, seems like Junie's really taken by the Enigma," Randy chuckled.

"The meeting revealed clearly that it was Juna's first time getting her hands on Enigma," Noel said with a fond smile.

"Maybe she could ask Lloyd for more Enigma tutoring sessions," Wazy joined in.

"You guys..." Lloyd sighed in exasperation at their comments.

"Lloyd..." Juna suddenly said, getting his attention.

"Yes?"

Juna didn't reply. She just hugged him. Tightly.

"Juna..." Elie said softly.

Lloyd felt his clothes getting wet. Was that tears? "Ah..." He stroked Juna's hair gently. Juna looked fine on the outside, but even after several months, it seemed that she still held some fears from her experience of getting kidnapped. That was understandable. The normal reaction, even. But he had to wonder why she put up a strong front on the outside? Maybe he could ask this later after all the business with the trade conference ended.

After several minutes, Juna released her hold on him and wiped her eyes. "S-Sorry. I'm just-- I..."

"It's okay, Junie. We understand. Though maybe just hugging Lloyd and not everyone might send the wrong message to Mademois-Elie." Randy winked at her.

"A-Ah... eh..." Juna averted her eyes from everyone.

"Stop teasing her, Randy..." Elie sighed. "And on that note, you too, Wazy."

Wazy was about to open his mouth but stopped and chuckled at Elie's warning.

"In any case, that's about it, Juna. I hope you're happy with the gift," Lloyd addressed the younger girl again.

Nodding fervently, Juna answered. "I'm happy! I'm very happy with the Enigma! Really, thank you, SSS. In fact, now I can use the sepith I collected from killing monsters! I'll utilize the Enigma to the best of my capability!"

Lloyd nodded. "I'm sure you will."

After all, with his brother's murderer still loose and unknown, Juna would need all she had to avoid being targeted by them. It was a possibility that crossed his mind when he realized that Juna's amazing ability to see the weight behind everyone's actions might lead her to discover who the perpetrators were.

Lloyd glanced at the smiling Elie beside him.

"..."

He needed to confirm several things to some people before he could form a theory. But if the worst case scenario happened...

---

1204/08/28 19:00
Legram, Erebonia

Night has fallen in the quiet town of Legram. After meeting Viscount Arseid, the man invited the group to have dinner with him. Needless to say, after such a day, all of them agreed without any fuss.

Dinner was quiet, at least, until Millium broke the silence. "Mmm! This is delicious!" She declared, raising her fork and spoon up in excitement.

"Oh, careful, Millium. You're going to drip sauce all over the table," Emma immediately put her utensils down and chided the younger girl. The bespectacled girl was really caring towards her classmate. Rean remembered how she helped Fie several times before. Emma even helped him more than once.

Rean then turned his attention towards the dishes on his plate. "So this is real Legram cuisine... I think I like everything on the table."

"You can say that again. This fatty meat has me thinking past seconds and all the way to thirds," Gaius chimed in from his seat. So it seemed that he wasn't the only one charmed by the food.

"Haha. That's roast wild boar. It's been a staple in many local dishes for generations," Laura, being the native resident, explained the food to the others.

"..." From the corner of his eyes, Rean saw Jusis, who was sitting beside him, looking at the untouched plate of food in front of him. A frown marred his face.

He wasn't the only one sensing his friend's turmoil, as their host for tonight also sensed it and called him out for it. "Is something troubling you, son of the house of Albarea? You seem to have brought your worries to the table tonight but not your appetite."

"Well..." Jusis looked at Victor before facing away. "It's just that I know my family has been causing you a lot of trouble."

"Jusis..." so he was still worried about that. Rean should've known that Jusis won't let it go that easily.

However, Victor's reaction surprised everyone, even Laura. "Haha. Oh, that? Just minor disagreements. You probably know it all too well-- conflicts over taxes among the nobility are as sure as the rising of the sun. It's nothing to be so concerned about."

He dismissed Jusis' worry in just one sentence.

"...Thank you for your kind words," Jusis smiled at Laura's father.

"But come, tell me of your day. I hear you fought Klaus this afternoon, and emerged victorious, at that," Victor prompted Rean and his friends. Everyone stopped eating to look at each other before all of them stared at Laura at the same time.

The blue-haired girl let out a small, almost unheard 'Must I?' before she faced her father. "We did...though I did feel like he was holding back against us," she finished her words with a side glance towards the aging butler.

"Aha... Nonsense, my lady. You and your classmates fought with the boldness of young lions. I look forward to seeing you soar to even greater heights," Klaus deflected with some good-hearted chuckle.

"Ah, marvelous," Victor followed, "I did have my hopes that you might choose to attend that girls' school in the capital, but you seem to have made some excellent friends at Thors, so perhaps this is how things were meant to be," he nodded to himself.

"I feel the same..." Laura said with a smile.

Rean was glad that Laura had found her place in Thors. As for him...

"..."

"Rean, was it?" Victor suddenly addressed him, making him turn towards the older man. "I'm curious. I can sense fear in your swordsmanship. A certain...hesitation."

He opened his mouth, but no words came out.

"Father..." Laura tried to interject, but Victor ignored her.

"The Sword Hermit, Yun Ka-fai... In addition to being your master and the founder of the Eight Leaves One Blade school, he's also a personal acquaintance of mine. In fact, I've requested a duel with him on numerous occasions."

Master Ka-fai had faced Lord Arseid? Interesting. He had never mentioned it to him before. "If you'll forgive me for asking, who was the victor?"

"Haha. The victor has yet to be decided," Victor laughed out loud. "Pitting our respective philosophies against one another is such an engaging experience, we always lose track of time."

"To think there's a swordsman out there capable of fighting on equal terms with you... The world truly is a vast place," Laura muttered.

Contrary to Laura, Rean wondered how strong Victor was because he knew his master had unparalleled skill in swordsmanship. He tried to conjure the image of the imposing man in front of him and his master facing each other in the snowy mountainous area of the Eisengard mountain range. Victor used the Arseid-style he observed from Laura, while Master Ka-fai used the full power of Eight Leaves.

...It was no use. Rean couldn't imagine them because he was still at the bottom compared to the two.

"I can hardly imagine what a duel like that would be like," he voiced with a sigh.

"Haha. But getting back to what I was saying, the Eight Leaves One Blade school draws its influence from elements of several other Eastern schools of swordsmanship. The style's philosophy has such depth that it's not difficult to see why one who masters it is known as a Divine Blade," Victor elaborated, looking at Rean in the eyes. "But there's something about you, Rean. Something that terrifies you so much that its mere shadow pins you in place. At first, I thought it was about what Toval shared with me about the call from Crossbell, but upon further observation, yours stemmed from something else. Something... deeper than just a recent phone call."

Rean gasped. His eyes couldn't avoid Victor's gaze. So, what Master Ka-fai said was true. Mastery in any kind of martial arts was enough to elevate someone's senses. To think that Viscount Arseid would be able to see through him...

"...You have me at a loss. I never would've imagined you'd be able to tell so much about me so easily."

Rean looked at his own hands. Victor said that he sensed hesitation from him. That was indeed correct. He was unsure about his life. About the path he was taking. About whether going to Thors was the correct answer. Thus, he hesitated on everything. He hesitated to join clubs at the academy so much he only did things after Instructor Sara pushed some tasks on him. He hesitated to get close to his teammates because he feared hurting them.

"Rean..." Laura said softly.

And he hadn't even mentioned the prediction given by the SSS's informant. He was unsure whether to fully commit to things or leave things be that he and the rest of Class VII only tried doing something after Toval made up a last-minute request for them to gather the children at the church and warn them against going to the Lohengrin Castle.

Was he content with leaving things as they were currently? Was it the correct decision? Should he cast aside his fears? He didn't know.

Because he was unsure, he hesitated again.

No, Rean pursed his lips.

Nothing would change if he didn't force himself to change. The first step to improve was to acknowledge that he had something to improve upon.

"I've made up my mind," Rean murmured before looking up at the master swordsman. "My Lord... I ask of you, as the Radiant Blademaster..."

A sliver of smile made its way onto Victor's lips as he finished his words.

"Would you grant me the honor of a duel?"

---

1204/08/28 19:30
Legram, Erebonia

The duel lasted for a short time to Victor. But to Rean, it was an impossibly long time. He panted in exhaustion, using his sword to help him kneel because he really had no energy left after spending everything on using that.

His friends crowded him, voicing their concerns one by one. Rean appreciated all of them.

"I admit defeat," he addressed the Arseid school head. Smiling a little, Rean continued, "I'm honored to have seen the Radiant Blademaster's signature technique."

"Haha... I think you're finally starting to understand," Victor smiled before kneeling before him. "What we call power is simply a measure of one's raw strength. Without knowing how to properly apply it, it has no real meaning. However, when you deny the power you already possess, you're only shortchanging yourself."

"...You're right..." Rean nodded to himself, realizing something. "I feel like I finally get what my master was trying to teach me about the laws of nature. But...I'm afraid understanding that is only going to make me even more uncertain."

"That's nothing to be ashamed of. Stand up, dust yourself off, and step forward. Grapple with that fear each day, if that's what it takes. Uncertainty weighs on the hearts of all people, but it's far preferable to standing still."

Victor's words struck a chord within him. So he was on the right path, challenging Victor like this.

"Thank you for your words, Lord Arseid," Rean stood up and bowed to the older man in thanks.

"You're welcome. If you're still uncertain, don't be afraid to ask for Laura's help."

"F-Father?!" Laura asked in shock.

"Haha... I was just kidding. But I'm sure that you and Laura have been sparring. Does that also include you, Lord Jusis?" Victor turned towards the duke's son.

"I personally have yet to have a formal spar with either of them out of my own volition. But we did face each other in class," Jusis nodded.

"Very good. Sparring with lots of people is how you know you've made progress in your swordsmanship. Well, shall we rest for the night? You still have tomorrow's tasks to fulfill, and I wouldn't want to hold your time anymore."

Group A dismissed themselves, going back to their assigned rooms. Once inside, they made some small talk about school to kill time until they fell asleep.

However, about half an hour later, Millium burst into their room in a hurry. "Guys! I have some news! Whether this is good news or bad news, I don't know!"

Jusis raised his eyebrow, looking at Millium. "How do you not know if it's good or bad news? You should be able to determine that."

"Ehehe, it's a little complicated," Emma, who finally caught up after the running Millium, was the one answering Jusis. Behind her, Laura nodded.

"We'd better let Millium tell you about it first."

"So what's the news?" Gaius asked the spirited girl.

"I reported things to Lechter, and he said that the SSS's Informant prediction about Garrelia Fortress should be taken seriously," Millium informed before shrugging her shoulder. "I was about to call it good news before I remembered it was about an attack, so maybe it was bad news? But it ain't so bad either when you consider that the SSS's Informant gave us the correct prediction. So I dunno if it's good or bad."

"I see..." Rean put a hand on his chin to think.

"Wouldn't the bad outweigh the good in this case?" Gaius offered his thoughts.

"That's true! So I have bad news!" Millium exclaimed.

"Geez, you don't need to shout. It's already night," Jusis sighed. "But honestly, what can we do? Should we report this to Instructor Sara?"

"Definitely. But it can wait until tomorrow," Laura agreed.

"Rean?" Emma turned towards him. "What do you think?"

"I actually agreed with Millium. While it sounds like bad news, there is one good thing we can take out of it," he revealed to the others.

"Huh?"

"What is it?"

"Our decision to trust her words about the missing children is correct."

"Ah..." Laura nodded. "That's true. We heeded her words about the prediction about the missing children tomorrow and prevented it by gathering the children in the chapel and warning them about the castle being in maintenance."

"We should thank Toval as well for making it a last-minute request," Jusis continued.

"Yes... thank you for the information, Millium. ...Or rather, are you allowed to tell us all of this in the first place?" Rean asked the mint-haired girl, who only put her hands on the back of her head.

"Well~ Lechter owed me information about the SSS's Informant in the first place, so spilling some bits of his information should be okay."

He saw Laura frown from the corner of his eyes. "Millium, excuse me. But what would the Intelligence Division do to the SSS's Informant? She had given us valuable information."

Even towards a citizen of another state, Laura carried out her idealized knightly values. Rean couldn't help but smile at that.

"Dunno, but from what I gathered, Lechter wants her in the Intelligence Division. Hopefully, he succeeds. The SSS Informant sounds like a fun to hang out with."

"I see..." Laura let out a soft sigh.

So, the Intelligence Division wanted to recruit the SSS's Informant. Rean frowned a little. If that was the case, then he'd better pay her back tomorrow.

Notes:

Finally... Finally I can make use of the sprite! Enjoy the multiple facet of JunaSI in sprite form. Anyway, now that the original part of Azure is done, I can finally go back to use trailsdb as guide. Hopefully I don't need to make an all-new original scene. Oh who am I kidding? If the situation calls for it of course I have to write from scratch.

Chapter 45

1204/08/29 09:00
Crossbell City, Crossbell

"Oh, come on, Tita. You know you're the one pitching the idea for it. I just led you and the team to focus on our tasks."

Inside the bracer guild, Renne, Tita, and Agate talked with Michel about the presentation and their efforts for the last few days.

"No way! I didn't do much. The Epstein Foundation researchers were the ones doing all that," Tita shook her head in disagreement.

Renne looked at the blonde girl flatly. "Tita... without your quick thinking, I'm sure we would still be thinking about how to radiate the OrbalNet wave."

The former Ouroboros member heard Agate sigh from beside Tita. "Just take the damn compliment. It ain't every day Renne compliments someone meaningfully like that."

"That's because it's not every day you did something good, Agate," she quickly retorted.

Michel just laughed at them before they clicked their fingers. "Oh, right. Renne, Tita. So do you still use the original terms for the newly presented products, or has it changed?"

"Right. I remember Chief Roberts liking Juna's suggestion," Agate nodded before looking at her.

She nodded. After the presentation last night, she asked Chief Roberts and everyone about the official terms for the OWR, EEM, and Conference Call.

"Chief Roberts wants to change it with something more catchy like the 'router' Juna suggested. However, we argued that such terms should be used later, after the trade conference. After all, we used the original terms in our presentation. If we change it now, we need another meeting to let the others know about the new terms, and that's simply something we can't do with the time constraints we have."

They even had to scrap the Enigma monitoring system that Juna had suggested in her proposal because there was simply no time to do it.

"I see... that's a correct decision when you consider the time limit. The conference is in two days, and I'm not sure everyone involved would like another meeting just to correct some terminologies."

"Definitely," Renne agreed with Michel.

Yes. Even Renne didn't want to spend much time in the limelight, considering she avoided the Hayworths the entire time. Another meeting meant more time for Chief Roberts to delegate his task to her. That meant the chance of her being discovered by her family was increasing.

Suddenly, the door was opened loudly. Renne groaned because she recognized who was the one opening the door. There was only one person who would slam the door loudly every time she entered the guild.

"Morning, everyone!" Juna saluted. Behind her, Arios entered calmly without saying anything.

"Morning, Juna, Arios," Michel greeted them with a smile. "Training hard as usual?"

"Yup!" Juna answered before her eyes looked at Tita. "Ah, Tita! Good timing!" She ran towards the blonde-haired girl.

"What's wrong?" asked Tita.

Juna pulled out something that raised Renne's eyebrow. Enigma?

"Can you help set up this Enigma? I got it as a gift from the SSS last night. But when I looked up the manual, it said that it needs to be configured by Oracle engineers."

Hold on. The SSS gave Juna what?

"Ohoho, so they finally gave it to you, huh?" Michel chuckled.

"Ah! You know about it!?" Juna pointed her finger accusingly at Michel.

"Why do you think I'm not forbidding you to use the Enigma? The 'no orbment' order I gave you was just an excuse so the SSS could give it to you." Instead of Michel, Arios was the one answering Juna's accusation.

Juna dramatically put her hands where her heart was.

"Oh, to be betrayed by the closest people I'm with! This pain shall not be forgotten!"

Everyone laughed at Juna's exaggeration. However, Renne noticed that Arios only curved his lips slightly.

"Anyway, Tita, can you help me?"

Tita bit her lip. "I can help, but I left all my tools in my room."

"Aww..." Juna groaned in disappointment.

"You could've easily gone to Genten, y'know?" Renne quipped. "Any orbal engineer can do it."

"Yeah, I could've gone to Wendy, but Tita is the first one I laid my eyes on," Juna answered with a shrug.

Renne held herself back from twitching her eyes. This sort of casual confidence was what she disliked about the girl. At first, she thought it was just a mask, but over time, it became clear that this was just how Juna was. It was like Renne was looking at a mirror but without the quiet smugness. Self-assured and confident enough to take on the world. That was how she perceived the pink-haired menace.

"And besides," Juna continued. "She maintained both Estelle and Joshua's combat orbment during the incident two years ago, right? It'd be such an honor to have my Enigma being set up by someone like her."

Juna then turned to Tita and winked. It was enough to make Tita blush in embarrassment.

"Hawawa~"

Renne clicked her tongue. "Cozying Tita up, aren't you? Anyway, just go to Genten!"

"Ah, before that, even if Tita can't set up my orbment, do you have some tips for the quartz setup?" Juna disregarded her and continued bothering the blonde engineer.

Tita put her hands on her chin. "...How much sepith of all elements do you have? We can try to simulate opening all of the slots and converting the sepiths to quartzes."

"Ooh boy, I love theorycrafting!" Juna dragged a chair beside Tita. "Any tips for my build?"

Tita raised her eyebrow. "Your 'build?'"

"Yeah, you know, the quartz setup that fits how I fight," Juna explained. "Like, you and Renne fought differently, right? So that means you and Renne have different builds. That means different quartz setup."

"Quite a unique term, Juna. I see that you love to use short and related terminologies to describe something. So what do you think your 'build' is compared to us?" Renne challenged her. If she wanted to use a new specific term, she had better give them some examples.

"With my focus on Eight Leaves Second Form, my build is an agile, fast damage dealer against multiple targets. But I actually still haven't perfected the second form to be used on multiple targets, so..." Juna shrugged. "As for the two of you, judging from Estelle's stories, Tita is the multiple targets range damage dealer with her canon, while Renne has the same build as me, an agile, fast damage dealer with her scythe."

"..." She had to admit to her. That was the correct fighting style she employed while she was still in Ouroboros, discounting her Arts usage. Nowadays, she tried to avoid using her scythe against other people because most of the techniques she had in her arsenal were lethal.

"Interesting. What about me, Juna?" Arios suddenly raised a question. "You've watched my style the most. What do you think about me? Am I the same as you but better?"

Juna surprisingly shook her head. "There's one clear difference between us, Master. And that is our gender. I hate to say this, but unless I try really hard to build my base strength, any Gale I can produce will be much weaker than yours. So while you're an agile, fast, damage dealer, you can still fall back on your natural strength, making you a complete attacker," she finished with a huff before continuing with a blink. "...Actually, you can also do ranged attack to maintain your distance with the Sixth Form, and you can react to your enemies with the Fifth Form. Isn't the Eight Leaves One Blade too complete?!"

Arios let out a small smile. "I was lucky that Master Ka-fai accepted me as his student. And besides, while other martial arts styles might not be as complete as the Eight Leaves, their practitioner can still cover lots of things with their Arts."

"Yes, Olivert loves using his arts for range despite his weapon already being a gun," Tita supplied.

"Huh? Does he still use his weapon, then?" asked Juna. "But yeah, I remember Elie is also primarily an Arts user like Tio. Hmm..."

"There's also the case of everyone's natural affinities to the element. That influences your quartz setup, as the combat orbment slots might be locked into that particular element. For example, my elemental affinity is Mirage. So one of my combat orbment slots is locked into Mirage," Renne continued the explanation.

"What about you, Tita?" Juna turned to the blonde.

"Mine is Space," she answered shortly.

"Wow... two higher elements... No wonder..." Juna said in awe before shaking her head. No wonder what? "Anyway, how do I check my elemental affinity?"

"You should be able to do that in Orbal stores like Genten," Renne said in deadpan. She had been shooing Juna away to Genten but failed every time.

"Alright," Tita interjected before Juna could reply to Renne. "So what do you want your quartz setup to be, Juna? Do you want to use it as another offensive strategy? As complementary support for your sword style? Or as a defensive and range option?"

"Hmm..." Juna turned to Arios, but the older man was looking at the board. "Nah. Thanks for the heads up, Renne and Tita. I'll go to Genten after this."

"Juna," Arios called when she started going to the exit.

"Yes, Master?"

"Before you go, go upstairs. I've prepared two hundred sepith of all elements for you. Sorry for deceiving you."

Juna's face turned into a beaming smile before she ran towards the stairs.

"Thank you so much, Master!"

It took her no time to get the sepith, and she left the building. That girl really couldn't do anything normally, could she?

"You didn't say much when Juna asked about the Enigma, Agate?" Michel suddenly mentioned the red-haired man. While Tita's attention was sucked into the conversation, Renne's eyes couldn't leave Arios.

He smiled at Juna's retreating figure before it turned into a frown.

What was that about?

"-isn't that right, Renne?"

"Huh?" Renne turned towards Tita before smiling, "Oh, yeah. Definitely."

(Renne missed how Arios closed his eyes and sighed before leaving the guild.)

---

1204/08/29 10:00
Crossbell City, Crossbell

Ries Argent was walking down East Street. She had just gone back from the Downtown District for a certain reason. A voice called out to her when she was about to enter Central Square. "Oh, Miss Ries, Perfect timing!"

Juna Crawford, the girl who might bypass the Goddess' Law, called out from Central Square as she hurriedly approached her. "There are some things I wanna ask you. Is it okay? It's a little personal, though."

Personal question? Ries raised her eyebrow. "Sure... shall we go somewhere else?"

"Hmm... the guild might be a good place, but..." Ries felt Juna's eyes on her. "I don't think it's private enough for you, Miss Ries."

What? What did she mean by that? Was she referring to her status as a member of the Gralsritter? If so, then Juna was correct. The guild only has reports of the Liberl incident up to the end of the Aureole. Only the Liberl group knew of Kevin and Ries' status as agents of the secret order within the church, and that was because of the Phantasma incident.

"If you're talking about  that,  then yes. Do you have any recommendation for a more ...private place?"

"Hotel Millenium should have one, but they're pricey," Juna sighed before she looked up, "Oh, but I can probably borrow an empty room in Long Lao for a few minutes! Let's go there. I hope they still have an empty room!"

Long Lao? Could Juna really ask them for a few minutes? Ries checked her purse. If Juna couldn't, she should have the money to book a room for at least one hour or more.

As they walked to Long Lao, Ries was curious about something. "What were you doing before this? Were you perhaps looking for me at the church?"

"Not really," Juna chuckled before grabbing something out of her pants and showing it to her. "Tadaa! I just finished setting up my new Enigma in Genten!"

"Enigma? Oh, the new generation combat orbment," Ries nodded to herself. She did not have access to the newer things, but she did hear from Estelle and Joshua that the researcher in Crossbell managed to integrate an orbal phone into a combat orbment. So that was what it was.

"Yes!" Juna nodded enthusiastically. "The SSS gave it to me last night, so I went to Genten to set things up."

Oh, so it was from the SSS? It made sense, considering Juna relied on them at the time she deduced the attack.

They passed the guild building when Juna started another conversation. "By the way, Miss Ries. Renne, Tita, and Agate were in the guild. Have you met with them yet? It has been a while since you met them, right?"

"Yes, I have met with Agate," Ries nodded at Juna's question. "But I still need to meet with Tita and Renne. From what I understand, the two were very busy, yes?"

"Yup, but their business is now done. If you'd like, you can visit them. They were still in the guild an hour ago. Oh, and they also stay in Long Lao, so we'd know if they were there," Juna explained.

"I see..." Ries replied. Maybe she'd visit them later.

In no time, they arrived at Long Lao, and Juna quickly ran towards the waitress. "Shanshan!"

"Juna!" The waitress named Shanshan also ran towards Juna, and the two hugged each other while jumping in joy. "It's been a week since you last visit! I really miss you!"

"I know, I know. I'm sorry that I can't visit more often, but more things are taking up my time," Juna faked a sob. "Still, it's always nice to meet you, Shanshan!"

The two jumped in joy for a little more before Shanshan broke the hug from the chef's call.

"Coming, father!" Turning to Juna, Shanshan gestured for them to take a seat but Juna shook her head.

"I'm going to talk to Master Zhang Hui."

Master? Ries noticed Juna's respect for the head chef.

"What? You want another lesson on cooking the Boiled Fish Hotpot from Dad?" Shanshan asked while leading them to the head chef, Zhang Hui. Ries followed behind the two younger girls who were immersed in their talk.

"Nah, it's for something else," Juna replied.

"Dad, Juna is here to see you," Shanshan greeted her dad once they arrived at the counter.

"Good, you're here. Take this order to table seven."

"Alright!"

Once the waitress left, Zhang Hui turned to Juna. "So? What do you want, kiddo? It's rare for you to bother me like this. Another lesson?"

"Nope," Juna shook her head. "Master, is there any empty room? May I borrow it for several minutes? I have something to talk about, and I need a private place. Please..."

She finished her words by putting together her palms.

Judging by the stern look on Zhang Hui's face, it seemed that Ries had to intervene. But when she took the first step, Zhang Hui's face softened, and he let out a rough chuckle.

"Alright. But you need to pay for it by helping Shanshan later," the man then threw Juna a key. "The last room."

"Understood, Master!" Juna saluted the chef after catching the key. "Let's go, Ries!"

Following Juna, Ries remarked, "You don't need to do that. I have the money for it."

"Eeh, I like helping Shanshan here. Not my first time doing it," Juna shrugged casually. "And besides, I'd feel bad making you spend money when I'm the one who needed this."

"...Alright."

The two soon arrived at the empty room. Juna put in the key and unlocked the door. Turning on the lamps, Juna and Ries sat on the edge of the bed.

"So..." Ries tried to broach the subject because just sitting there staring at the wall was really awkward. "Juna?"

"Yeah, Right. I'm gathering my thoughts," Juna raised her hand to let Ries know she was thinking about how to voice her thoughts. "Okay. Miss Ries... is it okay if I ask you about the Sept-Terrion?"

Ries held back a startled gasp. "...Sept-Terrion?"

Juna nodded. "Yeah, all I got from the library is that they're bestowed by the Goddess and were lost in ancient times. I'm hoping that you, as part of the Gralsritter might know more about it."

"...If I may ask, what for?" Ries asked the girl. She suspected that Juna understood the laws that governed things beyond Aidios' rules, so for Juna to suddenly ask her about the Sept-Terrion...

Ries had a bad feeling about all this.

"I haven't connected all the dots yet. I need information about Sept-Terrion first before I can do it," Juna sighed. "But it's fine if you can't tell me anything. I know this is supposed to be a big secret, and you can't blab it to outsiders."

Ries bit her lip. Should she? There was no denying the importance of Juna's ability to bypass the Goddess' Law to reach a conclusion. But this was not simple information that she could give to other people. This was something that the Septian Church didn't want just anybody to know because of how huge of a secret it was.

"The Aureole was a Sept-Terrion, right?" Juna suddenly asked her another question, bringing Ries out of her thoughts.

"...Yes." She could confirm at least that much since Juna knew the full story from the Brights.

"Which element was it?"

...At this point, Juna's insight shouldn't have surprised her. Ries sighed. "You know that much huh..."

"Well, duh. The 'Sept' in Sept-Terrion means seven; the elements are the only notable thing in this world that had seven in it. So Sept-Terrion most likely either governs or is limited by the elements," Juna answered with a shrug. "By that logic, the Aureole that appeared two years ago must have been associated with one of the seven elements."

Hold on.

"You know that 'Sept' means seven?" Ries raised her eyebrow.

"Huh?" Juna blinked. "That's common sense, isn't it? ...Oh wait, this is the thing about my 'incomprehensible facts' that nobody else should understand, huh?"

The young girl sighed at her own conclusion.

"...Yes... in any case, I shouldn't be surprised. Yet time after time, I'm always caught unprepared by you," Ries also sighed before looking at Juna.

"Ehehe..." Juna just laughed sheepishly. "Sorry."

Ries didn't feel any regret coming from the girl in front of her.

"So what was the element associated with Aureole?" Juna turned the conversation back to the original topic.

"Space. It was space," Ries answered shortly.

After hearing that, Juna put her fingers on her chin, thinking.  "One in six... so seventeen percent chance of me being correct..."

Ries couldn't hear Juna's muttering, but she let her continue, as Juna was clearly thinking about something.

"Thanks for the information, Miss Ries. That's all I wanted to know."

So Juna didn't tell her anything, huh...

"You're welcome, Juna. If you have any more questions, you can find me. Although, like just now, I can't guarantee I will answer them," Ries stood up from the bed.

"Of course!" Juna smiled at her and followed. "Will you go back to the cathedral?"

"Yes." She would return to the cathedral and finish her work for the day. After that, she'd include Juna's question about the Sept-Terrion in her regular report without mentioning Juna. If her superior gave their permission, maybe she could tell her about the Sept-Terrion. "What about you?"

"I think I'll try using my new Enigma on Eastern Crossbell Highway," Juna brought out her Enigma and stared at it.

"Good luck, Juna. See you later."

"See you later, Miss Ries!"

On her way out, however, Ries smelled the heavenly scent of food on Long Lao and ended up ordering several servings

Notes:

I hope you've noticed what I did in this and the previous chapter. If you don't, well... in Juna's words, I put a weight in the relationship between Juna and Arios. It is a weight that only us as a reader can see. Juna might see it if she looked back on herself, but well, it's Juna. However, there is one more person who might understand the weigh in the story. Let's see if that person notice it. And also, Juna is now gathering all the pieces of the puzzle, but not the full picture yet, or in her words, she's seeing the dots, rearranging it, but not connecting it yet. Slow down people, the conference hasn't even started.

Chapter 46: Chapter 46

1204/08/29 10:30
Crossbell City, Crossbell

The SSS, particularly Lloyd, Elie, and Randy, accompanied Heiyue's young master on a tour of Crossbell City. It was a sudden request from the Heiyue's Crossbell branch head, Cao Lee, and since it was made into an official request, the SSS had no choice but to accept it.

However, if Cao was late in delivering the documents, Lloyd would hound Heiyue until they finished it.

The young master, Xin, wanted to visit several places, and the Bracer Guild was one of them. So the three (with Noel and Wazy following from behind) entered the guild to see Michel standing at the receptionist counter.

"This is the Crossbell branch of the Bracer Guild..." Xin looked around before hiding behind Elie's legs.

"Why are you hiding, Xin?" Lloyd asked the eastern boy.

"Sh-Shut up! It's none of your business!" he said, blushing after being caught.

Lloyd wondered what he was scared of.

"My, oh, my. What are you doing with that cute little boy there? Don't just stand there in the entrance. Come on over here," Michel beckoned them to approach.

Once the four of them were on the counter, Michel continued. "So? Who's the rascal? He lost and looking for his parents?"

"N-Not quite..." Lloyd awkwardly replied. He didn't know how to break the news to Michel that they were doing a request from Heiyue to accompany the grandson of their elder.

"H-Hey! Hey, you! Is the Divine Blade of Wind here right now?!" Xin suddenly asked Michel. Arios? Oh! Lloyd realized. That was why Xin was afraid of entering the guild. He didn't want to meet Arios. But what relation did Arios have with Heiyue?

"Well, don't you have a mouth on you? Sorry, dumpling. Arios is out at the moment," Michel replied casually, dismissing Xin's demeanor. He then clapped his hands. "Oh, but his student is here."

Juna? He'd better greet her later.

Xin took a step back. "The Divine Blade of Wind's student!? How come I've never heard of this?!"

"Because he doesn't really broadcast that, silly," Michel chuckled before looking at Xin closely. "Hmm... His words, actions, and getup point to one thing... I get it. You're connected with Heiyue. I bet you're an elder's grandson, too."

"H-How do you know that?" Elie gasped.

"It's honestly easy to see if you observe him fully," Lloyd was the one who answered Elie.

"Yes. I tried doing a Juna and succeeded," he winked at the SSS, prompting Lloyd and Randy to laugh.

"Yeah, that was a top recreation of Juna pulling a Juna, alright."

"Why does he look and act like this? What a strange person... Are all people from the Bracer Guild this way?" Xin asked without any restraint, making Lloyd wince.

"Xin..." Elie said with a sigh. It was probably his upbringing that made him like this.

"You've been a rude little runt this entire time. I'm sure you'll make a fine member of the mighty Heiyue. I'm sure he'll only become worse, too," Michel also sighed.

Randy nodded, "No doubt he will."

"That aside, why are you so obsessed with Arios? It's not like we hold a grudge against Heiyue or anything."

"So you say. You've meddled in the elders' affairs many times," Xin huffed. "The Divine Blade of Wind and the Immovable have been nothing but problems for us."

"The Immovable...?" Lloyd muttered in confusion.

"Ah, he means Zin the Immovable. A Calvardian A-rank bracer and a master of the Taito school of martial arts. We don't see him often anymore, but he's helped this branch many times in the past," Michel explained.

"Didn't you go to Calvard after..." Elie trailed off, "The Immovable is from Calvard."

Lloyd just laughed sheepishly. "I may have lived there for a while, but don't ask me anything about Calvard because I was too focused on my ambition to join the police academy."

"Make sense," Randy nodded, which only made Elie sigh.

"Men. In any case, if I remember correctly, Lynn also practices Taito, doesn't she?"

"She sure does. Zin is one of her predecessors in the school. And it goes without saying that he's incredibly strong."

"Hmm, and he's an A-rank, huh... he must be really strong," Randy whistled, putting his hand in his pocket.

"That may be, but the real problem with your guild is your honor code. Maybe it's your ruleset or whatever, but that doesn't give you the right to do whatever you want in the name of civilian safety!" Xin whined loudly.

"Don't you know? Our code balances itself out. There are some things even we can't touch because of our noninterference pledge," countered Michel. "But hold the phone, little man. How do you know so much about that at your age?"

"Seriously... I'm impressed, Xin."

"Hah. Flattery will get you nowhere," Xin snorted. "Anyway, you bracers are--"

"I think that's enough moaning about the guild. You're still just a kid, after all. By the way, KeA and Shizuku are hanging out upstairs with Juna. You should go say hi to them," the receptionist cut off Xin's tirade.

"Yeah, we were about to go upstairs soon. Thanks for the reminder," Lloyd nodded.

"Why don't we introduce Xin to them?" Elie said with a clap of hands.

"Wh-What? Who's that?"

However, none of the adults answered Xin and instead pushed him to follow them to the second floor.

As they went upstairs, Lloyd heard Juna's voice saying something.

"...However, the masked man did not expect to see a knife lodged in his stomach. When he looked at the princess, there was none of the sweet smiles he had seen before. In its place was a wicked grin that sent a shiver down his spine."

When they set foot on the second floor, he saw Juna was telling a story to both KeA and Shizuku. However... Lloyd frowned. The content seemed to not be very safe for children.

KeA gasped while Shizuku sighed.

"No! Masked Man!"

"That's too cruel even for him..."

"The princess then revealed that she only chose the masked man to be the winner of the public contest because he wore a mask. That was it. It wasn't because he was the most impressive of the suitors. Nor was it because she was charmed by his effort. No. She chose him because he wore a mask!" Juna paused to see the two children's reaction.

"But why the mask?"

"Hmm..."

"As she finished talking, the masked man heard another footsteps before he felt a hand taking off his mask. 'Ugh, what an ugly sight. Sebastian, get him out of my sight, please.' At that moment, the former masked man saw with his own eyes the princess putting the mask he used on her butler's face. 'With this, nobody can stop our love, my dear butler,' said the princess to the butler. The last thing the former masked man saw was the princess kissing his mask on the butler's face. And then darkness. The masked man reached his ends, just like the old granny predicted."

"Noo! The princess is too cruel! She chose him because she can hide her real lover's face behind the mask!" KeA shouted in anger. "How can people do something that to someone else?!"

"Err, KeA. That's just a story," Shizuku tried to pacify her green-haired friend.

"I know! But that's just..."

Juna scratched her head. "Don't take it too seriously, KeA. I mean, I made her up to be the villainess of the story. Ah, the SSS! Hi guys!"

Now, everyone's attention was on them.

"Hey there, KeA, Shizuku, Juna. You guys seems to be having fun."

"Who are these kids? Do you know them?" Xin interrupted, asking Elie about these new people.

That, in turn, made KeA and Shizuku turned to him.

"Huh? Who's he?"

"A little boy...? "

"Wh-Who's little?! I'm Xin! The man slated to bear the burden of Heiyue's future as an elder's grandson!" Xin declared proudly, puffing his chest up.

"I-I apologize," Shizuku stammered.

"Wow. You're so tiny, yet you're an adult like Lloyd! You're a lot greater than your size lets on, huh?" KeA said with a smile.

"Stop it! Stop calling me small!"

Seeing the interactions, Randy couldn't help but laugh. "Haha. KeDo, destroyer of rude boys."

"Yeah, I was about to say what a precocious brat he is, but KeA destroyed him already," Juna joined in.

"Hehe, let me introduce you, Xin. These three are KeA, Shizuku, and Juna. I think they're a little older than you," Elie presented the two. Kea waved her hands, while Shizuku bowed a little when their name was called.

"And did we mention that Shizuku is Arios' daughter?" Lloyd couldn't help but add. He wanted to see his reaction.

"Th-That's the Divine Blade of Wind's...?!" Xin gasped before pointing his finger, "I-I bet you're a swordsman, too, aren't you?! You're the student I've never heard before! Your eyes have been closed this entire time. I bet you're using that Insight thingy!"

Before anybody reacted, Juna swung her wooden sword and hit Xin's arms.

"Ouch! That hurts!"

"Don't be rude to Shizuku! Actually, don't be rude to other people in general!" Juna raised her voice.

"Thank you, Juna. But I'm not offended. Actually, My eyes are closed because I'm unable to see. My hearing is better than most because of it, but I'm not nearly as cool as my father," Shizuku calmly explained her situation.

Xin bit his lips before looking down, "I'm terribly sorry! That was ungentlemanly of me. Please forgive me for my insolence."

"Heehee. It's okay."

