“I don’t necessarily need your help, guys. I have allies inside, I already told you.” Zara proclaimed. On the outermost rim of Servus Portum, she hid alongside Nero and Maximus. They’d camped out overnight, waiting for the moving city to pass. And once it did, they approached from behind, towards an outpost of Purifiers.

“Oh yeah? What sort of ally in there could possibly replace my dashing looks and dynamic appeal?” Maximus held a proud hand to his neck.

“Hush!” Nero stood in front of Zara to ensure any incoming fire was expended in vain. “You payin’ this ‘ally’ or whatever? I betcha my rates are far superior. Plus, if the tip’s nice, I’ll throw in a dust crystal imported straight from Vacuo, East Sanus. Cash only.”

“Any other plastic watches or broken compasses you’d like to peddle with that?”

“Well, for frequent customers, I usually offer a free sticker for three-hundred credits.”

Zara had no choice but to address that. “Sweet. A free three-hundred credit sticker. You must be a saint.”

“The devil on your shoulder, more like. Sure can’t resist my prices? If money makes the world go round, my world’s a… spinning top, or a, um, ball on my finger? S-Something that spins a lot, is my point. So let’s get this over quick. As you can see, that robot ahead is training his cute little arm-guns at me. Should I kill him before or after I check his pockets?”

“He’s only about to fire because he can’t see me. Move it!” Zara stepped out from her living shield, causing an immediate response from Aamon. Every Purifier stood down. That didn’t prevent Nero from caving their heads in with his flail. “Wait! Stop!”

Not needed. For once, the last Purifier grabbed the chains, and flipped Nero onto his back. “W-What!? How did you manage that? Gah!” He tried again, only to be humiliated in much the same way. Maximus laughed, while Zara was fascinated to see the learning ability of Aamon firsthand.

“Real nice backup you brought in, Zara. Can’t even kill a droid.” Maximus chided.

“Explain to me, how a peasant- yes, a peasant! How one of the weakest, most common grunts in Remnant can cancel my strikes with its stick arms-” Again, Nero found himself on his back. “Just like that! Peasant!”

“Dude, he evolved from your last engagement. Just use something new. Kick him in the head, or something. Or actually, I have a better idea.” Zara quelled the disgusting display. “Could you stop crushing the Purifiers? Bit of a vile move. How about you stop that? All you’re doing is feeding him strategies. He’s on our side, anyway.”

“Is he now?”

“Don’t believe me? Just ask him. He can’t lie.”

“Are you with us?”

“I have a companionship with Zara. If you are with her, then you and I have never been enemies. Since you’re here, it’s clear Zara has business inside Servus Portum. She was wise to come to me. I will not be able to accompany you in the city, but it is well within my limits to grant you entry.”

“I’m supposed to go to the Bone Graveyard, right?” Zara said.

“Yes. The excavation site near the center of Servus Portum. It is the area with the least manmade pollution. Seek out my blimp, above it. It is the one ship tethered to the ground. Now, Aamon requests that you kill me.”

“Normally you’d have to pay for my services, but consider this one on the house!” Nero swung down only to be intercepted. “Hey! Do you want a swift death, or not?”

“Instinct dictates otherwise. You must do away with me in a manner I have not seen, otherwise reflex will kick in. I suggest holding me under the wheels of this wall. In fact, I can do that myself. Aamon has never considered adapting to his own attacks. This might be an interesting experiment. Good luck.” The Purifier willingly walked to his death, being squashed under the border he was born to protect. It was an unwholesome, gruesome way to make an exit.

“So, umm. Anyone want to explain what just happened?” Maximus fixed his insensible haircut. “Why did that chump just kill himself?”

“He’s only one of an army I couldn’t even begin to describe.” While they used the network of wallowed streets to make good ground, Zara supplied a much needed briefing on everything she and Team Lance gathered since initiation.

“Okay, okay. I get it. Dictators, wars, and enslavement. What about that cyborg-” He was rudely interrupted by the very thing he’d been trying to understand: another Purifier. “Yeah, him! What’s your deal this time? Not some sort of triple-agent, are you?”

“No. I’m here to tell you that if you continue, you’ll be caught on surveillance cameras hidden everywhere. Since your last stunt here, Caligula has improved security.”

“Too bad for him, he has you operating the system.” Zara snickered.

“Too bad indeed. You must wear these robes to conceal your identity. You will blend in with the other Servants.” Aamon removed his three layers of hoods and wrapped one around each before leaving. “This time, I’d prefer our infiltration to stay under wraps. If you start another riot, security will come down even harder. I suggest staying near the Choir Battalion. If you do, their instrumentation will drown out your voices if you try to speak. Now is your chance. Their path will take you straight to the Bone Graveyard. Be wary.”

“Ugh. This thing smells horrible.” Zara recoiled, unable to escape the stench nor scratchy surface. “C’mon. I can see Aamon’s ship from here.”

