......

Whew... I was kind of shocked when Elder Grah first told me about our current mission.

...and that's the mission, Hans.

I want to ask you to handle the elimination of the last Abel Faction holdouts: Garrett and Mel.

But that's... Even with everything that's happened, how can you order us to just kill those two?!

This will benefit all of Elgaia. Please believe me, Tilith.

I don't understand how that can be... I don't get it at all!

First of all, there's no way that Hans would agree to that kind of thing!

Regardless, this order is subject to the highest tier of secrecy present within the Summoners' Hall.

Should Hans refuse, we will have to...

Well...a punishment equal in secrecy will be required, to prevent the information from being leaked.

That's horrible...

Well, Hans? Knowing this, will you choose to refuse this mission?

I see... Just as I anticipated, you still refuse to accept.

You are attempting to make a statement, that this order is misconceived.

And you are entirely correct.

Huh? Elder Grah?

Ho ho ho! Relax. I never intended to give you a mission like that.

Wait...were you testing Hans, then?

I suppose you could say that. Now, now, don't get angry...

So, was the part about Warlon made up, too?

No, that was the truth.

He genuinely aims to put an end to those two Abel Faction agents.

Still, I would not blame you for ignoring his wishes.

Huh?

Just as Warlon said, we in the Summoners' Hall must join hands with the Federation and the Empire...

...to face the future united. I agree with him in that respect.

I also agree that this is the perfect opportunity.

But it is unacceptable to build relationships through spilt blood.

Relationships built on bloodshed eventually corrupt everyone involved.

Even if things went well at the outset, such an endeavor would falter all too quickly.

With that in mind, Hans, I have a new mission for you.

You are to make contact with the agents of the Abel Faction, and ensure that they escape somewhere beyond the Federation's reach.

All the better if you can draw them into joining the Summoners' Hall.

Also, give Bertz this letter.

What is this?

Both Owen and I have signed it. He should understand our aims once he reads it.

Once he understands, then Bertz should be able to take care of the rest. He's the man known as Klauser, after all.

We expect he should be able to handle the Federation government.

...... Okay, got it. We just need to give him this letter.

Before I forget, there was one person who found out about this mission early on, and volunteered.

They're already en route to St. Creek, which is within Federation territory.

Please work together on this.

Oh? Who is it?

Ho ho ho, you'll find out soon enough, I'd say!

Also, St. Creek is currently experiencing a disruption in summoning power.

Although the cause is unknown, the disruption is similar to those on other worlds in recent years.

I am certain it won't be an issue for the group that defeated Alza Masta...

...but take care, all the same.

Got it. Hear that, Hans? Let's get going!

Hans, I suspected you would reject the first order...

...but even so, I must say I'm glad you did.

Now, it seems that we can also...

...no, never mind that. Good luck on the mission.

That sure wasn't a pleasant conversation.

But it seems like Elder Grah will work things out for us, so that's reassuring.

But don't let it get to you! We've got to do our best, for Bertz, too!

Oh, and what about that other person we're supposed to work with?

Elder Grah said we'll "find out soon enough," but...

Should've known Grahdens and the other old coots would send you two.

Huh? Lugi?! You're the one who volunteered for this before us?!

Wow...

Why are you making that face? Got something to say?

Oh, nothing. Just, it's not like you to volunteer...that's all.

I guess it just shows that you'd never abandon your dear friends in a dangerous situation, huh!

Wha... Sh-Shut up!

I'm just here to look down on the worthless ingrate who vanished without a word, after I so graciously saved their life!

Oh, of course. I totally knew that was it!

Why, you...

...I was trying to mimic your chemistry with Seria, Lugi!

Did I make you mad?

Tsch...

Forget about it. I have something from Owen.

Something from Owen?

Yeah, he gave me this sword...

...for whoever I rendezvous with on the mission. So, I guess it's for you, Hans.

This sword...is incredible. I can sense that it resonates with a lot of power.

That old jerk went to the trouble of sending it with me.

It's probably pretty impressive, even among all the stuff they keep in the Summoners' Hall weaponry vaults.

Hans, you'll have to live up to little Owen's expectations!

I've passed that on, so let's get moving. We don't have time to waste with idle talk.

Hey, wait up, Lugi!