"That's better," Juna put her wooden sword back on her hips.

"And who are you, huh? You do know that I'm the grandson of Heiyue's elders right?" Xin turned his attention to Juna, glaring at the older girl.

Before Juna could say anything to aggravate the little boy even more, Elie took the rein of the conversation and introduced Juna.

"Xin, this one here is Juna, as I said before. She is Arios' student."

"A-Arios' student!" As if struck, Xin hid behind Elie's leg once more. "W-Why do you have two swords?!" He pointed to Juna's waist.

"These?" Juna grinned. "One is to fight monsters. And the other is to discipline rude brats like you."

"Hyah!" Xin latched onto Elie's legs in fear.

"But seriously. You said you're going to lead Heiyue, right? You can start by not being rude to people you don't know," Juna changed her tone to be softer than before. She then approached Xin and patted his head. "What if in the future, Heiyue failed to get partnerships with another group because you, the leader, were being rude to the other group's representative? Instead of allies, you get new enemies aiming for your back."

"...Right..." Xin said in defeat.

"Good boy," Juna smiled before standing up.

Randy whistled. "Whew, she literally tamed Xin in just one interaction."

"That's our Juna," Lloyd chuckled. Only Juna could thwack Heiyue's elder's grandson and teach him life lessons.

"Anyway, what are you guys doing here?" Juna turned to him.

"We're accompanying Xin on a tour. He wanted to sightsee Crossbell," Lloyd answered.

"I see, I see. Well, don't let us stop you."

"Um..." Xin suddenly interrupted. "Miss Juna..."

'Miss' Juna? Lloyd noticed the specific way Xin called out.

Juna blinked. "Yes?"

"Aagh! Elie, come here!" the boy pulled Elie's arm down in a hurry. Once Elie crouched down, Xin whispered something to her before Elie giggled.

"I see... Of course, Xin," Elie nodded with a smile before turning to Juna. "Juna, Xin here wanted you to join us."

"...Huh?"

"Um, M-Miss Juna. I would very much like it if you could join me on the tour. ...Please?" Xin asked her nervously.

Wow. Lloyd had no words. He turned around to see Juna closing her eyes and thinking before she sighed.

"Fine, but..." Juna raised her index finger while the other hand perched on her hips. She then leaned her torso forward. "You have to be a good boy, okay?"

Slowly, Xin's nervousness turned into a big smile. "Yes! I will, Miss Juna!"

"You know what? That was masterfully done, Juna. I had nothing else to say," Randy clapped.

"Yeah... thank Aidios for Juna here," Elie smiled at the scene.

"By the way, Xin, you're not from around here, huh? How much longer are you gonna be in Crossbell?" KeA suddenly asked the boy.

"I'll be here for about two more days, if you must know," Xin replied concisely.

"Does that mean you're gonna check out the tower unveiling tomorrow We're gonna watch it from Times' rooftop. You wanna join us?" the green-haired girl smiled. Her tendency to quickly make friends reared its head again. Still, it'd be good for KeA and Xin both if they become friends.

"A-Are you sure?"

"Yeah, why not! Ryu, Anri, and the other kids are all gonna be there, too. It'll be plenty of fun!"

Xin turned to Juna. "W-Will you be there tomorrow, Miss Juna?"

"Unfortunately, no. I have somewhere else to be," Juna sighed before patting Xin's head. "But I think it'd be good for you to join them."

"R-Right..." Xin looked down, face reddening.

"And besides," Juna crouched down again and whispered in Xin's ears. "It'd soothe my heart if you were there to keep watch over Shizuku and my little siblings."

Xin's mouth opened in surprise before he turned to KeA. "I will come! The unveiling is tomorrow at 11AM, is it not? I will come!"

"Yep! We'll see you there!" KeA grinned.

"..." Randy's jaw dropped seeing Juna's act.

"I know that Juna is good with children, but not how good she is," Lloyd whispered to no one in particular.

"Lloyd, my brother. That ain't the level of 'good' anymore," Randy said after shaking his head. "I think we should keep this a secret from Wazy."

"Huh? Why?" Lloyd turned to the red-haired man in confusion.

"That guy will make Juna even more dangerous!"

"What are you two talking about? Let's continue! I only have limited time with Miss Juna!" Xin whined at Lloyd and Randy.

"Alright, alright," Randy sighed.

The four of them, plus Juna, went downstairs to continue giving Xin the tour. Juna said something to Michel, probably asking for permission before they left the building.

From the corner of his eyes, Lloyd saw Michel picking up the telephone before Xin took his attention away.

"Come on!"

"...Alright."

---

1204/08/29 10:40
Legram, Erebonia

The next morning, Group A of Class VII from Thors Military Academy started their second day of Field Study in Legram. After gazing at the reflective Lake Ebel in the morning, Rean and his friends walked towards the guild.

Inside the guild, Toval greeted them with a wave of his hand. "Hey, I heard the big news!"

He turned to Rean. "Did you seriously duel the Radiant Blademaster?"

Rean wanted to curl up and die. The news spread that fast?! Aidios... His friends beside him laughed (or snorted in Jusis' case) (except Emma, bless her kind soul) at his expression before Rean gathered his composure and replied. "Well, he was kind enough to give me the chance to test my skill against him. The gap between him and me is so wide that calling it a 'duel' is being generous."

"Nah, don't sell yourself short. It takes some real guts to even think of trying to duel the viscount," Toval reached towards his right shoulder to pat it twice. "I know you've battled Sara, and her strength is pretty intense, but he's on a whole different level. I can see you didn't achieve beginner rank in the Eight Leaves One Blade school for nothing."

Rean sweatdropped.

"Y-You're surprisingly well informed..."

"That's a bracer for you," Millium whistled.

Toval shrugged. "Well, the guild has pretty close ties with the Eight Leaves One Blade school, after all."

"Cassius Bright, right?" Rean tried to remember the name of his senior, whom Master Ka-fai had mentioned before. Nobody in Erebonia did not know the name Cassius Bright. The general who turned the table on the Hundred Days War. However, Master Ka-fai mentioned that after the war, Cassius Bright retired from the military and became a Bracer.

"And Arios MacLaine since a few years ago," Toval added. "Anyway, let me get you those tasks for today."

Rean received the envelope containing the list of tasks for the Field Study. It was exterminating the monster in Ebel Highway from Toval and material gathering for Sister Theramis in Legram Chapel. Considering her help in gathering the children yesterday, Rean felt like they had to do their best to fulfill her request.

"Oh... I was expecting there to be...more, I guess." Emma muttered once she saw the tasks.

"I AM rather curious about this monster extermination request," Laura pointed out. The request was rather short and not informative, saying that it came from Toval and the details were unknown.

"I didn't want to overload you since I'm planning on giving you an extra task this afternoon. It sounds like today will be your last full day in Legram, so I want to get the most out of you while I've got you here. Anyway, get on out there and do what you do. I'll be waiting for the good result," Toval winked playfully.

"No sense in waiting to get started, then."

"Well, at least it shouldn't take long."

"Okay, let's roll on out!"

Gaius, Jusis, and Millium remarked. However, Rean had one last thing to do.

"Ah, Toval. Can I talk with the Crossbell Branch Bracer Guild again?"

Raising his eyebrow, Toval answered. "Sure... but why?"

"There's something I want to talk about to the informant," Rean revealed to Toval.

"Rean?" Laura questioned him.

"This is the first time I heard about it," Jusis commented. That was true. This wasn't something that he talked about with everyone. But he felt like he had to do this.

"It's something I decided before I went to bed last night, so I haven't got the time to talk to you guys," he answered Jusis.

"Alright. I'll ring them up for you."

Toval picked up the orbal telephone and pressed some buttons. "Hello. Ah, Michel. It's me, Toval. Yeah. I'm good, I'm good. Yeah, I heard. I wish you and the whole of Crossbell City the best. Right, listen. Somebody wants to talk to the SSS Informant again. ...Heh, you almost blurted out her name, be careful there."

Toval had a grin on his face before it quickly turned into a frown. "She's not there? Aww... thanks for the info, Michel. Hmm? ... Right, let me get my pen first."

Toval picked up a pen and paper before he was back with the phone. "Hmm... alright. Done. Thank you, Michel."

Toval put the phone handle down and turned to the group. "Sorry, it seems that the SSS informant is not in the guild. But Michel does give her Enigma number."

"Enigma?" Rean asked in curiosity.

"Is it like Arcus?" Gaius continued.

"Correct. It is a combat orbment developed by the foundation in Crossbell," Toval nodded at the questions.

Jusis frowned at the explanation. "If it's from different manufacturers, can our Arcus even call those Enigmas?"

"It should, since they used the same protocol for orbal telephone. ...or so I heard. Why don't you try calling her later?" Toval handed Rean the paper containing the SSS Informant's number. After taking a small glance at the paper, Rean pocketed it and nodded at Toval.

"Thank you, Toval. Come on, guys. Let's finish today's request."

"Of course."

"Yes."

"We're with you."

"Let's gooo!"

---

1204/08/29 12:40
Crossbell City, Crossbell

Atop the Times Department store roof, Lloyd, Elie, and Randy, accompanied by Juna, showed Xin the rooftop view. It was a prime place to see the Orchis Tower and the place where KeA and Shizuku would go tomorrow at the unveiling of the tower.

After a while, Lloyd asked the child. "So, Xin. Were you satisfied with the view from the roof?"

"It was pleasantly adequate, yes," Xin answered with a nod without tearing his eyes away from the horizon. "The rest of the city tour wasn't too shabby, either. I must admit... I think this little outing will be one to remember."

"Really, now? Well, I'm glad you feel that way. Isn't that right, everyone?"

Xin turned away and paid attention to everyone. He really was taken by Elie and Juna, huh? Lloyd couldn't help but sighed internally.

"Yes," Elie answered Lloyd with a smile to the Heiyue's young master. "We're happy that you feel that way about Crossbell."

Juna puffed up her chest. "Hehe... this city is our pride and joy. We're happy that you're enjoying yourself."

Ah, of course, Xin's eyes wouldn't move from Juna's puffed-up chest.

"This little guy is very precocious," Randy whispered to him, noticing the recipient of Xin's gaze.

"Unfortunately, there's nothing we can do about that."

Xin then turned away and sighed. "I plan to return to Calvard in two days' time. After which, I'll once again be surrounded by stuffy adults, forced to endure an endless torrent of studying. Such is the fate of a man who will one day command those of others."

"Xin..." Elie put her hand on the boy's shoulder.

"Got it tough, eh, kiddo?" Randy grinned, trying to lift up the mood.

"By the way, Xin. Are you enrolled in Sunday School?" Lloyd changed the subject, also trying to lift up the mood for Xin.

"Yes. As a means of broadening my horizons. Everyone fears the adults guarding me, though, so they don't dare approach," Xin nodded.

"No wonder your manners are a little rough," Juna remarked. "Listen, Xin. If you want to be respected, don't forget to respect others. It's sad to see that an institution as big as Heiyue in Calvard couldn't teach you that."

"Yes. Thank you for giving me a chance, Miss Juna. KeA and Shizuku, too. Even after I was being rude, they still invited me. I'm grateful for the experience and invitation."

"Haha. It's a good thing we ran into them, then."

Xin shook his head. "Pardon me. I'm not one to usually engage in useless small talk. At any rate, I've had enough of a tour. Escort me back to the office at once."

"Huh? But we haven't explored everything yet," Juna questioned.

"Ah, we didn't tell you? The tour won't cover every inch, just the ones that Xin wanted to visit. And he already visited everything," Lloyd scratched his cheek. "Sorry, Juna."

"Aww... if that's the case, then you can escort Xin back to Heiyue, I have to go somewhere first. Wait for me there!"

Juna immediately ran towards the rooftop exit.

"Miss Juna..."

"Don't worry, Xin. You'll see her quite soon." Knowing Juna, she was doing something for Xin. "Now, let's go."

---

1204/08/29 12:50
Crossbell City, Crossbell

The SSS and Xin arrived in front of Heiyue. Lau, Cao's right-hand man, was waiting there for them and opened the door. However, Xin didn't move.

"Young Master?"

"I'm waiting for someone," Xin answered.

Not even a minute later, loud footsteps could be heard as Juna's figure entered their sight. However, Juna did not come empty-handed as she held a paper bag in her arms.

"Sorry for ditching you like that, Xin. But I thought I had the chance to guide you to West Street. Turns out that you didn't want to, so I thought I could give you something to remember us, to remember Crossbell by."

She then presented the paper bag. "Tadaa! It's assorted bread from Morges Bakery, my favorite bakery in the whole world!"

Lau was about to open his mouth, but Xin beat him to it. "Thank you, Miss Juna!"

Juna crossed her arms and nodded. "Yes. I'm sure you will not forget the taste of Morges bread. Oh, but I know that you probably had a lot of assassination attempts, so I don't really mind if you people poison test it or whatever. But know this!" Pointing her finger upwards, Juna declared with confidence. "Morges bakery is made by professional baker! To taint their dough mixture with poison is heresy! I swear upon Aidios name that those are not laced with poison or anything."

...That really sounded over the top, but well, that was how Juna was, so Lloyd only smiled at the pink-haired girl's antics. However, contrary to his expectations, Lau took Juna's words seriously.

"The bakers at Morges are respectable people. However, there was a window of time between it being taken out of Morges shelves and brought here. It might be laced with poisons at those times. Unfortunately, we still have to check it for anything malicious."

"Hey, did you just imply I'm the one mixing poisons for my gift to Xin?!" Juna raised her voice in anger, but Lau ignored him.

"Young Master, Special Support Section. Master Cao is waiting for you."

"Very well. Miss Juna will join me," Xin said without any room for negotiation.

"...That's fine."

And thus, everyone entered Heiyue's headquarters, with Juna following last. Once they were on the second floor, the SSS and Xin debriefed Cao on what places they visited and Xin's opinion of them.

"It pleases me to know you enjoyed yourself," Cao said with a smile after the debrief was over.

"I'll admit that it exceeded my expectations. It would seem there is more to Crossbell than Arc en Ciel and the theme park. Now I understand why a shrewd businessman like yourself is so taken by it, Cao," Xin replied in a restrained excitement.

"You flatter me, Master Xin." He then turned towards the SSS. "Thank you, Lloyd, Elie, and the rest of the SSS. I never could have imagined that a simple tour would please Master Xin so much. I am in your debt."

Lloyd knew what this man was trying to do. But he had to at least act cordial to him. "Don't mention it, Cao."

"We had a fun time, as well," Elie continued.

"At the very least, we would like for you to have this. It may not be much, but please accept it," Lau prepared a case.

There it was. "I don't know if that's such a good idea. We are members of the CPD, after all."

"Heh. I thought you might say that, which is why I refrained from having mira arranged for you. Consider this a token of friendship with Master Xin, or with me, if you'd like," Cao smiled in triumph. This man was really getting on his nerves.

"Well..."

"Most excellent idea, Cao. Can you also give something to Miss Juna?"

Cao nodded. "A little unexpected addition, but we have more. Lau?"

"At once," Lau went to the side room for a minute before coming back with another case. He then presented both cases to him and Juna. Inside it was a beautiful, moon-colored gem.

"Beautiful... thank you so much, Xin!" Juna hugged the box to her chest.

"A-Ah..." Xin blushed and looked away. "It's the least I can do for your gift."

Cao looked interested in the exchange. Lloyd immediately intervened. "I think we should be going now. We'll see you around, Xin."

"Heehee. Until next time."

"I'll be looking forward to it, Elie!"

"Don't forget tomorrow, Xin! I'm counting on you!"

"Yes, Miss Juna!"

And then they left Heiyue's headquarters.

Outside, the SSS took a break at the bench in the Harbor District. The first one who broke the silence was Juna. "Man, now I understand when you said Cao Lee is dangerous."

"Junie?" Randy asked.

"Yes," Lloyd answered. "His martial prowess wasn't what we meant."

"I mean, he did manipulate the situation so that you'd receive his gift. That takes skills," Wazy pointed out.

"But really, I didn't expect you to be that good with Xin," Noel commented.

"Ehehe..." Juna scratched her head. "It was a gamble, actually. His tone and mannerisms show that he's spoiled, so I just do what I usually do with my little siblings."

"And that is to become a strict big sis? Fufufu... I'm sure Xin would be glad to have a big sis like you from his glances." Wazy grinned.

Juna just shrugged, implying that she knew that Xin had a crush on her. "Well, as long as he's in line..."

"Do you want a further lesson in seduction? Next time, you don't need to stop at young boys," The green-haired former delinquent offered with a playful smirk.

"Wazy..." Elie sighed. "In any case, Juna. Will that be alright? It was cute when Xin tried to get my attention. But with you..."

Indeed. While Xin had tried so hard to get Elie's attention, what he did with Juna was different. Xin had none of his previous bluster and gloat after Juna joined them. With Elie, Xin tried to show how mature he was to her by mentioning Heiyue's business. However, with Juna, Xin fell back in line and became the little boy he was. It didn't help that Juna was generous with head pats and shoulder rubs. Xin was easily pacified by Juna's sisterly nature.

"It's okay! Xin's still just a little boy, after all. Anyway, what will you guys be doing after this?"

It was a clear attempt to change the subject, but since Juna assured them that it was okay... "We'll continue doing support requests for the day. What about you?"

In response to Juna's question, she grinned and showed them her Enigma. "Tadaa! I've equipped my Enigma with some quartzes, and I'd like to train with it after this. It's still a new setup with some low-level quartzes, though, since my sepith savings aren't great."

Lloyd took a closer look at Juna's Enigma setup. It was a 3-2-1 line with the Master Quartz slot and the last 1 slot being left empty. Juna had Attack 1, Defense 1, and HP 1 in the first line, while the second line had Action 1 and Evade 1.

Looking at his compatriots, they nodded to him. Ah, so they understood. He was glad to be able to call them as his comrades.

"Juna, would you accept another gift from us?"

"Huh?" Juna tilted her head.

"The Master Quartz slot and the last slot are still empty, right? We have spares lying around in our bag. We feel like giving it to you would serve more purpose than just letting them stay there," he explained.

"That's..." Juna was rendered speechless.

"Take it, Junie. If anyone deserves it, it's you."

"Yes. It'd also make you stronger and, thus, safer when you're fighting monsters," Elie continued Randy's attempt to make Juna accept.

"Everyone..." Juna trailed off, but she silently nodded while avoiding eye contact with all of them.

"Haha..." Now, what to give her? He had lots of spare quartzes and two free Master Quartzes. Everyone had been equipped with the most optimal quartz setup, so adjusting anything was unnecessary. Everything inside the bag was available for Juna.

In the end, he decided on one quartz and one Master Quartz.

"Here," Lloyd gave Juna the quartzes he decided.

"This is..." Juna looked at the black quartz and the golden Master Quartz. "It's Impede 1, isn't it? What's the Master Quartz? I don't recognize it."

"It's Platinum, a Space Master Quartz. Lloyd bought it in case we need it, but it turns out that we're comfortable with our own Master Quartz, so it went unused," Elie elaborated.

Juna still couldn't move her eyes from the Platinum Master Quartz. "...Are you sure I can have this? Not the other Master Quartz?"

"Yes," Lloyd nodded.

"Alright," Juna finally nodded. She then put the Platinum inside the Master Quartz slot in the middle before switching the Evade 1 quartz to the 1-line slot and putting the new Impede 1 into the empty 2-line slot. "Thank you so much, everyone!"

Seeing Juna bowing at them, Lloyd just chuckled. "You're welcome, Juna. Keep up with your training."

"Of course!" Juna replied before going away.

As they saw her walk away to the East Street, Lloyd declared. "Well then, let's continue our support requests."

"Yeah."

---

1204/08/29 17:00
Legram, Erebonia

Inside the Legram Bracer Guild Branch building, Rean and the group had just finished all their Field Study tasks for the day. Toval had something to do, so they were alone inside. The four of them, excluding the sleeping Millium, were debating about the importance of the guild for Erebonia.

"The guild is an organization, first and foremost, and one based far too much on idealism and far too little on practicality. Donations and public funding can only go so far in covering its operating costs. 'It's no stretch at all to say that with the Empire as it is now, the guild's removal was inevitable.' That's what my brother once said when we discussed this:" Jusis gave his mind to the others.

"...I suppose that's another way to look at it," Gaius nodded.

"I have to admit, it sounds rather cold and dismissive. But it does carry more weight coming from Rufus Albarea," Laura nodded to herself.

Something stuck in Rean's mind at that. "Maybe those ideals are what made the government drive off the bracers in the first place, and Prince Olivert is trying to show that Erebonia still needs an organization like the guild in their day-to-day life with us, Class VII, and the Field Studies."

"Make sense... After all, Imperial or Provincial Soldiers might be too prideful to be asked to change the orbal lamps or gather some materials," Emma agreed with him.

"So, a possible solution is to establish a new organization under government control that deals with helping people in their daily lives," Gaius concluded.

"Mmm... Emma...they're so big... Eheehee... And soft..." Millium grasped air in her sleep.

A red-faced Emma couldn't help but exclaim, "M-Millium...?!"

Had Millium touched Emma's... well, Millium was a fellow girl, so it wouldn't be strange, would it? Not like the incident between him and Alisa

"Look at that. She doesn't even have to be awake to be an irritant," Jusis scoffed, but Rean detected some fondness in his tone.

Rean faked a cough to get everyone's attention. "Aaaaaanyway... I think it's time to try to contact the SSS's Informant again."

"Right. You wanted to do that this morning."

"Why do you want to contact that girl again?" Jusis hummed.

Rean's eyes flashed towards the sleeping Millium. "Last night, Millium said she told her superior about the informant. I feel like I have to warn our informant that Millium's superior is onto her trail. Mostly because she did say that she used an alias with us because people are trying to protect her."

"I see..." Laura nodded. "That is the honorable thing to do, indeed."

"Should we wake Millium up?" Emma raised a question. That was certainly true. It would feel like they did it behind Millium's back.

"Hmph. I don't see why. Even if she's awake, she'd just go, 'Oh, alright!' or other things," Jusis retorted.

"Yes. Knowing Millium, she might even laugh sheepishly and say sorry to the SSS Informant," Gaius continued, making everyone smile.

"That sounds like Millium, alright," Emma sighed.

"Alright, then." Rean picked up the paper Toval gave him this morning from his pocket. It contained the number for the SSS Informant's Enigma, which was apparently a different version of ARCUS developed in Crossbell. He didn't know if ARCUS could connect to Enigma, but Toval said that it should and that there was no harm in trying.

It took him only a little while before the call was picked up.

"Hello. Who is this?"

That was the same voice he heard yesterday. "Ah, hello. SSS Informant? This is Rean Schwarzer."

"Oh! Right, Michel said you called for me this morning. Sorry, I was preoccupied with something else," the apologetic tone coming from her made Rean unconsciously smile.

"No, no, it's okay. It's nothing important in the first place."

"Hmm... now you made me curious. What do you want to talk about?"

Rean took a breath to prepare himself.

"Listen, you're hiding from the Erebonian Intelligence Division, am I correct? Then please forgive us, but you might be compromised. One of our class members is affiliated with the Intelligence Division, and she might have told her superior that you had predicted something would happen in Garrelia Fortress," he explained. If the informant didn't warn them, her identity wouldn't be compromised. That was the primary reason why Rean felt bad about the whole thing and wanted to apologize to the informant. "I... kind of don't want us to be on the wrong foot, so I'm warning you to be more vigilant. Millium said her superior might want to recruit you."

"...Lechter Arundel?"

"That was the name that Millium said, yes," Rean confirmed.

"Alright. I'll try to be more careful. For your sake, at least." Rean let out a breath of relief at that. "But really? An intelligence agent in your class? What's next? Your class also has magicians and mad scientists?"

"Haha... I hope none of my classmates would be that extreme. I'm happy with them," Rean replied with a chuckle at the incredulous tone coming from the other side.

"I know, I know. I was joking. So, is there anything else?"

"No, there shouldn't be. I just wanted to--"

Rean's words were cut off as someone opened the door.

"E-excuse me! Is anyone here?!"

Rean wasn't familiar with her, but seeing as Laura stepped up, Rean turned his attention back to the call.

"What was that?" The informant asked because Rean paused.

"No. It was just a local girl entering the guild in a hurry." She probably had a request for Toval, but Toval wasn't here at the moment.

The line went silent for a few seconds before the informant continued, "...Hey, Rean. Has somebody gone missing in that castle you mentioned yesterday?"

Huh? Nobody had gone missing. Especially after they gathered everyone at the chapel and warned them not to go there.

"Nobody--"

"Th-They haven't come home... Julian and Karno still haven't come back home!"

That instantly caught Rean's attention.

"Wait. You don't mean...?"

"Are those two missing?!" Laura couldn't hide the agitation in her tone. Legram was her responsibility. To hear about two children going missing would make anyone restless.

Instantly, his mind went back to the question the informant had just asked him.

"Is it possible that those two went to Lohengrin Castle?" Rean voiced out his theory.

"But we've warned them..." Emma whimpered as if she couldn't believe what was happening.

"It is one of the possibilities, yes. However, let's just search the town first," Jusis offered.

"Yes. In the meantime, I'll ask Klaus to provide a boat for us to search around the lake," Laura continued.

"Alright, Class VII. Toval isn't here, so it is up to us to help Chloe find Julian and Karno!" Rean declared before going back to his ARCUS. "Sorry, we got a situation here."

"...Does my prediction come true?" The informant said after a few seconds. To his silent surprise, however, it didn't sound like the informant was happy that she was correct.

"Yes. Anyway, is it alright to end the call here? I'm about to go with my friends."

"..."

The other end of the line was silent.

"Informant?"

"They're at the castle. There's no doubt about it. You haven't gone to the castle yet in your Field Studies, have you?" Rean frowned at the question. He wanted to end the call fast, not answer one of her questions.

"No, I haven't. I'm sorry, but I'm in a hurry here!"

Everyone had already moved out of the guild except Emma, who was waking Millium up from her sleep.

"Then they're definitely at the castle. I can't explain how I know, but I just know it."

"I'll take your advice under consideration," Rean said semi-politely before he ended the call.

"Rean?" Emma asked after she successfully woke Millium.

"I heard the situation from Emma. Let's go find those kids!" Millium said, full of vigor.

"Right."

---

1204/08/29 17:05
Crossbell City, Crossbell

"Hello. Rean Schwarzer? Hey," Juna said to her Enigma. After a few more seconds of silence, Juna finally realized what happened. "Did he hang up on me? Even after I tried to help him?"

She sighed. "Freaking protagonists and their savior complexes. I haven't even told him to check the castle's top or basement yet. Oh well... I'm sure he's gonna be fine. ...Right?"

Notes:

*Coming out of his Football Manager cave* Hey guys, long time no see. How are-- what the hell, it's October?! Haha, yeah, blame Football Manager 24 being free on Epic Games for the delay. See you later *Went back to his Football Manager cave*

Chapter 47: Chapter 47

29/08/1204 17:30
Crossbell City, Crossbell

The SSS visited the guild to exchange information with Arios. He had just come back from information gathering in Calvard this afternoon. From what Lloyd understood, Arios wanted to look for something about the Calvard delegations from his fellow Bracer Guild members and his informants in the republic. Lloyd wanted to see if they could get more information about the conference, so he set up a meeting with Michel and Arios. It was unfortunate that Juna had to go home before the meeting. Otherwise, the SSS would also appreciate her input.

The five of them, alongside Arios and Michel, went to the second floor to discuss things. Once they were all seated, Arios opened with devastating news.

"The Republican government is currently colluding with Heiyue's elders."

That certainly caught his attention. Lloyd frowned at Arios' words. Calvard government colluding with Heiyue? This was the first time he heard about it. But it tracked, considering Arios even had to go to Calvard to get the information.

"Right. There's just one other teensy little thing to consider. The person facilitating said dealings is none other than a woman by the name of Kilika Rouran," Michel continued.

"I... can't believe it. The same Kilika we met?!" Elie exclaimed in surprise.

"Incidentally, she also has ties to the Bracer Guild. She once served as the Zeiss branch's receptionist in Liberl. However, she retired about a year ago and began working for an intelligence agency in the Republican government. It's known as the Rocksmith Agency," Arios elaborated on Kilika.

He and Elie met Kilika at the Schwarze Auction. Unlike Lechter and his striking appearance back then, she didn't look out of place in that auction, so Lloyd didn't think much about it. To think that she was a former guild receptionist and an intelligence agency like Lechter...

"Rocksmith... That's the Calvardian president's surname," Noel noticed, and Elie nodded at her.

"I had heard the president established a new intelligence agency, but I never would have imagined that Kilika would be a member..."

"Ah," Lloyd remembered an important thing. "I actually pushed for Mayor Crois to send a missive to the conference participants to bring more guards with them. It is safe to assume that they already know about the potential terrorist attack. What I still don't have the answers is..."

"Why Heiyue? Isn't that right?" Wazy said confidently. Lloyd nodded. The green-haired delinquent was the leader of a gang. As someone who had experience in territorial disputes, Wazy would have understood his line of thought. "It's possible that their agent saw the Red Constellation and deemed it necessary to involve Heiyue."

Elie gasped when she also reached the same conclusion. "That's right! The Red Constellation and Heiyue have had a conflict with each other before. With the Empire hiring the Jaegers and the Republicans hiring Heiyue..."

"They could wage a proxy war without any loss."

Wazy finished with a grim nod.

"Damn..." Randy clicked his tongue in frustration.

Noel gritted her teeth, overcome with emotion. "How... how could they trample on us like that?!"

Everybody in the room could relate to her. After all, each of them was here in Crossbell, living their day-to-day lives. To have people from other countries plotting things, taking advantage of the city they loved so much easily, how could anyone not feel frustrated?

"That is one big possibility, but something strikes me as odd," Arios started after a few seconds of silence. "None of the related parties kept the relationship a secret. Suppose Heiyue or the Red Constellation did act. Should either nation's connections come to light, the international community would be in an uproar. Neither Erebonia nor Calvard is willing to take that kind of risk."

His explanation actually brought some sense of comfort, even if minuscule. He noted that Noel stopped clenching her fist on the table while Elie stopped frowning.

"You bring up a good point. A direct confrontation wouldn't make any sense. But why else, then?"

The situation was strange, as Arios had mentioned. However, Lloyd felt that he should notice something else about the situation. What is it?

"There must be some kind of meaning behind their actions. But we still don't know about them," Michel continued.

As the others continued discussing the possible reason why nobody tried to hide the deals, Lloyd decided to open his notebook. He wanted to see if his feelings were correct. Juna wasn't there with them, but they should not always rely on her and her ability to predict things. He should be able to find what he needed without Juna's help.

His eyes landed on one of the quotes from Juna. He narrowed his eyes before closing the book.

That was...

"Lloyd?" Elie turned to him after hearing his sigh.

"I'm sorry. I was in deep thought," Lloyd quickly answered his grey-haired teammate. "It turns out to be nothing relevant, though."

He lied to his teammates. In reality, he might have just found out why the Calvardian delegation struck a deal with Heiyue. However, it was still a baseless conjecture. Well, it was not precisely a baseless conjecture since he basically used Juna's help via the notebook, but it was not something that a detective like him should do since there was no evidence yet. The evidence in question was, of course, Juna's confirmation.

"More importantly, I agree with Michel about the meanings behind their action. It's like we're missing a crucial piece of the puzzle. What about rewards? Do you think that knowing the situation, Heiyue agreed to the deal because they were promised big rewards?" Lloyd deflected, and everyone ate it up—everyone except Arios, who only stared straight at him.

The Eight Leaves practitioner might have noticed his deflection, but he didn't say anything. Was this the Unclouded Eyes that Estelle once mentioned to them?

"That's possible. With Revache behind bars, the stage is set for Heiyue to monopolize Crossbell's underground," Noel latched onto his words.

"So what about Red Constellation?" Elie turned to Randy.

"...Yeah, no. I can't see my uncle accepting a deal with Erebonia for something similar. It's either weaponry or more money," Randy concluded. "He might have set up Crimson & Co in Crossbell as a front to launder money, but that's it. He wouldn't desire to rule over Crossbell's underworld as Heiyue would."

"That's Jaeger group for you," Wazy said with a snort.

The group fell into silence for a while before Michel broke it. "In any case, we don't only have bad news for you guys. We have some good news, too!"

"Thank Aidios," Noel sighed in relief.

"The higher-ups in Leman have decided that we would get some reinforcements from Calvard and Liberl branches," Michel informed everyone. "The roster isn't final, but I heard that Zin and Scherazard would come as the group leader since they need an A-rank to lead each group."

"Silver Streak and the Immovable... both are formidable Bracers," Elie remarked.

"And with you already invited Agate here, we'd have three A-ranks from outside to help us," Wazy pointed out. Michel did call for Agate to 'chaperone' Renne and Tita, but his stay was up until the conference ended. That was another power in their arsenal.

"I heard that the Erebonian branch would've sent help if the situation wasn't as it was in the Empire," Michel sighed. Considering the guild's situation in the Empire, Lloyd understood why they didn't.

Hm? Lloyd narrowed his eyes. Scherazard, Zin, Agate, Tita, Renne, and one of the guests from Erebonia is Prince Olivert... He saw a line connecting everyone. Turning to Michel, Lloyd asked, "Will Estelle and Joshua be there, too?"

"I don't know; as I said, the roster isn't finalized yet. Why do you ask?"

Lloyd shook his head at Michel's question. "Nothing. I think I'm starting to understand what it feels to be Juna."

"What the heck, don't just drop things out of the blue like her!"

"Ahaha..." Lloyd just chuckled at Randy's complaint.

"Anyway, that's all from me. What about you, Arios?" Michel brought the conversation back to the important matters.

Arios nodded. "Yes. We just want to bring you to the same page. If you find anything from your side, we want you to inform us."

"Of course," Lloyd agreed.

Afterward, KeA and Shizuku returned to the guild with Zeit. Lloyd and the team said their goodbyes to Arios and Shizuku, who planned to go out for dinner. The SSS then returned home.

As they entered the Central Square from East Street, Elie suddenly spoke up. "Lloyd. What was that back then?"

Lloyd blinked. "Huh?"

"You were deflecting," Elie explained. "Did you find something out from Juna's quotes?"

Lloyd smiled. It seemed like he couldn't hide things from Elie. Looking back to where the SSS started, Lloyd considered that a good thing. That means that the SSS's bonds were tighter than ever.

"Yes. But Juna isn't there to confirm it, so I put it aside. I'll go ask Juna tomorrow. After that, I'll tell you guys about it."

He settled on saying that Elie was correct instead of explaining further. He didn't want to reveal what he had found to anyone else before Juna confirmed his suspicion because whether he was correct or wrong, telling everyone without confirming it would just make the situation worse. People would panic, and all their plans would have to be adjusted to fit the new variables.

Since the conference was only in two days, Lloyd decided to keep it to himself and, later, Juna would be the choice that benefited everyone.

"...Alright," Elie sighed.

"No, tell us about it, Lloyd. What did you find?" Wazy looked at him seriously. Hm? That was quite uncharacteristic for him. "I know you want to confirm things with Juna first to avoid worrying us for nothing, but..." Wazy looked up to the sky. "I have a feeling that you don't need Juna to be correct this time."

Lloyd looked at Wazy, who had discarded his serious expression for a playful smile. Was that slight moment of seriousness from Wazy real, or was it just his imagination?

Lloyd suddenly felt Randy's hand on his shoulder, squeezing it lightly. "Nah, if you're uncomfortable about it, it's fine not to say anything. I know what it feels like to be shocked by a Juna-ish statement. If you think it's better for us to not know before you confirm things... I trust you, Partner."

Yeah... he was glad he joined the SSS.

"Thank you, Randy. Yes, this is a very Juna-ish statement that might surprise you. Sorry, Wazy, but I think it's better for me to confirm things first."

Lloyd declared.

Wazy just shrugged with a smile. "Well, you're our leader. I'll also put my trust in you."

"Yes. I know Lloyd wouldn't hide things without reason," Noel finally joined the conversation.

"You've already heard my declaration, Partner," Randy saluted with a wink.

"I also trust you." Elie closed with a smile.

Everyone put their trust in him. It was up to him to answer their trust. Maybe he should visit Juna tonight instead of tomorrow?

As they descended the staircase to the SSS building, Zeit growled, sensing a threat.

"Zeit?"

"Is something wrong?"

"Uh... He says we have a visitor," KeA translated.

Visitor?

"..."

On the corner of his eyes, Lloyd saw Randy's face tightened. Fearing the worst, he nudged Randy on the side. "Be ready."

"Alright."

He and Randy stood side by side, shoulders touching each other. This was a formation to protect the others behind them since Randy and Lloyd were usually the two vanguards. Lloyd then opened the door and entered together with Randy.

"Yo, you're late, Dolphy. And Mr. Detective, too! I was getting bored of waiting for you."

The one greeting them was Shirley Orlando. Randy's cousin from the Red Constellation.

"You... What the hell are you doing here?" Randy growled. Lloyd could sense how tense he was since their bodies were still glued together.

"Oh, you're so cold, Dolphy. I'm your loving cousin, and we haven't seen each other in two years. Where's the hug and kisses?" The mocking tone from Shirley clearly established that she was just saying that as lip service.

From behind them, the others entered and were also as surprised as him at seeing Shirley there.

"That's..." Elie instinctively covered her chest.

"Cut the shit and answer me. Why the hell are you here?" Randy then shook his head, realizing something. "No, that ain't it... What WERE you doing?"

Being the target of Randy's glare, Shirley didn't react negatively. She instead laughed and smirked at the older man. "Haha... You've lost your edge, Dolphy. If I'd set up some booby traps, you woulda been torn to shreds the second you set foot in here. When'd you become so dull?"

"..." Randy didn't say anything.

"H-How dare you...!" Elie was the one reacting this time.

"Haha. Don't get your panties in a bunch. I didn't set any traps. Though, if Dolphy'd come alone... We woulda had all kinds of fun. So long as we're not at war, I don't plan on involving any civilians."

Lloyd had a hard time believing those words.

Wazy sighed, "The last thing this city needs is another problem child."