“Can this music, like, chill?” Maximus plugged both his ears with his fingers. “Real fun idea, Aamon. Standing two feet from ear damage incarnate.”

“At least they play good music. I can’t imagine why, though. Does Caligula really think he can swindle the entire population if he gives them something to listen to? I-I guess he hasn’t failed, yet.”

“He’d be better served hedging his bets against me. Come to think of it, most of the people in this dump could do with a game of cards. Maybe then, they can finally get some lien for a bite to eat.”

“Ha.” Nero checked the time. “They want money, they need to play the game of voluntary transaction. Supply and demand, as the case may be. Then again, that might be a challenge even for me if one man controls all the means of production. Are monopolies outlawed here?”

“Everything is outlawed here.” Zara sighed. Maximus added onto that.

“Except obedience. That comes in spades.”

“Hey, I don’t think we’re supposed to keep following them! We’re about to turn away from Aamon’s ship. Quick, hide under here until they pass!” After checking the area to make sure there were no statues or propaganda to watch them, a stray barrow of sand proved the ideal hiding spot. There was an unforeseen complication though, as none expected someone to start pushing the cart.

“Pssst! Who’s doing that?” Nero was impressed there was someone who could handle his size, not to mention the weight of the other two.

Maximus was quick to panic, even if he couldn’t unveil his position. “I knew this was a bad idea! This is all your fault, Zara!”

“Hey! Look, we’ll probably be fine. It might just be some farmer, or something. Once we stop, we’ll wait, listen, and- Ah!” The whole bucket was turned over, though once everyone rubbed sand out of their eyes, the supposed farmer couldn’t be seen. More puzzling, if a welcome surprise, was their location. Directly under the target blimp, the Bone Graveyard was a sad collection of tombstones and rusted fences. Contrary to everything Zara would’ve expected from the center of Servus Portum, the thick fog was blue, and much less intrusive. It still formed a cloud to drown out sky. “So this is where we’re wanted. One of the Purifiers must’ve brought us here.”

“Before I step forward, I will not ask you to lower your weapons. But I need a promise you’ll not attack.” A deal, most likely from Aamon, closed in from every direction.

“W-We won’t as long as you don’t. Right guys?” Zara forced compliance out of Nero and Maximus. Only then did two red pinholes cut through the darkness.

“At long last, the only remaining citizen of Servus City. After all this time, you and I have been doomed to meet a second time within the confines of this once-great nation.”

“Are you talking to Zara Haken, or Zara Tir?” She referred to herself in the third person.

“To a shell of Zara Tir, of course. The only remnants of the child from seventeen years ago are those hooks.” Without stepping forward, the rays of his gaze followed the hooks in question.

“And what of you? Which Aamon do I have the privilege of speaking to this time?”

“I am Aamon ‘AA0001’.” He finally broke past the hardly transparent dome of smoke.

“Y-You came in person? You mean I’m not talking to a purifier right now?”

“Not this time, Zara. The age of Purifiers has come to an end. Servus Portum will be washed away with the blood of autocrats, and from the waves a new kingdom will rise. And it’s all because of you. As the last of Claudius’ reign, you are the bane to be used against Caligula. Cherish it.”

“I’d rather curse it. I never asked for this.”

Zara examined her weapons shamefully, while Aamon looked over his metal exterior. “…Neither did I. You and your friends should follow me. It’s time I showed you something.”

After a brief interchange in which Zara quelled the worries of her unneeded guards, all four began a hike through the muddy ruins. Occasionally another Purifier would walk past them, programmed to repeat the classic mantra of Servants. “Serve us, serve many. Now, Zara. Pay attention. This isn’t something many people ever get to see. There is something inside this dead place, in the middle. Although I cannot anticipate why, Caligula has gone to great lengths to keep its existence a secret.” He abruptly stopped at the sight of Victor, and hid. Against all probability, he was here too, searching for something.

“What’s he doing here?”

“I cannot anticipate. Be quiet.”

“What’s he looking for?”

“I cannot anticipate. Be quiet.”

It quickly became clear that Victor was in the midst of interrogating one of the soldiers. This was more than enough to cause Aamon grief. “Zara. You must take control! Speak for me, quick. I cannot lie, but you can.” He detached a number of wires, ripping out his core.

“What’s the matter with you!?” She gagged.

“Rip out my voice box, and speak for me. You’re connected to Aamon ‘CB3406’ and you are to tell Victor I am not betraying him. What are you staring at? It’s just electronics. Proceed!”

“I got this!” Nero swiped the innards away and began an impressive impersonation. “Ahem. Yes, Victor? What do you need?”

“I just told you. Why are there so many Purifiers here?”

“Ah, don’t worry about it. Nothing more than a routine search, ya know? To weed out any unsuspecting… Detractors.”

