"That's where the letter ends," March 7th concluded.
Their time with Serval in the Administrative District had been brief. Fortunately, Sampo could move freely between the upper and lower districts, always playing a game of cat-and-mouse with Gepard. If anyone knew the Landau siblings well, it was Sampo.
"Sampo, what do you know about the Landau siblings?" Dan Heng asked.
"The Landaus? Old pals, mostly with the younger brother. The sister, though… she's even scarier than him. It's a joyous day, so let's not dwell on that, shall we?" Sampo deflected.
"Your intel goes beyond that one-liner. Keep talking," Dan Heng pressed, his expression serious.
Seeing Dan Heng's no-nonsense look, Sampo immediately switched gears. "Alright, alright! Ol' Sampo will spill everything!"
"Gepard Landau needs no introduction—he's an old friend of ours too. Solid guy, upright and steadfast, young and handsome, with a unique charm in his lack of charm. Honestly, he's the cop, I'm the crook… how good could our relationship really be?"
"Quite the colorful review. Classic Sampo," March 7th quipped, taking on her role as the group's snarker.
"Serval Landau, now she's something else. The infamous rebel daughter of the Landau family, destined for greatness until she crossed the higher-ups, lost her job, and opened Neverwinter Workshopto play underground music. Word is, her stunt really ticked off the old man at home. Only her younger siblings still keep in touch."
"When I run into mechanical issues on the surface, I sometimes go to her. Later, though… for some special reasons, I stopped dropping by as much."
"That's all I've got. Phew!" Sampo felt lighter after unloading the info.
"Sounds like you and the Landaus have some stories… bah, no time for gossip! Let's change the subject!" March 7th turned to Seele. "Last night, after you met that High Priest, did he mention his next move?"
Sampo's mouth twitched slightly. This girl just switched to an even more dangerous topic!
"Let me think… he said something about wiping out all the Fragmentum creatures as a gift to the Aeon of [Eternity]," Seele recalled.
"What?!" Everyone except Adrian gasped. This [Eternity] Emanator seemed surprisingly benevolent.
Sweat beaded on Sampo's forehead. That approach was definitely him! No mistake!
Blake was the type to offer courtesy before force. He wouldn't act rashly without preparation, as that would tarnish the reputation of the Aeon of [Eternity] and the Church across the cosmos. His actions weren't just for THEIR sake—Jarilo-VI still harbored Anti-Matter Legion forces sealed in ice, a silver lining in the disaster. Whenever he saw forces tied to [Destruction], Blake would lend a hand, and he had even more reason to act here.
Afterward, he'd track down the Great Guardian spreading rumors about the Aeon of [Eternity] and have a "friendly" chat.
"Wiping out… the entire planet's Fragmentum creatures?!" March 7th exclaimed. Realizing he was a genuine Emanator, it suddenly seemed plausible.
"Not just that. I think he's more focused on the Anti-Matter Legion sealed by the Eternal Freeze," Dan Heng speculated, trying to pinpoint Blake's location. Adrian cut in with the answer:
"He's at the Iron Guard Restricted Zone."
"Huh? No way… Do you [Eternity] Emanators have some kind of telepathy? Did he tell you?" March 7th asked.
Adrian nodded. "Miss March can think of it that way. The Iron Guard Restricted Zone has the highest concentration of Fragmentum creatures. If I were High Priest Blake, that's where I'd go."
"Oh, that makes sense! So… do we visit Brother Landau or Sister Landau first?" March 7th asked. Gepard was at the Restricted Zone, while Serval was at Neverwinter Workshop in the Administrative District. They faced a dilemma.
"I think… splitting into two groups is best," Dan Heng said, considering the unexpected variable. He felt compelled to meet High Priest Blake himself.
"What? Dan Heng, you're going to see the Church's High Priest? Take me with you!" March 7th was eager to join his team. "You can't face an [Emanator] alone. An extra person means extra safety."
"No need. I already have someone in mind," Dan Heng said, glancing at Sampo, who was still forcing a smile.
Instantly, Sampo's grin vanished.
"Come on, my good brother… you know we're wanted in the upper district! Storming the Iron Guard Restricted Zone like that won't work!" Sampo protested.
"No worries. A few days ago, I visited the Restricted Zone and helped clear some Fragmentum creatures. Officer Gepard should trust us," Adrian assured Dan Heng.
Sampo's face paled further.
"And… both you and I have history with that High Priest. Are you scared?" Dan Heng teased. With Adrian's newly upgraded Cloud-Piercer, Dan Heng was itching for action, and clearing out lingering Fragmentum creatures in the Restricted Zone was perfect.
"Haha, I'm doomed," Sampo chuckled awkwardly, a rare hint of despair in his voice that March 7th picked up on.
"Miss Seele, which team are you joining?" Dan Heng asked.
"Me? I'm fine with either," Seele shrugged. She was just a fighter in the group. In the end, she chose to join March 7th's team.
"Hm… since you've already split the teams, I'll go with Miss March's group?" Adrian confirmed, though he leaned toward Dan Heng's team. However, he knew Blake's personality too well. Upon seeing him, Blake would likely be unable to contain his excitement, kneeling and pulling off some slick moves. Adrian's Aeon disguise would be hard to maintain.
With your revered deity standing before you, who wouldn't get thrilled?
"That's settled then! You two handle Brother Landau, and we'll deal with Sister Landau!" March 7th was thrilled with the team assignments. Ignoring the slacking Teacher Adrian, she, Stelle, and Seele—three badass girls—were the perfect combo!
"So, excited for this journey?" March 7th asked Seele.
"Hmph… haven't thought about it much. But traveling with you all does lead to some unexpected situations," Seele replied.
"I don't mind a calm adventure, but I prefer thrilling battles and exciting escapades," she added.
Adrian nodded, satisfied. "Since we're done with the chatter, let's get to business!"
Whoosh! Whoosh!
Two condensed [Gates of Myriad Paths] appeared—one leading to the Iron Guard Restricted Zone, the other to the Administrative District.
Before they left, Adrian cast an [Eternal Nightveil] stealth buff on everyone.
"Friends, time to set off!"
…
Qlipoth Fort.
Bronya steadied her chaotic thoughts and pushed open the door to the Guardian's chamber.
She had returned last night, intending to confront Cocolia immediately. But when Cocolia saw her safe return, she was overcome with worry and said, "Bronya! I thought… I thought I'd lost you. Where did you go? Are you hurt? I'll call the steward at once!"
"No, no need! I'm sorry, Mother…" Bronya began.
Before she could finish, Cocolia pulled her into a tight embrace.
"My child, Bronya, we'll talk about everything tomorrow… alright? Go rest in your room. You must be exhausted."
Seeing Cocolia's gentle demeanor, Bronya's words caught in her throat, unable to come out.
Now, it was a new day. The time had come to prove her resolve!