As if he wasn't one before! Lloyd wanted to retort, but they had to show unity. Time to intervene.

"Hey, you. Shirley, right?"

"Yep, you're correct, Mr. Detective. Sorry 'bout the other day, 'kay? Didn't mean to take your innocence with that little nibble I gave ya."

That was clearly an attempt to shake him, so Lloyd responded firmly. "As I said back then, this isn't the Red Constellation. Forcing yourself on someone here in Crossbell constitutes an assault of any kind. I'd also ask that you refrain from talking about things like traps and bloodshed in front of a child."

"Hahaha. My bad, my bad! I missed Dolphy so much that I wanted to tease him a little."

And yet Lloyd sensed no sincerity from her words. She'd do it again if it meant startling Randy again. He was now beginning to understand why Randy didn't want to speak about his family.

Despite the tense situation, Randy sighed. "Hah. As if you'd ever miss me. You're only here to deliver a message from your old man, isn't that right?"

"Huh?"

"Then..."

Noel and Elie muttered in surprise.

"Haha. So you understand. Daddy said he wanted to talk, didn't he? We're gonna be busy tomorrow, so what about tonight? Oh, but you don't have to come if you don't want to."

The last part was said so off-handedly that nobody in the room bought it.

"He wouldn't stop at anythin' to drag me out there if I refused, right? Knock it off with the bullshit already. I know how these things work," Randy said with an intensity that Lloyd hadn't ever felt from the older man. Not even fighting against Joachim had him on the edge like this.

"Haha. Maybe you haven't lost as much of your edge as I thought. Daddy said he'll be waiting for you at Neue Blanc. What are you gonna do?"

It was a clear challenge for Randy. Not in the traditional 'I wanna fight you' challenge, but the Red Constellation challenged Randy to go to their level once more when he had already abandoned that kind of life.

"Heh," Randy snorted. "Fine. Sorry, guys."

Suddenly, KeA who had been silent since the start of the confrontation, tugged Randy's sleeve.

"Hey, Randy, Is this girl a bad guy?"

"KeA, stay back!" Elie quickly dragged the little girl back to her.

Shirley's eyes twitched, "Hey hey, isn't that a little rude?" she stared at KeA. "Hmm, you're really cute! Who's she, Dolphy?!"

"She's a kid we're looking after. That's all." Randy spread his arm in front of KeA before glaring intensely at her cousin. "Lay a finger on her, and I'll kill you myself."

Lloyd sucked a breath. In the months that he knew Randy, never had he heard him talking about killing someone. Hesitantly, he put a hand on Randy's shoulder and squeezed it gently to calm him down.

"Haha. Hear ya loud and clear. Guess I'll have not to blow up your crappy little building, then."

In reflex, Lloyd instantly hugged KeA while Noel and Elie brought out her gun.

One second. Two seconds.

"Joking!" The red-haired young woman grinned. "You know I'm only messin' with you, right? Right?"

Lloyd bit his lips. They had to do a full sweep of the building later. For now...

"Guess I don't got much choice but to go meet up with my uncle," Randy sighed before turning to them. "I'll be back later, so don't worry about me, guys."

"B-But...!"

"I-Isn't it going to be too dangerous?!"

Before Randy could dismiss both Elie and Noel's concern, Lloyd approached his red-haired teammate. "Hey, Randy. I'd like to say hello, too. Do you mind if I join you?"

Everybody was surprised, even Shirley, who whistled at his audacity to barge into a family meeting.

"As the leader of the SSS, it'd be good manners to greet a co-worker's family, right? And he runs a pretty fancy club. I wouldn't mind getting to see it for myself," he said with a confident smile to reassure his teammates.

"Oh? Look at the balls on this guy. Sure, why not? If he wants to come so badly, then let's let him. ♪"

"I've never seen a party not worth crashing. Let me come, too, then. I've always wanted to go have some fun at Neue Blanc," Wazy followed behind him.

"Who am I to say no to a handsome fella like you? Though ya got some feminine mystique goin' on for you, too. I like that better," Shirley wiggled her eyebrow at Wazy.

"Haha. Do you, now? I'd prefer if you thought of me as a bad boy, though."

Randy groaned. "Oh, for Goddess' sake. What the hell are you guys thinkin'?! You, too, Shirley! Shut your damn mouth already!"

The frustration in him was clear to Lloyd, and yet he wouldn't back down.

"I will not leave you alone to face them, Randy. We're a team now."

"That's right. I'm still new, obviously, but I can see what Lloyd means."

Both he and Wazy tried to persuade Randy.

"Eeh, I was having fun talking with them. By the way, I came to pick you up with a car, so we have some empty seats. Also, what about the girls? Are they comin', too? And I hate to break it to you, but obviously, the kid and wolf aren't making it past the front door."

In a split second, Lloyd made a snap judgment. "The girls will not follow us. Elie, Noel, please watch KeA and sweep the buildings for any 'misplaced items.' Don't forget to contact the chief. Zeit, please help them find anything strange in the vicinity."

"Woof."

"B-But..." Elie's protest crumbled when she saw his expression. "...Okay, I understand. We'll take care of everything until you get back."

"Good luck, guys. Stay safe," Noel nodded.

"Hey, Lloyd. Are you going somewhere?" KeA asked him.

Crouching down, Lloyd patted the little girl's head and smiled. "Yeah, I'm going out for a bit with Randy and Wazy. We might be back really late. Make sure you go to bed on time, okay?"

"Okay! Have a safe trip!" KeA beamed.

"Goddamn it. How did it turn out like this?" Randy clicked his tongue in frustration.

After that, Shirley led the three of them into a limousine headed for Neue Blanc.

---

29/08/1204 18:00
Legram, Erebonia

The group searched the town from top to bottom, but they found no sign of the missing children. And by the time the other residents became aware of what was happening, evening had given way to night.

"For now, I think it's safe to say that they aren't in town," Rean started once everyone gathered together. "Looks like they really did head out toward the castle in a boat, just like the SSS's Informant's prediction..."

"The children really are lost in the castle," Laura said, pronouncing what everyone thought.

"We can discuss whether it was a coincidence or not later," Jusis brought everyone back on track. "For now, their safety is more important."

"The lake's been calm, and there's no sign of a boat on the water, so at least it's unlikely they capsized," Gaius pointed out, to which Millium nodded.

"At least they arrived safely on the castle."

"Lohengrin Castle was once the stronghold of the Eisenritter, and while the Arseid family is still its stewards, it's rare that anyone ventures inside. I hope nothing terrible has happened to them..." Laura sounded worried.

"Their parents are really worried, too. I've asked them to stay at home and wait for us to contact them. Still... we have to do our best." Out of all of them, it seemed that only Emma had the forethought to assure the parents of the missing children. He guessed that it was something he should've expected out of the caring young woman.

"We have use of a boat now, do we not?" Jusis turned to Laura, who nodded.

"We do. A couple of students from the Arseid school are preparing an orbal boat for us as we speak. It does worry me that it has started to grow misty again, though."

"Does the mist makes it more dangerous?" Gaius asked for confirmation.

"Somewhat. It'd make navigating the lake at night harder."

"Well, let's head down to the wharf. Let's make sure all of our equipment is sorted out, and we have everything we need, just in case," Rean reminded everyone.

Once they all left to prepare themselves, Rean brought out his Arcus. His thumb was hovering on the button to call a certain someone. Should he do it? He kinda ended the last call impolitely because he was in a rush, despite her words actually becoming the truth. Would she even pick up the call?

Rean sighed before leaving the building. He'd resolve himself later. For now, he had to check for his equipment and items.

After a trip to Watteau's store, Rean was ready. Looking around, it seemed that almost everyone had already gone to the wharf. There was a boat docked there. He assumed it was the boat they were gonna use.

Rean bit his lip before deciding to call the SSS's Informant. At least he wanted to say sorry for rudely ending the call last time.

It took the other side several seconds to pick up the call.

"Hello?"

"Ah... it's me, Rean," he said in hesitation. "Sorry for ending the call last time. I was in a hurry to look for the missing children around town."

"Did you manage to find them?"

At least she wasn't angry, judging by her tone; Rean secretly breathed relief. "No, we couldn't."

"Ah, so that left the castle, then." Despite being on the other end of the call and couldn't look at her expression, somehow Rean had a feeling that the SSS's Informant was nodding to herself. And yet, Rean felt no superiority coming off of her. It was as if her words coming true was a fact and not something to be proud of.

"Yes. We're about to go there."

"Be careful. You'd probably have to face monsters inside," she gave more tips for him. Although, monsters? Then, the children would be in even more danger.

"...Are you sure?"

"Very much. Oh, and you'd probably find the missing children in either the rooftop or the basement. It's one or the other," she said without missing a beat.

...How was she very sure of it? But instead of voicing it out, Rean just replied, "Well noted. Thank you for the information."

"It's a castle, right? So you'd probably start from the middle level. Generally, if you start from the middle, try to choose either the rooftop or the basement. There's only one correct answer, but most of the time, you'll be forced to traverse everything. For example, if it's the rooftop, you'd probably find it locked behind some mechanism, and to unlock it, you have to go to the basement, and vice versa."

"Wait a minute." Rean quickly ran inside the guild and picked up a pen and paper. "Can you repeat that?"

"...Are you noting it down? Sure." The SSS's Informant repeated her explanation slowly, giving him time to write her explanations. After that, unexpectedly, she didn't stop.

"...if you're starting from the bottom, your objective is definitely on the top. There probably won't be a detour. Examples are if you're entering a tower. If you're starting from the top, it's definitely the bottom. For example, a dungeon below the surface."

Rean didn't stop writing. Her explanations were somehow easy to understand.

"Did you get all that?"

"Yes. Thank you."

"Good. By the way, can I get your number? I wanted to tell you to go look at the rooftop or the basement when you ended the call last time, but I didn't have your number."

"Sure." Rean gave the SSS's Informant his number. "So you don't mind if we talk more in the future?"

"Well, getting information about Erebonia is always good. And it's from you of all the people," Rean could imagine her shrugging her shoulder right now. "Sure."

"Thank you." The possibility of him also getting more information on whoever she was went unsaid. "Later, then."

"Later."

Rean ended the call and walked to the wharf, where everyone was waiting for him.

"Everyone. Is the preparation complete?"

Emma nodded at his question. "Yes. You're the last one, Rean."

"I've operated orbal boats before, so I'll steer us to our destination," Laura said, taking charge of the boat's operation.

Gaveli, one of the Legram resident who prepared the boat, then chimed in. "The last patrol of the castle was just a few days ago, and there was no sign of anything unusual then. It shouldn't be that dangerous."

"Hmm... Really? The wind blowing from the direction of the castle does feel pure..." Gaius stated his own interpretation.

"It's said that the castle's atmosphere is cold and clear due to its connections with St. Sandlot and the Eisenritter. It's highly uncommon for monsters to settle there, so the children are most likely safe. ...Although, it's impossible to rule out that an accident may have befallen them."

While everyone here was convinced that there would be no monsters, the SSS's Informant had, without any prior information, told him that they would be fighting monsters. Rean was torn on who to believe. In the end, he hoped for the best while bracing for the worst as everyone stepped into the boat.

Notes:

This should've been a huge chapter that ends the Legram section, but I couldn't finish it in time and it's been more than a month since the last chapter, so I might as well cut it here and post it. On another note, I still haven't played Daybreak, anything I should know about the Calvardian Bracers in 1204?

Chapter 48

29/08/1204 18:30
Crossbell City, Crossbell

After exchanging some unpleasant pleasantries in the club, Shirley finally led the male members of the SSS to Sigmund.

"There you are, Randolph," the leader of the Red Constellation greeted them with a smirk on his face. Randy really wanted nothing to do with all this, but he knew better than to challenge his uncle, especially after Shirley demonstrated how easy it was for them to infiltrate the SSS's building and set traps for all of his comrades.

Yeah, comrades. That was something that Randy would never expect to find when he found himself being assigned to join a new group with some newbies. But reality has a way of hitting you with something you wouldn't believe.

He found a place for himself between these people he came to call comrades. Lloyd, who, despite his amazing detective skills, didn't realize that he had girls going for him. Elie, who acted prim and proper and made him love to tease her. And Tio, who sometimes felt like his little sister. Wazy and Noel were new, but he enjoyed days with them all the same.

And now it was on the verge of collapsing because of his uncle and his band of deranged mercenaries. Well, that was unfair to Gareth and the others, including the boys he helped train. The only deranged people in Red Constellations were his uncle and his cousin.

"Uncle," Randy acknowledged the man sitting on the sofa. Beside him, Shirley was enjoying herself, gorging a glassful of parfait. "What the hell's the big idea? You called me out last time I saw you, but haven't said a word to me in two weeks."

Randy added a bit of a lie. He had an idea of what this meeting was all about. But he had to stall so Lloyd could get more information to be funneled to Juna.

"Well, we've had our hands full with a little bit of everything lately." Sigmund's eyes looked to his side, observing the two people Randy brought with him. "I see you brought friends with you. You'd have never done something like that two years ago."

So he was already trying to rattle him, huh? Randy held back a grimace. So his guess was correct after all...

Sighing, Randy pointed his fingers to Lloyd. "Don't look at me. Our leader here's got a knack for doing things by the book.

"We meet again, Ogre Rosso," Lloyd nodded after sensing it was time for him to greet them. After him, Wazy introduced himself since they didn't know his name.

"Nice to meet you, I'm Wazy Hemisphere."

"Representative of Crimson & Co., Sigmund Orlando. Sorry for the hard time. To make it up to you, feel free to sit down and have a drink or two," Sigmund introduced himself casually. It was probably justified since all three of them probably weren't a threat to him. But having his uncle dismiss them as threats somehow annoyed Randy.

"We'll take you up on that offer."

"Are you referring to us coming all this way or what you pulled back at the abandoned mine?" Wazy fired back calmly.

"Haha. I wonder." Clearly, Wazy's attempt at making Sigmund uncomfortable wasn't working. "Are you guys hungry? I can have them
bring you some grub, too."

"Oh, I want another parfait!" Shirley said with some parfait still in her mouth.

Around three minutes later, refreshments were laid down on the table, and Shirley's second glass of parfait also arrived. Randy, Lloyd, and Wazy also sat down on the sofa in silence. He was waiting for either Lloyd or his uncle to say something.

"All right. Time to get the foreplay out of the way. You can ask me any burning questions you have. I'm sure there's a very specific one you have, don't you?"

Hold on, Randy frowned a little. If Lechter had been in cahoot with them, Sigmund should've known that they already knew what the Red Constellation was doing in Crossbell. Either Sigmund was faking it, or Lechter did not inform them about what the SSS discovered. His eyes turned to Lloyd, and he saw that his leader was closing his eyes. What would he do? Would he reveal that he already knows? Or would he play dumb and ask what the Red Constellation was doing in Crossbell?

"Why did you accept the job of protecting the Erebonian representative for the conference?"

Sigmund's eyes lit up as a smirk formed on his face. "Heh. When we first met in the alley, I thought you picked a bold one, Randolph. I'm glad to see that I'm correct."

Shirley whistled, "Mr. Detective really is an interesting one. I like you."

Being liked by Shirley was never a good thing. Most of the rank and files of Red Constellation that caught her attention underwent some serious torture that Shirley presented as special training and had their spirits broken.

"Hm? Captain Arundel didn't inform you?" Wazy questioned the two Red Constellation leaders. Good job on sowing some doubts between them, Wazy!

"That joker? It takes an interesting man to end up in the back pocket of the Blood and Iron Chancellor. He reminds me a lot of Cao. Those two would get along," Sigmund mused loudly.

And yet Sigmund showed no cracks to be exploited.

"Hm?" Lloyd perked up. "You and Heiyue..."

"We got acquainted when we were raiding their turf last year. All in all, it was an easy job, but their guys did a good job of standin' their ground. Haha. Didn't expect to run into them again in Crossbell of all places."

Shit, Lloyd took the bait dangled by Sigmund. Now, the line of questioning was gone.

"Yeah, but we didn't get to meet that Yin guy everyone blabs on about over there," Shirley joined in. "Apparently, he was on another job, so we just barely missed each other. Though it sounds like he's hanging out in Crossbell these days, too."

"I see..." Lloyd put a hand on his chin. Wait, could it be that Lloyd had intentionally taken the bait to get more information about Heiyue and Red Constellation?

"Don't change the subject. We asked about your reason for accepting the contract, Uncle," he put the conversation back on track.

Sigmund just grinned at him. "What else?"

As expected, money, huh? Randy sighed.

"So, if you accepted the job because of money, how much is this contract of yours worth, exactly?" Lloyd took charge of the conversation again.

"Oh?"

"Haha. Mr. Detective sure knows how to get to the heart of the matter," Shirley continued, munching the parfait.

"With a reaction like that, it must be worth a pretty mira," Wazy continued inquisitively. "I'm guessing somewhere around...100 million?"

"No comment. I'm not at liberty to say. Though, unofficially, let's just say you're not too far off the mark," Sigmund answered.

A 100 million contract? That was suspicious as hell for just a protection detail. He glanced at Lloyd to see his reaction. There was no way he would miss this. Sigmund either slipped up or intentionally answered them.

"That's all the info you're getting for free. Shall we get down to business now?" Sigmund changed his tone from casual to serious. The oldest man then turned to him. "Like I told you, Randolph. Vacation time is over. It's time for you to become the next War God."

"There is a chance that the Red Constellation will try to take you back, and you will face a personal conflict of choosing between your past and your present."

Randy still remembered Juna's warning word-to-word from a few months ago. He had expected them to come true, but seeing it in front of his eyes like this hit differently.

"Mm? None of you seems to be surprised," Shirley observed with a curious tone.

"Why me?" Randy didn't answer and instead asked his uncle something else.

Sigmund just nodded to himself. "It's simple, really. The leader of the Red Constellation is the War God. And as his only son, your duty is to succeed him."

'His son.' Randy clenched his fist. So he still couldn't escape the shadow of his bloody past, huh?

"Not you or even Shirley?"

"At the end of the day, an Ogre is all I am. My job is to run wild on the battlefield. I can't be like my brother, nor do I want to be. The same goes for her. Maybe even more," Sigmund sighed as if revealing something he didn't want to admit to him.

"Yeah, I'm not cut out for this whole War God business," Shirley agreed with her father.

"..."

"My brother gave you a trial once, and you passed it with flying colors, showing you can easily succeed him as the next War God. I think you know better than anyone that you're the only one fit for it."

Randy gritted his teeth. It wasn't known widely, but 'War God' wasn't just a moniker but also a position to lead the rest of the corps. He hated to say it, but Randy completely understood why Sigmund and Shirley hunted him for the position.

"A trial to become the next War God..." Lloyd trailed off, considering the implications. Shit. This was why he didn't want Lloyd to meet his family.

"Ahaha. Dolphy's lost his edge these days, but he used to be a total badass! Especially when he took out some of Zephyr by using that vill--"

"Shut your mouth. I'm beggin' you. Not another word."

It took him a lot of willpower not to bite his lips and wounded it. Even now, he clearly saw his fists trembling on top of his lap.

"Randy..."

"..."

"Killjoy. What the hell happened to you? Once upon a time, I looked up to the old Dolphy, you know?" Shirley retorted one last time.

He did not want to raise his head. He did not want Lloyd or Wazy to see his face. He did not want them to be scared of him, of his past self.

"Well, let's leave it at this. We're going home, Shirley," Sigmund stood up from his seat.

"If you say so," Shirley followed suit.

Before leaving, Sigmund passed by him and gave a warning. "Think hard about what your father would say if he saw you like this. Make your choice, whether you follow my lead, run like a dog, or stand up and fight. Otherwise, I'll send you straight to Gehenna."

"..."

"G'night, Dolphy! You, too, guys! Later!"

As they were left alone, Lloyd and Wazy moved to his sides.

"Randy..." Lloyd squeezed his shoulder.

He didn't trust his mouth to say anything, but he forced himself to smile and reassured his comrades.

"Damn it. At least we didn't bring the girls with us," he chuckled hoarsely. "Wouldn't want to embarrass myself in front of them like this."

"Hmm..."

Randy shook his head to refocus himself. "Sorry, guys. I didn't want you two to see me like this."

"That doesn't matter. None of this is your fault. They're the ones that are in the wrong," Lloyd smiled at him. It was really nice to have a partner like him. He really thanked Aidios for it.

"Heh. Still, seeing you all beaten up over it tells me one thing... They had you pegged, didn't they?"

"Wazy!" Lloyd chastised the green-haired delinquent.

"Haha, you asshat. But..." Randy shamefully looked down. "You're right. They were right all along, and they hit me where it hurts."

Afterward, Lloyd and the others refused the car the manager had prepared and walked back home. They met with the girls and Sergei, who were all worried for them. After putting a half-asleep KeA to bed, Lloyd and the team gave their report.

---

29/08/1204 18:30
Legram, Erebonia

On the boat to the castle, the six of them stared at the looming castle.

"What do you think's waiting for us inside that castle?" Millium asked, trying to start a conversation.

Jusis just stared at their new classmate. "So...you passed out on the couch the moment we returned to the guild, but now you're simply popping with energy..."

"Millium, you know this isn't a game, right?" Rean tried to make her regain her focus.

"I know, I know! ♪ But as long as Lammy's with us, there's nothing to worry about. Let's just grab those kids so we can go exploring!"

Rean sighed. "I called the SSS's Informant before meeting up with you guys. She said that we'd face some monsters inside. I hope she's wrong, but please don't lower your guard just in case it really happened."

Laura nodded. "There should be no monsters, but Rean is right that we should prepare ourselves."

"Hmph. I can't be the only one finding all this talk about the SSS's Informant suspicious," Jusis scoffed.

"Rather than suspicious, I'm more curious about it," Gaius replied. "Remember, she predicted that some children would be lost in the castle. We did everything we could, but in the end, her words still came true in a way that none of us predicted. Now, Rean told us that she said we'd be fighting some monsters despite Laura, a native resident and frequent visitor of the castle, saying we wouldn't. It's as if..."

"As if she read a script that we'd act on," Emma muttered loudly. Everyone stared at her, surprised by her sudden participation. "H-Huh? What?"

"What was that about, Emma?" He tried to understand the bespectacled girl.

"A-Ah... nothing, I was just muttering to myself," Emma withdrew to herself nervously.

Suddenly, everyone heard the sound of a bell ringing.

"Did you guys just hear a bell?" Rean asked everyone. He didn't like this. He didn't like this at all.

"Yeah. It came from the direction of the castle," Gaius answered him.

"Well...Lohengrin Castle does have a bell tower. But as far as I was aware, access to it had been sealed off," Laura gave a possible answer. But it didn't reassure him in the slightest. He took a glance at the castle, only to see it being shrouded in an eerie glow.

"U-Umm... Then who's ringing it?"

Nobody answered Millium's question.

"A bell tolling at night in the old stronghold of the Eisenritter... Rean's correct. We'd best be prepared for anything."

Laura increased the speed of the orbal boat, so they arrived faster than they should have. When they docked the boat on the wharf, they saw another intact boat in front of theirs. That must have been the children's boat. So, they were on the right track.

The group climbed uphill to arrive at the castle's front door before stopping to take a look at the strange situation.

"So this is Lohengrin Castle..." Rean trailed off, seeing how immense the castle was from up close.

"The ancient stronghold of St. Sandlot, gathering place of the warriors of old... It looks even more beautiful up close," Jusis remarked, and Rean had to agree with him. It was beautiful. The architecture was reminiscent of other Middle Ages-era buildings.

"Yeah, but what's up with that weird glow?!"

"I've been here several times before, but I've never seen it like this," Laura reinforced Millium's point. Then, could it be that the SSS's Informant was correct once more?

"I can sense a very strange wind blowing from within. It doesn't feel like monsters, though..." Gaius muttered.

'It didn't feel like monsters'? Rean closed his eyes and tried to sharpen his senses. Master Ka-fai said that his sensing ability was sharp, and Eight Leaves One Blade could help hone it further, especially the Unclouded Eyes technique. But this time, he didn't need to discard any preconceived notions, so he didn't use them. He started feeling out the other end of the big door and sensed something.

"...I can feel it, too. Like something is writhing around inside."

"W-Wait! What KIND of something?!" Millium whined. Could it be that she was afraid of ghosts?

"I feared as much. I can definitely sense the presence of the dead..." Emma whispered something under her breath, but it was too low for him to hear.

"Emma...?" He reached out, wanting to know if he could help.

"...I'm all right. But we're going to need to tread carefully in there," Emma looked determined.

"Right. This changes things. There's no telling what may happen when we venture inside."

The six of them prepared themselves one last time, checking their inventory and weapons before they opened the door to the castle. As they stepped inside, they were greeted with the sight of high ceilings and huge windows. If it were noon, then the windows would've let some sunlight in, giving the room some light. But since the sun had already set, the only source of light was orbal lamps.

Their attention was taken away when they heard the sound of the door slamming behind them.

"What?"

Rean had the initiative to try to pull the door but to no avail. "Ugh... It won't budge!"

"Did the door just...seal itself shut on its own?" Laura voiced what was on everyone's mind.

Millium froze before she shook off her stupor. "Y-You stupid door! Lammy! Bust it open!"

Airgetlam, Millium's weird and somewhat sentient weapon called a combat shell, gave an affirmative in a cryptic language before it punched the door. Unfortunately for Millium, the big door didn't budge. Instead, a weird circular symbol that glowed appeared for a moment before it disappeared.

"Nooooooo..." Millium fell down in despair. Did she really fear ghosts that much?

"...Well, that was unexpected," Jusis muttered.

"So not even Airgetlam can break us out of here?" Rean concluded.

"It appears that there's a barrier in place," Emma muttered once again. However, this time, her whisper was loud enough for everyone to hear.

"What kind of barrier? Are you talking about that strange symbol that appeared on the door for a moment?" Gaius questioned.

"And how would you know something like that, Emma?" Jusis followed.

"W-Well, I've always had a pretty strong sixth sense about these kinds of things, so sometimes I can sense things that aren't visible to the naked eye," was Emma's nervous answer.

"A sixth sense?"

"Hmm... Fascinating."

Rean had a feeling that it was more than that, but he didn't want to pressure someone who could give them answers for the strange situation they were in.

"I see. Would you mind taking the lead this time, then?"

"E-Eh?" Emma looked surprised when he offered her to lead.

Just before anyone could respond, the same sound of the bell they heard earlier rang around them once more. Emma's eyes lost their nervousness and darted around, scanning the area.

"Something's approaching to the left... and the right!" She warned. Sure enough, not even a second later, two spectral monsters in the form of infernal demon heads appeared from thin air and approached them.

"Bah. Monsters, is it?"

"No. These are no ordinary beasts," Laura disagreed with Jusis.

Everyone brought out their weapons and started fighting the monsters.

---

With one last Arc Slash from Rean, the spectral monsters disappeared into nothingness.

"Looks like we beat them," Rean wiped a sweat off his face. The spectral monsters were more elusive and stronger than the monsters around Legram. But with everyone's combined might, they were able to defeat it.

"Aaah..." Millium fell to the ground, her legs weak. Emma quickly went down to support her.

"Are you all right, Millium?"

"What WERE those things?" Millium whined in frustration. Of course, seeing monsters in the form of infernal heads would terrify the one who was afraid of ghosts.

"Mysterious spirits... Though perhaps it would be more appropriate to call them 'fiends.' Either way, they were no ordinary opponents," Laura nodded to herself. It was more challenging than the normal monsters. Not to mention...

"The higher elements seem to be present here as well. And I suspect that's true of the whole castle," Emma observed.

That was right. The higher elements were active since the fiends' weaknesses included space and water.

"Yeah. It did feel that way. Though I'm still not sure what the ringing bell from earlier has to do with anything."

Gaius was correct. They also still didn't know what the bell ring was all about.

"Tch... This place seems to be even more dangerous than we could have anticipated. And as long as that barrier remains in place, so will we. We're going to need to search for a way out," Jusis declared.

Ah, speaking of which...

"Emma. What's your answer? Would you mind leading?" Rean asked Emma again. "If you're worried about what to do, the SSS's Informant already told me about how we'd get to the children, possibly. All we need is your 'sixth sense' to sense things that aren't visible to us."

"I-I see..." The nervous look on her face, which was back after Rean asked for confirmation, was now transformed into a determined one. "Y-Yes. I'd like to help us."

"All right. Then time is of the essence. With fiends like those roaming the castle, I'm even more worried about the children," Laura clapped her hands.

"True. We should start looking right away."

"What did the SSS's Informant tell you, Rean?" Jusis inquired.

Rean nodded before answering. "She specifically told me we'd find the lost children in two possible places: the rooftop or the basement. However, she also said that whichever the correct place is, it would likely be locked behind a mechanism, and we would have to venture to the other place to unlock it."

"That's very specific," Millium, who had recovered, pointed out. "But yeah, that really sounds like Lechter."

"I see... then how about we go to the rooftop first?" Emma offered.

"We'll take your lead, class rep!" Millium threw her arms in the air.

"Alright, let's go."

The group then faced several more fiends of different kinds, going upstairs to the second floor. From there, the group went to the east wing only to see the door being blocked by the same kind of barrier that had appeared on the front door before. However, while the first one was more light blue, the barrier on this door was yellowish in color.

"The door is blocked by barriers," Rean noted out loud. "Emma?"

"You're correct. This suggests that the SSS's Informant's prediction is correct," Emma elaborated.

"Again, huh?" Millium chimed in.

"If we get the logic correct, then behind the door are where the children are, but we have to detour to another place to unlock this," Gaius applied the prediction to their situation.

"Then let's make haste," Jusis commented before walking the other way earlier.

Since they were on the east wing door, the group went to the other side and found that it was unlocked. The next room led to a spiraling staircase that had some monsters blocking the way to the basement, so with the group's combined effort, they reached down to the basement.

"Look, there's something over there!" Millium pointed out.

Rean saw a pedestal in the middle of the room. The floor had intricate patterns that caught his attention. After that, his eyes caught the orb sitting on the pedestal.

"Emma?"

"Y-Yes. This should be it. It will disable the barrier on the door to the castle's east wing," Emma answered his inquiry.

"Then it's probably a good idea to take it with us."

Emma nodded at Laura. "I suspect this orb has the power to disable a barrier."

"So, can we use it to leave the castle?" Jusis asked Emma.

"Hmm... I don't think so. Orbs like this function a bit like keys. Each only has the power to dispel its corresponding barrier. And I don't think this is the one that goes with the barrier on the front door of the castle," the bespectacled girl answered the question.

"Hmm... Regardless, it seems we'll need to take it with us if we want to advance. Rean?" Laura turned to him. Why him again? He sighed before taking the glowing yellow orb with both his hands.

"Okay, now we should be able to access another area of the castle. But you know, there's something else here I'm curious about..." he commented, his face pointing to the door in front of them. It was a huge door, bigger than the castle's front door. There was a pattern that reminded Rean of a mix of diamond and four-leaf clover surrounded by a circle.

"Wow, that's a huge door!"

"I've had my eye on it ever since we entered this room," Jusis mentioned off-handedly. "It is very eye-catching."

Hmm, "Say, Doesn't it look more than a little similar to the door on the fourth floor of the old schoolhouse?" Rean remembered clearly because that door almost led to a tragedy. It was the day the mysterious power he tried to keep under wrap came out to save his little sister.

Rean shook his head. That memory wasn't relevant in the current situation, so he shouldn't dwell on it.

"Hmm... I seldom visit the castle, so I'm afraid there's not much I can tell you," Laura answered his question.

"..." He saw Emma's eyes linger on the door a tad bit longer than others.

He made a mental note about it. Maybe...

"Shouldn't we check the door? There's a possibility that the children could be behind it," Jusis said before moving to push the door to no avail. "...It doesn't seem like it wants to open. It seems as steadfast as the wall around it, if not more so."

"That's true. I can't see any signs that the children might've gone inside, either," Emma remarked.

"We should probably move on to the east wing door, then," Rean concluded. "Makes you wonder, though... How did a door like this come to be in Lohengrin Castle to begin with? Even the patterns on it are like the ones on the door in the old schoolhouse."

"Odd as it might seem, maybe they are connected somehow. We did theorize that the old schoolhouse may be connected to Emperor Dreichels in some way," Gaius posited his theory.

Laura agreed with the Nord native. "St. Sandlot was Dreichels's foremost ally and on close terms with him even before he became the emperor... It's not implausible that there may be a connection there."

"Well, whatever secrets this door may hold, it's a dead end right now," Rean changed the topic. As much as he wanted to unearth the mystery, that could be saved for later, especially since he already had a hotline to a trustworthy seer/predictor. "Let's go to the door on the east wing."

And so they retraced the steps back to the sealed door on the east wing. Emma brought the yellow orb they had gotten from the basement on the west wing out and put it on the barrier. In seconds, the barrier was gone.

"...Well, that should have disabled the barrier here," Emma said.

"Indeed. What an unusual mechanism."

"Have you ever encountered something similar to the barriers when you visited before, Laura?" Gaius asked the Legram resident, to which she shook her head.

"No. I never encountered the barriers before," Laura answered. "Nothing about all this is natural at all."

"Hmph, This castle seems to have an abundant supply of unnatural things, to say nothing of those ghostly fiends prowling around.

"J-Jusis, don't say the g-word!" Millium playfully knocked on Laura in fear.

"There may be similar mechanisms elsewhere in the castle, so keep an eye out, everyone," Rean reminded everyone to pay attention as they opened the door to the east wing.

True to the SSS's Informant's words, the next room was a stair to the next floor. They might end up at the rooftop at this pace. They defeated all the fiends on their way.

"Heads up," Rean stopped everyone. In front of them was a door, but on the right of the door was another staircase to the next floor. Hmm... judging from their position... Rean's mind imagined a map. The door in front of them should lead to the main hall. Was there a second floor on the hall? "Let's check this door first."

They ended up fighting strong fiends and found a master quartz. How and what a specifically designed quartz for ARCUS was doing there was a mystery that he didn't really care. The master quartz looked powerful but situational. Another weapon for their arsenal.

They returned to the previous room before ascending to the third floor. Opening the door led the group to an external corridor. The moonlight shone on them through the big glasses-less window gap. With several more monsters to be fought, they entered the other side. Right now, they should be on the west wing's third floor.

"Look," Emma pointed out to the door upstairs. "That door is also sealed behind a barrier."

Indeed. The door had another barrier similar to the other doors. Rean and the others quickly approached the door. Rean wasn't sure, but the pattern looked similar to the one on the previous door. "Let's see if the yellow orb can unlock it. Emma?"

Emma nodded before bringing out the orb again. However, after several seconds, there were no reactions, both from the door and the orb.

"Hmm..."

"No reaction, huh?" Millium sighed.

"On closer look, the barrier glows in a reddish color," Gaius stated in his observation, spotting a difference between this barrier and the previous one. "Maybe we need to find another orb?"

"Right. Let's go, everyone!"

They explored around the west wing, killing more fiends, before seeing a dead end. Or not. He saw a vertical ladder down to the second floor. So everyone took turns going down the ladder one by one. As Rean waited for the others on the second floor, he saw a door on their level across from their platform. Ah, so that was the west wing door they first came in. The spiraling staircase to the bottom led to the basement where they got the yellow orb.

"Look!" Millium pointed out once everyone had gone down the ladder. "Another pedestal!"

"And another orb on top of it," Jusis finished. The orb glowed red instead of yellow, corresponding to the barrier's color. So it seemed that they really needed an orb of the same color to unlock things.

Emma quickly took the orb, and before long, they were back on the sealed door.

"Here goes," Emma brought out the orb and put it near the barrier. Slowly, the glow from the barrier was gone. The door was now unlocked.

"Let's go!"

Just as they entered the previously sealed room, they heard a scream.

"That's...!"

"This isn't good."

In front of them, four fiends were crowding the missing children, Karno and Julian. Laura instantly moved to the children's side and slammed her gigantic sword down to the ground, catching the fiends and the children's attention.

"Stand back," she warned the children.

"L-Laura!"

"Goodness, Laura. Please don't move alone," Rean said as he and the others caught up with her.

"Hmph. More fiends... and they don't seem pleased that we've robbed them of their quarry."

Millium grabbed Jusis' shirt. "W-Wait, does that mean they suck your soul or something?!"

"This is not the time to freak out, Millium!" Emma chastised the younger girl.

"Right, everyone. Focus!"

The battle didn't last long, as the fiends weren't more dangerous than the ones they had defeated before. Rean counted that as a blessing. As the last of the fiends disappeared into nothingness, the group let out sighs of relief.

"Looks like we took care of them," Gaius put aside his spear.

Emma quickly turned to the children and kneeled down. "You're not hurt, are you?"

"N-No, we're okay...!" Karno answered shyly. Rean smiled. He guessed Emma's maternal power was too strong, and it overwhelmed Karno.

Contrary to the shy Karno, Julian wasn't fazed at all by their situation. He had starry eyes looking at each of the Class VII members coming to their rescue. "Th-That was so COOL! You guys are all so strong! Just like the Eisenritter from the old stories!"

Jusis let out a sigh. "Good grief. It seems like he has plenty of energy to spare."

"Haha... Well, as long as they're both unharmed," Rean chuckled.

"Actually..." Laura turned towards the two children, crossing her arms. "I think both of you have something to say."

"Huh?"

"Erm..."

The two thought for a while before Julian remembered. "O-Oh, right! Thanks for saving us!"

Shaking her head, Laura sighed. "That's not what I meant."

She approached the two, looking at them sternly.

"You stole a boat and entered property that is off limits to you without telling anyone where you were going, especially right after we gathered all of you and warned you not to go here. What do you think would've happened if we hadn't come looking for you? Who would have saved you?" Laura glared at both of them and raised her voice. "Do you have any idea how worried your parents and everyone else in town are about you?"

It was interesting to Rean that Laura perfectly did a disappointed glare that most older siblings had without having siblings herself. No, it was clear from their stay here that all the younger Legram residents were Laura's little siblings. Her having the glare was not unexpected.

Karno began to hold back his sniffle, but Julian quickly shook his hands. "No, no, it's my fault. Please don't blame Karno for this. I was the one who had the idea to explore the castle since you guys said not to! I thought there must be something happening inside, and I dragged Karno to it!"