“…Right.” There wasn’t much to be gained from asking anything more, Victor thought to himself. Since deception was without possibility, not even his semblance needed to be employed. “What’s wrong with your voice? You don’t sound yourself.”

Nero had years of training, fit to attain the perfect poker face. “Caligula’s testing is to blame. His experimentation on augmented speech has left me worse for wear.”

“That’s Supreme Leader Caligula.” Victor scolded.

“O-Of course. Another product of his investigation.”

“Well, then.” Victor trekked away, his arms folded. “I will definitely need to ask him why he’s interfering with my work…”

“That’ll do, for now.” Aamon stretched his neck after stuffing the mechanical organism back behind a maze of plating and medals. “The good news is, we’re here. Just over this hill. I will let this speak for itself.”

Just over the ridge awaited what would’ve been a breathtaking landscape. What held the view back was the presence of a massive mine down below. Not manmade by any matter of means, this ginormous hole was a silo of horns and mucus. In the deepest reach of the pit, which was too far to determine its depth, even the wind was polluted with black particles.

“Oh my god… What is that?” Zara, in addition to Maximus and Nero, made clear the gross volume of the Bone Graveyard’s secret.

Aamon laid both hands behind his back. “We are in the middle of Servus Portum, directly in the middle. And this is the Grimm Core. There is a dangerous truth to Remnant, and consider this the source. It is a chasm where everything is Grimm. Even the air.”

“So it’s a Grimm base?” Maximus deduced.

“Rivaled by few, it seems. And known by few. Caligula has attempted to hide its existence from even me. That’s what’s most concerning about it. Look.” Aamon set his finger on the floor, setting a reference point. Within seconds, the cracked sludge of the Grimm Core had reached him with the same speed as the outer walls. “The Grimm Core is expanding. The Infection is spreading. Anticipate why.”

“What do you expect us to figure out? I’ve never seen anything like it. A Grimm outpost that naturally expands? It gets bigger with every passing day? The idea is ridiculous. You’re telling me you can’t figure out a way to stop it?”

“Wait.” Zara scratched her horns inquisitively. “You say Caligula wants to make sure no one figures out about it? Of course! He’s trying to run away. He isn’t broadening his city for greed. He’s doing it to escape this!”

“To what end?” Nero watched as first a dandelion, then one of his spiked flail pieces were enveloped by the Grimm Core. “Ugh! Get off! Okay, I see why you’d want to run. But what’s the end goal? Keep moving until all of Remnant is occupied? And then what? Die to the Infection? He can’t be that insane.”

“Whatever he’s after, it must have to do with the eradication of this thing. Maybe that’s why he wanted Ella so.”

“This doesn’t make any sense.” Aamon wasn’t free to form any theory of his own, but he could shoot down plenty with ease. “Caligula is not a good man. He himself was corrupted by the Infection years ago. He would never aid its demise.”

“What’s down there, anyway? Are there Grimm in the center?” Zara asked.

“Down there? In the center? That is the shortcut to Terra-Insanire.”

“What!?”

“Yes. It seems that place is immune to the Infection. Many ships were lost in trying to enter the vicinity of Terra Insanire due to poor visibility, and the presence of cloud-high cliffs. So the key is an underground path through the Grimm Core, which I had found by accident while investigating the state of this mess.”

“Well what are we waiting for!?” Nero swung his weapon onto his shoulder, excitement pushing him to take action. “Better late than never! C’mon! Team Lance and Blazer needs us!”

“Boreas and Terrance, too!” Maximus spin his staff around gleefully.

“Go if you must. There is nothing to fear down there but ghastly conditions.” Aamon waved them away. “You may take my men if you please, but I cannot come in person, Zara. If any of the Purifiers die, it only gives me another well-earned set of immunities. But if any harm falls upon myself, it is over. Good luck.”

“Thank you, Aamon. I won’t forget this.” She shook his hand before bolting downward, two Purifiers joining the charge. She was beginning to fear she’d never again see her old friends, nor the cryptic mountains in which they resided.

Alecto and Beleth stared each other down from many trenches away. It wasn’t uncivilized, but instead calm- both deduced the other to have been preparing, waiting. The fight was inevitable regardless. Beleth was standing tall, watching to make sure Alecto, as well as her absent assistant, didn’t try anything. Alecto, by comparison, sat cross-legged, a sword cradled in her arms. A far cry from the bloodthirsty hunter-persona she’d built up. Perhaps she was tempting the first attack.

“You know, it didn’t have to be this way.” He called across the grimy scape of dirt and rock, exasperated.

“But I vowed to rid this world of Delphics. Outside of that, it is the duty of a Keraseer. I hope you can understand in this life, or the next.”

“I don’t understand. Whatever happened to you in the past, I’m truly sorry, but it had nothing to do with me. Can’t you see that?”

“All I’ve known is the dark side of Delphics. I’m not sure there is any other side.” She jumped to her legs, and held her weapon out. “Remember. If your blindfold hadn’t slipped off, we’d all still think you were a faunus- a pure soul, with a passion for the violin. And I… I trusted you!”

“I couldn’t tell anyone. It wasn’t personal. I had no choice!”

“Stop.” An expected interloper pulled himself up from a natural well.

“Step aside, Lucifer.”

“This is not happening right now. You’re not going to fight each other. Everybody, just calm down.” He looked over, startled in a twist of events at the energetic bounds of Lexy.

“Nope!” She held her finger out. “You’re not to get involved in this. Not again. Don’t you remember last time?”

“Ha. It’s a bit of a blur. I think I might’ve hit my head. Can’t imagine why, though. I’m not joking around this time- there will be no fight today.”

“Then why not leave? If you go, I will too.” She brandished the fire-wheel like a fiend.

“Negative.” His refusal was blatant. Through all this, Alecto had zero reaction. Ever since her outpour to Team Lance, she’d been a lot more focused. Unbeknownst to her or anyone really, Rade wasn’t far.

When Lexy threw her flaming roller, Lucifer intercepted it. And mostly due to inherent frustration, he pulled such that her neck was soon caught in his hand. So it was that despite his greatest efforts since the rivalry began, Lucifer acted as the catalyst for the final fight.

Rade jigged into view, twiddling his thumbs. “Oh, Lucy. I was hoping we could save our rematch for the Vytal Festival, but… A team’s a team! If it means keeping you out of this, I’d be happy to stall! Have at thee!”

“No! But who will protect Alecto?!” He contested in vain, being tackled by the flimsy assault.

“I need no protection!” She belatedly swung forward, sheer decisive dedication being the means of her hidden power. Lexy’s expertise and Beleth’s violin were hardly able to break her composure, both of them just trying to survive.

The immeasurable pinnacle of stealth and false pretense had phased into existence, and now Alecto had Nadia to deal with as well. “Alecto, stop! Please! No more! It’s going to be alright!”

This surprised Beleth more so than anyone else. “Nadia!? W-Why? Why are you with us?” His screaming didn’t last. He was abruptly cut off as the floor cracked, a second knight far more concerning than the first hastily descending from the stars. Eleanor. “...Goodbye!” He sprinted away.

“Get him, Lady Eleanor!” Alecto said, her hands full with Lexy, being careful not to deny Nadia, but conveniently ignore her. She did her upmost to make sure her teammate wouldn’t be the victim of her own rage.

“It will be done.” Eleanor swooped past them.

“L-Lexy! I will go protect Beleth! Promise me you won’t hurt Alecto!” Nadia didn’t receive a response, but she had to leave. She couldn’t even begin to track Eleanor down. Not when the wrestling match between Rade and Lucifer had them both careening into her path.

“Argh! Nadia! Help me!”

“But Lucifer, Eleanor’s about to kill Beleth! Someone needs to do something-”

“Eleanor is here!? Where?” Lucifer broke away and threw a very limp, uncaring Rade down a chute of gravel. Nadia, scared, pointed to a nearby cave. “Ha. The witch has something of ours. And that tiara will be mine by nightfall.”

“Just don’t get hurt!”

Rade bowed before slapping his pitchfork on the ground for emphasis. “I’d be more worried about you, Flora! You understand the terrors of a tag team with me, no? Come on, then! Heeheehee!!”

Their joust came to a swift conclusion. All the agility and invisibility did nothing against a sly foe who didn’t have to worry about a sneak attack. She needed backup. And as Rade pulled her gauntlet away, completely crippling her fighting ability, she received it.

“Hey, sir?” Somebody tapped Rade on the shoulder.

“Huh!? What is it!?”

“Keep the change!” Nero knocked him to the floor with a cruel punch to the jawbone. “On your feet, Nadia! Aamon, keep Lexy and Alecto separated!”

None of the Purifiers had ever met Lexy, but they knew her combatant. Concentrating all fire on the stranger was the best directive. Through all this, Zara had entangled her hooks around Alecto, and pulled her back.

“Zara! H-How!? I thought you were gone!” She failed to cut the ropes, too wrapped up to even wriggle out for now. To the side, she spotted Eleanor. An explosion had her slammed against a rock spire. And now, Boreas wailed on her with un-pulled punches. “Boreas! Enough! Let her go!”

“Not until she’s unconscious!” Boreas pulverized her to the point where the entire mountain crumbled to bits. The fallout was indescribable. Paired with the improvised meteors was Lucifer and Beleth. Whatever had taken place inside the cave was a mystery, but now both of their Aura was depleted.

“Ugh…” Lucifer rolled over a few times, finding immense difficulty in crawling. He didn’t care. All that managed to make him stand again was her voice.

“Lucifer! Your Aura!” Selene lifted her skirt off the ground to reach him faster. “L-Let me take your place. You’re too hurt!”

“Selene… Get out of here, now.” He gripped his side, leaning forward.