Rean frowned. So, warning them was the wrong move, after all? What would've happened if they didn't warn the children? Would they still visit the castle without informing anyone?

"It's like her words are prophecy..." He heard Emma muttered something under her breath.

Laura's glare turned into a smile. "If you realize what you did wrong, I have nothing further to say on the matter. I admire your bravery in stepping forward to defend Karno like you did, both when you were facing the fiends and just now. But you're still young and inexperienced... like I am. When older people tell you not do something, please don't take it as an invitation to do it."

"Right... I'm sorry..." Julian looked down in shame.

"Thank you for coming for us, everyone." Karno thanked everyone.

"Haha. Don't worry about it," Gaius smiled at them while Jusis scoffed.

"Hmph. Try to be a little less reckless in the future, would you?"

"Jusis...are you actually embarrassed you got thanked by a kid?" Millium poked Jusis on the side.

"Hush, you impudent brat."

"Ahaha..."

"Well, we found them, and they're safe. That's a huge relief. Now all that's left is finding a way out of this castle," Rean clapped and got everyone to focus back on their objective. He looked at the stairs to the next floor. Maybe...

"Hmm... Come to think of it, we couldn't even enter this room until we disabled the barrier," Laura suddenly said. "So, how did the two of you get inside?"

Now that he thought about it, Laura's observation was spot on. How did the two enter the sealed room?

"Umm... When we first came in here, everything was normal," Karno elaborated. "We were on our way to the top floor..."

"...but as soon as we came in here, suddenly there was this pale haze everywhere," Julian finished. "Then these strange circles appeared on the door, and we couldn't open it anymore. We didn't know what to do."

So they started before all of this was happening and ended up being locked in from the inside... He looked around but found no other access to the room they were in except from the sealed door and the staircase upstairs.

"There doesn't seem to be any other access to this room, either."

"It seems as though if we want to leave, we'll have to deal with whatever's causing all of this," Emma concluded. "Surely there must be some way to disable that barrier on the front door. ...Hold on a moment."

Emma closed her eyes. Maybe she was trying to sense something. Rean also closed his eyes and tried to sense his surroundings.

Nope, he couldn't find anything. He'd better leave things to Emma's senses.

...Actually, wasn't there something in the SSS's Informant's prediction that would be applicable in their current situation?

"...I can sense something coming from the top floor of the castle. A mysterious energy, flowing out from there like a wellspring..." Emma stated, looking up at the top floor.

"What...?"

"You can sense something like that?"

Gaius and Jusis voiced their awe.

"Well...more or less, yes," Emma admitted.

"That's actually in line with what the SSS's Informant said. We'd find what we sought at the top floor," Rean tried to reinforce Emma's feeling.

"I thought she referred to the children?" Jusis said in skepticism.

"At first, yes. But her later elaboration, I quoted it word for word here," Rean brought out his notes and showed it to everyone, where it said 'objective' instead of specifically calling out the 'missing children' as they all thought.

"Isn't that too reaching?" Millium shrugged. "It's like you're thinking too much about it, Rean."

"Well, if we're talking about technicality, we're already on our way to the top floor. With us finding the children here, the Informant is already correct," Gaius pointed out.

"I know; I was just using it to reinforce the validity of Emma's feelings. I trust Emma, but coincidentally, the SSS's Informant, who had been correct so many times, also said it," Rean explained.

"Alright. So we're going upstairs, then." Laura concluded.

"But what about the children? We can't just leave them here," Gaius brought up a good point. What of the children? The best way is of course for them to bring the children with them.

"Better just take 'em with us, then." It seemed that Millium agreed with him. "There're enough of us that we'll be able to keep them safe."

"Make sense," Gaius agreed. "That way, we can keep an eye on them."

"What do the two of you think? Would you prefer to stay with us?" Laura asked Karno and Julian.

"O-Of course!"

"I'd feel way safer with you guys..."

"Heehee. Very well, then." Laura couldn't hold back her smile. He supposed she was happy that the two children relied on her.

"Alright. Let's go, everyone."

The group, plus Karno and Julian, went to the stairs, which led to another external corridor like the first one. They had to fight more fiends, so Gaius volunteered to watch the children. However, being one short of fighters did not dent the group's fighting ability.

Soon after that, they arrived at a semi-open room with a glowing white orb in a similar setting to the previous orbs. However, this white-ish orb was larger than the previous orbs.

"I have an uneasy feeling about it," Gaius muttered as everyone stared at what was likely to be the key to escape the castle.

Rean's senses caught something coming from inside of it but contained within the orb. Maybe that was why Rean couldn't sense anything until he laid his eyes on the orb.

"I definitely sense some kind of power coming from it. Is this the source of the energy you were sensing earlier, Emma?"

"There's no doubt about it," Emma nodded at his question. "I suspect this orb is the cause of all the strange things going on in this castle. If we can destroy it, I'm betting everything will return to normal."

"All right! Just leave it to me!" Millium quickly moved before anyone could stop her. "Lammy!"

"H-Hold on, Millium!" Startled, Emma tried to stop the younger girl, but she was brushed off with a grin as the combat shell appeared from thin air.

"Don't sweat it. Lammy's busted up tougher-looking stuff than this! Let's smash this orb and get out of this creepy castle already!" Ah, so Millium's eagerness was partially motivated by her desire to leave the castle. While she was an intelligent agency member, most of the time, he forgot that Millium was still young until she reminded everyone of the fact with her antics.

"You idiot! We have no idea what it might do!" Jusis chided her, but it was too late. Airgetlam threw a punch at the orb, intending to destroy the orb.

However, just like before, Airgetlam's punch (which Rean had seen destroying things with ease) couldn't do anything to the orb.

"Aaah!" Millium fell to the ground.

Jusis sighed in exasperation. "...What did I just say?"

As Emma and Laura fussed over the younger girl, Rean tried to think about how to tackle this problem. It was, for some reason, protected against attack by another barrier.

"Wait. Something's wrong...!" Gaius, who hadn't taken his eyes off the orb, was the first one to notice when the orb glowed brighter. Everyone turned to the orb, seeing it covered in a purple miasma.

"Wh-What's happening to it?!" Julian questioned in fear.

"I feel an incredible torrent of energy pouring out of it! Everyone, get back!"

Rean quickly secured both Karno and Julian with her arms before jumping back as Emma suggested. The light turned blinding white for a second before it disappeared. When Rean opened his eyes with the intention of assessing everyone's well-being, his eyes captured something else.

"What IS that?!"

The first thing that caught his attention was the skull head. It had no eyes or mouth, only hollow orifices. Its skull head was covered with a tall, ornate headpiece while its body was covered with a robe. On its skeletal fingers, it held a large, wicked-looking staff.

But the most important thing was how every inch of its body was transparent and covered with an eerie glow.

"G-G-G-Ghost?!" Millium stuttered.

"A Nosferatu?! How could it manifest something like that in the real world?!" Emma shouted in surprise. So she knew about this fiend. But this wasn't the time for that.

Laura brandished her sword. A grim expression on her face. "It's on a completely different level than the foes we've encountered so far. Julian, Karno, get behind us!"

The two scrambled to hide far away from the impending battlefield. Good. Rean also brought out his tachi, followed by everyone else with their own weapon.

"There's no way we can afford to lose. Not here! Let's give it everything we've got!" Rean declared.

"Right!"

The six of them charged into the fight.

---

"Behold, the might of the Arseid school!" Laura's sword glowed alight. Rean glanced at his classmate, who was preparing to unleash her mightiest attack. But the Nosferatu they were facing was ready to move.

He quickly put his tachi back to his waist, preparing to draw. Bending his knee a little, Rean went into a stance he was familiar with. He also didn't forget to let his mind be open to read for the combat link.

"Arc Slash!" He drew his sword quickly from its sheathe, unleashing his projectile attack. It stopped the Nosferatu on its track. "Emma!"

The bespectacled girl quickly unleashed the Arts she had prepared after reading Rean's intention via the combat link. "Silver Thorn!"

Six swords came from above, embedding themselves on the ground around the Nosferatu. The swords glowed before energy burst from the ground, trapping the Nosferatu within the attack.

"Laura!"

"Haaaaa!" The blue-haired swordswoman leaped towards the trapped Nosferatu. "Radiant Waltz!"

She slashed at it two times before letting the momentum of her gigantic sword turn her body for one last horizontal slash.

Rean watched how the glow of the swords made Laura look beautiful as she moved her sword. Now he understood why her dad was called the Radiant Blademaster.

The Nosferatu let out a shriek before it disintegrated and turned back into the same orb from before.

"Did we win?" Rean asked for confirmation from the others.

"What a terrifying opponent."

Says the one who finished it, Rean retorted inside his mind.

"Careful! Something still feels wrong," Jusis, who didn't let his guard down, warned everyone.

The orb was now covered in lightning sparks.

"Watch out!"

But Gaius' warning came too late. All six of them were now restrained by a mysterious purple energy that came out of nowhere.

"Ugh!"

"D-Damn it!"

"How could I have been so careless...? I had no idea it had this much power left..."

Rean looked behind them to check Karno and Julian. While his body felt sluggish and hard to move, his head wasn't. Thankfully, the two weren't afflicted with the same restraint. Still, if they didn't do anything, who knew what would happen to all of them, Karno and Julian included?

"...Looks like I have no choice..."

And so Rean resolved himself. He tried to stand up with all his power. Despite how heavy it was, despite how painful it was, despite how suffocating it was, he had to stand up for all of them.

"R-Rean, no!" Emma struggled to even utter those words. "I-If you're not careful... you'll be drawn into it!"

"I know," he acknowledged the danger Emma presented. Even so, it was something he had to do.

Rean closed his eyes, trying to reach the power deep inside. After his fight with Viscount Arseid, he knew that he could somewhat control it. But he felt that this was a short-term solution.

Still, that was enough to make him decide to use it then and there.

"Haaaaa!" He let out a kiai before his power enveloped him.

However, before that, a lance suddenly came down and stabbed through the orb.

His power receded as he was reeling from the sudden situation. "What was that?!"

The orb then destabilized before it blinded everyone.

"...Ugh..." Rean opened his eyes and stood up. The light caught everyone off-guard with how sudden it was.

"Is everyone all right?" Gaius asked out loud, and everyone, including him, shouted variations of 'I'm okay' to let the others know.

"What...just happened?" Jusis questioned, no doubt wanting to know what happened.

"I-I have no idea...it all happened so quickly..." Emma trailed off, looking as lost as the others.

"I heard the sound of something piercing through the air..." Laura, being a martial artist, had keener senses than others.

Rean agreed with her and added, "Yeah...and right through that orb, too. It looked like... a lance. But how could someone hurl something that large with that much force...?"

"A lance...?!" Laura narrowed her eyes as she asked for confirmation.

"Yeah... and whoever threw it was standing right up there until just a moment ago," Rean pointed to the section of the castle where it led to a balcony. "It was a golden-haired woman, shrouded by a strange light."

"Golden hair, you say...?"

"B-But that sounds just like..."

Laura gasped before she quickly ran towards the balcony. The others were a step behind because after Emma pointed it out, Rean realized the implication of what he saw. Once they arrived at the balcony, though, there was nobody there. The only thing their eyes saw was the picturesque Lake Ebel at night.

"There's no one here..."

"Not that I honestly expected there would be," Jusis agreed with Gaius. Still, all of them coming to the balcony meant that they reached the same conclusion.

"...That pale glow surrounding the castle seems to have disappeared, too," Emma pointed out. Now that she said it, Rean realized that she was correct.

"Is that because the orb was destroyed?"

"Possibly," he answered Millium's question. This balcony was a dead-end. If what they saw was real, then there should be something, or rather, someone waiting for them here. "Laura. Is it possible that the lance is..."

Laura went to the edge of the balcony. She looked down, trying to find a sign of a certain presence.

When she couldn't find anything, Laura sighed. "Yes, it might be possible that it was the Lance Maiden."

Nobody was surprised because all of them reached the same conclusion. Still, Jusis didn't believe it.

"That's impossible. The Lance Maiden had been dead for centuries."

"T-Then, that means it was her g-g-g-g-" Millium clung to Jusis as she couldn't finish her sentence.

"At this point, I wouldn't dismiss that kind of possibility," Rean nodded to Millium's unfinished sentence. Looking at the night sky full of stars, Rean summarized the mysterious things he encountered inside the castle.

First, the weird lock and key mechanism with the orbs. Second, the mysterious door similar to the one in the Old Schoolhouse. Third, the one saving them, the ghost of the Lance Maiden.

He sighed. Well, at least now he has a topic to start conversations with the SSS's Informant.

Notes:

At first I wanted to skip the Lohengrin castle part, but I realized that I've made too much butterfly to not make Class VII converse about Juna there. And I've skipped Class VII gathering the children to warn them away a few chapters ago, too, so I didn't want to skip them too much. Anyway, while the Lohengrin Castle is a chore, my favorite part is, of course, the meeting with Sigmund and Shirley. I've based it largely on canon but with some things butterflied. And I wrote it from Randy's perspective too, to hide Lloyd's thoughts. I wonder if you've picked up on what Lloyd noticed from last chapter and this chapter. I've laid it out as much as I can without spoiling things and Lloyd are actually close to the truth this time (when is he never?) but seriously this time he did it without going all proper investigation, just gut feelings and comparing things to Juna's notes. Also, Lloyd really is Juna's student in the way of surprising people with what he found. After surprising Shirley with his knowledge of Randy's family, now he's surprising Sigmund with his insight about the Red Constellation's job in Crossbell.

Chapter 49

30/08/1204 06:00
Crossbell City, Crossbell

The sound of her alarm clock ringing assaulted Juna's ears. Groaning in disappointment that it was now time to wake up, she reluctantly reached towards her orbal clock and turned off the ringing sound. Yawning, she woke up and sat on the bed, still trying to gather the energy to start the day. After five minutes on the border between waking up and sleep, Juna was finally conscious enough to stand up.

As per her usual morning habit, Juna would wash her face and brush her teeth before going back to change out of her pajamas. But behind the door, she heard her mother laughing with an unfamiliar voice. Her father was staying overnight at Mishelam for another meeting, so the deep voice couldn't be his.

Feeling a little curious, Juna yawned before she opened the door to see who visited them this early.

There was her mother, preparing breakfast in the kitchen block, but she still occasionally turned her head back and engaged in conversation and laughed with someone on the table. Juna's gaze then turned towards the person on the table.

"Huh?" She let out a noise of confusion when she realized who was sitting at her family's table.

Hearing her voice, her mother turned and looked at her. "Ah, Juna. Go wash your face."

"Huh?!" Juna didn't move. She rubbed her eyes, trying to make sense of the situation.

What was Lloyd Bannings doing this early in the morning at her house?!

"Morning, Juna." The object of her confusion greeted her with a wave of his hand from his seat at Juna's family table. A friendly smile was donned on his face, oblivious to the whirlpool of emotion inside her.

This wasn't a flag, right? Why so early in the morning? She hadn't even washed her face yet. Curse you, tropes! Awawawa, he was laughing and talking with Mom! They must be talking about her!

But all she let out was a simple, "Bwuh?!"

"Ah... I suggest you follow Auntie Lina's words, Juna," Lloyd said as he turned away from her. Huh? What?

Lloyd was looking away, so it probably came from herself? Juna looked down only to gasp.

Her pajama's top button was undone, revealing some of her collarbones and top shoulders alongside her bra strap. It also pulled up the overall pajama top, exposing her belly button.

"Eeeeeeek!" Juna quickly covered the exposed part with her arms. What the hell, players!? Why did they choose her now!? And she remembered clearly she had worn her pajamas neatly last night! This must be the power of tropes working overtime to force the fanservice out of her!

She quickly ran towards the bathroom, ignoring the warm feeling on her face. Once she was there, Juna washed her face with cold water to keep the redness out of her cheeks. She couldn't go back with a red face! She refused to let the players see her being embarrassed!

After brushing her teeth and calming herself down, Juna walked calmly to her room, passing Lloyd and her mother again. She went inside her room and closed the door. Letting out a big sigh, Juna quickly opened her wardrobe to change into something more presentable. No, no need for her usual outfit. That was...

At first, she wore that because she loved how cute it looked on her. Sure, it was quite... revealing compared to her other clothes growing up. But she loved it! Movements are easier with sleeveless clothes and short pants.

But then the protagonist group revealed themselves while she was wearing those clothes. If she suddenly changed how she dressed, it'd catch their attention, and it might make them interested in her. So she swallowed her embarrassment and kept wearing her usual outfit.

But now? Lloyd, the protagonist, is in her territory! She was excused from not wearing anything revealing!

Nodding to herself, Juna chose to wear a modest knee-length dress that did not show anything. She did not forget to put on some light makeup before picking up her hairband and tying her hair into her usual ponytail.

One last smile into the mirror, and now Juna was ready to face Lloyd.

She opened the door and sat on the table. There were already plates of breakfast there. Juna turned to Lloyd and blushed at seeing his smile. Oh, Aidios... it was all coming back to her. The embarrassment, the anger, and the realization that there was nothing she could do about it. Everything was all jumbled up again just by seeing him.

In any case, she had to divert her attention from her own thoughts! "M-Morning, Lloyd."

"Sorry to barge in this early, Juna, but I need your help to confirm some things." Lloyd scratched his cheek.

Ah, of course, it was about her 'ability.' Honestly, she didn't really think much when she talked about some obvious tropes before. Apparently, it was somewhat invisible to other people, so whenever the SSS needed help, she gladly helped them since it was probably important for the plot. It wasn't like she wanted to avoid the plot. She just didn't want to join the main party.

Juna saw her mother put down another plate before her eyes fell on her outfit.

"It's rare to see you wearing that dress, Juna."

Oh, come on, Mom! Don't bring her outfit to attention! Damn it, now Lloyd's, or rather, they, were probably interested. Thinking a lot of wild things like 'she must be shy' or 'she wanted to be seen as a woman' or whatever when, in reality, she just didn't want to show them her skin.

"Lloyd, what do you think?"

Stop it, Mom! She shouted inside her mind because she knew if she reacted, that was what they wanted. This was precisely why she didn't change her fashion style in front of the SSS. Because someone would point it out!

"Ahaha, I think Juna is always cute."

Lloyd! Damn them! Was it a choice, and they chose that line?! Juna looked down, hiding her red face.

"Oh my, you hear that, Juna?"

She heard that clearly, thank you, Mom! Please don't bring more attention to her!

She had to get out of there! "I-I'll wake up the twins," Juna stood up from her seat before she was stopped by her mother.

"No need. They woke up when you shouted before."

In the most convenient timing in her life, the twins opened the door from the bathroom, coming towards the table. Damn it!

"Morning, Mom, Juna, and... huh?"

"Oh, we have a guest!"

Both Ken and Nana quickly went to their seat on the table. Seeing that, Juna just quietly sat down in resignation. It seemed that everything that could go wrong did go wrong for her this morning.

"You're from the SSS, aren't you?" Ken asked Lloyd. "My friends Anri and Ryu always talked about you!"

"Yes, that's right," Lloyd nodded at his question.

"What are you doing here?" This time, it was Nana asking.

"I needed Juna's help for something."

"Eeh? Are you Juna's boyfriend?" Nana pounced on the situation.

"Nana!" Juna raised her voice.

"Juna got angry! That means you're correct, Nana!"

"Ken, too! Don't be rude to Lloyd!" She pulled both the twin's ears lightly.

"Ouch, ouch!"

"Moom! Juna is being violent!"

"Juna, please don't use violence to hide your embarrassment," her mother calmly said as she put the last plate on the table.

She did not just accuse her of being a tsundere! She was not a tsundere! Not at all!

"Though, visiting early in the morning does sound like what your father did when he was still my boyfriend."

"Mom!" She did not need her to join in to dogpile her! What was this? Picking on Juna day?!

"I'm just joking, dear. Let's eat," her mother said after putting off her apron.

"Huh? You're having breakfast with us, Lloyd?" Juna had just realized what Lloyd's presence at their table meant.

"Auntie Lina insisted," Lloyd said with a reluctant smile.

"You did say that you came straight here after waking up. That means you haven't had breakfast yet, right? That won't do for a busy police officer like you, Lloyd," her mother argued.

"Ahaha..."

"Oh my, this brings me back to the past. When Guy pulled all-nighters or couldn't come home, Leyte and I always had Lloyd to have dinner or breakfast."

"Huh?"

"Really?"

Ken and Nana wondered in fascination.

"You two are still babies, I think," Lina answered.

"That's right," Lloyd confirmed. "If I remember correctly, Juna always dragged me here whenever I said Guy was late. Thanks, Juna."

"...It was nothing," she averted her eyes. What was this? A flashback event to establish her relationship with Lloyd? No, thank you! "And not always! Only occasionally!"

After a laugh from everyone, they ate breakfast in silence. Maybe because Lloyd was there, her mom cooked a much more lavish breakfast than usual. Still, Juna was simply happy to eat some nice breakfast. Usually, her mom went all out on dinner, so this was a rare occasion.

Once they all finished, her mom insisted on accompanying the twins to the Sunday School instead of her since she was the whole reason Lloyd visited their home. What the hell, mom? Why would you leave your teen daughter alone with someone else in your house?! Well, she knew that Lloyd was not that kind of person. She was just asking for common sense from her mother!

In any case, now the two were on the empty and clean table. "So... what do you need help with?"

Lloyd nodded, "Right. First, let me explain what the guild told us last evening. I wanted you to be there, but Michel said you were already home. And since I didn't want to bother you, I decided to ask you today instead."

"Oh, my bad. I didn't know that you needed me. But you could've just called, though."

"I would've done that if not for a sudden interruption from a certain someone. Let me tell you from the start."

Lloyd then started telling her the event from last evening up until the night. How Arios was back and shared the information about the Calvard government's dealings with Heiyue, including everyone's opinion about their motives, like the proxy war or the rewards. And then the guild also confirmed that bracers from Calvard and Liberl would come.

Juna nodded, absorbing the information.

"I see. You want to ask me about their motives, huh?"

"Not quite," Lloyd let out a small smile. "Let me tell you the continuation first because this is important."

He then told her about Shirley's uninvited appearance. About the Red Constellation inviting Randy to a talk and him and Wazy inserting themselves into the invitation. Then, about Sigmund's offer for Randy to come back and him mentioning a confrontation with Heiyue in Calvard.

"...After that, they left us to stew on the situation for a bit," Lloyd finished his story. "So, Juna, I need your help to confirm my deduction."

Oh, interesting! Lloyd didn't want her to elaborate on what she found out from his story! He just wanted her for confirmation! "Lay it on me, Lloyd!"


"First, why did the Republicans contract Heiyue? Was it really to wage a proxy war? Arios disagreed, and after further thought, so did I. The proxy war theory doesn't work. Aside from Arios' argument about them not keeping the deal a secret, we couldn't conclude their dealings are for proxy war because none of the information we got mentioned when exactly the dealings took place."

Juna nodded. That actually didn't cross her mind, but the more she thought about it, the more logical it sounded. "If we know the timeframe, the proxy war theory can hold because maybe after Erebonia hired Red Constellation, the Calvard hired Heiyue in a hurry to not lift a hand when the time comes for them to attack Crossbell, or vice versa. But we don't know."

"Exactly. So if we're talking about proxy war, I think it might still happen but only as a side effect of the dealings instead of the main reason," Lloyd agreed with her assessment. "Using that as a basis, we can assume that the two deals happened independently and only came out after both had sealed the contract."

That was plausible, too. Red Constellation was the most infamous Jaeger group. She didn't know how they operated, but she didn't think Erebonia could just walk into a bar and hire them on the spot. Same with Calvard and Heiyue. It was more logical to think that the deals happened independently.

"So we can conclude that their dealings are just coincidence, right? But then I remember your words about coincidences," Lloyd paused.

"'There is no such thing as too much coincidence. Either one is a coincidence, and the rest is planned, or everything is planned from the start,' or something along those lines. I remembered talking to you about that once," Juna recited her words.

"Yes, I noted it down. Thanks for that. In any case, I personally assume that the two dealings are planned from the start. Are you with me so far?"

Juna nodded. "I still get you. Please continue."

"But then, if the two dealings happened independently and were planned from the start, why Red Constellation for Erebonia and Heiyue for Calvard? Why not anyone else? At this point, I scoured my notebook to see if any of your advice could help me. Then my eyes found this," Lloyd opened his detective notebook and pointed to one line. "Parallelism. 'Two sides of the same coin more often than not encounter similar path.'"

Ah, Juna understood. Lloyd was now relying on her trope knowledge and tried to emulate her. He was trying to get answers not from logic and fact but from something outside of common sense. That 'something outside of common sense' was the relationship between Red Constellation and Heiyue and the relationship between Erebonia and Calvard.

"Why did Erebonia hire Red Constellation? You gave us the answer days ago. Erebonia wants to hire some extra protection because they are having some domestic terrorism. Then, considering the parallel between Erebonia and Calvard, is it possible they have the same problem? I don't know, but the idea began taking root in my mind."

Gradually, a smile began to appear on Juna's face as Lloyd continued talking.

"What I do know, though, is that there are some tensions in Calvard between the pro-immigration and the anti-immigration factions. The last time I was there nine months ago, the tension was so thick that anything could push one side to the edge. I might need Elie's opinion on this. But that's not the one thing that convinced me."

Oh?

Now, the smile on her face was a full-blown grin. She really couldn't wait for Lloyd to finish his deduction!


"While I don't exactly like what happened with Randy, our meeting in Neue Blanc actually solidifies my theory. Ogre Rosso mentioned that the Red Constellation and Heiyue have clashed before on Calvardian soil. I was then sure of my theory because after he said that, now I know..."

"There is more than enough weight between the Red Constellation and Heiyue to erase my doubt about the situation."

Lloyd finished his theory. There was a short silence as he waited for her response.

In the end, Juna couldn't hold back anymore. She let out a mix between a squeal and a laugh.

Really, she was very impressed by Lloyd's deduction! He completely made use of her words about tropes and narrative law to arrive at the correct conclusion without understanding how and why the tropes and narrative law worked. Coming to a conclusion about Calvard also having some terrorist problems was amazing. But the ability to recognize the information from Red Constellation, which he got immediately after he came to the conclusion, as an important one, was more than just praiseworthy! It was a testament to his sharpness as a detective. She was very sure that, even without her help and advice, Lloyd would've come to the same conclusion when he faced the same situation.

"Err, Juna?"

"Oh, sorry-I... Aidios... I-sorry, Lloyd. I wasn't making fun of you at all," Juna said, still laughing and squealing. "I'm just so impressed and blown out by your reasonings and deductions. Everything? Every word you spoke? Perfection. I have no words."

"So, I'm correct, then..." Lloyd sighed. "That means the republican government is paranoid enough about a terrorist attack they hired Heiyue as a helping hand. This is why I didn't want to say anything before confirming things to you. But still, thanks, Juna. Now that we have this confirmation, I can inform Dudley and the others about it."

Juna shook her head. "No, I didn't do anything. Everything's all coming from you, Lloyd."

"...Alright. But still, you did help by confirming my theory. In any case, I should go and inform the rest of my teammates."

Yeah, they were going to be busy today, as the delegations from the other countries were scheduled to arrive today. Maybe that was why Lloyd visited her so early in the morning? She wasn't sure.

The two stood up from the seat and walked towards the apartment door.

"Once more, thank you, Juna. We're going to handle some support requests as usual. What'll you do?"

"Of course, I'm going to train," Juna said matter-of-factly. However... "I think I needed to catch up with someone after training. The tower unveiling will happen in the afternoon, right?"

"I believe it's around eight in the morning. The delegations from other countries are expected to arrive soon. Careful so that you don't miss it, okay?" Lloyd answered.

"Oh, I thought it'd be in the afternoon. Well, thanks for the information, Lloyd! See you later!"

After closing the door, Juna let out a huge sigh before covering her face with her palm.

"Eeeeeek! That was so embarrassing! Why the hell did I laugh and squeal instead of just answering yes?!" She rolled on the ground, trying to beat the embarrassment out of her body. "I just know they will probably be sooo happy with my reaction."

Juna sighed.

"Oh well, that was that. I'll just have to get the embarrassment out of my system by beating some monsters."

She quickly went to her room to change into her usual clothes and left her home to the guild.

Notes:

Surprise! I was waiting for the pic to be finished before publishing the chapter. And I think that and the later part of this chapter made it deserving of its own chapter instead of being the first part of a bigger chapter. So, did anyone catch what Lloyd has in the past two chapters? I deliberately hid things from you, but I think I've written enough clues to make it clear that Lloyd's conclusion did not come from nothing. As expected of the Max DP Lloyd run he wouldn't miss anything. This chapter feels like a conclusion to the entire Lloyd-Juna partnership and I couldn't be prouder than I am now. I hope you guys are similarly entertained and maybe even have some 'I gotcha!' moment while reading the explanation.

Chapter 50

30/08/1204 07:00
Crossbell City, Crossbell

Agate had just enjoyed a nice breakfast at Long Lao alongside Renne and Tita. Thankfully, he was paranoid enough to not eat the dish offered by Renne because, judging from her disappointed reaction, he was sure it was supposed to be very spicy or bitter. That little devil quickly hid her frown with an angelic smile.

In any case, Renne and Tita were hanging out on the second floor of the guild. He heard some snippets about watching the unveiling from the Times Department Store but wasn't very sure. He'd leave the two alone to go downstairs and look at the board.

"Hmm?" Agate muttered while his eyes laid on the request board.

For the past week, Agate temporarily unofficially joined the Crossbell branch. While his real request was to watch over Renne and Tita as long as they were needed by the Epstein Foundation, the real reason was that Michel needed extra hands and got his service for the potential terrorist attack that Juna unveiled.

In that timeframe, Agate lent a hand to Lynn and the others by doing some requests. Crossbell had more requests than your average Bracer Guild in Liberl, and now, after he was there in the city, he understood the reason.

"Michel, it's unusual to see the board almost empty," Agate remarked to the receptionist. Indeed, because the board in front of him only had two requests up so far.

"Oh? Yes. That's because I held back from posting the non-urgent requests. I wanted you all to savor the tower's unveiling soon. I'll post the other after that," Michel answered with a smile.

"Hooo."

Agate stretched. If it were only urgent requests, he'd leave it to the native Crossbellan's bracers. Not that he didn't want to do it; he was an A-rank, after all. He had to be ready to be deployed anywhere, anytime the situation called for him. However, both requests are simple enough that the B-ranks here could do it alone. He'd rather not deprive them of the chance to ascend the rank.

The door was suddenly opened with some force. That manner of opening the door must be Juna. Maybe he should recommend the construction company who built the guild here because, in one week, Agate saw the door being slammed more times than he ever saw the guild's door in all of Liberl making the same slam sound, and to his surprise, the door didn't break down.

"Morning, everyone!"

"Morning, Juna."

"Yo, Morning."

Juna entered the scene with a big grin on her face. "Is Arios here?"

"He's requested to help guard the incoming VIPs for the conference," Michel answered with an apologetic smile. "He only came here to drop off Shizuku for the day."

Hearing that, Juna just sighed. "Understandable."

"I think Arios is also as disappointed as you for not being able to train you more these past weeks," Michel commented.

"I know," the pink-haired girl nodded before shrugging. "The downside of having someone as famous as Arios as my teacher, I guess. At least he was free yesterday for a while."

Juna talked as if she was feeling nonchalant about the situation, but even someone as insensitive as him could sense that she was disappointed. It was understandable, though. While Agate never really had a formal teacher, he'd like to imagine if he had a formal teacher, he would wanted to spend more time with his teacher learning about everything they could impart to him.

And while Agate wasn't as close to Cassius as Schera or Estelle were, the two often complained under their breath about the Divine Blade. In that sense, Cassius and Arios weren't too different, were they? Both are Divine Blades single parents stuck with raising their daughter to the best of their abilities despite how busy they were. It made listening to Michel's stories about Juna dragging Arios funny because he always imagined it happening to Cassius despite how impossible it was.

"Daaaad! Joshua misses you!" Estelle shouted as she dragged her father from the Rolent Bracer Guild.

Yeah, that was very unlikely, but it was still funny to imagine.

Hmm, wait, wouldn't Estelle be the one missing Cassius, and Joshua did his best to bring Cassius back? But there was no way Joshua would ever be caught dragging Cassius around. So...

Joshua suddenly appeared inside the Rolent Bracer Guild, startling everyone else. "Dad. Estelle's been crying."

Yeah, that was more likely. Maybe he'd ask Joshua later if he ever did that.

"...And I know I'm not important compared to Crossbell's security, but you know, it's the principle of the matter..." Juna played around with the side of her pink hair.

Jeez... Agate sighed. Why did she have to pull that now of all times?

He stood up from his seat and greeted the younger girl. "Hey, Juna."

"Hm?" Juna perked up.

"Since Arios isn't here, how about you train with me?"

There it was. One of Agate Crossner's weaknesses that started ever since he was acquainted with Tita Russell. He couldn't stand seeing girls feeling down and wanted to cheer them up. Seeing Juna being like that, Agate couldn't just stay silent.

"Huh, really?!" Juna gasped, her body buzzing in excitement.

"Yeah. I'm not a teacher, but I can at least be your sparring partner," he answered with a scratch to his head.

"Great! Let's goooooooo!" Juna grabbed his arm and dragged him away to the exit.

"Wait-- Juna, I-- Michel! Tell Tita I'm with Juna!"

Juna quickly dragged him to Eastern Crossbell Highway, specifically, the small cape left of the highway. So this was what Arios felt when Juna dragged him to see his daughter...

Once they were on the cape, Juna spread her arms. "This is where I usually trained with Arios. How is it?"

Agate looked around. It was a very spacious area, with some trees to rest against the hot sunshine. He felt a cool breeze passing by.

"Not bad," he smirked. "So, wanna go down now?" '
'
Juna shook her head. "Umm... I think it'd be better if I do some katas first. And I kind of want to have your opinion as another sword user."

Agate raised his eyebrow? "If you're everything like Anelace is, our styles are very different. You still want my opinion?"

"Of course!" Juna disagreed with his assessment. "Even if our styles are fundamentally different, there is merit in listening to a more experienced swordsman. Maybe I'll remember your words when I face someone using a similar style like you, for example."

That sounded very unlikely, but it was an acceptable answer, anyway. Agate nodded. "Sure. Let's see you go through some practices."

And so Juna grabbed her wooden sword and went into a stance. However, instead of moving, she was spinning around, dancing to a silent tune that only she could hear, with some flower petals floating around her. Then, eyes sharp, Juna moved.

"Second Form: Gale!"

If his eyes weren't accustomed to high-level combat courtesy of seeing combat monsters like that bastard Loewe, Direwolf, and Renne, Agate might have missed Juna's form flickering around, making snapping sounds several times before coming back to the same place she was standing before.

"So that was Gale, huh? That's the move that got Arios the name Divine Blade of Wind, right?" Agate started after Juna didn't move since she finished her second form.

"Yesh..." Juna said while panting. "It's the first move Arios taught me. How was it?"

"Not bad, but not good enough. Your moves aren't telegraphed, so I didn't know where you would go, but I think you're slow, especially in the last burst. I expected you to arrive at wherever it was half a second faster than you arrived," Agate gave his opinion. The snapping sound he heard when Juna was flickering around was her slashing her sword. But the gap between the sound itself was inconsistent. After he heard the first and second slash, Agate sensed that Juna was almost late for the third and fourth slash before the tempo was off on the fifth slash.

Juna winced. "Ouch, yeah, I struggled to keep the speed for multiple slashes. Still, nothing that more training couldn't solve. Anything else?"

"Hmm... what was the twirl you did before Gale? Cause I remember Anelace also doing that before." Agate remembered Juna's spin, which appeared to be a dance to him.

"That's a self-strengthening technique from the First Form, Petal Dance. If I didn't use it first, my slash would not be strong enough for Gale," Juna answered before asking something back. "Anelace is my senior in Eight Leaves, right? Arios kind of didn't talk about anyone else except Cassius Bright since he's so famous."

"Yes. She also uses Eight Leaves One Blade, like you. I'm not that familiar with it, though; we're from a different branch in Liberl and rarely meet except for extenuating circumstances like last year."

"Huh... I wonder if I'll meet any of my seniors someday," Juna muttered before shaking her head. "In any case, I'm ready now."

"Good." Agate unsheathed his gigantic sword and went into his favorite stance, holding the sword with both hands while his left foot was in the front.

In front of him, Juna also prepared herself to attack. "Here I go! Sixth Form: Arc Slash!"

Agate didn't expect Juna to start with a compressed air projectile. Thankfully, he knew how to handle this from facing Anelace. He put forward the flat side of his sword as a shield to prevent the slash from reaching him.

"Huh?!" Juna exclaimed in surprise. Agate quickly moved while she was stunned.

"Prepare yourself!" Of course, Agate didn't intend to attack her exactly. This was a spar and doubled as a lesson for Juna. He swung his sword but aimed above Juna's top hair.

Before his sword reached her, Juna crouched down and dashed away to safety.

"Whew. That was scary!"

"You need to react better. You were frozen for a moment," Agate grinned. "If it was anyone else and this a serious fight, your head would already be gone."

Juna scratched her head with a sheepish laugh. "Sorry, I'm just surprised that you blocked my Arc Slash with your sword."

Agate laughed. "I faced Anelace in a spar before, so I already know about how to face Eight Leaves' projectile attack."

Juna's eyes turned starry! "My senior used Arc Slash!?"

"Err, not exactly," Agate answered hesitantly. "It is a projectile attack, but if I recall correctly, its name isn't. Maybe some variations?"

"I'll ask Arios about it later!"

"Yeah, let's continue."

The two then continued clashing swords against each other.

---

30/08/1204 09:00
Crossbell City, Crossbell

"Crossbell, we're back!" With vigor, one Estelle Bright shouted to the world as she stepped off from the airship transporting them from Liberl. "Maan, I can't believe I said this, but now that we're here again, I kind of miss Crossbell. Don't you think so, Joshua?"