“Let me help! I can do this! Here, I’ll show you.” She tried skipping past, but he wrenched her back by her arm.

“No! You are not ready. Leave!” He commanded, not at all privy to Merlin, who took the responsibility of helping those more affected by the landslide. The culmination of Lucifer’s insistence against Selene’s readiness to join combat was prepped to boil over, and Selene wasn’t having it. Ever since she’d been stuck here, and even beforehand, he’d always gotten in the way whenever she tried to just help.

“I am ready! I am ordering you to move, now!” Her judgement took a dive, and in her haste, she summoned Royal Necrocyst. Lucifer could do nothing as Selene attacked him, smacking him far outside the vicinity of the skirmish.

Remainders of the fight moved deeper and deeper into Terra Insanire, leaving Lucifer to wonder what he’d done wrong while a river current carried him further away from Selene. All was lost. “Why? Why is this happening to me? What should I do? I don’t know how to fix this. I tried my best…”

“Ha. Talking to yourself, Lucifer? Beacon’s definitely going to hear about this.” Somebody lifted him up and shook to rid him of the water. “We’d better get going. Team Lance isn’t going to save itself.”

“Maximus? Why? After everything that’s happened, you’re here to save me?”

“You have eyes, stupid? Of course I’m here to save you. Troy showed us the way. Eh, you look pretty beat up. C’mon, don’t be such a wimp. Let’s get out of here.”

“None of this matters, you know.” Lucifer let Maximus hold him up. “None of it. We don’t have the Beryl Rhinestone. Once this is all over, we’re still lost.”

“I’m not lost, I know exactly where I am! I’m in Terra Insanire.”

“…We’re doomed.”

“Nah, I’m just pulling your leg.” Maximus laughed. “It’s pretty easy. How do you think I got here? There’s a shortcut. All you have to do is walk through this disgusting hole, and you’ll make it straight to Servus Portum!”

“…We’re doomed.”

The rubble and confusion from Boreas’s attack on Eleanor, considering it brought down several hill’s worth of mudslides and boulders, left a fair bit of confusion. No one could see through the cloud of dirt. A fair few were pinned out of commission by unwarranted debris. Alecto was spared of that. Selene had to do something to keep her from killing Beleth, but Royal Necrocyst was too late.

Alecto swerved past the enormous skeletal hand while dragging Tormentyst off the floor, launching herself into the air to fall downward. If nothing new came forth, Beleth would’ve met an unsavory death. He didn’t.

Alecto landed hard, but before Beleth a lone faunus had zipped between them, and caught Tormentyst before he himself could be punctured through the bandages again.

“Huh? W-Who…” Alecto, hanging in the air as whoever this person was had the strength to hold Tormentyst outward, squinted to better assess the situation. “Y-You!? Impossible! Nomad!?”

“Don’t let this taint your opinion of me, Keraseer. I am only here to extinguish the flames of strife, and bring peace. Your failure today shouldn’t stop you tomorrow. Remember that.” To ensure both their safety, Nomad threw Tormentyst, Alecto included, to the east where he estimated a body of water to remain. Eleanor ruined his plans almost immediately by catching both.

“The Cursed Faunus. I dreaded the time we’d be forced to face each other. It would’ve been an honor to meet you if we weren’t on different sides. Stand down. From the blessing of Lady Clotho, I don’t have the right to strike a faunus down.”

“Then it is true.” Nomad swept Idol’s Cloak aside. “Another descendant has escaped even fate itself. The armor shining bright and hopeful, your sword emblazoned with the runic of age, your Aura unquestionably tied with the Arbiter. And only one eye- your skin as pristine as time. You are the Last of Clotho’s Coven, indeed. Do not pursue this path. The gods forbid it.”

“Your master has no power over me!”

“He should.” Nomad loaded his crossbow and shot down Alecto’s attempts to get past him. The arrow snagged her cape, bolting her to a nearby tree.

“Alecto! How could you do this to her! Have you any idea what she’s been through! Beleth is a monster!”

“I understand everything. One cannot serve the world alongside Delphics as I have, and not. All those generations of wisdom, and still you have much yet to learn. And most important of all, you have something that belongs to her.” He pointed to Selene.

“M-Me?”

“Yes. That tiara is yours alone. And now, I will restore that balance. Hand it over, Silver-Eyed Warrior.”

Eleanor gave one last impassioned appeal. “Enough of this madness, I beg of you! Come to your senses! The faunus in red has lost his mind, and if you succeed, there will be nothing left when he is done! Nomad, no! You must stop this!”

“W-Who are you, anyway?” Beleth asked Nomad.

“Right now? Your savior. Stay down.”

Nomad was on Eleanor in a second, showcasing firsthand the benefit of years and years of training. Certainly, the number had to be high. If Eleanor dared violate her religion and principles, she may have put up a fight. The details of that fight would remain unknown. Death was the fairer option for her, not that Nomad would take things that far.

At the side, Lucifer and Maximus returned to Beleth’s elation. Besides those three, Alecto, and Selene; everyone else was either missing or out cold. The exception was Aamon’s clones, who were long since destroyed by the earthquake-caused explosion from earlier. “Selene! You’re alright! Get behind me!”

“N-Nomad! Don’t do it!” Alecto begged, trying fruitlessly to free herself. “Eleanor! Give him the tiara, before he does something terrible!”

“Never! I would rather die!” She panted, enduring the stunning martial arts.

“I don’t need you to die.” Nomad gritted his teeth, reaching into the storage compartment of her cape for the tiara while he restrained her with one hand. “I just need this. Now, begone!” Once he had it, he kicked her in the rib-cage. Eleanor fell many feet back.

“Nomad, if you don’t stop!” Alecto began another threat, only to finally release her armor of the arrow. Now free, she ran forward to finish the job, and defeat Beleth while everyone else was busy. Nomad, Selene, and Lucifer all tried to stop her. What they didn’t know was that Eleanor had traded the tiara.

“’Prohibere!’” She held the Rhinestone in view. All travelers except Alecto and herself were petrified in a coffin of solid matter. “Now, Alecto! Do it!”

Instantly, as opposed to the still form of everyone else, the statue of Nomad shook. It then cracked. And then through untamed will, he had broken the Rhinestone’s spell in under half a second. This gave him time to strike Alecto’s fabled sword out of her hands, but not enough to aim its trajectory.

The sword flipped through the air in a flash, Nomad’s force imploding Selene’s Aura, while also spearing her through the waist. Her muted reaction was to simply open her eyes wide, and gasp.

“Selene!” Lucifer smashed out of the Rhinestone’s control and pushed Maximus away, barely catching her. “No! Oh gods, no! Selene!” The worry in his face was evident when he ripped his mask away, not even letting his suit do the work.

“No!” Alecto held her forehead, her knees going weak. “I-I didn’t mean it! What have I done!?”

Nomad, instead of disciplining her, walked past, humbled. “No. The fault is my own. I’m the one who sent it in that direction. I should’ve let you spear me, but time was short…”

He was far more imposing level-headed, his eyes beaming at Eleanor. He’d tend to Selene later. Eleanor, however, wouldn’t give up until her mission was complete.

“Lady Clotho forbid me from harming you. But there are no stipulations about using her possessions in defense.” She once again held the Rhinestone out, prepared to freeze everyone in a repetitive conniption.

“…Our time together is not over.” Nomad had his own tricks. The tiara hadn’t lost the properties once used against Grover. “I eagerly await our next engagement.” Channeling his aura into the Relic, he caused a blast similar to the Rhinestone, though far more robust. While this had only been used once before during initiation to blind enemies, in Nomad’s hands, it could make them disappear entirely.

“Wh-Where did she go?” Beleth grunted, pulling himself upward.

“Banished. Exiled. She should be gone for the time being.” He explained. Eleanor must’ve been ignorant to the tiara’s powers. If she did know, she never expected Nomad to be as attuned. Either way, the Rhinestone would not be teleported with her. He scooped it off the ground. “I can see you reaching for the violin. Enough.”

“What are you- Gah!” Beleth struggled against Nomad, who grabbed him by the hood and carried him several feet away.

“Selene needs my help. But first, I must explain something to you. This war between you and the Keraseer is at an end. Are you hearing me? It is over.” He didn’t release him, but his tone had Beleth listening. “She no longer wants to fight you. I could sense that in her the moment Selene’s life begun hanging on the edge. Do you want this nightmare to end?”

“…Y-Yes.”

“Then let it end… I once knew a Delphic a lot like you.” He finally released Beleth. “He was young, but gravely misjudged by many… Including myself. He wanted to be a Huntsman. But when the time came, I had to stop him. And it… It cost us both dearly. Do not make his mistake, and force me to repeat the horrors of the past. Don’t you see?”

“…Yes.”

“Lucifer… I-I’m hurt really bad.” Selene flinched in his arms. Alecto sat alongside him, crying, while he begged.

“I-I’ll fix everything, I promise! Hang on! Alecto? What do we do?”

“You need to remove the blade.” Nomad tried to distance himself emotionally. He waited for Lucifer to accept this before committing any action, although his hand was already enclosed around the hilt. “…You need to. There isn’t much time.”

“…Fine. Do it.”

“I’m sorry this is happening, Selene. Close your eyes.” It was obvious how much it pained Nomad to see her in this condition. He slid the stained blade out in one quick movement, then handed it to Alecto. To stop the flow of blood, and dress the wound in a meager manner, he began wrapping his own bandages around her abdomen. Merlin hopped onto her shoulder, hoping to somehow ease her suffering. He licked the side of her face.

“Th-Thanks, little guy…” She exhaled.