Following behind her, Joshua Bright sighed. "Please don't shout, Estelle. You're bothering other people."

Both Joshua and Estelle's shoulders were patted by someone else from behind. "Now, now. Don't be too much of a killjoy, Joshua. Estelle's just happy. And this is my first time coming to Crossbell, too. So I'm as excited as Estelle."

Scherazard Harvey finished with a wink.

The three of them were the reinforcement that the Bracer Guild's Headquarters sent to help Crossbell with the Trade Conference. Estelle and Joshua were chosen because they had experience with Crossbell, and Scherazard was appointed as their leader since she was A-rank and was familiar with the two. Some other bracers, like Anelace, wanted to join, but they had their duties in Liberl.

"I understand how Estelle feels. This is the place where we met again with Renne. But... maybe don't be too loud in a public place?" Joshua pointed out to their surroundings, which had people staring at them.

Estelle blinked before she realized what Joshua meant. "Ehehe... Sorry!" she laughed sheepishly.

"Speaking of Renne, I heard she's already here?" Scherazard asked as the three of them went to the checkout gate.

"Yes. She's requested by the guild to help with some research in collaboration with the Epstein Foundation," Joshua answered.

"Tita is also here since the project apparently involves Orbal engineering. I don't remember much of the talk," Estelle continued.

Scherazard sighed, mind coming to a conclusion. "Of course, Agate will also be here since Tita is here. So that's why I haven't seen that man in the past few days."

"Yup. Anyway, let's go to the guild!"

After following all of the regulations to check out of the airport, the three Bracers from Liberl finally exit the airport.

"Nnngh! I still hate those stuffy lines and waiting game in Crossbell airports," Estelle complained to the other two. "Why can't it be easy like in Liberl? You don't have to wait long if you're flying from Rolent to Ruan."

"That's because this is an international flight," Joshua said matter-of-factly. "Not to mention people are flocking here at this time because of the Orchis Tower unveiling."

The tower unveiling pulled a lot of people who were interested in Crossbell, increasing tourism's earnings. The Crossbellan government knew what they were doing.

"Speaking of the tower, it is the tallest man-made building in Western Zemuria, right? I didn't really keep up with the news from abroad." Scherazard asked for confirmation.

"It should be. I don't know how many floors it has exactly, but even from the airship, it was noticeable that it stood the tallest amidst the other high-rise buildings in Crossbell," Joshua answered.

"It looks imposing, but at the same time, I feel like I'm glad that Liberl doesn't really have buildings that high. Don't you think so, too?"

"Yeah, all these big city hustle bustle isn't really for me," Scherazard agreed with Estelle. "And I just stepped foot in this place for a short time. It might change if Crossbell has a good bar, though. Speaking of, do you have any recommendations?"

"Of course..." Joshua sighed at the remarks coming from their sister figure.

"We're still underage. We didn't go to any such place here before," Estelle pointed out.

"But I heard the drinking age in Crossbell is eighteen! You guys are no fun!" Scherazard playfully leaned on Estelle's back.

"Get off me, Schera!" Estelle shooed her sisterly figure away. "If you want to ask for a recommendation, just ask Michel later."

They entered the Central Square. The bustling center of Crossbell was a new sight for Scherazard but a familiar sight for both Estelle and Joshua since they had been here a few months ago. The Bell of Crossbell was still a unique landmark that the two had never seen anywhere else.

"That's one huge bell," Scherazard commented with a hum.

"Yeah... that's also my reaction," Estelle nodded in agreement.

"I remember you being more fired up than Schera is just now, Estelle," Joshua poked fun.

"W-Well, that was..."

"Ah! It's Estelle!"

A voice suddenly interrupted their conversation. When the three looked, it was a little girl who greeted them with a smile. Scherazard took a few steps back, letting Estelle take the rein.

"Mimi!" Estelle kneeled and patted her head. "How you've been!"

"Ehehe! I'm good! How about you, Estelle?"

"I'm fine, too. A little busy in Liberl, but who isn't? Anyway, it was great seeing you again, Mimi. Joshua and I will be here for a few days. But now we have to go to the guild."

"Right! The Junior SSS won't believe me when I say you're back!" Mimi declared proudly.

Estelle and Joshua looked at each other before she turned back to Mimi. "Junior SSS?"

"Yeah! That's what Anri, Ryu, and Momo called themselves! They love the SSS and want to be like them in the future. Whenever we played, it's always SSS this, SSS that," Mimi said with a huff. "They should join the Bracer Guild instead, like you and Juna!"

"Awww~" Estelle hugged the girl, rubbing her cheeks on hers. "Thank you, Mimi. That's so sweet! So you want to be a Bracer?"

"Yeah! You and Juna are so cool! I want to be like you in the future!" Mimi then glanced at Joshua. "Well, maybe not as clumsy, but you're still cool!"

That statement drew a laugh from both Estelle and Joshua. "Yeah, best not to be fully like Estelle, Mimi. Just take her good points."

"Hey!"

"Anyway, like Estelle said, we need to go. Talk to you later, okay, Mimi?" Joshua patted both Mimi and Estelle's heads, to the brunette girl's embarrassment.

"Mhm. See you later, Estelle, Joshua, nice beautiful lady!" Mimi waved as the three left her and went to East Street, where the Bracer Guild is located.

"You were here for a few months looking for Renne, right? It's so like you to integrate yourself with the people," Scherazard commented after they were far from the little girl.

"Well, Bracers are close with civilians. Not to mention, when we first arrived here, the people relied on Bracers more than the local police," Joshua explained to Scherazard, the newcomer.

"Yeah, the two of us were a little overwhelmed at first since there were only five active Bracers in the city before we came. All sevens of us had to do all the requests," Estelle sighed, remembering the tiring but fulfilling days of being under the Crossbell branch.

"But towards the end of our stay here, I believe that the SSS has acquired enough trust from the populace. That's why Mimi said her friends are idolizing the SSS," Joshua continued.

"SSS?" Scherazard asked, a little confused.

"Umm. What does SSS stand for again, Joshua? I forgot. But they're a branch of the local police that handles civilian matters like us Bracers. They're worthy rivals!" Estelle nodded to herself.

"It's Special Support Section..." Of course, Estelle would forget about it. "And yes, Estelle's correct. In any case, we're here."

The three stopped in front of the guild's door.

"Say, Joshua..." Estelle started. "Wanna enter like Juna?"

"No."

"Come on~" Estelle whined.

Scherazard hummed. "Enter like Juna? How?" Estelle had talked about her and Joshua's time in Crossbell, so she had heard about Juna Crawford, the girl who helped them reunite with Renne. But this was her first time hearing about Juna having her own entrance.

Estelle grinned mischievously. "Like this!" she quickly slammed the door open.

"We're back!"

"Welcome back, Jun-- Ah! Estelle!"

Joshua sighed as Estelle ran inside to greet Michel. Meanwhile, Scherazard was gaping because, judging from the reaction inside, the slammed door seemed to really be a unique entrance for this Juna.

"Michel! Good to see you again!"

"Sorry for the loud entrance, Michel. Estelle couldn't resist doing a Juna," Joshua sighed at his girlfriend's antics.

"It's okay. The door was already reinforced a long time ago. It won't get destroyed even if you attack it with your Crafts," Michel responded with a smile before turning to behind him. "Ah, I see a certain Silver Streak behind you. Good Morning, and nice to meet you, Miss Silver Streak. I'm Michel, the receptionist of the Crossbell branch of Bracer Guild."

"Nice to meet you too, Michel. Scherazard Harvey is here as the team leader of the reinforcement. We're in your care for the foreseeable future," Scherazard winked.

"By the way, Estelle. Renne, Tita, and Shizuku are on the second floor," Michel pointed to the stairs.

"Kyaaa! Really?! That's like, cuteness overload!" Without wasting any more seconds, Estelle quickly ran towards the stairs.

"Forgive Estelle, Michel," Joshua let out a forced laugh.

"No, it's fine. I know Estelle won't really like the briefing we'll do later in the afternoon for tomorrow, so I'm coaxing her with those three first as we wait for the Calvardian team."

Scherazard shook her head. Even the receptionist here had already known of her habits, huh...

"Speaking of, you're expecting Juna? I remember you mistaking Estelle for her," Joshua pointed out.

"Not really, but she's out there training with Agate."

"Agate? That guy? Training a girl?" Scherazard asked in disbelief. After all, she knew Agate. "Impossible!"

"Was Arios too busy to train with Juna again?" Joshua asked, taking a shot in the dark.

"Unfortunately," Michel responded with a nod.

"Juna..." That girl always dragged Arios whenever Shizuku wanted him, but when she wanted to have time with him, she didn't do anything. "She can be selfish for someone else, but not for herself..."

Scherazard stayed silent, not familiar enough to interrupt the conversation about Juna. From what she understood, Juna was very much like Estelle. To think she'd also have a connection with a Divine Blade in Arios MacLaine, what were the chances?

"Yes, if there's one thing that girl needs to have, it's more regard to her own self," Michel also sighed.

While his jest about Estelle and Juna having the exact same personality was just a jest, there existed a fundamental difference between the two: Estelle had him to curb (and sometimes poke fun) any of her negative traits. Who did Juna have? It should've been Arios' duty as her master, but Arios was a borderline S-rank Bracer and a single father to a disabled daughter. In other words, Arios was busy. At the same time, while Juna was close with the guild members and the SSS, she existed at the peripherals of both circles.

"In any case, Zin's team should arrive soon. When they arrived, let's talk about the situation for tomorrow," Michel diverted the conversation.

"Yeah, we haven't heard the details from you guys yet. How come the HQ got involved at all in this matter?" Scherazard inquired the receptionist. "Even Aina won't tell me anything. It feels like you guys behind the tables are having some secrets."

Michel let out a small laugh. "It's not like we're hiding things from you. It's just that everything started from a... sensitive matter that we don't want to broadcast openly. You'll be brought in with Zin's team later. Joshua and Estelle should've already known since they've been here before."

Joshua narrowed his eyes. He and Estelle should have already known? He didn't remember anything from the last time they were here. Unless it was about Juna's sharp mind? The SSS trusted Juna so much they followed her words back in the Sun Fort.

"You know about it?" Scherazard turned to him.

"It's possible. A lot of things happened when we were here." He still wasn't sure about it, so he didn't confirm anything.

"In any case, you guys can drop off your baggage above. We still have enough free beds for three people. Hmm, but then Zin's team wouldn't get any beds..."

"Don't worry, Michel. Estelle and I will look for an inn," Joshua offered a solution.

"Aha~, don't do it without protection, okay? You guys are still young," Scherazard winked, jumping at the opportunity to tease Estelle and him.

Joshua blinked before he realized the implication of what he just said. "N-No, we will get a place with two beds!" His cheeks reddened in embarrassment. "In the first place, you guys don't know how fussy Estelle is when she's sleeping. I wouldn't want to be in the same bed as her."

"Hoooh, so you don't want to be in the same bed as me, huh?" Estelle's voice came as she descended. On her back, she was carrying Shizuku while Renne and Tita followed behind her. "Fine! Let's rent two rooms! See who's the one caving in first."

"Oh my, oh my, someone's in trouble~," Renne joined in, with a sing-song voice, even.

"Ehehe. Don't take it to heart, Estelle. Agate always told me that men always say stupid things, so please forgive Joshua?"

Your words didn't help anyone, Tita.

"Hmph, no way! Not until he asked for forgiveness!" Estelle crossed her arms and threw her face away.

Joshua sighed. "Please forgive me, Estelle..."

Estelle didn't reply. She just put Shizuku down on the ground gently before crossing her arms once more.

"I'll treat you to ice cream later."

The frown on her face quickly transformed into excitement. "That's better!"

"Geez... you two are being flirty so early in the morning. Please have mercy on me," Scherazard patted Joshua and Estelle's heads while lamenting her situation.

"Speak for yourself. Besides, didn't you come here mainly because of a certain-"

"Aaaah, I don't know what you are talking about!" The silver-haired woman quickly moved to shut Renne's mouth up. "I was asked by Aina, you know. Nothing more."

"Ah, right!" Estelle shouted in realization before she smugly smiled at Scherazard. "So it's because of that guy, huh?"

"Oh my, what is this? A love story for our Silver Streak?" Michel joined in on the fun.

"Geez... it's not like that, okay?!"

And now Scherazard sounded like how Estelle was usually. Joshua let out a small laugh.

"Oh yeah, speaking of... Shizuku, this is sort of my senior in being a Bracer and someone I consider my big sister, Schera," Estelle guided Shizuku towards Scherazard, intending to introduce them to each other. "Schera, this is Shizuku MacLaine, Arios' daughter."

"Is that so? Nice to meet you, Shizuku. I'm Scherazard Harvey, an A-rank Bracer. However, I'm still less experienced than your father."

"Nice to meet you, Miss Scherazard. I hope you take good care of my father," Shizuku bowed.

"What are you talking about? That should be my line! I'm still nothing compared to the Arios MacLaine," Scherazard softly patted her on the shoulder. "Oh, and just call me Schera, okay? Everyone does so."

After that, they settled for casual talks when the door suddenly opened with a bam.

"We're back!"

One Juna Crawford entered the guild with her usual entrance. Behind her was Agate. So they really trained together...

Joshua shared Scherazard's disbelief when Michel talked about Agate training with Juna. But to see it with his own eyes...

"Welcome back, Juna. Look who's here," Michel greeted and gestured at the Liberl's team.

Juna gasped.

"Estelle!" / "Juna!"

The pink-haired girl and the brown-haired girl ran towards each other, arms outstretched. However, before the two met, Juna raised her hand, stopping herself and Estelle in their tracks.

"Stop, stop! I just remember that I'm all sweaty after training, so..." Juna looked away in embarrassment.

"Oh, is that all? You should be proud of that instead of being embarrassed. That's proof of your progress!" Estelle quickly hugged Juna after she dismissed her concern. Juna responded with her own hug, and before long, the two jumped happily in the air, legs flailing in excitement.

"I miss you so much!"

"Me too!"

As the two were lost in the happiness of their reunion, Scherazard elbowed Agate. "It's unlike you to help someone train."

"Shut it, Scherazard. I just did it on a whim. It doesn't mean anything, got it?" Agate grumbled, to Scherazard's delight.

"Aww, be careful Tita, Juna's about to steal your man," Renne squeezed Tita's shoulder in comfort.

"R-Renne!"

"Still, now I understand when you guys said Juna is very much like Estelle," Scherazard remarked when observing the two passionate girls still jumping in each other's hug.

"You guys should've bash their heads together to see if their personalities would swap," Agate suggested out of nowhere. "Seriously, I've been here for almost a week, and it feels like Estelle's with me. Just... no Joshua, so she's even worse."

"Yeah, she's worse than Estelle. Our beloved Estelle at least rarely thinks. Juna thinks all the time, and that makes it harder for me to tease her," Renne agreed wisely.

After the two energetic girls spent their energies jumping around, they finally stopped and released themselves. "Whew. Thanks for that, Estelle."

"Don't worry, we girls should stick together."

Juna gasped. "Ah, right. There's still some time before the unveiling, so I need to go somewhere else. See you later, guys!"

She quickly ran towards the exit.

"Was she always like that?" Scherazard asked.

"Yes, that's our Juna," Michel replied with a laugh. "Full of energy no matter what."

"I see..."

"Anyway, let's get you guys settled as we wait for the Calvardian team."

Scherazard then went to the second floor to claim a free bed while Estelle and Joshua went to look for an inn.

---

30/08/1204 09:30
Celdic, Erebonia

"All passengers disembarking here in Celdic, please exit the platform via the bridge! I repeat, do not approach the rope barriers on platform 1! Passengers wishing to travel on the Transcontinental Railroad, please wait on platform 2!"

Group A had just got off the train at Celdic Station when they heard the announcement. To go to the Garrelia Fortress, they had to transit to Celdic and wait for the next train.

"What's going on here?" Jusis questioned when they disembarked from the train.

"All this security feels kind of ominous."

"It seems the Railway Military Police is guarding the opposite platform," Emma observed.

"Yeah. I wonder if--"

"Heehee. Well, isn't this quite the coincidence?" A voice cut them off. When Rean turned, Captain Claire approached them.

"Oooh, it's Claire! Did you come to see me?" Millium ran towards her fellow Ironblood.

"Just a coincidence, I'm afraid. Eisengraf will be passing through here soon, so this station's operating under heightened security," the Icy Maiden elaborated to Class VII. "Especially since..."

"Right. The ILF attack," Millium nodded in agreement.

"What? Millium, when did you hear about that?" Claire inquired.

"Well, our group might have talked with the informant Lechter wants," Millium grinned at the older woman.

Claire frowned. "Have you talked to Lechter about it? He's been trying to profile the informant that tipped him about the possible attack at the Garellia Fortress."

"Of course!" Millium gave a thumb.

Rean frowned. As he thought, Millium had blabbed about the SSS's Informant to the Intelligence Division. Thank Aidios Rean had warned the SSS's Informant about them.

---

30/08/1204 09:30
Crossbell City, Crossbell.

Juna greeted everyone on her way to the hospital. She hadn't visited them in a while and wanted to let everyone know that now she had an Enigma as a point of contact.

As she entered Central Square and turned towards Station Street, somebody called out to her. "Yo, SSS's Informant."

Juna stopped.

Nobody outside of the people inside the guild a few days ago should know about the alias she used to mask her identity when talking with the Erebonian's Class VII.

If somebody was calling out to her using that specific alias...

"Listen, you're hiding from the Erebonian Intelligence Division, am I correct? Then please forgive us, but you might be compromised. One of our class members is affiliated with the Intelligence Division, and she might have told her superior that you had predicted something would happen in Garrelia Fortress."

When she turned towards the voice, a red-haired man in a black formal suit lazily waved his arm.

She gasped.

"Nice to finally meet you."

Lechter Arundel of the Erebonian Intelligence Division greeted her with a grin.

Notes:

Can't believe it's already 50 chapters long... I think this is officially my longest fic by chapter count and total fic length. Of course it has to be Trails of all fandom that I sunk so much time writing for. Very fitting. Anyway, when I reread the previous chapters, it's already been a year since the first reveal of the ILF attack by Juna back in chapter 34. Do you think the pace is too slow? Or is it still enjoyable?

Anyway, this chapter is technically a filler. I thought when I wrote the last chapter I could've just go straight to the unveiling, but it turned out that I made a miscalculation and edited the last chapter, but then I had to fill the time before the unveiling, so I thought why not write the Liberl team coming? Can't do that with the Calvard team since I don't know anyone except Zin so might as well. ...I didn't think it'd end up with a confrontation. Seriously, it only came when I wrote the Class VII section and think of the butterfly for the conversation. So here we are. What a precarious position you found yourself in, Juna.

Chapter 51

30/08/1204 09:10
Crossbell City, Crossbell.

Lechter Arundel stood at the Central Square of Crossbell. While he was technically part of the Erebonian delegation for the West Zemuria Trade Conference, he had been here since forever to smooth things over for Chancellor Osborne.

He didn't expect that two days ago, the SSS approached him to warn him about a potential terrorist attack on the Garrelia Fortress. Of course, he contacted Claire to calculate some possibilities after his intuition told him the worst wouldn't happen if everyone did their part, hoping that Claire would be able to operate a countermeasure while something here in Crossbell caught his attention: namely, how his intuition gone weird when the SSS informed him that there would be an attack in Garrelia Fortress.

It all came back to the mysterious SSS's Informant, and thankfully, through some weird coincidence, the SSS's Informant unwittingly revealed herself through her contact with Class VII. Good thing Millium was there. From the call, Lechter profiled that the SSS's Informant was a woman and involved with both the SSS and the guild.

He spent the whole day yesterday watching several hotspots in the city for anyone resembling the profile, and he got a hit on the first try.

A pink-haired girl left the guild with the SSS. Later, she trained and then came back to the guild. It fitted a woman involved with both the SSS and the guild. Well, maybe 'woman' was too old to describe her since, judging by her looks, she was at least as young as Class VII themselves or even younger. After asking some bystanders, Lechter knew that her name was Juna Crawford, an aspiring Bracer, student of the Divine Blade of Wind, Arios MacLaine. As for her connection with SSS, none of them say anything substantial, just something along the lines of 'Juna is friends with everyone.'

Still, that was the SSS's request that he saw Juna join in. There had to be a connection.

When his intuition told him to wait in the Central Square for the pink-haired girl to come, Lechter decided to bet on his intuition. But before that, there were some things he had to ask Claire.

"Yo, Claire." He asked her after coming to Neue Blanc to use their orbal phone. Claire was out but thankfully still nearby, so he only had to wait for a second.

"Lechter... What do you need? I'm busy doing things that you dumped on me in the first place."

"Nothing so demanding. I just wanna know the exact percentage of the weather in Crossbell for today and the next two days," Lechter passed her concern with a laugh.

"...Couldn't you just do that on your own?"

"I don't have the exact percentage. I just want to know something. Please?"

A sigh came from the other end. "Fine. Taking into account the distance from Crossbell to Celdic, Celdic's weather forecast from the radio, and my own observation of Celdic's clouds... In Crossbell, the chance for rain is 30.77%. Tomorrow, 24.81%. Two days from now, 34.12%. Is there anything else? Because I need to go. The chancellor's train will pass by Celdic soon."

"Nope. Thanks, Claire. Hope things are fine on your end." This information was enough for his purpose.

"...You too," Claire said with a touch of concern before ending the call.

After bidding the Neue Blanc female staff goodbye, Lechter hurriedly went to Central Square and waited.

There was a reason why he asked those questions, and it was all related to that girl, Juna Crawford.

Sure enough, she passed by him, not paying attention to him. Lechter called out to his target.

"Yo, SSS's Informant."



The pink-haired girl stopped and turned towards him, mouth slightly open, eyes wide.

"Nice to finally meet you."

She took a step back, her arms reaching for the sword on her hip before she looked around and relaxed.

"That's right. Just relax," Lechter said casually. Despite his calm demeanor, he actually panicked a little when she went for her sword. There was nothing he could do if she drew it and gained people's attention. Alternatively, she could just shout to gain attention, and all he could do was pretend that he wasn't bothering her. But luckily, she didn't do that. Yet.

Unexpectedly, the girl just turned and walked away without saying any words.

Lechter opened his mouth, but no words came out.

What? Did she just...?

He reached towards her before realizing how bad it would look for him to make a scene. So he just sighed before catching up to her, matching pace on her sides as they walked towards Station Street.

"Don't follow me, creep," the pink-haired girl scowled before walking faster.

"Wait, I just want to ask you some questions. You can ask me back in return."

Now that the situation had gone out of hand, he needed to give the concession to pacify Juna Crawford. Truly, even his intuition never guessed that this girl would just choose to go away silently.

Juna paused her steps, narrowing her eyes at him, trying to discern whether he was telling the truth or not. Well, he was! He knew just this one time that he was outwitted by the girl beside him.

"If you don't behave, I'll just shout that a pervert is following me. Come on," Juna slowed her pace, gesturing for Lechter to follow him.

Lechter let out a relieved sigh. Thankfully, Juna was not unreasonable. He quickly went to Juna's side, following her lead.

"So, what do you want to ask?" Juna said as the two walked slowly towards Station Street.

"Ah, before that. Let me introduce myself. I am--"

"Lecher Arundel. I've heard," she quickly cut off his introduction.

"So you've... wait, I'm Lechter! Lechter! not Lecher!" He corrected the girl. He did not want somebody to misheard his name and concluded that he was a lecher!

Juna just stared at him. "...What else should I call a grown-ass man who chases an underaged girl?"

...Well, when she said it like that... he really looked suspicious. Lechter could only laugh at Juna's accusation. "Moving on. I do have some questions for you, Juna. Can I call you Juna?"

"...Whatever."

He didn't need his intuition to tell that the girl was feeling annoyed at him. Still, this was important, so he pushed aside his hesitation and continued.

"So... what do you think is the chance that it will rain today, tomorrow, and two days from now?

Juna looked at him weirdly. Probably thinking, 'What kind of things is he thinking about?' But there was a reason why he specifically asked those questions, the same one he asked Claire before.

Before he could say anything, Juna widened her eyes and let out a small snort. ...is it possible that she was onto him? How? He didn't even say anything. Was this her ability in action?

The smile was gone from Lechter's face. He had to face the younger girl with no more leisure. Otherwise, he'd be caught off-guard once again.

Instead of answering, the pink-haired girl turned to look forward as they passed the Crossbell Station.

"Hey, Mr. Suspicious Intelligence Agent named Lecher Arundel," Juna suddenly started, which prompted a response from him.

"I'm neither a lecher nor suspicious! Though I'm an Intelligence Agent. If you discard the suspicious and lecher part., I'll let it pass."

"Don't you think that whenever it rains, it feels like the sky is crying?"

Huh? Lechter was taken aback by the change in topic. It sounded like a lie you told children to make life more fantastic for them before the inevitable growing up sucked up their life.

Juna giggled, "Sounds childish, isn't it? But hear me out. What if it's true?"

Lechter didn't say anything as Juna's emerald orbs fixated on him. What could he even say? Juna was probably attempting to divert the topic from his question about the probability of precipitation.

"Hey, Mr. Intelligence Agent. Can you tell me what is the Goddess' domain again?"

The Goddess? Was she perhaps not a believer? "Aidios is the Goddess of the Sky," Lechter answered straight to the point.

"Exactly! Aidios is the Goddess of the Sky. So when it rains, that means Aidios is crying," Juna nodded to herself. "You might be thinking, what is this weird girl talking about? That's a childish reasoning you use to fascinate children."

...not exactly word for word, but she completely nailed his thoughts.

They left the Station Street to the Ursula Road. Juna turned her steps towards the bus stop. Lechter had no choice but to follow.

Once the two were seated next to each other, Juna turned to him from her seat. "If you ask me whether it'll rain at the conference or not, I'll answer it with another question. Do you think the Goddess would be sad when her Children decide to meet each other peacefully and potentially prevent any sort of atrocities and war?"

...

"...ah, so that's it," Juna suddenly nodded to herself after Lechter's silence. "Erebonia had no intention to play nice, is it?"

Did she just...

Lechter laughed.

To think that he was completely outwitted by a young girl, and one not even trained in basic intelligence analysis or even interrogation, not just once, but twice! This was his own fault for underestimating the girl.

"Sorry, I accidentally got Erebonia's political strategy for the conference," Juna laughed sheepishly as if she hadn't just done something extraordinary to a seasoned intelligence agent like him. Was it truly an accident?

"So you think it'll rain, then?" Lechter tried to probe for more, disregarding his blunder.

"Nope," Juna smiled, to his confusion. Then all that spiel about the Goddess crying really was just her attempt to get information out of him?

"Then..."

"It won't rain."

Lechter sighed. "So all that was just mind games, huh?"

"Not really," Juna denied. "I truly do believe that rains are the Goddess' tears. But do you think the Goddess would easily cry from just Erebonian scheming against other nations?"

...Well, that was true. If Aidios had cried whenever Erebonia plotted, then there would never have been a sunny day in Erebonia.

Still... that was such a weird leap of logic just to say that she thought it wouldn't rain. He wasn't sure whether to believe her logic or not. ...or maybe that was her way of concealing whatever ability she had from him. Yeah, that made so much more sense.

"Well, my bus is here," Juna pointed at the oncoming bus. "You still wanna follow me?"

Lechter shook his head. "No. That was enough. Thanks for answering my question," although it didn't help him understand the girl at all. "As promised, you can ask me something back."

"Can I take you up on the offer later? I need to go now."

...This girl really didn't think a free question to an intelligence officer of another country was important. Honestly...

"Sure." Lechter wouldn't mind talking with her again. But next time, he wouldn't underestimate her craftiness.

As the girl entered the bus, Lechter took a few minutes to let the information sink into his mind.

"It was my complete loss," he admitted to himself. "She played me completely."

Despite her reluctance at first, she ended up coming out as the better one between them. When Lechter replayed their encounter in his mind, it all started after he asked her the question. Before that, she was completely rude, not wanting to do anything with him. But her expression changed once he asked her for the probability of precipitation. ...It was like she realized something when he asked that question. Not just his attempt to probe for her ability but also something else in him.

Maybe his suspicion about her ability at work was correct. That was exactly the moment her ability worked because it was like she turned into someone else after he asked her the question.

Lechter quickly stood up and went back to Neue Blanc and used the orbal phone again. He once more called the RMP, asking for Claire. After several minutes, Claire was finally on the line.

"Lechter... why are you calling me again?"

He heard her sigh in resignation. Sorry, Claire, but this one was important.

"Can you tell me again what the chance of rain is in Crossbell?"

"I believe I've told you before, accounting for all relevant variables plus some projection from me, the chance for rain today is... huh? It's 0%?"

Lechter grinned. Bingo.

"That doesn't make sense. How did it change from around thirty percent to zero? Lechter, what did you do?"

"Nothing," he answered shortly with the truth. "Try calculating the chance for tomorrow and the day after. I'd be surprised if it isn't zero."

"...How...?"

"Well, thanks for the confirmation. See ya later, Claire," Lechter ended the call.

It looked like his intuition was correct.

He started thinking about it when the SSS warned him about the ILF attack on Garrelia Fortress. How and why did his intuition not flare up with any warning before the SSS told him about it? It wasn't like the potential of such an attack passed by him. After the old man told him to leave the attack on the conference alone last week, he tried to see if anything else flared up his intuition.

Nothing of note was picked up, not even a possible attack on Garrelia Fortress.

Imagine his surprise when his intuition told him of the attack after the SSS told him. It was as if, in the sequence of events, his intuition picked up and changed after the SSS told him about the possibilities.

So he thought hard about how such a thing could happen, and the one thing that stuck out was the involvement of the 'SSS's Informant.' Thankfully, Millium's report helped him identify the person behind the nickname. The meeting he had just now with Juna Crawford was a deliberate part. He wanted to confirm whether his theory was correct or not, so he asked Claire about something simple like the probability of precipitation and asked Juna about the same thing before asking Claire one last time.

"I take back my words. It seems like we both came out of the meeting as a winner, Juna."

After all, despite her attempt at concealing how she came to the answer, he now had confirmation about how dangerous Juna Crawford's words are if she was uncontrolled.

"Let's hope nobody else finds out about this before I can get her to join the Erebonian Intelligence Agency."

The first step was, of course, letting things play out like how the old man predicted.

---

30/08/1204 09:30
Celdic, Erebonia

"At any rate, Let me thank you again for all your help during the recent crisis in Heimdallr," Claire expressed her gratitude towards Group A of Class VII. Although, only some of them were involved in last month's debacle in the group, namely him and Laura. The rest were in the other group, which also helped but not directly like his group last month.

"Ah... Don't worry about it," Rean scratched his cheek in embarrassment.

"We simply did our duty as citizens of the Empire," Laura, though, was a little more dignified in accepting the gratitude.

"More importantly, what's the meaning of all this extra security? And what is this 'Eisengraf' you mentioned?" Jusis asked for clarification. Considering they were preparing for the attack on Garrelia Fortress, it looked weird to see Celdic station being full of security.

"Heh. You'll see what I mean soon enough," Claire let out a small giggle.

Not a second after, there was an announcement from the speaker.

"A special express train will momentarily be passing by platform one. This train will be passing through at high speed, so travelers on the platform are advised to exercise caution."

"A special express train?" Gaius wondered aloud.

"Ah, right on time," Claire said before turning towards the railway on platform one.

Soon after, the ground shook a little, and a honking sound reverberated inside the station. A shiny red train with gold accents passed at a high speed.

Rean's keen eyes caught Towa's figure for a split second, then Prince Olivert and an unknown blue-haired man beside him.

And then... him.

BA DUMP

His heart beat harder than usual for an instant before the train went away.

"..."

"So that was the Eisengraf..." Laura folded her arms, still looking at the long-gone crimson train.

"Come to think of it, I've heard rumors of a special crimson train. It's supposedly reserved for use by members of the Imperial government," Jusis remembered a tidbit of information and shared it with everyone.

"I've been on it before! It's really fast! It's pretty fancy inside, too!" Millium nodded to herself.

"The Eisengraf--or the Iron Count, in the common parlance-- was so titled in honor of Chancellor Osborne himself," Claire explained to the others.

"Well, I do hear him being called the Blood and Iron Chancellor all the time, so I can understand the 'Iron' part..."

"...but isn't the Chancellor a commoner by birth?" Emma finished Gaius' question.

"He is, indeed. However, he was granted the title of count by His Majesty when he was made chancellor eleven years ago. Supposedly, that's what led to the train being given its name shortly thereafter."

"Heh. I doubt he, of all people, sees any worth in titles or peerage," Jusis remarked after getting the explanation from Claire.

"...Rean?" Laura finally noticed that he hadn't paid any attention to their conversation.

"Y-Yeah...?"

"Is something bothering you? Your attention seems elsewhere."

Now that Laura had pointed it out, the others jumped onto him.

"Still feeling tired after yesterday?" Gaius followed up.

"No, not really... I just happened to catch a glance of Towa and Prince Olivert on the train as it passed by," Rean deflected.

"Wow! I'm surprised you could even make them out!"

"You must have a hawk's eyes to be able to see them when the Eisengraf whooshed by so quickly."

The exclamation of surprise and praise from Millium and Claire still couldn't shake off the weird feeling he had when he saw the chancellor. It was more than just a glance. He could clearly see them in detail.

"Speaking off, Laura, does your father have a brother or something? I saw a blue-haired man beside Prince Olivert," Rean deflected again.

"Hmm...? I believe he doesn't. However, if we're talking about another blue-haired noble, there's the House Schleiden in Nortia. If I remember correctly, the current head of the house, Johann Schleiden, had a long mane of blue hair," Laura answered.

"Shouldn't you know about them since you're from Ymir, Rean?" Jusis raised a good question, but Rean had already prepared the answer for this kind of stock question.

"I'm an adopted child, so I kind of... distanced myself from noble education," Rean let out a sheepish laugh to Jusis' sigh.

"So what does Lord Schleiden do with Prince Olivert?" Emma asked out loud.

"Obviously, he's going with the prince to the conference, right?" Millium pointed out.

"Hmm, to be honest, I don't really know. The RMP doesn't actually deal with the delegation; it's just the preparation for the smooth ride for Eisengraf."

So, Claire didn't know that the prince would bring another noble.

"Laura, is Lord Schleiden strong?" Gaius asked the blue-haired girl. "Because if he is, then Lord Schleiden is probably brought along for protection."

"Yes, he is. The Schleidens are one of the founders of Eisenritter alongside the Arseids. So I believe that Gaius is correct," Laura nodded.

"Viscount Schleiden is also known as the Glorious Spear if I remember correctly. He's one of the premier users of Spear in Erebonia," Claire elaborated. "Even without the Viscount, though, I'm sure Prince Olivert would still be okay since he has his bodyguard, Major Vander."

"I see..."

"We would like to thank all passengers for their cooperation with today's security measures. Transcontinental Railway service bound for...Crossbell State... now arriving on Platform 2."

The announcer announced. This was supposed to be the train they would use to go to Garrelia Fortress. According to Instructor Sara, Group B would have already been inside since they came from Jurai.

"Here it comes."

The figures of the other group came out of the train one by one.

"Hey, there they are!" Alisa pointed at them from near the train.

"Rean, over here!" Elliot waved his arms.

That was the cue for Group A to bid goodbye to the good captain.

"Well, if you'll excuse us, Captain."

"See ya later, Claire!"

"Of course. Have a safe trip, everyone," Claire answered with a smile on her face.

Once they entered the train, Claire was approached by her subordinate.

"Captain, you got a call from Captain Arundel waiting for you."

"Lechter? What does he want? In any case, any other reports?" Claire asked them back, hanging Lechter for a second because it was Lechter.

"We've received word from Squad 08. No unusual movements have been detected near the Twin Dragons Bridge."

"We've also received word from Squad 21. They report all high-speed armored cars are in position."

"Understood. Remain vigilant until the Eisengraf has finished passing through," Claire commanded. "Once it reaches Crossbell City, have all squads switch to Phase D."

"Yes, ma'am."

---

30/08/1204 09:50
Transcontinental Railroad, Erebonia

The two groups and one Instructor converged and shared their experience as one class. Group B talked about their time in Jurai, while Group A shared their experience of going inside the Lohengrin Castle at night.

"That said, Instructor, you've gotten Toval's message, haven't you? What do you think?" Rean changed the topic into a more important one.

"Heeh, what are you talking about?" Crow leaned forward, wanting to know what he and Instructor Sara were talking about.

Sara sighed. "Group A dropped a bomb at me via my former colleague, Toval. ...hey, why do I have to be the one telling Group A?! Rean, go tell them!"

Of course... Rean just rolled his eyes at his instructor's antics.

"Because you're our teacher?" Machias asked. Sadly for him, that was a rhetorical question, so their instructor didn't appreciate the answer.

"Aaah, I wish I had some drinks..."

"She ignored him..." Elliot looked at Sara with a disappointed look.

"As expected of Sara. When I think she couldn't get any lower, she exceeds my expectations," Fie said flatly despite the content of her sentence.

"Fie. Don't be too harsh on Instructor Sara. Despite acting like deadbeats, she's still our instructor," Laura chastised Fie, but there was no ill will. In fact, Laura smiled at the younger girl. After the last Field Study, the two had grown closer, but this was Rean's first time seeing them joking.

"Oi, your words are even harsher than Fie, Laura!"

"In any case, there was an unexpected encounter in Legram. Well, I say encounter, but to be honest, it was done via orbal telephone," Rean then started telling Group A and Sara about what exactly happened in Legram, from the call with the mysterious SSS's Informant, to her prediction about the lost children (which came true even after they tried to prevent it), and about the ILF attacking Garrelia Fortress tomorrow.

Group A's reaction was varied, as Group B expected.

"Sounds like nonsense to me," Machias frowned.

"I don't exactly disagree, although it's more about the SSS's Informant being too suspicious. Don't you think so, Rean?" Alisa asked for his opinion.

Rean's lips formed a thin line. "We thought so too, at first. But..."

"Her words about the lost children came true despite our efforts to prevent it," Emma finished, voice trembling.

"Not only that, she also perfectly predicted where the lost children would be," Rean added. It was still one of the things that terrified him of the SSS's Informant. He unconsciously grabbed the notes pocketed on his jacket.

"...That's..." Elliot was at a loss for words.

"So that's the reason why you believe there's going to be an attack by the ILF tomorrow?" Crow asked. His usual playful demeanor was nowhere to be found.

"No, it's the opposite," Jusis answered. "We didn't believe her words at all. We still didn't believe her words, even though we told Instructor Sara about it and warned the children not to go to the castle. Not until Millium said the Intelligence Division also got the same information from the SSS's Informant and confirmed that it should be taken seriously."

"Yes. From there, we actually thought that maybe... just maybe the children might lost without our warning," Gaius continued.

"And the children are still lost anyway, despite our efforts to warn them," Millium said casually. "Makes you think that despite all of our preparations, the ILF will still attack, doesn't it?"

"Why would they attack Garrelia Fortress, anyway? Did your informant tell you about it?"

"No, she didn't tell me about that," Rean answered Crow's question. He was glad that even Crow took things seriously this time. "But I do have her numbers. Should I ask her about it?"

"You should, I think..." Emma was the first one to push for him to call the SSS's Informant.

"I agree with Emma. We need to know more about tomorrow," Laura supported the decision.

"And put it on the speaker to allow us to hear her words directly," Alisa advised. Oh, right. He kind of forgot about that ARCUS feature.

"Alright," Rean nodded before pulling out his ARCUS and calling the SSS's Informant. He quickly put it on speakers for everyone's sake.

A few seconds passed before the informant picked up the call on the other side.

"Hello?"

"Good Morning, SSS's Informant," Rean started.

"Ah, Rean Schwarzer, is it? Is there something you need?"

Rean exchanged looks with his classmates before he nodded. "Yes, there is. You said that the ILF will attack Garrelia Fortress. Do you know why they would target Garrelia Fortress?"

"Hm? Wait, I haven't told you yet, have I?"

"Yes, you have not."

"Last night, I was so focused on the missing children that I didn't remember to tell you about it. Sorry," the SSS's Informant said apologetically.

"Ah, no. You don't need to apologize," Rean exhaled. "It's also my fault. We didn't believe you at first. But after last night..."

The SSS's Informant giggled. "Yeah, don't worry about that. The only one who believes in me from the start is the SSS, so I don't hold any grudge whatsoever to you or anyone else."

She had a very unwavering trust in the SSS. If he could have something like that with the other Class VII members, he'd be very happy. Speaking of, he still didn't know what SSS stood for.

"SSS?" Machias asked Elliot, who looked as confused as the bespectacled man was.

Ah, it was a cue for him to ask her, then. But that was for later after she explained why the ILF would attack Garrelia Fortress.

"So, about the Garrelia Fortress...?" He tried turning the conversation back on track.

"Ah, right. It might not be obvious if you're not on this side of the fortress." On that side of the fortress? Rean furrowed his eyebrows. "Have you arrived there?"

"No, not for another half an hour at the least. I don't know how long our journey using the train is."

"Okay. To make it short, the ILF is probably going to hijack the huge railway cannon the fortress has and aim it at the conference, considering it is held in the tallest building in western Zemuria."

Their group fell into silence for a second before everyone let out their opinion at once.

"Are you serious?!"

"No way!"

Some voice their disbelief like Machias and Alisa.

"That's gonna be a bloodbath..."

"If it's true, then the people of Crossbell..."

Fie and Emma looked from a broader perspective. Attacking the conference wouldn't just kill Osborne, but also Prince Olivert, Towa, the other nations' delegation, and Crossbellans.

"Inciting war against Calvard. Kidnapping the princess, and now this..."

"They really are the worst."

Elliot and Gaius voiced their distaste at the Imperial Liberation Front.

"We have to stop them!"

"They need to be stopped by all means."

Laura and Jusis embodied the noblesse oblige by choosing to stand against them as their first response to the news.

"I guess with all the preparations, Lechter had thought about this," Millium noted casually.

The only ones staying silent were Crow, Sara, and him.

"Oh, I heard a cacophony of voices. Are you with your classmates. Hello, Class VII."

"She knows us?"

"I believe she asked Rean about Thors because I remember him talking about our Field Study," Laura answered Fie's question.

"Anybody wants to say hello?" Rean offered to his classmates.

"Umm..." Emma nervously raised her hand so his ARCUS was passed to their class rep. "Are you a seer?"

Surprisingly, the other line laughed. "No. Did you guys really think that I am some kind of witch?"

"A-Ah..." Emma hid her face using her hands.

"Oh wow, that was very adorable, Class Rep!" Millium couldn't help but chime in.

"It's rare to see Emma being so embarrassed," Fie commented with a small snort.

Rean waited for Crow's usual quips but was surprised to hear none. He turned towards the white-haired man to see him looking pensive. Hmm... nevertheless, Rean had one last question for her.

"Do you have anything else? Because I'm about to arrive at my destination."

Oh, was she perhaps also in public transportation like them?

"I do have one question for you. How did you come to this conclusion? Because it is as illogical as your declaration that the children will be lost," he asked for clarification.

However, the SSS's Informant only sighed. "You Erebonians are curious fellow, aren't you?"

"Huh?" Rean mumbled in confusion.

"I just had Lecher Arundel asking me questions, too. He looked like he wanted to know my method, too, so I just distracted him. Thanks for the warning, by the way."

"Huh? So Lechter does seek her!" Millium exclaimed in surprise.

"Wait, what did you just call him? Lecher Arundel?" Sara, for the first time since she dodged her responsibility for the nth time, opened her mouth to ask the SSS's Informant a question while trying to hold back a laugh.

"What else should I call a guy stalking me to ask me a weird question?"

Now that she got confirmation, Sara couldn't hold back her laughter. "Fuhahahaahaha! Aaahh, that was a good one! Maybe I'll use it if he's bothering me in the future."

Rean just laughed awkwardly at the situation. So the SSS's Informant could be vicious when she wanted to be, huh?

"Oh boy, I hoped the nickname wouldn't catch on. I'd feel bad if it replaced his alias," Millium whistled.

"Ah, I see. That's what you're also doing with us, huh? Distraction," Rean realized what the SSS's Informant was trying to do.

"Caught on, have you? Well, my answer is simple. It's a secret. A woman ought to have some, doesn't she?"

Rean could feel that if she was here in front of him, she would have winked at him as she finished her sentence.

"Ah, I'm about to go off my bus. Call me if you have any more questions. It's the least I can do to involve you with the situation."

"No, I should be the one thanking you. We'd be caught off-guard if you didn't tell us anything. Thank you for that. And maybe I'll take up your offer in the future. You might shed some light on some of my questions," Rean ended the call.

"So that's the SSS's Informant, huh? Quite a crafty woman," Sara commented.

"Yes... did she say she fooled Captain Arundel?" Gaius asked for confirmation.

"You heard correctly," Alisa confirmed. Since they were the ones who met Lechter at Zender gate, they knew that he was the one who defused the tension on the border between Nord and Calvard. To think that she could run around someone like him... just how dangerous was she?

"In any case, we need to prepare ourselves if we are truly going to face against the ILF again soon," Laura reminded everyone.

"Who's the commanding officer of Garrelia Fortress? Would they be amicable to our help?" Emma asked in worry.

"I believe it is General Craig," Jusis answered as he looked at Elliot.

"You're correct. Your Instructor, Neithardt, will also be there since he's originally from the 4th Armored Division," Sara answered.

"'Craig?'" Crow looked at the orange-haired boy. "Elliot, my man. You didn't tell me anything about your father being a general."

"Ahaha..."

"Ohhh, doesn't General Craig has a reputation as a stern commander?" Millium joined in.

Rean tried to imagine how a stern commander which garnered respects could have someone as adorable as Elliot as his son.

"Cannot compute..." Alisa sighed.

"You'll see," was Elliot's ominous closing words.

It was then that Rean remembered something. He didn't ask the SSS's Informant what SSS stood for! Oh well, maybe she could give him the answer later.

Notes:

I hope you like the Lechter and Juna meetup. If you still don't understand, Juna thought Lechter was prodding her for her method while what he wanted was her answer. So yeah, another wrong conclusion from her. It seems to be a running theme for her. But well, that does mean she isn't some kind of all-knowing Mary Sue so this story is all the better for it. Also, I believe the next chapter should be the unveiling since there's nothing else of note happening in the time between. And please forgive me, the Lecher Arundel joke is just too good to pass up on.

There's also a surprise with the inclusion of a certain noble. Well, this is my way to honor the origin of this fic in the first place. I hope Randomguy won't mind me using his OC. I've asked for permission but he hasn't been online for a few days so I decided to just push this out now. But Jessica is canonically placed in the 'dumping ground for troublemaker' so there should be a reason why she is placed in the Branch Campus, and Randomguy has made the Schleiden Viscounty lore so canon-compliant that it's so easy to integrate into canon. So here it is: Without JesSIca being an SI, Olivert still reach out to nobles for his third way, and Johann Schleiden is one of the nobles who openly supported him. That's why Jessica is placed in the Branch Campus. It's just a coincidence that I need a strong nobleman to accompany Olivert after the letter from Dieter cautioning him to bring more bodyguards. Tehee~

Chapter 52

30/08/1024 11:00
Crossbell City, Crossbell

All the delegations from the other countries had arrived. Chancellor Gilliath Osborne, alongside his aide Lechter Arundel, got out of the limo. Behind them, Prince Olivert Reise Arnor also came out accompanied by his bodyguard Mueller Vander, another guest in Viscount Schleiden. All of them represented Erebonia.

From Liberl, Princess Klaudia von Auslese was accompanied by her loyal bodyguard, Julia Schwarz. President Rocksmith came alongside Kilika Rouran as the representative of the Calvard Republic. Meanwhile, Grand Prince Albert von Bartholomeus was the sole representative of the Principality of Remiferia.

Since every one of note had already arrived, Mayor Dieter took the stage. "To our esteemed dignitaries... Allow me to officially welcome you to Crossbell State. I am the mayor of Crossbell City: Dieter Crois. Thank you all for coming here today and agreeing to participate in the West Zemuria Trade Conference. This would be when I officially announce the opening of the conference itself. However, before we get to that, we must first commemorate this auspicious day."

Dieter then turned his back, facing the building behind him, which was still covered in tarp.

"There is something I wish to show to you. Behind me stands Crossbell City's new City Hall. A modern landmark that symbolizes Crossbell's commitment to both trade and finance. Above all else, it is a place of international exchange for the sake of peace throughout the entire continent. It is with great pride I unveil to you the continent's first true skyscraper..."

That was the cue. The tarp was slowly uncovered with the help of an orbal-powered pulley, showing everyone in the city the culmination of several years of work to build something majestic in their city.

"...Orchis Tower!"

Dieter ended his announcement by launching fireworks and confetti.

The tower stood tall at 250 agre and had 40 floors. Now that it has been officially revealed, it holds the record of being the tallest man-made building in Zemuria.

Reactions from the people were mostly in awe at the height of the tower. Not only was it so tall, but the exterior design was also sleek and screamed 'future.'

From atop the Times department store, KeA looked at the ceremony together with the other children and Shizuku. The rooftop was packed with other people who also wanted to see the unveiling. Sensing the awe of the people around her, Shizuku tugged on KeA's arm.

"Heehee. Everyone seems so excited. Hey, KeA. Is the building really that large?"

"..." KeA didn't reply. It could even be said that her attention was caught by the gigantic tower which was being unveiled. However, what she was feeling wasn't awe like other people.

No, what she was feeling was--

"KeA...? Are you still there?"

KeA blinked. She turned her attention to Shizuku beside her. "Oh. Sorry, Shizuku. Umm... Yeah, it's totally huge! It has a pretty blue and white color, and it's super sleek and cool! But..."

"...? What's wrong?" Shizuku sensed the hesitation in the green-haired girl's words.

KeA smiled and reassured her friends. "Oh... It's nothing."

However... deep inside her heart, she couldn't dismiss the weird feeling she had upon looking at the tower.

It was her first time seeing the tower, and yet it felt like she had seen it before.

But it was impossible, right?

---

30/08/1024 11:00
Crossbell City, Crossbell

While everyone was captivated by the majestic tower that was being unveiled, one person did not shirk his duty for the safety of the citizen: Alex Dudley.

As the ace of the First Division, he knew that the unveiling was better used for something else. Thus, he coordinated with some other First Division members to meet with the other nations' security.

Liberl's was simple enough since the Royal Guards handled everything. Julia Schwarz led them, but she was guarding the Princess, so the meeting was handled by her subordinate. They were cooperative and reported that they had twenty members on standby in the Arseille, the airship of Liberl Royal Guards. All of them agreed to cooperate for tomorrow.

Same with Remiferia. They also brought twenty people to guard the Grand Prince, but aside from that, they also brought twenty field medics in case of emergency. It would surely be helpful if the terrorists really attacked tomorrow.

The problem was Calvard and Erebonia.

Oh, Calvard brought their army, alright. But the amount of people exceeded what they said they would bring! They reported their intention to bring fifty people when they received the invitation to the conference. But now they brought almost one hundred! Dudley had to ask for confirmation when they mentioned they brought more than what they said they would.

If Calvard brought too much army, the problem with Erebonia was the opposite. Army? What army?

That was right. The delegation from Erebonia only consisted of Chancellor Gilliath Osborne, his aide Lechter Arundel, Prince Olivert Reise Arnor, his bodyguard Mueller Vander, Johann Schleiden, and a civilian from military school, Towa Herschel.

Only six people from Erebonia landed in Crossbell.

No army. No guards. No one else. It was a stark difference from their invitation reply that said they would send fifty soldiers to guard the delegation.

Once he went back to the CPD, Dudley clicked his tongue. Erebonia was playing a dangerous game. Especially since the ILF was targeting their royalty according to the information the SSS had gotten.

Now, all his planning for personnel placement tomorrow was useless. He needed to rework it from scratch.

"Hmph. At least communication will be easier since we have the new Enigma functions."

---

30/08/1024 12:00
Crossbell City, Crossbell

Towa Herschel looked around in confusion. She came to Crossbell as part of the Erebonian delegation, but since she technically didn't hold any position in the government, she wasn't included in the ceremony. All she could do was just watch from the front row.

Now, that itself was not a problem for her; the problem was that her body was small, so when the ceremony was complete, the crowds herded her into somewhere she didn't recognize, and there was nothing she could do until they dispersed.

While she was familiar with the big cities since she lived in Heimdallr, this place was almost as big as Heimdallr, so the course of action she had to take was clear.

"Um... excuse me," Towa greeted some bystanders who were standing in front of a big department store.

"--Right, and don't you think Captain Julia Schwarz is so handsome?"

"Definitely! I've heard about her, but this is the first time I saw her myself! Goddess... she's so cool! Oh, but what about Prince Olivert? He's so dreamy..."

"I'm more partial to his bodyguard myself. Those muscles... yummy."

"Um..." Towa's plea went unheard by the two girls. "Thanks..."

In the end, she sat down on one of the benches, sighing. "I guess some people are not all helpful like Rean..."

"Hmm? You feeling alright?"

Towa turned her head when she heard a voice greeting her. It was from a pink-haired girl who was sitting beside her. A wooden sword suspiciously shaped like Rean's rested between them.

"Ah..."

"A tourist? Are you here because of the ceremony?" The pink-haired girl continued bombarding her with questions.

"Um..." Towa nervously looked away.

"Are you perhaps... lost? Where are your parents?"

A metaphorical thunder struck Towa's heart at the last question. "I-I'm not a little girl! I'm 18!"

The other girl looked at her from top to bottom. "Ah... my bad," she scratched her cheek while averting her eyes. "So you're older than me."

"Y-Yeah..."

The silence that fell between them was very awkward for Towa. Because she revealed her age, the pink-haired girl beside him didn't engage her anymore. Was she afraid of her? Or maybe she came off as rude when she shouted her age?

"Um..." in the end, Towa decided that she had to reach out first. "I am lost, though... can you help me, miss...?"

"It's Juna. Sure, I'll help you. But please wait for a minute. I'm waiting for my little siblings."

The girl, Juna, quickly agreed. Compared to the other girls Towa had asked before, she was more receptive to the idea of helping her. Towa let out a sigh of relief. Even if she had to wait, at least Juna agreed to help her.

"Anyway, why don't you go to the Bracer Guild? I'm sure they're gonna help you if you ask," Juna changed the topic.

Towa let out a smile. "I don't know where the guild is located. This is my first time in Crossbell."

"Make sense. So you came here alone for the ceremony?"

"Not really. I'm from Erebonia. I'm here because I got the chance to join the Erebonian delegation for the conference," Towa answered humbly.

Suddenly, Juna slid closer to her, exclaiming, "Whoa! That's awesome! How did you get chosen? Are you a noble? Gasp! Could it be that you're a princess?!"

Startled, Towa looked to see Juna being all starry-eyed at her. "N-No... I'm not a noble. I was just chosen to represent my school, Thors Military Academy, since I am the Student Council President."

Juna looked at her from top to bottom again.

"Military Academy?" she asked skeptically.

Towa went defensive. "I-I know I may not look like it, but I'm well-versed in using an orbal gun!"

"Don't worry, I believe you," Juna said assuringly.

Towa was not amused.

"It's true!"

"Alright, alright. I believe you." And yet Towa still didn't believe the word that came out of her mouth. If only she had her weapon here, she would've shown her how proficient she was!

It was then that Towa blinked. Huh? Why did she think like that? Towa looked at the pink-haired girl who was casually humming some tune that she didn't recognize as she waited for her siblings. Somehow, even after she said she was eighteen, this girl still treated him like a child. And that pushed a button that Towa didn't even know she had.

"Miss Juna... can you stop treating me like a child?"

Juna blinked. "Did I? Sorry, ehehe... you're just so adorable I can't help but think of you as my younger sister."

"Please stop that..."

"Alright... okay, Juna, treat her like you respect Tio. You can do it," Towa heard her muttered something under her breath.

Before Juna continued, their attention was taken away by the noise coming from the department store. The children came out in droves.

"Ken, Nana! Here!" Juna waved her arms, shouting for her siblings. Two pink-haired children quickly ran towards them.

"Juna! Are you here to escort us home?"

"Where's mom?"

"Slow down, slow down," Juna patted their head. "Mom went back home earlier, and she asked me to pick you up."

"Yeay!"

"Juna means snack!"

"Hey!" Juna playfully glared at them.

"Oh, it's Big Sis Juna!" Another voice joined as Towa saw a green-haired girl guiding a black-haired girl towards Juna.

"M-Miss Juna?!" Another voice, this time coming from a boy, was heard before more footsteps approached Juna.

"Hi, KeA, Shizuku!" Juna outstretched her hand for the green-haired girl to high-five her before she patted the black-haired girl's head softly. "How was the situation upstairs, KeA?"

"It was fun!" KeA, the green-haired girl, exclaimed. "Isn't that right, Ken, Nana?"

"Yeah! The tower is cool!"

"I want to visit it soon!"

KeA then had a sigh. "I just wished Shizuku could also see how amazing it is."

That was when Towa realized that the black-haired girl, Shizuku, had her eyes closed the entire time. She let out a small gasp of realization.

"It's okay, KeA. I'm having plenty of fun myself," Shizuku said in assurance, grasping KeA's hand.

The sight of a close friendship in front of her made Towa's heart melt. It reminded her of the close friendship she had with George, Angie, and Crow. She hoped they would stay close like that forever.

"Miss Juna!"

The voice from before suddenly called out as he approached the crowd. He was a boy in an eastern garb. He smiled at Juna eagerly before stopping his run when he arrived in front of her.

"Ooh, Xin! Good Afternoon!" Juna quickly patted Xin's head. "You really went and looked over the twins, huh? Thanks for that."

Xin's face reddened as he looked away from the radiant smile on Juna's face. "Oh, uhm... Of course! Anything for you, Miss Juna!"

"Did you really look over us?"

"Yeah, you just sat down with a parasol while looking at the fireworks."

The twins double-punched Xin with a strike to the heart.

"I-I do! You just don't realize it!" Xin crossed his arms with a huff.

Juna just giggled at their antics before she slowly patted Xin's head again. "Don't be fooled by their words. Those two only teased people they liked. That means they like you, Xin."

"Aah~, it's no fun," Ken pouted.

"Don't tell him, Juna," Nana said with a sigh.

Slowly, Xin looked toward the twins. "R-Really?"

Ken shrugged. "You're fun and easy to tease."

"We still don't approve, though," Nana finished.

"In any case, Xin, I need your help once more. I had to help guide a lost person there, so I couldn't escort the twins home. Can I trust you to get them home safely?" Juna pointed at her.

Xin puffed his chest. "Leave it to me, Miss Juna!"

"Eeeh, why do we have to go home~?" Nana groaned. "I wanna play with Momo."

"Ryu and Anri need me to join them," Ken dramatically declared.

Undeterred, Juna lightly chopped their heads.

"Ouch!" "Ouch!"

"Mom said you guys have to eat lunch first before playing," Juna used her authority as the big sister to stand her ground.

"Alright." "Alright."

The twins sighed.

"Okay, see you later, everyone!"

Juna then went back to the bench where Towa waited. "Well then, shall we go? Ah! I just realized... I don't even know your name, Miss."

The pink-haired girl declared as she picked up her wooden sword.

"Ah, yeah, I also didn't realize I hadn't introduced myself," Towa giggled. "My name is Towa Herschel."

"Nice to meet you, Towa! Where did you say you have to go again?"

"Um..." Towa pulled out her notebook and took a glance. "It says I need to go to Mishelam since the delegations have to stay there."

"Hmmm, make sense with how easy it is to defend people there. Let's go!" Juna exclaimed, full of spirits.

"Right."

Their walk was filled with conversations, from simple things like comparing Erebonia and Crossbell to something quite personal, like whether Towa trained in martial arts or not. All the while, Juna guided her through the city. They went to East Street before quickly turning left on the first intersection and arrived at the Harbor District.

"See, this is the Harbor District," Juna said as they continued walking towards the piers. "There should be a boat to bring you to Mishelam. At least, that was how it was usually. Maybe you'd get a chartered boat or something for the duration of your stay."

"I see. Thanks, Juna. Oh, I do see Captain Arundel there," Towa thanked the younger girl. The captain was standing, scanning the surroundings. Was he looking for something?

"Ugh... Let's just go..." Juna muttered something before she shook her head. "Anyway, how does it feel to be the Student Council President?"

Towa hummed. "To be honest, it's nothing special? Aside from having more responsibility than the normal cadets, being the Student Council of Thors Military Academy is like any other cadets. But the connections I gained from it do help me, though, like right now."

Juna stared at her for longer before she smiled. "Something tells me the connection you've gotten is more because of you rather than your position."

"Ahaha... thank you. Why are you asking me that? You want to try being one?" Towa asked back.

"Nope. I wanna be a Bracer. Don't really have the time to join a military academy, especially abroad," Juna denied. "But hearing that a military academy has something like a Student Council President sure is interesting."

"You think Thors is strict, huh?" Towa chuckled. "Well, I don't know how well-known it is outside Erebonia, but despite having the 'military academy' in its name, Thors is more like a prestigious school that offers military classes instead of a full-blown military academy. We still have clubs, and one of my juniors even took up the task of fulfilling requests from the resident of Trista, where the school is located. He really helps me out."

Juna made a weird noise at Towa's explanation.

"Juna?"

"A-Ah, nothing. I really should've expected that," she whispered.

"I'm sorry?"

"Nothing! It's really nothing! A-Anyway, we're here, Towa!" Juna deflected by pointing out that they were close to the destination.

Lechter saw them before he approached them. "Man, I was worried about you, Miss Herschel. Where were you?"

"Uh... I was caught up in the crowds and got lost... thankfully Juna here helped me, ehehe..." Towa answered sheepishly.

"Is that so? Thank you, Juna," Lechter flashed a smile at Juna but he was greeted with a scowl.

"You're welcome, Lecher."

The captain winced, "Please don't call me that in front of other people."

"Hmm? What did you say?" Juna feigned not hearing Lechter's words. "Sorry, I couldn't hear you since it's noisy."

Lechter sighed. "You really won't cut that out, huh... well, it was my mistake in the first place."

Had the two known each other before? Towa wondered. There seemed to be a bad blood between them.

"Anyway, Lechter. I can't help but notice something on the way here..."

"So when it's serious, you can use my name, huh?"

But Juna ignored the jab and continued. "I don't see any Imperial Army here in Crossbell. And when Towa was lost, you didn't even dispatch anyone to fetch her. Not to mention, the ship behind you isn't a big ship either. Logically, important people like the Chancellor and the Prince should be protected, but I saw nobody here. Not even a soldier standing guard with you."

Lechter's eyes widened, and he moved before Juna could finish her words.

"Do you Erebonians want to d-- Mmfffh!"

"Can you not please say that?" Lechter requested with a groan as he interrupted Juna's words by closing her mouth. "Yeah, you're correct about all accounts. Don't blame me since this is what the old man told me to do. And I guess that also confirms your earlier guess. Are you happy now? Ew!"

For some reason, Lechter quickly released Juna. He wiped his palm using a handkerchief. "That's disgusting, young lady! You can't just lick someone's hand like that!"

"You're the disgusting one! Pervert! Lecher! Deviant! Happy? I'm furious!" Juna accused while pointing her finger at him.

Lechter grimaced before he shook his head. "There's a reason why I did that."

"Yeah, you're a perv! Lecher! You really live up to your name!" Juna quickly walked away, stomping her feet in anger.

"A-Ah, wait, Juna..." Towa tried to call her out, but she didn't answer. She quickly gave the captain a side-eye.

Lechter only sighed. "If only you understand why I did that..."

"Maybe Juna is right about your name," Towa said in a flat tone.

"Haha... the thing I do for Erebonia..." he whispered something that Towa couldn't hear. "You can say your thanks later, Miss Herschel. For now, let's just go to the provided accommodation."

Towa was ushered by Lechter to the ship but spared one last glance at the pink hair moving away from them. She hoped she'd be able to say her thanks later.

---

That's it. That's Calvard and Erebonia's play. Also Juna met again with Lechter. She really holds a grudge against people she dislike, huh? You know what comes after this. I hope you guys are as excited as I am. Though I still don't know what to write aside from canon talks.

Notes:

That's it. That's Calvard and Erebonia's play. Also Juna met again with Lechter. She really holds a grudge against people she dislike, huh? You know what comes after this. I hope you guys are as excited as I am. Though I still don't know what to write aside from canon talks.

Chapter 53

30/08/1204 17:00
Crossbell Airport, Crossbell

The SSS had finished their task for the day, which included a request to look for a musician (which ended up with the person dancing with Mishy, somehow. If only Tio were here with them.) Eradicating the monster in East Crossbell Highway, Sparring with Lynn and Aeolia in Tangram Gate, finding a lost kitten with Shirley, and the highlight of the day, helping Grand Prince Albert cure someone by finding a remedy.

After that, a falcon appeared before them with a letter tied to its feet, asking them for a private consultation. The thing grabbing their attention from the letter was definitely the white falcon crest of Liberl Kingdom on the paper.

In the end, they were waiting in the Crossbell Airport lounge for someone to fetch them. As they waited, Noel's eyes turned starry as she looked at the airships lined in the airport.

"Liberl Kingdom's high-speed cruiser, the Arseille... It's just as grand as I'd heard."

"It's the world's fastest airship. ZCF garnered a lot of attention, thanks to their work on it. It remains outstanding compared to its competition and often breaks its own records," Elie was as helpful as always, explaining the reason for Noel's awe.

Hmm? So it wasn't only cars that Noel was into, but anything that could go top speed.

"So that fancy ship is the princess of Liberl's ride? Princess Klaudia, right? She looked like the dignified type," Randy, of course, had to shift the topic to girls.

"Well, technically, she is not just the princess, but the crown princess. In other words, she's first in line to inherit Liberl Kingdom's throne," Lloyd explained.

"Hot damn," Randy said, impressed, before he frowned, "...You really think that letter we got was from her personally?"

"I-It's hard to say for sure. I wonder if Bell might know Her Highness' schedule..."

Wazy let out a small laugh as he observed someone coming towards them. "Something tells me you're not going to need her insight."

"Ladies and gentlemen of the Special Support Section? Thank you for waiting patiently," the figure greeted them with a firm tone.

"I-It's..."

"...!"

Noel and Elie gasped while Randy raised his eyebrow. "Wow, you're that chick all the ladies were ravin' about..."

Considering Noel voiced her admiration just this morning, Lloyd understood how speechless she currently was.

The green-haired figure of Captain Julia Schwarz from the Liberl Royal Guard put on a light smile. "Oh, were you, by chance, present at the unveiling ceremony, as well?

"Where are my manners? I am Senior Captain Julia Schwarz of the Liberlian Royal Army's Royal Guard. By order of Princess Klaudia, I'm here to escort you aboard the Marseille. Please, follow me."

"R-Right," Lloyd said, representing everyone. Soon, the group followed the bodyguard towards the docked Arseille.

Lloyd stopped to fully absorb the magnificent sight of the fastest airship in the world. "The Arseille... It's even more beautiful seeing it up close like this."

The shape is sleek, different from the commercial flight airship used in flights.

Wazy chuckled. "Well, it is the pride of a kingdom. 'The White Wings of Liberl,' as they say."

Meanwhile, Noel still couldn't stop gushing in the background.

"I-I can't believe we're really going to meet the crown princess... A-And we're being escorted by Senior Captain Schwarz, too! I-In the flesh!"

Elie caught her shaking shoulders, "T-Try to calm down, Noel. Though I wouldn't mind asking her for an autograph a little later..."

"G-Good idea! Remind me to get one for Fran, too!"

"The ladies sure are pumped," Randy laughed, seeing the girls' behavior in front of Captain Schwarz. Looking at the captain, it seemed like he didn't notice the fangirling the two had for her.

"By the way, I'd heard the rumors, but it's still impressive to see just how much you all have accomplished at such young ages. You were the ones that resolved the crisis that occurred a few months ago, correct?" Captain Schwarz changed the topic to be about them.

Lloyd only laughed awkwardly at the heartfelt praise coming from her. "I-I suppose, but we're still learning on the job. The SSS would have never been able to solve that case if it weren't for all the support our allies gave us."

"Haha..." Captain Schwarz let out a small laugh before she regained her composure. "Oh, my apologies. Those words simply reminded me of what a young ally of mine would say."

She was probably talking about Estelle and Joshua, judging by the fond look on her face. Come to think about it. Estelle and Joshua helped save a nation when they were younger than him. That was very impressive.

The captain then walked towards the Arseille before bowing a little. "Ahem. Welcome aboard the flagship cruiser of the Liberlian Royal Army: the Arseille. Please understand that, as a precaution, all wireless communication has been restricted while on board the ship. If that's too inconvenient, we can postpone and make other arrangements."

"N-No, this is fine," Lloyd laughed sheepishly while Elie replied in kind.

"Thank you for inviting us on board."

...he should learn more diplomacy and etiquette from Elie.

Soon, they were led into a meeting room inside the airship. A lone woman sat at the table in the middle of the room. Captain Schwarz quickly went to her side and stood vigilant. Once the SSS were all inside, the woman stood up and greeted them.

"It's a pleasure to meet you. My name is Klaudia von Auslese. I'm the crown princess of Liberl Kingdom. I apologize for having called all of you here so suddenly."

"Scree!" the white falcon who gave them the letter also greeted them.

"N-Not at all," Lloyd swallowed nervously. This was a princess. Something that an independent state like Crossbell did not really have. "It's a pleasure to meet you, too. I'm Lloyd Bannings of the CPD's Special Support Section."

"And I'm Elie MacDowell of the same. It's an honor to meet you, Your Highness," Elie curtsied towards the princess, raising the side of her cape.

"Heehee. The honor's mine. I've heard a bit about you, Elie. It's so good to finally meet you," Princess Klaudia giggled.

"You have?"

"Yes," she answered Elie. "I had the pleasure of meeting with your grandfather, Speaker MacDowell, a little earlier. I've also met with Mariabell Crois several times, as well. Is it true that you spent time studying in Liberl?"

"Yes, for about three months. I regret that we didn't meet sooner."

"No, no. I should be the one apologizing!"

Randy whistled. "Seems like our Mademois-Elie gets along nicely with the Princess."

"Ah, apologize," the Princess looked towards Randy and the others who hadn't introduced themselves yet.

"Haha, that's okay, Princess. I'm Randy Orlando."

"N-Noel Seeker! It's an honor to meet you."

"Wazy Hemisphere. It's a pleasure to meet a beautiful princess like you in the flesh."

"It's nice to meet all of you. Please, make yourselves comfortable."

Once they were all introduced, they sat and waited for Princess Klaudia to start.

"Oh, this is a little awkward, but there are still some people I'm waiting for. Maybe to fill the time we can talk about--"

"No need..." A familiar voice called out from outside the room.

"That voice..."

"I feel like I'm familiar with it..."

He and Elie looked at the other SSS member.

"No way!" Randy came to the conclusion first out of the group.

"There he is," Captain Schwarz smiled at the door.

Soon, two familiar figures entered the room. The first one, a blonde man they had seen earlier, picked the strings on his lute with confidence. However, unlike the white coat he wore before, this time, he was wearing an imperial red coat. Behind him was the 'manager' who made the request for them this afternoon, but he was now wearing an imperial army uniform.

"Could it be... that support request earlier was to find...?!"

"Oh, have you already met?" Princess Klaudia addressed Noel.

"I suppose we did," Elie answered in her stead.

"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Allow me to apologize for earlier today," Mueller the 'manager' greeted them with a small bow. "I owe you one, as well, Princess Klaudia. Please excuse our tardiness. This IDIOT was off sticking his nose into any trouble he could find."

Everybody felt the irritation in his tone. Well, everybody except the idiot in question, who continued playing his lute.

"Heehee. Some things never change," Princess Klaudia covered her laugh.

"Allow me to introduce myself once again. I am Prince Olivert Reise Arnor, representing Emperor Eugent III of the Erebonian Empire. However, my true identity is that of the unparalleled, love-hunting, and wandering bard, Olivier Lenheim! Hahaha. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintances."

The SSS stared at the blonde prince from Erebonia incredulously.

"You're pullin' my leg," Randy responded in reflex.

"Sadly...it's as he says. And I'm Major Mueller Vander of the Imperial Army's 7th Armored Division. We're also here at the behest of Crown Princess Klaudia. It is a pleasure to formally meet you, ladies and gentlemen of the SSS," Mueller introduced himself fully without any deceit like their first meeting.

"Ah, as I suspected. You heard of us through Estelle and Joshua," Lloyd revealed.

Princess Klaudia smiled. "Indeed. Just as they told you of us, they also told us of your impressive group."

"Yes. Just as all of you stood with them during that incident in Crossbell a few months ago, we, alongside Estelle and Joshua, were the valiant team that stood against the dangers of the infamous Liberl Incident," Prince Olivert said proudly. "When you think about it, Aidios Herself must have ordained that we would meet someday and become the best of friends. ♪"

Maybe the Erebonian prince said the last part playfully, but... considering all the things that Juna had said to him, he thought that maybe the prince was on to something. There were weights behind their actions in Liberl. Part of those weights connected itself to the SSS via Estelle and Joshua. And so their weights connected.

In fact... "So, Your Highnesses, is this everyone, then? I think you're still waiting for some more people, yes?"

Princess Klaudia blinked. "My, I've heard from Estelle that you have a sharp mind, Mr. Bannings. Have you noticed, then?"

"Hoho, is that so? I wouldn't mind getting to know you better, Mr. Bannings." Prince Olivert looked at him with a suspicious gleam of interest.

"What are you talking about, Lloyd?" Elie asked him.

"I suspect your main objective was to meet with us, the SSS. Whether this was just a social call or not, I can't guess. You might or might not have requests for us. But a single thing changed meeting us from your main objective into a secondary objective. That is, the letter President Dieter sent to the conference delegations."

If it was possible, the smile on Princess Klaudia's face would be even wider with each word coming out of Lloyd's mouth.

"At the same time, the guild discovered vital information about the conference: Erebonian terrorists planned to attack the conference, targeting the Erebonian delegations. Maybe Prince Olivert here can explain things better about them. We were also there when the guild made that discovery, so we know that the matter was quickly escalated to the guild's headquarters. They would look for some people who've experienced being assigned in the Crossbell branch for several months, like a certain pair of Bracers. From there, it was a simple matter to guess that Estelle couldn't keep her mouth shut and said something about them coming to Crossbell for extra security, thus turning your main objective from meeting us to reuniting with your old friends."

"Aidios... I'm now even more interested in you," Prince Olivert admitted shamelessly. "If we have you in the Empire, maybe we can solve some of our problems."

"Impressive... you're even better than I was told," Princess Claudia gave a little appreciative clap.

Lloyd shook his head. "This is not something I came up with alone. I had help," he grasped the notebook in his pocket.

"There he goes again," Randy sighed.

"Only one other person can match him when it comes to connecting the dots," Noel shook her head with a smile.

"Admittedly, I only know the guild sending Estelle, Joshua, and Schera since they called me after it was confirmed. I don't know if the Calvard branch sent Zin or not, so it might not be a full reunion," Princess Klaudia admitted.

"Let's just hope that Zin is also sent here. We need more than just us and Estelle, Joshua, and Schera," Lloyd heard a different inflection when the prince said the last name.

"Did the guild not tell you? Agate, Tita, and Renne have been here for a week," he revealed to the two royalties.

"Yes, they've been helping the Epstein Foundation with some projects," Elie continued.

A relief passed through Princess Klaudia's face. "Really? Thank Aidios..."

"That means the only ones missing are Kevin, the Capuas, and Zin if the guild didn't send him," Mueller mentioned.

"Noel and I did meet Father Kevin when we had a mission in Altair a few months ago. We talked a little about the Liberl incidents and some of his dealings with the cults," Lloyd told the Liberl and Erebonian delegations.

"That's right. If I remember correctly, Father Kevin said that Archbishop Eralda, the current Archbishop in the Cathedral, doesn't like the Gralsritter," Noel added.