“Not much can be done for her here. Come, quick! I have the Beryl Rhinestone. She needs to be taken to the Augustus Correctional medical facility immediately.”

“No!” Lucifer pulled her away. “I will carry her!”

Nomad shook his head. “Even after all this time, you don’t trust me? I was once on the brink of death, not for the first time, all alone- and you carried me out of Summit’s Blight. Now, let me return the favor. I… I owe you this much.”

Lucifer put his head down in acceptance. With everything that had happened, it wasn’t a surprise that everyone’s greatest and most persistent threat had returned. The Creatures of Grimm growled in waves, and they had everything to offer, from Ursas to Creeps.

“Um, guys? How are we supposed to bring Selene back and fend them off?” Beleth panicked.

Nero made his presence known. “Ugh, fine. I would’ve preferred to be paid in advance, but this’ll have to do. I expect recompense later. Then again, I always did like training against these mutts.”

“Say no more!” Maximus fixed his bowtie, and settled his hat over his rapacious hair. “We will take care of everything. Go, quick! These Grimm have a lesson to learn, in respect. You can thank me later, Lucifer.”

“I-I will. Let’s go.” Lucifer hurried everyone along, witnessing how each ravenous spawn was torn asunder by Maximus’s command of cards.

Under Nomad’s direction and assistance, the outside world was finally within view. Selene, Lucifer, Alecto, and Beleth were free. The creaking of Terra Insanire’s doors opening was the greatest sound to meet Lucifer’s ears, in perhaps forever.

“I cannot see you to Vale. Honestly, Empress Selene couldn’t be in better hands. Make sure she is alright.” Nomad handed her to Lucifer.

“I will. I promised her I always would.” His vision went funny with tears. He ran as fast as he could towards Augustus’ prison, with Beleth making sure nothing else went wrong.

“Wait, Beleth!” Alecto prevented him from going further. She took off her helmet, and tossed it to him. “Make sure this stays by Selene’s side.”

Beleth smirked, then complied. “You can count on me.” With each hand occupied by either a helmet or tiara, he left.

“Nomad! Before you go, I insist you give me the Rhinestone. I-I’m sorry.” She sniffled. “I want to fix things. I am going to set this right, and find the others. Let me-”

“Say no more.” He grinned, and tossed her the opaque crystal. “You have a good heart, after all. I am going to miss you, Keraseer. Goodbye.”

The first of diverted classmates was Lexy, who was approached under several heavy slabs. The clangs of armor plating was what woke her into regaining some senses, and looking up. “…Came back to finish the job huh, traitor?”

“No.” Alecto heaved the rocks off of her. “I’m here to save you. C’mon.”

“Hmph! About time you finally helped one of your friends! As if that makes up for everything you’ve done. You already slaughtered half my team.”

“Beleth is safe. He’s in Vale with Lucifer, and… Selene. And we’ll rescue the rest.” She held a hand out for support.

“So you’re with us, now?”

“Yes.”

“…That’s a relief. You’re a tough nut to crack, let me tell you. But you’re back, thank goodness. I kinda missed the aloof rival thing we had going on- much more fun than this fighting.”

“I… I’m sorry. It shouldn’t have ever gone this far. And I never should’ve attacked you.”

“Bah! Not like I couldn’t handle it.” Lexy’s cheeks went red in modest. “But, yeah. Truth be told, I was only ever along on the ride to help Beleth. …I was hoping you and I could still be friends.”

“Of course we still are! I didn’t mean any of those things I said, it’s just…” Alecto choked, covering her face. “How could I be stupid? I’ve ruined everything!”

“No use beating yourself up about it now.”

“Bravo, bravo!” Rade snuck up on them, applauding. “This entire adventure was really one for the books! The Fear Index, specifically. I’m just glad I got front row seats to the show! At this point, I think I’ve been attacked by nigh everyone from both teams! Lucky me.”

“Shut up!” Alecto hugged him.

“Hoo! Easy there, gal! Public displays of affection are nada my forte! And an hour ago, I would’ve never guessed it’d be yours!”

“He’s not wrong.” Lexy tried not to laugh at the outlandish scene. “I think this is the first time I’ve even seen you without your mask.”

Alecto felt her face to confirm this herself. “So it would seem.”

“As much as I love that lame old thing,” Alecto poised a fist at Rade. “Aha! Point is, I think going in ‘maskless’ will start to grow on you. Who knows, I’d like to be a knight. Helps me when I go into battle, you see. Maybe we can trade costumes sometime!”

“You’re not wearing a shirt.”

He looked down, grasping his belly. “…Wow. You’re right.”

“A-Alecto? Lexy?” A hooded rogue wearing the robes of a devoted disciple limped over, holding her arm. “Is everything alright?”

“Nadia!” Alecto ran over to prop her up. “Thank the gods you’re okay! I-I was hoping you made it out, invisible, but I’m just happy you’re not dead.”