"And the Capuas are busy running their delivery service. Maybe we could ask them to deliver something?" Princess Klaudia playfully asked with a smile.

"What a demanding princess you are, Princess Klaudia, but I agree! Let's call them to deliver something right now! Express delivery! Ouch!"

Unfortunately for the Erebonian prince, his head was chopped by his bodyguard.

"Don't bother someone trying to make an honest living, you idiot. And you too, Princess Klaudia, please don't enable him."

Princess Klaudia only replied with a small laugh.

"Her laugh sounded so dignified..." Noel muttered in awe.

"As expected of a princess," Randy whistled. "You can learn much from her, Mademois-Elie."

"I am not even a princess, Randy," Elie sighed at the teasing.

While the ice had been melted with the playful casual chat, Lloyd was contemplating something else. He was almost completely sure that the Calvard branch would send Zin here as their reinforcement. If he was asked for the reason, he didn't know how to explain it either, except that Zin had weight behind him and thus was more likely to be sent than any other Bracers in Calvard.

Was this how Juna felt all the time? The uncertainty of whether she should say something to someone to help or not because only she understood the reason why something would happen. If it was his evidence-based deduction skills he honed at the police academy, he wouldn't even hesitate to do it. But since this was Juna-based deduction, Lloyd was unsure. It recontextualized Juna's action from his perspective.

She had the knowledge to conclude something without any hard evidence. And yet, despite knowing that, she tried to be as helpful as possible by doing it anyway, even if people might not believe her words.

Lloyd went to her to confirm things out of necessity even if it clashed with what he learned in the police academy. But maybe he should do it more often. Not because he wanted to depend on her, but because it lifted a part of the burden away from her. If he was the one voicing the theory, then at least Juna only had to agree or disagree with that instead of explaining things fully.

And even then, he still had to thank her for building the foundations for him to do all that by giving out her random advises that he noted down in his book.

Eventually, the decision whether he'd reveal Zin's arrival or not was out of his hands as more familiar voices came from behind the door.

"This is the main room, right? Been a while since I've been in Arseille."

Everyone inside the room instantly knew who was there.

"Yes, Estelle. We're in the right place."

"Alright, Excuse me!" The door was opened, and two figures entered the room. "Kloe!"

One of them, Estelle, quickly ran towards Princess Klaudia and hugged her. The princess hugged back and buried her face in Estelle's shoulder.

"What a joyful reunion. Oh, my dear Joshua, won't you also run towards me and hug me in a tight embrace?" Prince Olivert said dramatically as he opened his arms for a hug.

"You have your answer beside you," Joshua said calmly. Olivert looked to see a twitching Estelle frowning at him.

"Ahaha... Estelle, won't you also run towards me and hug me in a tight embrace?"

Wow, Prince Olivert really pulled the same move he tried with Joshua to Estelle. Lloyd had to clap at his audacity.

"He repeated his attempt," Randy voiced what must be everyone's thought on the matter.

"This shameless prince..." Mueller sighed before putting him down to his seat.

"Leave it to Estelle to assault the heir of her nation's throne." The next one who entered was Renne, who gave Estelle a flat stare and only laughed sheepishly.

"Sorry, Kloe."

"Don't say that, Renne," Tita chided before she, too, ran towards Princess Klaudia and hugged her. "Kloe..."

"It's also nice to see you again, Tita," Princess Klaudia hugged back before the two released themselves.

"Hehe..."

Renne smiled mischievously. "So the reason you don't want me to say that is because you also intended to assault your nation's heir to the throne, huh?"

"She's your nation's heir to the throne, too," Agate remarked as he entered the room. "It's nice to see you again, Kloe. Not so much for the other one."

"Oh my, Agate~ It's lovely to see you again~"

But the perverted prince (Aidios, Lloyd had never thought he'd say that) was ignored by the redhead Heavy Blade.

"I can't imagine being you, Mueller," he turned to the bodyguard. "Must be hard corraling this one every day for the rest of your life."

"Well, somebody had to restrain him."

"I'm glad that Princess Klaudia isn't as exhausting as Prince Olivert, Major Vander."

"I wish Prince Olivert was as understanding as Princess Kloe," he sighed.

As the three got absorbed into a conversation, Zin entered the room. He looked around before a smile graced his face. "It's nice to see everyone again."

"Zin!"

"Oh, Zin comes!"

The giant of a man bowed a little at the two royalties. So his guess about Zin coming here was correct. Juna's advice really never steered him wrong. Although in an official investigation, he still needed to avoid using them to prevent any sort of preconceived notion from coloring his thoughts, it really helped him with the simple and harmless guesses.

But again, he now understood Juna a little deeper than before.

"Oh, everyone's here!" A familiar pink hair then entered the room before locking eyes with him. "Hmm? Lloyd, what's the matter?"

Lloyd shook his head. "No, it's nothing. Thanks for always being helpful to us, Juna."

Juna recoiled with a grimace. "Wh-What is it about?"

Lloyd felt the other SSS member staring at him.

"Like I said, it's nothing. I'm just thanking you," he smiled. Somehow, that was the wrong answer since everyone's stare became sharper while Juna looked away.

"Y-You're welcome."

After five minutes of letting everyone catch up, Princess Klaudia clapped to get everyone's attention. "Everyone, Now that we're all here, how about we start? Julia?"

"Right. Please take a seat."

Once everyone took their seat (the room had more than enough seats to accommodate everyone.), Captain Schwarz continued.

"Thank you for answering our summons, everyone, especially the SSS and Juna Crawford."

"It is our pleasure to meet with someone as distinguished as you, Princess Klaudia and Prince Olivert. We are happy to be here," Lloyd answered.

"You're welcome. But why am I here in the first place? I'm not part of the SSS or your Liberl adventure crew." Juna raised a good question. Despite Lloyd's intention to make her an official member, she wasn't formally part of the SSS. She was also not part of the reunion plan for the Liberl's group. Then, the only reason would be...

It seemed that Juna also had come to the same conclusion since she quickly turned to Estelle and Joshua. "You two... what have you been telling them about me?"

"All good things, we assure you," Joshua answered.

"The only one whispering bad things is Renne," Estelle lightly shoved the purple-haired girl on the shoulder.

"All truth, I assure you," Renne said, not minding the shove.

"Oh, I see. Good things Renne said nothing since there's not a speck of bad things about me," Juna flicked her ponytail. "Thanks for the explanation. I think I understand why I'm here now."

"Tch," Renne clicked her tongue when Juna ignored her jab once more.

"There, there, Renne," Tita consoled from her side.

"If I may continue, you are correct, Mr. Bannings. While our primary purpose was to gather everyone here, our secondary objective in having this meeting is to meet you, the Special Support Section, and Juna Crawford."

"Does it relate to the trade conference?" Elie asked.

"Correct," Princess Klaudia agreed before Captain Schwarz pressed some buttons on the wall to turn on the big monitor in the room.

"I heard that the Arseille was built in collaboration with the Epstein Foundation. So, this system you're using was made by them?"

"Yes. The foundation was responsible for the design and installation of the Arseille's data processing system," Captain Schwarz answered Lloyd with a nod.

"Arseille has the most advanced database and processor installed when it was made two years ago," Tita added.

"Right now, it's been overtaken by the Epstein Foundation HQ's system though. But the specification used in this airship is still top five in Zemuria, I think," Renne continued the trivia.

"I heard from Grandpa that the Basel Institute of Science in Calvard is tightly behind," Tita replied.

"Regardless, please look here," Captain Schwarz regained their attention.

The monitor displayed a portrait of an imposing old man with a streak of white hair confidently smiling as if he were in control.

"This is...His Excellency, Chancellor Giliath Osborne," Elie remarked, probably for the SSS's sake because he didn't know that and he was pretty sure Randy also didn't know.

"Otherwise known as the Blood and Iron Chancellor. I won't bore you by speaking ill of a man you've never met. However, there is something I would like to make you all keenly aware of. There is a civil war brewing in Erebonia," Prince Olivert took over and dropped a bomb on them.

However, the SSS and Juna had already expected something like that. "The Noble and the Reformist, right? We've heard."

"So you've already known... the Reformist Faction is led by the chancellor who's trying to create a new centralized authoritarian government. The Noble Faction opposes them, led by the Empire's most prestigious houses, trying to maintain the status quo."

That was what Juna concluded. Not the civil war, no. But the two factions vying for power would use the terrorists to attack the conference and target the prince.

"Which factions are you in, Your Highness?" Juna asked the Erebonian royalty.

"Judging from your tone, your position in this conflict is neutral, then, Your Highness?" Wazy gave his assumption.

"Haha, not quite. Rather, I seek to open a third path," Prince Olivert laughed before he sighed at the situation. "Though it's a tough position to be in; each faction is wary of me and keeping tabs at all times."

"There's no denying that," Mueller followed up.

Lloyd wanted to say something, but a single glance at Juna showed that she was deep in her mind. So, of course, he'd let her work things out first before he asked. "Juna?"

"Oh? Sorry, I was thinking. So, Your Highness, judging from your answer, does that mean you are the backer of Class VII of Thors Military Academy, then?"

Thors Military Academy... the group of students who foiled the kidnapping attempt of the Erebonian princess last month ...and the one who might possibly face the terrorist in Garrelia Fortress tomorrow, according to Juna's prediction.

"...you even know about them already? You're even better than what Estelle told me," Prince Olivert shook his head with a smile. "That's correct. I'm the one who proposed to create Class VII as the foundation for the future of the Empire. Of course, I will never force them to join me on my third way, but..."

"With you showing them the real face of the Empire via the Field Study, you're hoping they would understand the direction the Empire is heading into and do their best to prevent it, right?"

"...Correct." The blonde prince looked taken aback by Juna's words. He seemed to be experiencing the next part of knowing Juna after the awe and praise: the part where she deduced everything just from the information she already had about them, judging by the disturbed look on his face. "Nevertheless, we're quite off of our point."

"That's right. Back to the picture, we believe the Noble Faction's leader, Duke Cayenne, has taken action. There are likely terrorists on their way to Crossbell with their sights set on taking Chancellor Osborne's life at the conference. But it seems that you've somehow chanced upon this information based on the letters the Crossbell government sent to us," Mueller revealed.

...

"Huh!?"

"What?!"

"The Chancellor?!"

Similar shouts of surprise came from the SSS, including him. Juna and the Bracers were also baffled by the revelations.

"Hm? What's wrong? Don't you guys already know this?" Prince Olivert blinked, alternating his gaze between each member of the SSS.

This was... Lloyd looked at Juna, who also shook her head. So even she was blindsided by this. Juna really thought the terrorist targeted Prince Olivert.

"Uh, Your Highness..." Juna started, turning everyone's attention to her. However, the attention made her face reddened in embarrassment, and instead of continuing, Juna covered her face.

She also made unintelligible noises. Huh? Was that steam coming out of her head?

Elie quickly went to her side and patted her on the back while assuring her that it was okay.

"Your Highness, it seems that we may have made a mistake," Lloyd took over Juna for the explanation because she was clearly not in the right mindset to explain things. "We may have thought that the target of the terrorist attack is you."

"Me?" There was confusion but also curiosity in his tone. "How come?"

Lloyd looked at Juna, who Elie was still consoling. "There, there, Juna..."

Should he reveal Juna's skill? Estelle, Joshua, and Renne already knew about her. But the others...

"It's okay, Lloyd," Juna suddenly said, hands off her face. She didn't look at him in the eyes, but her cheeks were still acerbic tomato red. "You can say it. Aaaah! I'm embarrassed!"

Juna quickly hugged Elie, hiding her face in her bosom.

"Man, I wish I were Junie right now."

"Randy!" Noel chided. "Not now!"

"It all started from a request to the SSS about monitoring an Erebonian agent..." Lloyd then started explaining the events leading to them and the guild discovering that the conference would be attacked by terrorists, including Juna's thought process, which he tried to explain as easily as he could so the newcomers who had never been exposed to Juna could understand.

"--so basically, in the end, our conclusion was limited by the information Juna got, which narrowed her ability to connect the dots to the wrong conclusion."

"I see..." Prince Olivert looked deep in thought.

"..." Princess Klaudia was also the same, but Lloyd sensed something different from her.

"Yeah," Juna, whose face had gotten back to normal, nodded at his explanation. "Lloyd got it correct. I went to the most obvious conclusion with the information I had at the time: the Princess had been targeted, so the next time they attack, they're gonna target you, Your Highness."

"Did it not occur to you that they kidnap her to make the current government look bad?" Renne asked in genuine curiosity.

"Honestly, no," Juna answered.

"Hmph, think more," Renne flicked her hair.

"Well, if they want to make the current government look bad, there are tons of ways to do it more clearly!"

"Maybe it wasn't clear to you since you're not oh so great."

"Well, if you're so great why don't you predict everything instead!?"

...And now the two went back to bicker. Lloyd looked at Estelle, who only sheepishly laughed at the situation.

Captain Schwarz faked a cough and interrupted the two. "If we could go back to the situation at hand?"

Juna blushed again and went back to Elie's bosom while Renne looked away with a huff.

"Hey, even if Juna's wrong, I think her warning is still helpful since we're all here now," Estelle tried to look at the bright side. "Sure, she got the target wrong, but everything else is correct."

"Estelle's got it right," Agate followed. "If it were not for your warning, Tita, Renne, and I wouldn't be here, and these two wouldn't collaborate with the Epstein Foundation to create the wave radiator, or whatever it was you girls made."

Agate finished his words by ruffling Tita's hair to her fluster while Renne managed to dodge Agate's hand in time.

Lloyd couldn't help but smile. Estelle truly lived up to her family name. Now it was his turn to say something.

"They're correct. Juna, your insights and predictions have helped us plenty of times in the past. And it's not just the SSS. Your ability has helped Estelle and Joshua get over the barrier separating them from Renne. Just because you are wrong does not diminish the importance of what you've done. It has helped us clear the fog surrounding us to let us see how big the barrier that Crossbell has to face in trying to deepen the relationship we have with other nations.

"Even if you've rejected us once already, To me, you are still an irreplaceable part of our team," he finished with an encouraging smile to the pink-haired girl.

Juna looked down, avoiding looking at him.

There was silence after he finished his speech before it was broken by Wazy's whistle.

"I really need you with me one of these days. The women I can reel in with your words..."

Randy did not want to be left behind. "Another one of those cheesy speeches from you and we can have some pizzas."

The tension was completely broken as some of them laughed at Randy's jokes.

Lloyd blushed a little before Estelle stopped laughing when she realized one important thing from his speech.

"Hey! Juna is ours! Bracer Guild's!" Estelle stood up and slammed the table. "Honestly what is everyone doing after we left? To think the SSS think they could claim her..."

"Haha, sorry, Estelle. Maybe we can arrange for joint custody," Elie offered with a small laugh.

"Come to think about it. She is both Shizuku and KeA's unofficial big sis. That's another point for the joint custody," Joshua joined in.

"Just don't let her be adopted into the Brights. I can't stand being in the same room with her," Renne said with a snort.

The teasing succeeded to cheer Juna up as she quickly returned to her usual self. "Hey, what is this?! Tease Juna Day?!" she shouted as everyone laughed again.

Juna then turned to Lloyd. "I-in any case, thanks for the speech, Lloyd," she blushed and looked away before she shook her head. Juna then slapped her own cheeks with a resounding smack. "Alright! I'm ready to continue!"

Lloyd let out a small sigh. At least Juna wasn't feeling down anymore.

---

 

Notes:

Sorry for the delay. Daybreak is very fun, but Edith is too big damn it. I hate doing rounds for NPC but I've been too invested in them. Plus Football Manager still chained my freedom. I decided to break the meeting into two since it's been 5k words already. Anyway, we're finally here! The thing that we've all been waiting for since forever! The reveal that Juna is very very wrong, even if everything leading to it is correct. The perks and downsides of being able to read the tropes from limited informations... Anyway, what are something wrong if none other than a chance for Lloyd to use his 100 Speech skill?

Chapter 54

Since the situation was appropriate for them to continue the talk, Lloyd decided to ask something that he had a feeling the Prince might not know. "So, Your Highness. Two days ago, Juna also found out something very important. I don't know if you have known about this or not, but considering you said you and the chancellor are from different factions, it's safe to say that you probbaly haven't."

Prince Olivert's eyes gained a sparkling glint. "Oho, what is this? And does that mean that Chancellor Osborne already knew about it?"

"He should be." If Lechter really reported everything to the chancellor, there was a big chance he'd be aware of it. "Shall I explain it, or do you want to, Juna?"

Juna shook her head. "You can do it, Lloyd. Although... hmm... I think I should be the one to do it, with your help," she smiled at him.

"Of course," he'd do his best to explain the gap in Juna's retelling with what he understood of how Juna saw the world.

"Alright. First, before we dive into the retelling, I have to tell you about weights. The SSS, Estelle, and Joshua already know about this, so you guys can tune this out. So, basically..." Juna started her explanation by going into the metaphorical weight. That was slightly surprising to Lloyd. What was her reason? Nonetheless, he still paid full attention despite having already written it down in his notebook.

People's actions have certain weights behind them. That weight can be light or heavy, depending on their choice and action in the past. That action, in turn, can affect more actions in the future, altering their weight. It was an endless chain of metaphorical weight that piled up behind people.

"...now here's the interesting part: The weight isn't isolated. It can interact with other people's weight indirectly. How? By interacting with other people, it can shift the 'weight' behind them, making it lighter, or heavier, depending on what they do with each other. For example, all of us talking here affects the weight behind each of us. Following me so far?"

The others who hadn't been exposed to the weight metaphor all nodded. There was no need for Lloyd to intervene at this stage.

"The reason why I'm able to guess what will happen in the future is simple. I am able to... not exactly see but sense the weight behind other people from just limited information. These weights are also the basis of my reasoning."

Yeah, Lloyd was starting to understand what Juna meant by that. And it was at this point that some of them began losing track of Juna's explanation.

"Um, what do you mean by sensing the weight?" Tita raised her arm.

"Exactly what I said, sensing the weight. It's not like the weight is physical, so it can't be sensed by our normal senses. But I just can sense it," Juna answered with a shrug. "Sorry."

Lloyd saw Renne concentrating fully on Juna's words.

"Hey, are you..."

Lloyd quickly intervened, "Renne, weren't you with us in the Sun Fort a few months ago? Joachim didn't know about Juna," he tried to assuage her that no, Juna was not a victim of the cult, like her and Tio.

"Hmph, she might be from a different lodge for all I know," Renne flicked her hair, but the concern was gone from her face.

"Aww, so you do care~" Estelle said, hugging Renne from her side.

Juna understood what Lloyd was saying. "Yeah, I'm not a victim of the cult. I think everyone in Crossbell can testify," she laughed, but nobody responded to her. "In any case. Since I use the weight as the basis for my reasoning, now you can understand how I came to the conclusion that the terrorist target is you, Your Highness. There is a weight behind the ILF and the royal family after the ILF kidnapped your sister. At the same time, I didn't know the existence of the weight behind the relationship between the ILF and the reformist, which, in this case, is Chancellor Osborne."

"It was that simple, huh?" Wazy said casually.

It wasn't that simple, Lloyd denied inside his mind. Juna might have used the weight as her basis, but after that, she still had to connect various unrelated information into a coherent sequence of events. He had known this for a long while, but Juna was basically using preconceptions that only she understood to make a conclusion, something that was not allowed for professional detectives like him. Well, that was why he only asked Juna for advice after he gathered his own findings.

"I understand. Now, what do you want to tell us that you need to explain something that I presume is kept secret by the SSS and Estelle and Joshua?"

Juna nodded. "I'm about to get into that. You see, two days ago, with Michel's help--our branch's guild receptionist--contacted the Legram branch Bracer Guild because they said a certain group of people would be coming there."

"Class VII," Olivert cut in. "They were scheduled to be in Legram two days ago. So that's how you know about them... Then, I presume this involves them?"

"Correct." Juna nodded, any trace of cheerfulness gone. "I got in contact with Class VII, and through some information exchange, I understand that the second part of their study will involve them going to Garrelia Fortress."

"Yes, I don't know the exact timetable, but it was stated in the document that I signed."

"Therein lies the problem," Juna nodded to herself. "The weight behind Class VII... it is intertwined with the ILF since I believe they've confronted the ILF twice before, both in their field studies. So I am very sure Class VII will face the ILF once more, this time in Garrelia Fortress. From there, since I don't really know about Garrelia Fortress, I had Agate and Lynn accompany me to Bellguard Gate, only to see something devastating."

"The railway cannons!" Mueller shouted uncharacteristically.

Just as it was with Juna, any trace of playfulness was gone from Prince Olivert's face. "I see... yeah, we don't know this at all. Lloyd, you said that the chancellor might know?"

"That's the second part of the story. Shall I?" Lloyd asked Juna, who replied with a nod. "Juna reached the same conclusion: the terrorists from ILF will attack Garrelia Fortress in order to take control of the railway cannons. Using those cannons, they will aim at Orchis Tower, to which we thought they'd target you."

"A two-pronged attack, a backup plan in case the attack on the conference itself failed," Joshua said grimly.

"That's not all. There's nothing we can do. The guild is powerless in Erebonia, so escalating things up to the HQ like the previous time wouldn't work," Agate sighed. "Lynn and I certainly thought so, too."

"So does us Crossbellans. There is a weapon that might be aimed at our beloved city and hurt the people. But we are powerless to do anything about it."

...

Lloyd let that sink in before he continued. This was what made Juna look at him in desperation. She, with all her correct predictions, was powerless this time since it wasn't something that the citizens of Crossbell could fix.

"But there actually is one last thing we can do: Inform an Erebonian Intelligence Agent about it. So, we contacted Lechter Arundel and informed him of the situation. That's why I think the chancellor might have known about this. We indirectly told him about it to save our hide," Lloyd finished.

"..." Princess Klaudia fell silent at the last part.

"Excuse me, I need to contact some people in the Empire. Captain Schwarz--"

"Go. I shall guard your charge to the best of my ability," Captain Schwarz cut off Mueller's words with a smile.

Mueller looked at her gratefully. "...I was about to say, 'Please don't let this one wander around alone without my agreement,' but thank you for also guarding him. The last time he did that, he got thrown into prison for not paying for a 20-year-old wine."

"Mueller! How cruel~"

"Ah, I remember that," Estelle giggled while Scherazard sighed.

"Why would you make me remember the time we had to listen to his story in the cell beside us?" Scherazard sighed.

The only takeaway from the story for Lloyd was that, apparently, some of the Liberl crew had once been imprisoned. That was an experience he wasn't eager to try.

After Mueller left the room, Prince Olivert let out a relieved sigh as he leaned back onto his seat. "Phew. Now that Mueller isn't here, I can let loose for a while. So you contacted Lechter Arundel?"

"Yes. He promised to do his best to prepare. We don't know if he had done anything, though, since we're trying to limit our contact with him as much as possible."

"Why?" Princess Klaudia suddenly asked, a serious look on her face.

Lloyd traded looks with Elie before he answered the princess. "He... might have alluded to wanting to recruit Juna to work for him. We are protecting her by not mentioning her name in front of him."

Princess Klaudia frowned before muttering something, "So he's really..."

"Hmph, as if I'd ever work for that pervert!" Juna suddenly humphed, closing her eyes and pouting as she crossed her arms.

...

"What?!" Noel exclaimed in surprise.

"Juna, did he do anything!?" Elie enveloped her in her arms once more.

"Hey, are you okay?!" Randy also left his seat to come to Juna.

"What kind of pervert is he?" Wazy asked without any humor, which was very strange for him.

"Should I dispense my very large stick to him?" Estelle almost growled.

"I don't wanna talk about him," Juna turned away in her seat.

"Juna," Elie grabbed her on the shoulder. "Please tell us. Did he do something bad to you?"

"We are the police. You can come to us if he really does something to you. But I don't think it's really as bad as everyone's thought," Lloyd calmed everyone down. He had some time to think and...

"Mr. Detective is right," Renne agreed. So he was right... "Her behavior doesn't seem like a victim of that."

Lloyd exhaled in relief. Renne's opinion about this matter was not something anyone could take lightly. While unfortunate, she would understand the mindset of a victim, considering what happened to her.

Juna blinked. "Wait, you're all thinking that he..." her face made an expression of disgust before she shook her head. "No, no. He didn't do that to me. I would've used my real sword if he ever showed any sign of doing that."

"Then, about the pervert comment..." Princess Klaudia asked for clarification.

"That's because he asked around about me without permission, waiting and accosting me in the middle of the city, and when I walked away, he desperately chased me to keep up and even struck up an unwanted conversation. What else should I call him but a pervert?!" Juna angrily said to the princess. "Not to mention how he randomly cut me off by shutting my mouth with his disgusting hand when I was asking something nicely! That student delegation from the Empire, Towa, can attest to that!"

Juna finished her rant with a sigh. "So yeah, you guys don't need to worry. I will never work for a pervert like him."

"Oh, so he is Randy kind of pervert," Elie patted her chest in relief.

"Oh come on, Mademois-Elie. I'm not that bad! I just make some inappropriate comment here and there!"

Estelle hummed. "You know, that is Olivier's level of deviancy. Are all Erebonians actually like you?" She finished by smashing a hammer into Prince Olivert's heart.

"Lies and slander! I never did anything on that level to dear Tita!" Prince Olivert then turned to the blonde girl. "Tita, dear, back me up, please."

"Ehehe..."

"Titaaaa!"

Ignoring the two jesters, Joshua turned to Juna. "How did he find you in the first place? Do you have an inkling? "

"Probably because I talked to Class VII. According to their leader, one of them is a member of the Intelligence Division," Juna shrugged. "Not that I regret talking to them. It got us more valuable information."

Everyone turned to the Erebonian Prince, who sadly agreed with Juna's statement. "Yes. It is a push from the reformist faction to have them. My hands are unfortunately tied."

So even the prince could only do so much against the chancellor, Lloyd noted inside his mind before turning to the pensive Liberlian princess. More importantly... her reaction to Lechter Arundel seems important.

"In any case, since Juna is okay, shall we move on to the next problem?" the prince moved the topic and let everyone go back to their seats first. "After all those revelations, even the unexpected ones, I feel bad to give more bad news."

"More bad news?" Lloyd gulped. What else would pile on Crossbell?

"If any of you have noticed, the Erebonian delegation comes to Crossbell without any guards."

The SSS all gasped in surprise. Lloyd's mind went overdrive, trying to see if he spotted any Imperial soldier's uniform at the festivities of the tower unveiling or after. But no, he didn't.

"No way!"

"How did we miss it?!"

"I only had Mueller at first, but at the last minute, I managed to bring someone from my side with me. Still, the chancellor doesn't budge and didn't bring anyone," Prince Olivert finished.

"He's playing with fire," Captain Schwarz commented.

"Not just playing with fire. He's definitely fishing for a crack. Knowing that the conference will be targeted, he's looking for any pretense to attack Crossbell," Renne said. "Mr. Detective, the responsibility is in your hands."

Renne was probably worried for the Hayworths if the Empire attacked Crossbell.

But...

"We're all forgetting something: The Red Constellation," Lloyd said when he noticed that nobody brought them up after Juna retold her story. "They're the reason we know the attack in the first place."

"Right," Elie nodded. "I almost forgot about them because there's just so much on our plate..."

"Hmm, maybe the chancellor's initial intention was to use the Red Constellation to attack the ILF, but since the Crossbell government knew about the attack, he'll just let himself be attacked or use the Red Constellation to defend him," Wazy said after thinking for several minutes.

"I doubt it. Uncle might do a bodyguard job, but judging from what the prince here thinks of the chancellor, I'm more partial to your first idea, Wazy," said Randy. "And besides, rather than defending him, I'm sure Uncle will just attack the ILF back without caring about his charge."

"So in the end, it came back to us again..." Noel sighed.

"Ugh too many things to keep track of," Juna grumbled. "Thank Aidios we'd be able to communicate without hassle."

"It wasn't your job to keep track of the problems, Juna. It is ours," Elie comforted her.

"Yeah, but leaving everything to you guys leaves a bad taste in my mouth, you know? Crossbell isn't just yours. Crossbell is our home, so everyone should do what they can to contribute," Juna shrugged.

"Juna..." Noel teared up.

"Hehe, as expected of our junior bracer to be!" Estelle pumped her fist to Juna's embarrassment.

Kloe coughed to get everyone's attention once more. "I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but we're not done yet. Julia?"

"Yes." Julia quickly pushed the button, and the monitor changed, showing a rotund figure with a pencil-hook mustache.

"That's the Republican government's representative, President Samuel Rocksmith," Elie informed everyone who might not know.

"Does someone hold a grudge against him, too?" Wazy asked jokingly. Unfortunately, based on what Lloyd discussed with Juna this morning, the former gangster might not like the answer.

"Not against him specifically, but more so against Calvard's recent history and direction. Calvard has long been known as western Zemuria's melting pot, thanks to its acceptance of various cultures from around the continent. Whether that acceptance should be tolerated is the root of their political strife. In other words, racism," Princess Klaudia explained.

"That's terrible..." Noel gasped in surprise.

Yes, racism was the root of Calvard's problem in recent times. This might be strange for Crossbellans like Noel because Crossbellans were always tight with each other. They were also helped by the small size of the region, unlike Calvard. Or at least, that was what Lloyd felt as someone who had experience living in both countries.

"As I'm sure you're aware, Calvard has always accepted Eastern immigrants. When the country was democratized, the flow of immigrants increased, and the Eastern Quarter was founded. Naturally, there have always been Calvardians who have opposed the Republic's immigration policies."

"You mean the anti-immigration faction, correct?" Elie said, realizing what Captain Schwarz explained. "I know it's been a growing movement based on anti-Eastern sentiments..."

"Does that mean radical nationalists are targeting the president?" Randy questioned.

"Indeed it does. And, like the Erebonian terrorists, they seem to be well-funded, as well. I recently received intel that the nationalists have supplied a Calvardian terrorist organization with weapons. Those terrorists are now mobilizing. Though I suppose you would know better as a Calvardian, Zin," Princess Klaudia explained before turning to the A-rank Bracer.

"That's also the extent of what we at the guild know, but we can't confirm whether the anti-immigration faction would launch an attack or not. The Rocksmith Agency doesn't really share anything with the guild," Zin replied. "We only know that the government struck a deal with Heiyue. I think that's a sign that they suspect some movements from the anti-immigration faction-backed terrorists."

"That ain't good," Randy muttered. "What do you think, Lloyd?"

Lloyd closed his eyes before he looked at Juna. "I think we can expect an attack from the republican side tomorrow. This morning, I noticed some threads linking all the information we gathered up to last night and had Juna confirm it."

Lloyd then explained all the information he got that made him asked Juna for confirmation: from the struck deal, the possibilities of proxy war, into Juna's words about parallelism and how it tied into both Red Constellation and Heiyue leading into his conclusion about the anti-immigration terrorists.

"He got everything right if you want to know. Even I was surprised," Juna cut in.

"After that, I escalated the possibility of another attack to Detective Dudley," he said.

"Whoa."

"So that's why you didn't have breakfast with us," said Wazy with a chuckle.

"How come you didn't bring it up to us?" Noel asked, to which Lloyd answered with a sheepish laugh.

"The unveiling took it away from my mind. After that, we got our support requests as usual, so..."

Elie sighed. "At least you've brought it up to Detective Dudley."

The others, mostly Prince Olivert and Princess Klaudia alongside Captain Schwarz, looked clueless about what had just happened. "I know we've just had dear Juna showcased her keen mind, but this is just unexpected."

"Agreed," Princess Klaudia nodded at Prince Olivert's words. "We received the intel and had to confirm it several times before I'm confident enough to bring it up today."

"Ahaha..." Juna just scratched her cheek in embarrassment.

Lloyd shook his head. "Again, don't sell yourself short, Juna. You've helped so many people."

"Yeah, just accept it when Lloyd praises you. He won't stop otherwise," Randy slapped him on the shoulder.

"R-Randy!" he exclaimed in surprise.

"That's certainly true."

"He'd praise you until you misunderstand him."

Both Wazy and Noel chimed in. Hm? He didn't think he was that bad.

"Very well. Thank you, everyone. Everything we've just discussed is, of course, strictly off the record. I hope you guys understand," Princess Klaudia ended the discussion.

"We do. Thank you for the information," Elie nodded.

"Haha. Here's to a beautiful new partnership, SSS. And to commemorate the occasion, I think this calls for hitting up Crossbell's famous nightlife. You can show your thanks by showing me around," Prince Olivert clapped his hands and turned to the SSS. "What do you say, Randy? Wazy? I take it you know just the right places."

Ah, so this is why he's specifically known as the Debaucherous Prince, Lloyd finally understood.

"Ohhh! that sounds like fun. Can we, guys?"

"Haha. Sure, I can take you to a few of my favorite spots."

The two responded positively, which, unfortunately, wasn't on the table with how Captain Schwarz and Scherazard looked at the Prince.

"Unfortunately, Your Highness, your bodyguard has told me not to let you out of my sight until he comes back, and you become his responsibility again."

"Don't worry, Olivier. I think we can open some bottles here. Can't we?" Scherazard looked at Princess Klaudia, who smiled at them.

"I think one bottle is fine."

"Alright! Thank you, my dear Kloe!"

"Eeeh~ one bottle isn't enough to see you wasted, Olivier," Scherazard complained, although Lloyd was sure it wasn't serious judging by the playful smirk on her face.

"So you just want to see him drunk... Count me in!"

"Me too. I'd love to see the Debaucherous Prince drunk."

Lloyd leaves the naturally forming group of adults with similar tastes to look at another naturally forming group.

"You looked so dignified and beautiful!" Juna said to the princess as she, Princess Klaudia, Estelle, Elie, Tita, and Renne crowded in one corner.

"Thank you for the compliment, Juna," Princess Klaudia replied with a smile.

"She has always been like this even before I knew her status, you know?" Estelle hugged Juna from behind. "Being all prim and proper and princess-y even as we're walking around the Gull Seaside Way."

"Heeh~ Amazing!"

"Speaking of, the Seaside Way is very beautiful! You get to see the beach, sea, and the horizon, but we haven't even talked about the seagulls' sound filling the area."

"Yeah, Crossbell is a landlocked country," Juna sighed. "The closest place we have to a sea is just the beach area in Mishelam and Lake Elm."

The two continued to talk, ignoring the princess. Renne just sighed and took over. "Sorry for Estelle being her usual self, Miss Kloe."

"No, no, it's fine. This kind of thing is why Estelle is great," the Princess let out a dignified giggle.

"I'm also sorry for Juna," Elie bowed a little.

"Don't worry. From seeing the two together like this, I can surmise how the two got close. More importantly, I haven't kept up with Estelle much aside from letters. How does it feel to live with them now?"

Renne threw her face away in embarrassment.

"She might not show it much, but she loves it there."

"Tita!"

The blonde girl only giggled. "Juna is correct, Renne. You need to show your feelings more to other people."

"Did someone call for me?"

"Why are you so sensitive to people calling your name!?" Renne shouted at Juna with a red face, to everyone's amusement.

"Aww, I love you too, Renne!" Estelle moved away and changed target to hug Renne from behind.

Lloyd left them to look at the last naturally forming group.

"How are you, Zin."

"Nothing outstanding, just doing my normal bracer jobs. How about you?"

"Yeah, same. It made accompanying Tita and Renne here feel special."

Zin and Agate were absorbed in a conversation when Joshua, who drifted away from Estelle's side, joined.

"Speaking of, I see that you're joining us, Joshua."

"I know enough to leave Estelle alone when she's with all her girl friends," Joshua snorted at Agate.

"Huh?" Agate blinked, only for Zin to explain.

"You'll understand when you're in a relationship," the big man patted Agate on the shoulder.

"Tch, as in you're in one yourself!" the red-haired swordsman swatted Zin's hand.

"Or are you finally... with Kilika?" Joshua asked the older man, who fervently shook his head.

"No! Please don't spread any baseless rumor when we're both in Crossbell..."

Having had enough of observing, Lloyd decided to join them. "Excuse me. Can I join?"

"Sure, it's nice to meet you personally, Lloyd Bannings. You've heard others call me, but I'm Zin Vathek," he offered his hand, which Lloyd accepted.

"The pleasure is mine, Zin."

"Anyway, why did you join us?" Agate asked. "Not that I'm preventing you."

Lloyd didn't say anything, he just pointed at the other two groups, which consisted of a drinking contest (can it even be called a contest when they only had one bottle?) with Randy and Wazy cheering them, and the other consisted of the girls huddling together, talking in a whispered hush and giggles, with them sometimes looking at the other groups, including them.

"Yeah, that's why I moved away from Estelle," Joshua nodded in understanding.

"Ah..." Agate slowly understood why Joshua and Lloyd joined.

"So, how's things after the whole cult fiasco a few months ago?" Joshua started a new topic with Lloyd. "I wanted to stay and help people, but since we just had Renne agree to join us, we had to go back and do all the adoption paperwork at home."

"No, it's okay. Crossbell problems aren't your whole responsibility. It falls on all of us to go hand in hand and help each other. It is disappointing that you couldn't help, but you have your circumstances, and we understand that. I think everyone at the guild also does.

"In any case, everything is gradually becoming better..."

In the end, they spent time together until Mueller came back and dragged Prince Olivert away, signaling everyone to part ways with promise to reunite again in the future.

Notes:

I'm not wholly satisfied with this chapter, but I'll just put this up anyway because it already has taken too much time. The good thing is I've already plotted the next chapter, so while I haven't written it yet it should be easier to write. Anyway, aside from being a little stuck, I was also busy finishing Ys Felghana and Origin. God, Ys Origin is such an amazing game. Not to mention the entire shoutout and callback to everything in Ys I and II and all the OSTs. Meanwhile, fuck you Felghana, I died more times in your bosses than in all of Origin's bosses in three routes combined. Your OSTs are sick tho. Love me some Valestein Castle and A Searing Struggle.

Chapter 55

30/08/1204 19:30
Crossbell City, Crossbell

Later that night, the SSS reported their meetings in the Arseille to Chief Sergei and Dudley. Lloyd and the others took turns explaining what happened inside with Prince Olivert, Princess Klaudia, and the others.

"So not just the Erebonian terrorists, but the Calvardian terrorists are also taking aim at the delegations," Sergei concluded with a puff of his smoke.

"Damn it! Crawford is correct once again. What the hell is Erebonia thinking?!" Dudley clicked his tongue in frustration.

"They're definitely aiming for something. You've informed the mayor and the CGF, right?"

Dudley answered Sergei with a nod. "I have. Of course, I left out Crawford's name as usual. I've also rearranged the personnel according to those Erebonian stunts."

"Yeah, those Calvardian soldiers would never want to guard Erebonians," Sergei snorted.

"That aside, I couldn't believe my ears when I heard that you'd boarded the Arseille. Two world leaders want to talk to the lot of you. It's unimaginable," Dudley changed the topic, turning to the SSS.

Lloyd just let out a small laugh. "Haha. I'm guessing the First Division has been keeping tabs on them?"

"It was pretty sudden for us, too, ya know. It's not our fault we're popular," Randy grabbed Lloyd on the shoulder.

"I think it's mostly because of our connection to Joshua and Estelle," Elie said.

"Sudden or not, you still should have consulted your superiors before accepting the invitation," Dudley glared at Randy, who only grinned at the older officer.

"Let the kids do things their way, Dudley. Their messenger was out of the ordinary, anyway. I think they handled it just fine," Sergei intervened before Dudley could chide them more.

The bespectacled detective only clicked his tongue in response.

"Man, both the princess and the prince are nothin' like you'd expect. Especially that Prince Olivert dude. He's got a few screws loose. I can't believe he went drinking when he was supposed to attend a show in Arc en Ciel."

"He's still a prince, Randy; show some respect. I'd say he was...cheerful? And also witty," Elie said, offering her opinion on the prince.

"That, and I'd say he has a good head on his shoulders when it comes to worldly matters. The major with him seemed highly skilled, too."

"Not only that! Princess Klaudia and Senior Captain Schwarz were stunning!" Noel gushed happily. "The princess was graceful and sociable, while the senior captain had those commanding eyes..."

Wazy turned to Noel. "You even got an autograph for your sister, right?"

"H-How'd you know?!"

"I think the thing I admire the most from the Liberl group is the trust they had with each other despite their allegiance," Lloyd offered a conclusive opinion. When Mueller left the group to contact his fellow Erebonian soldier, he didn't hesitate to trust the safety of the prince to Captain Schwarz. Same with Princess Klaudia, who allowed the prince to open her bottle. And that made him feel they would forever have his back if he was with them.

The SSS and Juna were invited as a pretense to talk about the conference while the Liberl group had a reunion at the same time, but it wasn't just that. If it was just a pretense for the reunion, they could've dismissed the SSS before they had the reunion. Princess Klaudia or anyone from the Liberl group didn't say anything explicitly, but Lloyd saw it as them extending their trust to the SSS, and he didn't want to disappoint them.

"In any case, be vigilant for tomorrow," Dudley reminded everyone.

"The main session is scheduled for the afternoon, correct?" Elie asked for confirmation since Dudley was the one holding the rundown.

"Right, at 1PM. It's being held in the international conference room on the 35th floor of Orchis Tower. It'll go all the way until evening, with one break scheduled in the middle."

Once Dudley finished talking, the door was knocked. With an 'Enter' from Sergei, KeA opened the door and came inside the room. "Hey, Lloyd!" she greeted him before laying her eyes on Dudley. "Oh, it's the grumpy old guy!"

"As undisciplined as ever, isn't she?" Dudley grumbled under his breath.

"P-Please excuse her," Lloyd quickly came to her side along with Elie, who scolded her.

"KeA, you remember Detective Dudley, don't you?"

"Yes! Doodles! Long time no see. How have you been?" KeA said with a grin.

"Hmph. First Division detectives are always in peak condition. Wait a second! What in the world did you just call me?!"

Lloyd was very sure the most vexing part of this for Dudley is that he couldn't even get angry at KeA.

"Aww... You don't like it? Well, how about Old Man Dudley?"

"Who're you calling old man?!"

Randy and Noel broke the back and forth between them.

"E-Easy, now."

"C'mon, put yourself in her shoes. Of course, you seem like some old guy."

"So, KeA. What do you need from us?" Wazy asked.

"Oh, right. Umm... there's a call waiting for you guys." KeA answered nervously.

"Someone's calling us?"

"But I don't recall hearing the phone ringing..." he and Elie looked at each other in confusion.

"Oh, not the normal phone. The one with the faces," KeA grinned in confidence.

"Oh, you mean the terminal... When did you learn to use it?"

"Is it Tio Tot, then? She's called in the evening before, right?"

"Nope," KeA shook her head cutely. "It's some boy with freckles. He's being all huffy and puffy about something."

The SSS looked at each other in confusion. The only one matching the description is Jona. But for what reason would he call them?

Everyone in the room, including Sergei and Dudley, quickly went to the terminal to see what was going on. Sure enough, Jona's face was present on the terminal monitor.

"Took you long enough! How long were you planning to make me wait?!" Jona's voice came from the terminal.

"Haha. Sorry about that. Anyway, it's been a while. How are you d--"

"Spare me the small talk!" the younger boy cut Lloyd off. "I have a super urgent favor I need from you! Can you guys go check my base?!"

"Your base? Do you mean that room you were staying in?" Elie asked for confirmation. Ah, Lloyd now remembered. If he was correct, it was located in the Geofront.

"Yep, the one with Control Terminal 8 down in the Geofront's B Sector," Jona confirmed. It was nice to see his guess was correct. "Some jerk used my terminal both yesterday and today, and I won't stand for that!"

Someone had been using Jona's terminal? Lloyd hummed.

"How could you even tell that?" Noel asked a good question.

"Hold the phone, Jon-ster. Aren't you just as guilty as this mystery fella?"

"That's beside the point!" Jona denied Randy's accusation before he answered Noel. "I put up some pretty beefy defenses on the terminal before I left! In the event that it gets breached, I get a notification when I'm doing remote connection orbal network tests. That's how I found out today!"

"So basically, someone hacked into the terminal, even with your 'beefy defenses.' Is that what I'm hearing?" said Wazy.

"Exactly! They've gotta be an elite hacker! Anyway, I need you guys to catch him and get him the heck away from my stuff!"

Randy sighed at the answer. "Geez. Does this kid know how to do anything but ask people to do stuff for him?"

"On the other hand, if he's right about this being the work of an 'elite hacker'... that's troublesome in its own right," Elie said before turning to Lloyd. "Lloyd?"

Elite hacker... using Jona's terminal... Was there anything else relevant to the problem at hand? Lloyd dug deeper into his mind. Exactly why did Jona suddenly call them now?

Hold on.

'Now?'

'Now' was coincidentally less than a day before the West Zemuria Trade Conference. Was it even a coincidence? Or was it something sinister at hand?

"Elie, contact Long Lao and the guild and tell them the SSS needs Renne's expertise," Lloyd addressed his dependable team member.

"Renne?" Jona's question went unanswered.

"Right!" Elie took a few steps to the orbal phone and quickly called both Long Lao and the guild for Renne's whereabouts.

"Randy, Noel, Wazy, be prepared for combat since we're going to the Geofront," he then turned towards Jona on the terminal. "We'll go investigate, so contact us later."

"Thanks, I'll keep in touch." The call then ended from the other end.

"You gonna check it out?" Sergei asked him, who nodded.

"Yes, but only after we consulted the expert. Elie?"

"Yes, Renne is on the phone now. Thankfully, she's with Tita on Long Lao," Elie offered the orbal phone handle to him.

Taking it from the white-haired woman, Lloyd greeted the girl on the other end. "Good Evening, Renne."

"Good Evening, Mr. Detective. I heard you need my expertise?"

"Can you track a hacker? We've just got news from our acquaintance that his terminal is being hacked," he instantly went to the meat of the problem.

"Hooo, and you didn't think I'm the culprit?"

"You've played with them already a few months ago. But one thing that convince me is simple: you wouldn't do something like this exactly one day before the conference." He didn't need his book of Juna's advice to be so confident on this point.

"..." The other end was silent for a few seconds. "You sound more like her every time we conversed. But anyway, you're quite correct that I'm not the culprit. Very well, I'll track the hacker for you. But your terminal probably doesn't have enough power. I'll go to the IBC and use their terminal. Some of them owe me some favor anyway."

"Thank you, Renne."

"I'll contact you later."

Once the call was ended, Lloyd faced everyone.

"Did you find something?" Randy asked him.

Shaking his head, Lloyd answered, "Renne agreed to help us."

"But you noticed something," Elie suddenly said. "You're very sure of it."

"Yes," Lloyd admitted. "I learned too much from Juna to not notice this. Be prepared for anything, everyone."

"I'll have your back!" Noel saluted.

"Wait. I'll come with you, too," Dudley interjected, fixing up his clothes.

"Oh? Want to play buddy-buddy with us now?" Wazy smiled.

Dudley only snorted dismissively. "I'm only doing this to cover all our bases before the trade conference. I can't overlook an anomaly like this. Especially now that Bannings brings up Crawford. Time is of the essence. Let's go."

"U-Understood."

"Heh. Sounds like we're about to have ourselves a post-dinner workout," Wazy muttered.

Elie turned to Sergei and KeA. "We'll be taking our leave, Chief, KeA."

"Sure. Be careful out there."

"Go get 'em, guys!"

The SSS returned to their room to get their weapon.

---

30/08/1204 19:30
Garrelia Fortress, Erebonia

The first day in Garrelia Fortress was clouded by uncertainty. Or at least, that was how Rean felt. The others in Group A, except one, weren't any different. Emma was still as concerned as she was about the missing children. Laura looked a little more composed, but there was no hiding her tone of worry when she talked. Jusis hid behind a mask of cold indifference, but he always looked around to spot anything amiss when the others weren't looking (of course, he denied it when Rean had asked about it). Gaius looked a little more subdued. Only Millium didn't look any concerned, although that was because, in her words, 'Lechter will take care of it.'

In contrast, Group B was still skeptical about the information provided by the SSS's informant, especially Machias and Crow. Of course, the two weren't lax by any means. When the possibility of innocent blood being spilled was high, even Machias and Crow were vigilant. Machias just didn't believe that someone so casual with them could predict such a specific event. As for Crow, Rean didn't get an answer as to why when he talked with him. Thankfully, the other in Group B were easy to convince after the call with the SSS's Informant this morning.

Instructor Sara promised to at least bring the matter up to General Craig, but even as they were having dinner, there were still no words from her. And that added up to Rean's concern about tomorrow.

Everyone was talking about the military exercise from the 4th Armored Division they witnessed in the afternoon. The show of might unnerved almost all of them, with Machias, Emma, and Laura being hit the hardest. (Although Laura's gripe was more about swords not being needed on the battlefield anymore.)

Well, maybe he needed to say something to lift everyone up.

"I think maybe we've been misunderstanding something important all this time. What we saw in that military exercise today was power in its purest form. It has no morality of its own. It exists to bring about a result regardless of the ideals or principles of those who wield it."

"That's true..."

"In a sense, the same could be said of a sword or a gun," Laura noted loudly.

"...And all the way on up to something as huge as Garrelia's railway guns, too," Alisa finished.

It was as Laura said. Watching the Achtzehn's might finally make everything fall into place for Rean. Regardless of how he felt about it, Master Ka-Fai taught him Eight Leaves One Blade. The style had no morality on its own. Even if he was just a dropout, he had the power in his hands and had to use it responsibly.

"...I think I finally understand why they wanted us to watch that military exercise in the first place," Machias frowned, realizing exactly what the instructors wanted them to understand. It was not how mighty the Erebonian military was. But that those might have to be wielded carefully.

"Hmph. They could have taught us in a less roundabout fashion."

The door to the mess hall was opened, and everyone's attention was on the figure. Instructor Sara stood there with a serious look on her face.

"Instructor Sara...?"

"Did you speak with the commander?"

"Yes," there was no trace of her usual nonchalance. "And I got some latest information on the trade conference and the terrorists."

Everyone perked up at the mention of terrorists. It was the news that the entire Class VII was waiting for.

"So there's new information about the Imperial Liberation Front?"

"Later, Laura. Before I get into that, let me explain what you'll be doing tomorrow," Instructor Sara started. "In the morning, you're scheduled to participate in the Imperial Army's physical fitness training."

"Is it like Instructor Neithardt's Man Way Method? Considering he's from the 4th Armored Division..." Machias asked after raising his arm and made Instructor Sara blink.

"Hmm? I don't know, actually. I've heard of Neithardt's method but have never seen it. Did he teach you that?"

The boys from Class VII, except Crow, looked at each other and groaned in unison.

"Anyway, In the afternoon, you'll be attending a special lecture, where I'll bring you up to speed on that info I just mentioned. After that, well... at first, you would have been granted special permission to view the railway guns, but the situation changed.'

"Changed?" Alisa said in reflex.

Ah, Rean understood. The general didn't want to take risks from the information Group A gave Instructor Sara.

"Does that mean they believe our words?" asked Emma, a relief in her tone.

"It's hard to believe they believe a group of teenager's words," Crow said with a shrug.

"Not exactly," Instructor Sara denied. "Your words of a potential ILF attack in Garrelia Fortress to seize the railway guns have been corroborated by both Captain Arundel and Major Vander, both of who are currently in Crossbell. They told the general to be alert. In Major Vander's words, such an attack wouldn't just be a potential, but 'almost certainty, if I understood the reliability of my source.'"

"The SSS's Informant," Jusis finished.

That name. Rean had only been acquainted with her for three days, but she had impacted him so much.

"As such, that part of the visit is scrapped, and we, or I should say, me, is deployed as part of the Fortress' defense. You guys are still students, so just leave it to us, the adults."

"I see..."

Despite her reassuring words, Rean couldn't help but feel a nagging feeling. It wasn't from the scar or his Ogre power. But it was something else. Something he couldn't name.

The serious expression on Instructor Sara's face was now gone. "Too bad. We intended to make this visit as a lesson to you guys. Every nation possesses power in the form of a military, whether that military is large or small. Garrelia Fortress just happens to have that power in a very striking, easy-to-understand form."

"The Railway gun," Elliot concluded.

"Correct. As students of a military academy, you have an obligation to know the scale of the power the Empire of Erebonia wields at present-- a power you might one day be in charge of yourselves."

Everyone fell silent at her words.

"Heehee," the instructor broke the silence with a laugh. "Anyway, even a meeting that long couldn't keep me away from trying the famous hashed beef rice. I've heard it's the only decent food they have around here, so I've been looking forward to this all day."

Right. "...We should probably finish eating."

"Yeah...though it's gotten a bit cold now," Alisa responded to him.

"Maybe I'll go and ask for seconds," Millium wondered aloud before her eyes fell onto Jusis' plate. "Oh, oh, Jusis! If you don't want the rest of yours, can I have it?"

"I'd sooner throw it away than give it to you," the nobleman replied with a scoff.

And thus, they finished dinner for the night. Hearts felt a little freer than before since the general took their words (plus one from Captain Arundel and Major Vander) seriously.

---

30/08/1204 19:40
Crossbell City, Crossbell

Renne arrived in front of the IBC, panting a little. A run from Long Lao to IBC in five minutes wasn't enough to strain her, but well, panting was how the body worked itself to normalcy, so Renne let her breath settle back before she dusted her shoulder and greeted Bills, the security guard.

"Good Evening, Bills."

"Ah, Good Evening, Renne!" he said before squinting at her. "Hmm? Renne? What are you doing here at this time? If I remember correctly, you have finished your business with the Epstein Foundation, right?"

"Yes, but I want to check on something for tomorrow. Is anybody still in the lab?"

"I think Clay is sleeping in the lab tonight," Bills answered as he opened the locked door. "He said something about finishing something."

"So the lab's unlocked then. Thank you, Bills," Renne waved before entering the building. There were no other people inside since the staff were already home. Renne casually walked to the elevator and chose the underground lab. It took the orbal elevator a few seconds before it arrived and opened with a small 'ding.'

A familiar sound greeted Renne, the sound of running orbal terminals. The terminals inside the lab were never turned off, as some of them worked as servers for the experimental Orbal Network system. Her gaze turned to the side terminals the lab staff used. Sure enough, Clay was there in front of one of them, furiously typing with a cackling laugh.

Not wanting to disturb a scientist who seemed to be having some eureka moments, Renne just went to the terminal she used when she worked here with a greeting.

"Evening, Clay."

"Whoa! Oh, Renne. Do you need something? I was about to finish working today, unexpectedly. I thought I'd need to pull all-nighters," he laughed. "I haven't even had dinner yet. Do you want something? I'll order for you when I hit Ozelle."

Oh? "No need. I've just had dinner at Long Lao," Renne answered before she turned on the terminal.

"Alright, see you later, Renne." Clay then left for the elevator, presumably to go to Ozelle's ramen stall. Good. That meant he wouldn't be here when Renne tried to trace the hacker.

Renne quickly inserted various commands into the terminal. Connecting to the terminals inside the Geofront was easy; she had done it before. But she didn't use Grandpa Joerg's terminal this time, so she needed to be a little more careful since it was a company terminal.

"Hm? Mr. Detective didn't say that the terminal is now protected. That kid's pretty decent," Renne hummed while entering more commands. "But yeah, this isn't enough to defend itself against someone like me."

Now the question became: who was as skilled as her and had the motive to hack through that kid's terminal? Especially, as Lloyd put it, 'exactly one day before the conference.'

There. Renne found the trace of the hacker. He was using the terminal to look for some documents. Oh, Renne frowned. The kid was intrusive and skillful enough to have eyes on some confidential documents, which was what the hacker aimed for.

Yeah, Renne started to understand the hacker's mindset, mostly because she was also one. The hacker probably probed around to see if anything was worth hacking into and stumbled upon gold with that kid's terminal.

"Let's see what kind of things the hacker was taking from the kid," Renne entered more commands before she frowned.

Something was stonewalling her tracing effort. Was it the hacker? They were active, then.

Renne tried another avenue of attack. Maybe she could push through using alternate ways.

Suddenly, a feed popped up on the terminal. Renne's eyes widened seeing the figure on the terminal, smiling happily at her.

"I was wondering who was skillful enough to trace me this far. Of course, it's you~"

"Enforcer No. 0. Campanella."

"It's been a while, Enforcer no XV. Angel of Slaughter. How have you been?"

Renne didn't answer the question because her mind was still floored. What was her fellow Enforcer doing here?

"Are you really that surprised to see me? I'm flattered, but I don't think it's quite unexpected. We learned from the same teacher, after all."

"No. I had a suspicion. I was just surprised you greeted me first," she deflected, looking composed.

"Of course, I believe you."

Renne twitched. That response was why she disliked talking with the green-haired Fool. Strangely enough, she also felt the same kind of feeling whenever she talked with that pink-haired know-it-all.

Wait. Her mind recalled something when she thought of Juna.

"Lloyd saw two suspicious figures near the Rosenberg Mansion. We thought it's probably Ouroboros members, so I wanna ask if you know anything about it," Juna asked her several days ago.

"Do you think it's connected to the terrorist attack?" asked Tita.

"Could be. I need more information before I can get anything," the bracer wannabe shrugged.

Renne swallowed before she looked at Campanella. "Did the Anguis tell you to disturb the conference? I didn't know the next plan was ongoing."

"Oh, you missed so much~! You should return to your post and help us do the next step of The Plan."

The next step? Renne narrowed her eyes. She only knew of the Gospel Plan, the one she was involved with in Liberl two years ago. The plan after that was only on a need-to-know basis, according to the Grandmaster. But well, the one who said it to her was Weissman, and everyone knew how he was. She should've known asking Weissman was futile.

"Oh, don't tell me you didn't know?"

"I was helping the Professor. After that, I was under Weissman in Liberl," Renne pointed out. It was nothing strange for her to not know when it was those two Anguises. "Answer me, Campanella. Will the next step of the plan involve Crossbell?"

"Are you, perhaps, afraid your real family would fall victim to the plan?"

Campanella grinned.

Renne growled. "Just answer me!"

"Tut tut~. You need to return if you want the full details."

"You know I can't do that."

Renne glared at the clown's face. There was no way she could go back on active duty. Not because she grew to dislike being an Enforcer but because she was now with the Brights. Estelle would go around Zemuria once again to bring her back if she ever left them.

Campanella looked away before smirking. "Whoops. I need to go. Seems like I will be having some fun tonight."

Fun? Renne gasped.

"Mr. Detective!"

"Oh, you know them? Maybe I should push them harder than I intend to if you know them." The Fool's eyes shone in delight.

Instead of panicking, Renne knew how to handle Campanella's sadistic urges. She stayed silent throughout the No. 0 taunts. She redirected all her mental power to conjure a way to prevent the worst from happening to her birth family (they didn't deserve it.)

Shamefully enough, she found one.

"Aww, you're not fun anymore. Being too much in the light has shaved off your darkness, huh. Well, time to go~"

"One last thing, Campanella."

"Hm?"

"The name."

"What name?"

"What's the plan's name? Can you at least give me that?" Renne asked.

"Heeeh~" Campanella looked at her with amusement. "Sure. As a courtesy from fellow Enforcers, I'll give you the name. It's harmless enough to just let you know the name. Nothing you can do with it."

Renne bore through the taunt once more.

"Phantasmal Blaze. That's the name of the plan. Though, if they asked, you didn't hear it from me."

The video call then disconnected.

Renne quickly used the orbal telephone to call Lloyd's Enigma, but it wouldn't connect. Nothing in the Geofront should prevent the call, so it was probably Campanella's doing. Judging the futility of trying to warn the SSS about her fellow Enforcer, Renne turned her attention towards the other thing.

She called Juna.

"Who called?"

"It's me. Meet me in the SSS Building. I have something important to tell you."

Renne then ended the call and cleaned the terminal logs. It wouldn't do to let anyone stumbled upon her act as Kitty. Turning the terminal off, she hurriedly left the IBC lab before going to her next destination.

It galled her to ask for help, especially from Juna. But she was the only one coming to mind at the time. Hopefully, her faith would be rewarded. Otherwise, she'd lock herself in Estelle's room out of embarrassment.

---

30/08/1204 20:15
Geofront B Sector, Crossbell

After going the winding road in the B Sector of Geofront because the shortcut was locked, the SSS and Dudley finally reached Jona's room. They heard weird music coming out of Jona's orbal speakers. It was the music Jona usually played, but...

"It's eerie," Lloyd whispered.

"This could be a trap. Proceed with caution," Dudley whispered before turning to Randy and him. "Bannings, Orlando. The three of us will charge in first. The rest of you will follow in after."

"Right."

"Roger."

The three of them went forward, preparing their weapon.

"On three," Dudley commanded.

"One, two..." Lloyd gripped his tonfas tighter. "Three!"

The bespectacled officer opened the door and ran inside, with Lloyd and Randy following from behind.

There was no one inside. Lloyd scanned the room once again to see if he missed anyone. Nope. The only thing there was the working Orbal Terminal, which Jona said was hacked in the first place.

"No one's here."

"I don't sense anyone hidin', either," said Randy. If he was the one saying it, then Lloyd would believe his sense.

"Completely abandoned. But that doesn't make any sense. We didn't pass anyone on the way here."

Elie, Noel, and Wazy entered the room since there was no ruckus.

"D-Did they get away?"

"It seems like it," Noel answered Elie as she also scanned the room. But Lloyd wasn't sure about that. Hacking was still a new field, and from what he knew, Zemuria only had a few skilled hackers. But if they were that good like Renne, they didn't even need to be in the room to hack an Orbal Terminal.

"The music is grating. Turn it off. Now," Dudley commanded.

"Yeah, yeah. Lemme find the switch," Randy carefully touched the orbal speakers to look for the turn-off switch. The redhead was still wary of any traps.

Once it was turned off, though, Lloyd and the others waited for any sign of the trap being triggered, but there was none.

Randy let out a sigh of relief. "Phew."

"There's still something eerie about all this."

Elie agreed with Noel. "It's so bizarre and unnatural sounding. That 'music' was completely off-key."

Still, even if there were no traps in the orbal speaker...

"Something's still off..." Wazy's eyes wandered. "Wait, what's on the monitors?"

The group approached the orbal terminal to look closely at what was presented on the monitor.

"Blueprints... those are!"

"That can't be! Blueprints for Orchis Tower?!" Elie exclaimed in surprise.

"In complete detail, too. They contain all of the tower's structural data and the layout of its interior," said Noel as her eyes read the details on the monitor more closely.

"Tch. Where did he get his hands on this?"

No. Something else was more important. Who would--

Lloyd's musing was broken when the room turned red, and alarm sounds rang.

"Damn it!"

The door to the exit was suddenly closed on its own.

So this is the trap... the music was just bait to lower their guard!

Noel and Wazy checked the door.

"No good! It's completely sealed!"

"There must have been some kind of orbal locking mechanism installed." This was the Geofront. The locking mechanism installed wouldn't be something for civilian use like a normal door.

"Ahahahahaha~"

A creepy laugh caught everyone's attention.

"Who's there?!"

The laughing voice then answered Randy.

"Haha... Pleased to meet you, ladies and gentlemen of the SSS. I've been waiting for you. I've left you all a little something to remember me by. Do have fun. ❤︎"

"What?!" What kind of 'something' did this creepy voice leave for them? And in the first place, who are they to know of the SSS?

"His voice is coming from the terminal!" Dudley determined seconds before the orbal terminal monitor changed into Pom Pom Party's main menu.

"This is...!"

"It's the puzzle game Chief Roberts gave us!" Elie said in shock.

"Here's my offer. Beat me in a best two of three, and I'll let you go. If you caaaan, that is. Because if you lose...you'll be burned to a crisp!"

"The hell?! What kinda gimmick is this?! There weren't any signs of a trap!"

Randy was correct. The fact that somebody could do this remotely meant that the creepy voice was most likely the hacker, and they were comparable to Renne in skills.

"Ahaha. Shall we begin, SSS? Time is running out... You'll all be well done if you don't hurry, you know~"

"Lloyd! There's no other way!"

Lloyd nodded at Wazy. The green-haired former delinquent knew Lloyd played the game with Chief Roberts and Michel on the side. So, between the six of them, Lloyd was the only one who should do it.

"I'm on it!" He went to the keyboard and started duking it out with the mysterious voice. From what he understood, the key to Pom Pom Party was being aggressive in using the CP, Combo Point, to unleash your S-Craft to raise the opponent's stack. At least, that was how he regularly beat Chief Roberts and Michel. However, since the voice was threatening to 'burn' them if he failed, Lloyd wondered if he should play more conservatively, only being aggressive when he was safe.

No time to ponder such possibilities! Lloyd pressed the down button to pop the red poms, and his CP reached 300. He used the S-Craft to raise the stack on the mysterious voice's side. Undeterred, the mysterious voice immediately used their S-Craft to remove the stack and let the stack back before Lloyd attacked them.

Since Lloyd was safe, he decided to try a different approach. Since the poms would only pop when three of the same colors are adjacent, Lloyd stacked two colors together but hasn't popped them yet. He waited and waited. Only when he got the perfect combination of pom colors did Lloyd let out a smile.

"Yes."

He pressed down and put the blue pom on two others. They popped, and the green pom on top of the blue pom fell down and placed on two adjacent green poms, which in turn had a red pom fell down and hit two others. Again and again, it happened until Lloyd's side of the monitor had no visible stacks anymore.

Chain combos. It was one of the things that Lloyd noticed when playing against Michel. He could intentionally not pop them to make a chain combo of popping poms later when he got a pom with the correct color combination. The reward was bigger CPs than if you popped the poms normally.

However, the Pom Pom Party wasn't about who cleared their stacks first. No. The game would just generate more stacks if they decided you had less than enough stacks to pop the poms. The key to winning a Pom Pom Party match was to make your opponent lose. That was why he usually played aggressively against Chief Roberts. And now, since he had just gotten a massive amount of CP, Lloyd used his S-Craft without hesitation to give more stacks to the mysterious voice's side.

Unfortunately for the voice, their CP wasn't enough to clear the overflowing stacks. The game stopped and gave notification of 'WIN' on Lloyd's side and 'LOSE' on the mysterious voice's side.

"That was amazing, Lloyd!"

"Damn, fine gamin', Leader."

Elie and Randy exclaimed when Lloyd won the game.

"How about that. Maybe I underestimated you. Guess I'll just have to step my game up."

Despite losing, the voice wasn't deterred at all.

Before the second round began, another, more familiar voice interrupted them.

"You've done enough already. I am your opponent now. Get ready."

It was Tio's voice! What and how?!

Lloyd and the others watched as Tio somehow remotely controlled the screen. She and the mysterious voice duked it out in Pom Pom Party. Tio's strategy was even more aggressive than Lloyd's, and in just around two minutes, the mysterious voice was defeated.

"Yes!"

"Tch, that was cutting it close," Randy remarked as the screen showed 'WIN' on Lloyd's side of the screen.

"Haha... Nicely done. I suppose I did propose a match between myself and the SSS, so fine. You're free to go. Until next time, boys and girls! ❤︎"

The locked door was automatically opened after the voice went silent.

"It's open!"

"Quick, before it detonates!"

"Randy!" Lloyd grabbed Elie in a princess carry while signaling Randy to do the same with Noel.

"Alrighty!"

They quickly left the room. The second Lloyd and Elie stepped outside, the room detonated in a loud explosion.

"Phew. I can finally unclench," Randy muttered as they all sprawled on the ground.

"I thought I was about to meet Aidios..." Noel exhaled.

"Um, Lloyd? You can release me now," a red-faced Elie looked away from him.

Lloyd blinked. Oh, right, he was carrying Elie. "Ah, sorry. It was spur of the moment."

"I-It's fine..."

Elie stood up and didn't look at Lloyd at all.

"Oh right, thanks for the lift, Randy." Noel, who was similarly carried by Randy, remembered that she was still in Randy's arms.

"No problem. But why is it that only Lloyd gets that kind of reaction from girls?"

"Heh. You need to up your boyish charm, Randy. Chicks dig that kind of man," Wazy laughed at Randy's complaint.

"I see that you can all laugh despite what just happened, huh?" Dudley stood up and dusted his coat.

"I am pleased to see that you avoided total incineration," Tio approached them with a smile on her face. Behind her, a portable Orbal Terminal was turned on.

As he expected, someone who was skilled in Pom Pom Party and could hack the terminal to connect and play with the mysterious voice remotely could only be Tio. She probably used the portable terminal to gain access to the terminal in Jona's room.

"I knew it had to be you, Tio!"

"Hell yeah! But what happened to working out of state?"

"Is it not obvious? I boarded an international flight bound for Crossbell earlier today," Tio gave a flat look at Randy. "I had heard you all had your hands full with the trade conference, so I came back as soon as I could."

Oh, how Lloyd missed Tio's deadpan reaction. "I'm glad you did."

"Haha. If you hadn't bailed us out, we'd be toast right now. Literally."

Tio decided to ignore Randy when Wazy spoke. "So, did the chief tell you where to find us?"

"Yes. I called his Enigma upon landing, and he said I need to join you here in a hurry. I came straight from the airport."

"We owe you one. You truly saved us," said Elie.

"Yep! Thanks, Tio!"

"No need. I'm glad I could make it in time. I nearly did not. That opponent just now did not make it easy. I was able to slip past the security locks he placed and assume control. It was still too close for comfort," Tio explained.

"Assume contr--oh, you mean the game," Lloyd asked for confirmation.

"Yes. Once I knew you were locked in there, I was able to back door my way into the terminal," Tio confirmed. "That hacker we faced is highly skilled."

Yeah, that much was clear to Lloyd.

"So, the bastard laid a trap and made his exit long before we arrived," Dudley clicked his tongue in aimless frustration before changing the topic. "By the way, Plato. Did you trek through the entire Geofront by yourself?"

Oh, right. They struggled quite a bit to reach Jona's room, fighting all those monsters together. Did Tio breeze past all of them?

"No, not exactly. I ran into a company on my way, and we came together."

"Company?"

"We really should stop meeting like this." The one answering him was a voice from the shadows.

The Assassin Yin walked in leisurely.

"The one from Stargazer's Tower!" Noel exclaimed in surprise.

"So, you failed to catch him? He is a crafty one, as I've learned. Annoyingly shrewd," Yin scanned the room.

"W-Wait a minute! Does that hacker have any relation to Heiyue?!" Elie asked in confusion. It was understandable. Yin was hired by Heiyue, so the easiest conclusion was that the hacker was related to Heiyue since Yin was here. Either they were a turncoat or an enemy.

But in Lloyd's mind, it didn't fit with what he observed.

"No. He is a complete stranger," Yin validated his theory. "I do not believe he is connected with the Red Constellation, either."

"Really?" Wazy looked interested in his theory.

"How can you say for sure?" Randy fired back. Since he was connected with Red Constellation, Randy probably thought something like this wasn't out of place for them.

"Both Heiyue and the Red Constellation have their own methods for monitoring systems. That hacker, or whoever they are, shouldn't belong to either one of them. He strikes me as someone with an ulterior motive in regard to the trade conference," Yin explained.

So Yin had the same theory as him. A third party unrelated to Heiyue and Red Constellation.

"The blueprints of Orchis Tower on the terminal screen... Lloyd, don't tell me...!"

Lloyd nodded. "The hacker probably is getting it for the terrorist."

"Easy to put two and two together after what just happened," Wazy sighed.

"The question is, who is the hacker affiliated with? Someone with that high skill would never be unknown in the Orbal technology circle. I'm not sure if they are the ILF or the anti-immigration faction in the first place. Am I correct, Tio?"

"You are correct," Tio answered.

Think back, Lloyd. Who would side with the terrorists and have someone skilled enough to hack into Jona's terminal?

As Lloyd was thinking, Dudley and Yin exchanged greetings.

"--So...what's stopping me from dragging you back to CPD headquarters?" 

That broke Lloyd's musings. "Dudley..."

"You serious right now?" Randy questioned the wisdom of trying to apprehend an assassin in this kind of situation.

"Hah... On what charges? I don't recall having broken any state laws."

"Oh, don't worry. It'd just be for a friendly chat," Dudley responded. And yet his hand was gripping his gun. "If you aren't guilty of anything, then you should have no reason to object!"

As Dudley leaped towards the assassin, he quickly disappeared, leaving a mirage and a talisman on the ground.

"Hmph," Dudley scoffed at the illusive assassin.

"Ooh, a body double. So he's a wielder of the talisman arts?"

"I'm afraid I have to say good night this time, Detective. I'm sure we'll be seeing each other again soon."

After that, the room fell into silence again.

"Should we search the surrounding area, Lloyd?" Tio offered, but Lloyd shook his head.

"No, there's no reason to. Besides, we need to head back to the surface. I have a suspicion about whom the hacker is affiliated with. However, I'm still not a hundred percent sure about it."

"Fine. I suppose there's nothing else we can do."

The group then went back to the surface.

Notes:

I swear this has been finished since early July but I haven't posted it because of Uma Musume and Shadowverse. It's 2025 and I return back to my 2017-2018 era of being a Cygames slave. Anyway, one of the result of the butterfly is here! Renne is here so Lloyd can confirm that it's not Renne and work together with her to uncover the hacker! It's nice to have connections isn't it? And since the fortress got warning not just from Rean but also from Mueller, they took the threat seriously now and cancel the activity for the second day in the fortress.

Notes:

This is my first time posting in AO3 lol. Hello. This is actually an omake series born from Randomguy's story titled "If I had to be isekaid to a JRPG with harem, can't I be the harem protag instead of a harem member?" in Spacebattles. It's a Trails/Kiseki fic about a sort-of self-insert into Jessica Schleiden in the Cold Steel arc. You guys need to read it. It's amazing! As of this day it has 680k words of main story, 120k words of side story, and 670k words of non-canon omake. The premise is simple, a guy is inserted by an ROB into a JRPG game, but with a catch: the guy had never played the game he's inserted into. Shenanigans ensues when Guy-in-Jessica's-Body (affectionally called JesSIca by the readers. He has a name but it's spoiler-y stuff) thought she's a harem member because, hello, attractive female bodies? When in truth, Jessica's just an uninvolved side character in the real game. The layer of irony is strong in this one! I won't say anything else about the original fic because honestly? It's better enjoyed blindly. Yes, even if you have never dabbled in Trails series fandom, you can enjoy it. Actually, lots of people in the thread said that their first exposure to Trails was the original fic, JesSIca, and then played the game after following the fic.

Now, this omake is born because Randomguy wrote an omake about the guy inserted into the story as Anelace (affectionally called AnelaSI), instead of Jessica. So the thread came up with lots of what ifs scenario where the guy is inserted as other side characters. From Elise (EliSI), Alisa (AliSI), Shirley (SIrley), Towa (TowaSI), Alfin (AlfSIn), Lavian, Sara (SaraSI), Female!Crow, and even Rosine (RoSIne) and Linde! (LindeSI). There was talk about the guy inserted to Juna, but I tried to go over several characters before ended up with Juna as the best option. And besides, I always wanted more 'Juna in Crossbell' fic anyway. The only notable one I read is Eine Kleine, and I dropped it when it forced the MussexRean pairing. So here we are where the guy inserted into Juna, or as I (and everyone) love to call her, JunaSI. Bad name, I know. But it's the one catching traction. By the way, the official full title of the fic is now Trails of a Junior Bracer in Crossbell. I have to thank Writer of 2814 for the first idea, and then Feng Lengshun for suggesting Junior instead of Juna-ior (heh) in the thread.

I actually do recommend you to read the original fic before continuing this, mostly because you'll understand the characterization of the SI better by reading the original fic by Randomguy first. All the other side character insert omake is written in first perspective from the SI, but this one isn't. This fic is deliberately written from everyone but JunaSI's perspective (though I'll delve into her mind in the future). So you'll see some gaps that you might not understand in JunaSI's thought process if you read this first instead of JesSIca. I'll post the JunaSI omake chapters daily here with the hopes that more people will read the main story.

By the way, if the tag is a bit bare, that's because I'm a firm believer of updating the tag as the story unveiled

Series this work belongs to:

• Part 6 of Trails of Cold Tea