“Yeah, me too.” She was not only able to smile herself, but she managed to bring smiles to those around her. “Who’s left?”

“Besides you? Zara. Did any of you see her?” Their refusal formed a pit in Alecto’s stomach. “She’s the last one. I’ll find her.”

Lexy wouldn’t accept this. “What do you mean? I’m coming with you. This is our team, remember?”

“But it’s my responsibility. Just, please… Trust me. Once I have her, I will return to the entrance with the Beryl Rhinestone.”

“We don’t even know how to get back from here. You do. We can’t split up.”

“Well…” The Travelling Merchant Troy plucked a flower off the ground and began emptying its petals into his satchel. With him, Maximus and Nero waited. Not only had the two killed off the Grimm, they’d hunted the group down with the land’s greatest navigator. “I would be happy to help! As long as you girls, and one gentleman, follow us.”

“…What do you think, Rade? Can Alecto handle it?” Lexy said.

He ruffled through the Fear Index, bemused. “Oh, certainly. If anyone’s ripe for the job, it’s you, Alecto. We’ll be waiting for your return.”

“See you soon.”

The walk through Terra Insanire brought Alecto through many sites where betrayal and hatred had scarred the once sacred land. Broken trees. Fallen monuments. Floods. Reflection was her only way to cope. And Zara was nowhere to be seen.

“Keraseer…” Somebody called. It was Aamon. Everything had been taken from him save for his chest, arm, and head. He was dragging himself to a nearby ditch.

“Ha. You should’ve stayed quiet.” She raised her boot to crush him.

“Zara.”

“What? What about her?”

“Zara Tir. She is over there. Over… There...” With his last favor, the Purifier’s life faded. Alecto would forever be in his debt. Inside the thin but abyssal shaft, Zara slept near a lake. To be found this far from the fight, she must’ve sustained damage from the blast. There was no hesitation. Alecto used her landing strategy to reconvene.

“Zara! Wake up. Wake up! Please!” Alecto raised Zara’s neck, throttling her to provoke a response where none came. She then held her head to Zara’s chest to check for a heartbeat. She was relieved to hear a faint, though consistent thud. “Think, Alecto, think! The walls are too sheer to climb. M-Maybe… Of course!”

If she used Zara’s hooks as a wire, and wrapped them around a thick branch sprouting from a tree near the surface, there was a chance she could lift Zara. One problem, though. It was all for nothing if there wasn’t somebody up there to catch her, and carry her back.

“You did not forget about me, did you?” Boreas wallowed to her side from the pond. His semblance granted him access here. He too was looking for Zara. From the looks of things, he already found her, and was simply waiting. “By my calculations, you could use some aid.”

“Boreas! You’re here! Help me with Zara!”

“It is I who should be thanking you. Without you, she would be stuck down here. I already tried carrying her out of here, same as you. In fact, you’ve already figured out the prime method- but that strategy needs three participants. Here.” Boreas threw the hook further than Alecto could ever hope, catching the tree perfectly. He then tested it, and stood back. “The rocks are too slippery to be hooked onto, but surely your combined weight can be supported this way. And trying to lift me back up is useless for the same reason. I’m far too heavy. I will pull, you go with Zara. Carry her out of Terra Insanire.”

“No.” Alecto objected. “I’ll pull. You get her out of this. None of it would happened if not for me.”

“Don’t be ridiculous. Once again, I’m too heavy. I wouldn’t have travelled to this land if I hadn’t considered this outcome. I’ve already come to terms with this. You’re a good friend, Alecto. Team Lance isn’t complete without you. On the contrary, Team Burnt will thrive just fine in my absence.”

“I can’t let you make this sort of sacrifice. Only I have the Rhinestone, and once I’m out of here, Nomad will want it back. Getting to Vale is already a trial, and none of it matters without this.” She presented the Beryl Rhinestone. Boreas lowered it.

“Look around you. The only way out of here is through the water. Remember my semblance? I’m the only one in Beacon Academy who could leave Terra Insanire as we are now. It’s fine, really. I’m not saying it’ll be easy, but at least for me it’s possible to make progress. Hopefully, that won’t take too long.”

“B-But I have to make this right! I need to atone for everything I’ve done!” She shouted.

“You already have. Now, go.” Boreas took a few steps back, ready to pull.

“We’ll come back for you!” Alecto embraced him, then grabbed the line connected above. She made sure to take as much force off Zara as possible.

“I know you will.” With all his strength, Alecto was born aloft to solid ground, with Zara in her arms. She waved goodbye. It was hard to make out through the scalding sunlight, but it was seen all the same. Boreas laughed, and happily did the same. Once the silhouette was gone, he wept tears of joy. It was over.

Alecto did not see Boreas wade his way back into the lake, underwater. She did not see him at all. Without question, this uncertainty regarding the fate of the Thinker would last a very long time.

Entry No. 9 complete.

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